Polk City Lawyers

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

Florida Trial Attorney Piercy Stakelum

Practice Areas: Airplane Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injury, Construction Accidents, Cruise Ship Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Wrongful Death, Natural Disasters

Piercy Stakelum has always had a strong passion for justice-a zealous desire to stand up for those who have been mistreated, hurt, or injured due to the actions of others. That passion led him to a career as a prominent personal injury in Florida.
Background:

While born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Piercy pursued his BA from Florida State University. After, he went on to pursue his JD from the University of Florida College of Law. During his time in law...

After obtaining his law degree with honors from the University of Florida, Mr. Alexander clerked under the Honorable Thomas D. Sawaya at Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal. Upon Judge Sawaya’s retirement, he continued clerking for the Fifth District under the Honorable James A. Edwards, rising to the level of Senior Law Clerk.

At the Fifth District Court of Appeal, Mr. Alexander was involved in the decision-making process for dozens of complex appellate cases, including multi-million dollar commercial disputes, intricate real estate transactions, life-altering personal injury cases, complicated divorce and family law litigation, convictions for capital offenses, and other sophisticated,...

Sherri K. DeWitt was born and grew up in Middletown, New York. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1982 and has been authorized to practice before the U.S District Court of the Middle District of Florida since 1983 and before the U.S. Court of Appeal since 1985. She received her B.A. Cum Laude in 1973 and Ph.D. in 1977 from State University of New York at Binghamton. Dr. DeWitt received her J.D. Degree from Cornell University in 1982. She was an editor of the Cornell Law Review and is the author of a book and numerous articles. Dr....

In 2001, Mr. Francis joined the law firm of Morgan and Morgan, P.A., as a partner. He focused his practice on medical malpractice, police misconduct, wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. From 2004-2006, Morgan & Morgan, P.A., participated in a joint venture with famed trial lawyer Johnny Cochran and his national law firm to open an office in Miami, Florida. Mr. Francis served as the co-managing partner of the Miami office of The Cochran Firm. In 2006, Mr. Francis became a shareholder of Morgan & Morgan, P.A., where he strives to seek justice “for the least of these” EVERY...

Elizabeth (Beth) Aires practices law in the Personal Injury Division of NeJame Law. She handles claims in the areas of Auto Accidents, Slip and Falls, Wrongful Death, Premise Liability, Dog Bites, Medical Malpractice, False Arrest, Excessive Police Force cases and all Personal Injuries. Beth graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law. She demonstrated academic excellence earning the Book Award (highest grade) in Advanced Florida and Federal Rules of Evidence. Always caring for and protecting the underdog, Beth devoted over one hundred hours advocating for the indigent at the Orange County Legal Aid Society while still a student....

Vivien is a partner in Watson Sloane’s Finance, Government Relations, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate groups. Her real estate practice focuses on serving clients in areas related to land use, zoning, growth management law, environmental and local government issues. This focus includes assisting clients with matters relating to development permitting and other approvals, impact fees, entitlement issues, bid protests, and alcoholic beverage licensing. In matters related to public finance, Vivien’s practice includes representation of issuers, financial institutions, underwriters, and investors in connection with the public and private offering of municipal and corporate securities.

Vivien is Board-Certified by the Florida...

Grozinger Law is a law firm focused on criminal defense in the heart of downtown Orlando, Florida. Patrick Grozinger is the founder of Grozinger Law, and is an experienced criminal trial attorney dedicated to protecting his client's Constitutional rights while providing them with the courtesy, respect and professionalism they deserve. Mr. Grozinger is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, the State of Texas, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the Northern, Middle and Southern District Courts of Florida. He is proficient in French, and he is also a member...

Brett is a Tampa native who graduated in 2009 from FSU College of Law – the top ranked law school in Florida. After passing the Bar, he immediately began working as a prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office in Tampa. Brett prosecuted over 5,000 cases, including DUI’s, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, gun charges, and RICO cases. Most importantly, Brett tried over 100 cases to verdict during his time as a prosecutor. Armed with litigation experience, knowledge of the criminal system, and ambition, Brett opened his private practice in July of 2012. At Brett Metcalf, Criminal...

A native Spanish speaker, Vanessa Cotto was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Orlando, Florida when she was five years old. Ms. Cotto was born with a passion for helping others and a conviction to fight for justice. As a young lawyer, Ms. Cotto has demonstrated a rigorous work ethic, exceptional leadership skills, and an ability to motivate and mentor others. Before attending law school, Ms. Cotto gained valuable legal experience as a legal assistant in the Central Florida community for several years. While in law school, she was the recipient of a scholarship from the...

Experienced divorce attorney located in the Clermont, Florida area and practicing only Family Law, including, but not limited to, divorce, child support, parenting plans and timesharing arrangements (custody and visitation issues), alimony, paternity, parental relocations, step-parent adoptions, modifications and other Family Law matters. Our firm is dedicated to aggressive, successful and honest representation of our clients. As your lawyers, we believe that communication is key to a positive outcome. Therefore, we strive to always be as accessible as possible to our clients through direct, personal contact, prompt returning of phone calls and via cutting edge technology, such as instant notification...

Once you become involved in the criminal justice system every decision matters. You should not be forced to make serious decisions without the advice of an attorney. Every word you say or even what you don't say can be used against you. The decisions you make will have lifelong consequences on you, your family and your friends. The decisions can affect your employment, housing, driving privileges, immigration, voting rights, and rights to own or possess a gun. You need an attorney that will aggressively fight for you and protect your rights.

Pete was raised in Hardee County and graduated from Hardee Senior High School in 2003. He then went on to get his bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Florida State University with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. He received his law degree with honors from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans in 2010 and was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. After law school, Pete worked as a prosecutor mostly in Hardee and Highlands Counties, and briefly in Polk County in the Economic Crimes Division. Pete then worked for William Fletcher...

Cheri Hobbs is a co-owner and managing partner of Compass Law. Cheri grew up in a family where service was not just something that was talked about, but something that was practiced daily in their lives. As a daughter of missionaries, she grew up helping people from all walks of life. From living with Indian tribes in the Amazon forest, to serving the needy in orphanages, to taking in domestic violence victims into their home, Cheri has always seen first-hand the real need that exists in all of humanity. It is this perspective and sincere compassion that propelled her into...

Beginning with his practice focused on real estate, commercial litigation, banking, and international law, Attorney Brian N. Mark expanded his practice to business and personal injury law as well. Attorney Mark is dedicated to serving his clients with upfront and honest representation and takes the time to guide his clients through every step of the case, detail by detail. Due to his passion for law, he has received bar admission from Florida, the U.S. Districts Court Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida. Prior to his career as an attorney, Attorney Mark attended...

Dennis Chen is a Central Florida attorney practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Real Estate Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law, Foreclosure Defense, General Civil Litigation and Lemon Law Claims. He was born in Jamaica and lived there until he completed high school. He migrated to Florida and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He then joined the US Army and was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. He returned to the US and attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and later a law degree, Juris Doctor. Dennis worked for State Farm as an insurance adjuster...

Attorney Heather Harwell has been practicing law for 27 years, gaining extensive experience in litigation and consumer debt issues. Her practice is focused in Bankruptcy, Consumer Credit Card Defense, Debt Defense, Fair Debt Collection Practice Violation Actions and Consumer Credit Reporting Issues.

Lee Karina Dani received her B.A. in psychology from Florida State University in 2000 and is a 2003 graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Law. Ms. Dani was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004 and has been an associate with Korshak & Associates, P.A., since her admittance. Since joining the firm, Ms. Dani has handled hundreds of cases including civil litigation, probate, guardianships, divorces, child support, child custody, stepparent adoption, landlord/tenant, disputes with homeowners' associations, personal injury, and commercial and residential closings. Ms. Dani is the managing attorney for the probate, family law and guardianship sections of...

Attorney Kristen M. Jackson is the founding partner at Jackson Montoya Law Firm. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1974, and then another from the University of South Florida in 1981. Ms. Jackson then earned a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1983, and an LLM in Taxation from Washington School of Law in 1983. Attorney Jackson established Jackson Montoya Law firm in 1996, after working for various other firms for 12 years. At the firm, Ms. Jackson focuses her practice on estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, business...

A veteran of the United States Army and Texas National Guard, and a native Floridian, John Russo has a passion for helping his neighbors. Born and raised in Central Florida, John chose to serve his country in the United States Army. After his service, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development. Pursuing his interest in the law, John earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Wyoming. This background provided John with the foundation that developed his commitment to professional excellence, client service, and providing the best possible legal...

After attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, I transferred to the University of Florida. There, I worked my way through college and law school as a full-time police officer and police Sgt. On graduation, I was appointed the first attorney for the Gainesville Police Department. Later, I was appointed General Counsel for the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Legal Advisor to the 10 city police agencies in Orange County, Florida. I attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and did a post-doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University in Public Safety Law. I'm a Past President of the...

Charles R. Maxwell II is a Florida native. He attended the University of Florida from 1991 through 1999 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with Honors, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Upon completion of his studies, Mr. Maxwell was admitted into the Florida Bar and immediately began practicing law in 1999. He started his career working with the law firm of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A, where his practice primarily focused in the areas of debtor in possession financing in Chapter 11 corporate bankruptcies, affordable housing, and municipal bond law. Next,...

Flavia Marcus has been representing injured accident victims in Central Florida since 1997. During her experience as an Orlando personal injury attorney, she has negotiated millions of dollars for clients. Born in Brazil, Orlando attorney Flavia Marcus is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Rusten C. Hurd is a founding partner at the law firm of Colombo and Hurd, PL. In over sixteen years of legal practice, Mr. Hurd has garnered experience with a wide variety of immigration matters including family petitions, deportation litigation, investor visas, as well as naturalization and citizenship matters. Mr. Hurd devotes a substantial portion of his time to assist clients successfully obtain fiancé and marriage visas. As the husband of an immigrant, Mr. Hurd is fully cognizant of the importance of this process to his clients. Mr. Hurd also has successfully appeared before immigration judges throughout...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

Attorney Joshua Tejes is a member and managing attorney of Tejes Law, PLLC. Josh received his undergraduate degree from Pensacola Christian College and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and the Central Florida Bankruptcy Bar Association. Before becoming a member of Tejes Law, PLLC, Josh worked as an associate attorney in several bankruptcy and civil litigation law firms. Josh focuses his practice on consumer advocacy, bankruptcy law, debt defense, debt harassment, foreclosure defense, estate planning, and probate.

I am an entrepreneur at heart and went to college to study business. While in college I began working at a law firm, where I discovered my passion for the law. While in law school, I focused my studies on business law, and wills, trusts and estates. I graduated from law school in May of 1996 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 1996.

My first job out of law school was working for a sole practitioner representing businesses in workers compensation cases. Soon thereafter I took a job with an international law firm managing a satellite office in...

Attorney Elayne M. Perez has been providing foreclosure and bankruptcy services for over a decade. After obtaining her Juris Doctor from Temple University, she opened her own practice. With a small boutique firm, Attorney Perez believes that she can more effectively provide high quality representation with personalized solutions. She wants to be directly involved with as many clients as possible, working hard to help them with both legal matters and personal finance. Attorney Perez is admitted to practice law in the state courts of Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle...

Brian Wiklendt's skill as a Defense Base Act attorney is driven by the urgency with which he works for injured and ill men and women who have been denied medical care and benefits. Brian is an integral part and the lead practicing attorney for the Garfinkel Schwartz Defense Base Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Act law firm in Maitland, Florida, and Titusville, Florida. Fortunately, the Defense Base Act and the Longshore Act give injured longshoremen and civilian contractors employee rights that includes: The right to: Choose their own doctor Attorney fees Medical care Compensation Insurance companies, however, don’t...

Mark McCulloch is the managing attorney/owner at MKM LAW PLLC. He holds licenses to practice in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Florida and is admitted to practice in several federal courts across the country including the United States Supreme Court. Mr. McCulloch began his legal career in 2009 in the legal department at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company before opening his own practice in 2010. As a Bar Advocate in Massachusetts, Mr. McCulloch represented indigent criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors and felonies in state courts across the Commonwealth. His clients benefitted from his belief that regardless of economic status, a criminal defendant...

Attorney Ophelia Bernal-Mora graduated with her law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. She was admitted to The Florida Bar and the U.S. Middle District Court of Florida, Mrs. Bernal-Mora has represented well over 1,000 clients in her career thus far.

Mrs. Bernal-Mora's has a strong litigation background, her experience and the focus of her practice remain with family law. Divorce, child custody, mediation, paternity, domestic violence, child support, alimony, and family law appeals are just some of the cases in which Mrs. Bernal-Mora has assisted her clients.

What differentiates Ophelia from other lawyers is over 10 years of experience...

Michael Severe attended Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, and minoring in English Literature. After graduation from University, Mr. Severe worked for seven years at Costco Wholesale as a department manager. During this time, Mr. Severe came to understand value of interacting with consumers. Mr. Severe prided himself on ensuring that both he and staff provided the highest quality care to the warehouse members. Mr. Severe left Costco in 2007 to spend some time in the area of finance assisting overseas investors, mainly form the U.K., to enter...

AnnMarie Jenkinson is an attorney and sole owner of Jenkinson Legal PLLC. She graduated from Rollins College Cum Laude in 2005. AnnMarie began the journey to her legal career in 2006 when she commenced her legal education at Barry University – Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. During her education at Barry University, AnnMarie was President of the St. Thomas More Society. An organization whose purpose is to promote high ethical and moral standards in the legal profession. She also earned high honors in Healthcare Law and Trial Advocacy. In addition, AnnMarie also participated in a clinical internship at Barry...

Taylor is an associate attorney in our Orlando office, serving numerous counties throughout Central Florida. She helps parents, spouses, and families envision their new normal outside of the legal process. She provides a unique quality to the legal practice, as she has been noted for being able to hone in on the individual and family within each case and provide a level of service that leaves client’s feeling heard, acknowledged, and aggressively represented. Taylor was one of three students in her graduating class to participate in the accelerated law degree program, allowing her to complete her undergraduate degree and law degree...

The Adams Law Firm, P.A. was founded by husband and wife attorneys, Josh and Amy Adams. Josh is an experienced trial attorney. He started his career as a criminal prosecutor, where he prosecutor crimes from minor traffic crimes, including DUI, to felonies punishable by life in prison. After leaving the prosecutors office, Josh worked at a small firm in Orlando practicing criminal defense, civil litigation, and probate. In 2013, along with his wife, he started the Adams Law Firm, P.A. with a goal or bringing excellent representation and communication to Central Florida. Amy Adams...