Saint James City Lawyers

Brandon S. Vesely is the founding member of The Florida Appellate Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg, Florida. Certified in appellate practice by The Florida Bar since 2009, and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years, Mr. Vesely has earned a reputation as one of the top appellate attorneys in the state. In 29 years of appellate experience, Mr. Vesely has won hundreds of appeals involving a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury, business litigation, family law, creditors' rights, evictions, and more. Mr. Vesely is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stetson University College of...

Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, a law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, is led by attorney Rory Safir. With a focus on DUI defense and a strong background in private practice and as a former Assistant Public Defender, Rory is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals facing DUI charges. As a trial lawyer at heart, Rory brings extensive courtroom experience to every case he handles. He has successfully handled a number of jury trials and possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in DUI defense. His passion for the law and his commitment to protecting his...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Mr. Wells has been a member of the Florida Bar for over 30 years and has represented both insurers and their insureds over the course of his career. Mr. Wells handles bodily injury cases and insurance coverage claims, including first party property matters (fire, sinkhole, hurricane, windstorm, and water damage claims), other insurance claims (life, disability and other direct actions against insurers), bad faith claims (claims against an insurer for improper claim handling), and insurance agent negligence cases, in both the state and federal courts. Mr. Wells is an experienced litigator, having litigated matters statewide, including the...

John M. Hemenway is a founding partner of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. John serves as a trusted legal advisor to business owners, real estate investors, and families seeking to preserve and pass down their wealth and values. His practice focuses on estate planning and probate, small and closely held businesses, and real estate, combining experience in each of these areas to provide a comprehensive approach to transactions and planning.

John earned his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida. John regularly presents at legal education seminars on both probate and estate planning topics, and is published on estate planning...

Tonmiel Rodriguez is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, a distinction few Florida attorneys achieve. He is an experienced litigator, having tried over 56 criminal trials, conducted hundreds of depositions, and litigated numerous motion and evidentiary hearings. Tonmiel was inducted into the National Trial Lawyers list of "Top 40 under 40" Florida Criminal Trial Lawyers. He has been published three times in The Defender, a publication of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). In 2015, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez was awarded the FACDL's James T. Miller Scholar Award.

In 2005, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez received his Political Science Degree, with Honors,...

Attorney John DeGirolamo has experience handling high-profile cases, and the focus of his practice is in the areas of Divorce and Family Law For Men and Personal Injury. For 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Attorney John DeGirolamo was selected by The National Trial Lawyers of America as a Top 40 under 40 in Florida! According to the National Trial Lawyers of America, “membership into the Top 40 under 40 association is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young trial lawyer.”

O'Brien Hatfield, PA is a criminal defense law firm that focuses on nationwide federal criminal defense and statewide criminal defense and criminal appeals. Attorney Mark J. O'Brien is the firm's founder and managing partner. He handles federal criminal cases in federal criminal courts statewide and in federal criminal courts throughout the United States. Formerly a Miami prosecutor, Mark is now widely lauded by federal judges and federal prosecutors as one of the best federal defense attorneys in the country. Mark is so in demand that his office is often an airplane with a WiFi connection. Despite reaching such great heights, Mark...

Moses DeWitt is a native Floridian and has lived in Central Florida since 1985. After graduating from Winter Park High School, he went on to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to receive his undergraduate degree in Political Science and to Florida State University College of Law to receive his Juris Doctor. Mr. DeWitt is a regular commentator for the News Junkie on Real Radio 104.1. Although Mr. DeWitt has a wide array of legal experience, today he limits his practice primarily to domestic, commercial, personal injury, and real estate litigation. Additionally, Mr. DeWitt handles appellate matters and has prevailed for...

I am attorney Donald J. Kilfin. I own and operate The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C., a St. Petersburg area criminal defense and DUI firm representing clients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
I earned a four year Honor's Bachelor's degree from Trent University, one of Canada's top undergraduate institutions. From there, I relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend law school at Stetson University. It was my first choice, among many options across the United States, based on its national reputation for trial advocacy and legal writing. I graduated in 2000 with a juris doctor degree and...

Chris Castillo is a renowned personal injury attorney in Tampa, Florida, known for recovering multi-million-dollar settlements for victims of serious car accidents and wrongful death cases. As a Million Dollar Advocate, his record speaks to his ability to secure top-tier compensation for injured clients. A former prosecutor with seven years of experience in Tampa’s 13th Judicial Circuit, Chris handled high-stakes cases, including homicides and vehicular manslaughter. This prosecutorial background equips him with sharp litigation skills that now fuel his success in civil court, especially in complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and trucking accidents. Chris’s legal excellence has earned him multiple accolades, including...

An Experienced and Aggressive Legal Advocate Providing Attentive and Caring Client Service Along Florida's Gulf Coast Lawyer Craig A. Epifanio began his practice of law solely defending those accused of a crime. He gained considerable experience aggressively pursuing justice for those accused of all levels of crime, to the point that in 2005 he was elected as President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) for that year. He now uses his natural ability to listen and empathize in order to gain a clear picture of the events leading up to a client's arrest, assess each individual legal issue...

YOU'VE BEEN ARRESTED OR YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. WHERE DO YOU TURN? CALL ME NOW. Before I became a criminal defense attorney, I investigated, filed, and litigated thousands of cases as an Assistant State Attorney. My tenure as a prosecutor can aid your criminal defense case because I understand how the police, judges and prosecutors will view the circumstances of your charges. I have earned the respect of the judges and prosecutors in my area, and my work as an attorney has earned me an AV Preeminent* rating from Martindale-Hubbell, their highest available rating. Knowing how both sides of a...

Chris Beardslee is an experienced criminal defense attorney based in Tampa, FL, with a diverse background in handling various criminal cases, including DUIs, drug charges, assault and battery, theft, criminal traffic offenses, sealings and expungements, veterans treatment court, juvenile defense, and more. As a former US Navy Petty Officer, he brings a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges veterans may face. His extensive knowledge of criminal procedure and case law has resulted in numerous dismissals and reduced charges on serious offenses, making him a trusted advocate for his clients.

The overwhelming majority of my immigration law practice derives from repeat business and a very strong referral base of “happy customers” and a large supporting professional network. As such, it is important to me that my clients report back to me frequently with feedback. To me, there is no substitute for a happy referral by my clients and contacts to others who may need my services or advice. I welcome all referrals. While there is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting with me, in order for you to decide if I am the right lawyer for you,...

Michael Perenich is a third-generation personal injury lawyer. Guy Perenich, his grandfather, founded a personal injury law firm in Clearwater, Florida, in 1955, and Michael's father Mark Perenich is a personal injury lawyer as well. Born in Clearwater and raised in Tarpon Springs, Michael currently resides in Palm Harbor. He went on to complete his philosophy degree at the University of South Florida. Following his graduation from USF, Michael, like his father, enrolled in Loyola University's New Orleans College of Law. Michael interned as a law student for Honorable Judge Robert Morris of the Second District Court of Appeals. In addition, he participated in...

Jim Dodson spent many years of his long legal career as a partner in a large personal injury law firm, but he had some different ideas about how to practice law. He envisioned a practice centered on the clients’ needs, where he could get to know his clients and be personally involved in their cases. He wanted to create an environment where any client would feel comfortable about calling, where every client with a question about their case could easily get an answer, and where all clients could expect to have their phone calls returned. Jim turned this vision into...

Vincent R. Pawlowski, Esq. is an exceptional client advocate with more than 20 years experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, workers compensation, criminal defense, DUI / DWI, and drug charges. He founded the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group in 1995 in the heart of Tampa's Ybor City, with satellite offices in Westchase, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Lakeland. As managing partner of the firm, Vincent ensures that every member of his legal team holds the same core values and vigor to defend and fight for our clients case...

Paul M. McDermott, Esq., practices exclusively in the area of Marital and Family Law. He has experience in litigation, mediation, and collaboration. After practicing law in Virginia for many years as a trial lawyer, he relocated to Florida and founded McDermott Law Offices, PLLC and now practices exclusively in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which includes Manatee County and Sarasota County.

Mr. McDermott is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. He is also trained in Collaborative Divorce Law, an emerging field within the Alternative Dispute Resolution realm focused on resolving cases with a "team" approach...

Jeff Luhrsen is a personal injury attorney, with more than 15 years of proven success. Licensed in both Florida and Virginia, The Liquor Law Center operates in Sarasota, Florida, yet also consults clients in any of Florida's 67 counties. As an advocate for people who have experienced wrongful accidents, Florida attorney Jeffrey Luhrsen combines his understanding of the law with a strong desire to help his clients.A graduate of The University of Tampa, Jeffrey Luhrsen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Following his undergraduate work, Jeffrey Luhrsen received his Juris Doctor, graduating Cum Laude from Stetson...

Ms. Loftus offers a concierge approach to her clients. She begins with the assumption that each case calls for special handling, since no two family law cases are alike. After the initial consultation, she works with her clients closely, to provide them with a basic understanding of Florida family law proceedings. Ms. Loftus and the client are then able to work together to ensure that there are articulated, agreed-upon, legitimate and realistic goals. After the goals are established, Ms. Loftus provides her clients with a range of options designed to meet those objectives. She reviews the advantages and disadvantages of...

Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Richard Ellis graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1976 and received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1979. Mr. Ellis has served on the City of Sarasota Planning Board, City of Sarasota Board of Adjustment, and currently serves as Special Magistrate for the City of Sarasota, a position he has held since 1999.

Mr. Ellis has filed in excess of 5,000 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases over the past three decades and has handled hundreds of family law matters since beginning practice in 1979.

Mr. Ellis spends his...

Anthony G. Ryan provides aggressive criminal defese in State and Federal Courts throughout the state of Florida. He is a board certified criminal trial attorney with over twenty years of experience. Call him today: 941-954-7132

I have 25 years experience in the legal field as a law clerk, judicial clerk, legal intern and attorney. Since 2000, I've had my own private law practice which has been a general law practice in the past. In the last several years, I have limited my practice areas to certain legal fields. Now approximately 95% of my practice is focused on divorce and family law.

Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. Her experience as a former prosecutor along with her years of experience as a private criminal defense attorney allows her to effectively represent her clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. Extensive Criminal Law Experience While a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Ms. Morris prosecuted thousands of criminal...

Attorney M. David Shapiro is an AV-rated civil trial lawyer, the highest rating awarded to litigation attorneys. He is also board certified by the Florida Bar. Shapiro is an experienced trial lawyer who has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community. He has successfully litigated civil rights cases involving access to courts and rights under the Rehabilitation Act to the United States Supreme Court. He is admitted to practice in all of the Florida State Courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeal for the Eleventh...

Ms. Mitchell graduated from Florida State University with a major in History and Economics. Upon graduation, Ms. Mitchell was hired by the premier South Florida personal injury law firm of Bogani & Robes, PLLC. Witnessing quality legal service promoting justice, and bettering the lives of their clients, she decided to attend law school at St. Thomas University School of Law.

As a merit scholarship recipient, Ms. Mitchell excelled academically earning placement on the Dean’s List every semester, named Articles Editor of Law Review, and participated in Moot Court as both a competitor and coach. Ms. Mitchell was site coordinator for the...

Kirk earned his undergraduate degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He began his legal career in New York City at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as a legal assistant in the firm's real estate division. Kirk attended Stetson University College of Law and received the highest honor bestowed upon an applicant of the graduate school - a full merit scholarship. While attending law school he earned the William F Blews Pro Bono Service Award and studied abroad at Nankai University located in Tianjin, China. After graduating...

Yohan is the Attorney of Center for U.S. Services (CFUIS) Bradenton Office. With about 60 years of combined experience in Immigration law, CFUIS provides immigration services to families and businesses. Yohan’ s goal is to help clients realize their dream of living in the United States. Yohan speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French and Creole. His ability to speak various languages enables him to effectively assist immigrants from diverse background. Yohan is from the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe and came to the U.S. as a student. He went through the immigration processes and personally knows how the immigration process can be very stressful,...

Don Cahall prides himself on being extremely passionate about every one of his clients’ cases no matter whether the damages involved are small or large. Don’s clients are victims who have been harmed by others’ negligent or intentional wrongdoing. To obtain justice for his clients, Don’s objective is to attempt to recover his clients’ financial damages as quickly as possible. It has been said that the wheels of justice turn slowly. The culpable parties often seek to obstruct and delay justice and courts are regularly inundated with heavy caseloads. Thus, to meet his objective, Don utilizes an aggressive approach to...

Anne grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has always served those in her community. She has witnessed the devastation caused by failure of families to plan for long term care, disabilities and end of life. Her goal is to make these life challenges easier to negotiate for the Senior as well as for the Senior’s family. Having practiced law here since 1977, she practices Elder Law which includes probate and estates, estate planning, guardianships, wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, Medicaid planning and Special Needs Trusts. In addition to her professional associations, Anne...

I am Brian C. Malone, a forward-thinking and dedicated immigration attorney with a comprehensive background in various immigration law disciplines. I began pursuing a certificate in Immigration and Citizenship Law and Practice in 2014, which I earned in 2017. Since then, I have handled a diverse and unique set of immigration cases. I consistently go above and beyond in family-based cases, appeals, and representation before various court systems, USCIS, ICE, and CBP. I am committed to building partnerships based on trust, respect, and honesty, truly embodying a 'client-first' approach with a real-time case management portal that fosters transparency and efficient communication....

R. Michael Pierro, Jr. ("Mike") is a Florida Bar Board Certified labor and employment attorney based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is one of only 5 lawyers in St. Petersburg holding the distinction of Board certification in the area of labor and employment law. He represents both employers and employees. Mike is also a certified Florida circuit civil and federal court mediator. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Mike is well-suited to effectively mediate employment-related disputes. Mike welcomes the opportunity to discuss your employment matter.

For almost a quarter-century, I have largely dedicated my professional life in service to such victims and, over time, have learned the real value of the hospitality service education and training I received. While providing a high-quality hospitality service experience to someone during their restaurant visit or hotel stay was professionally rewarding to me, I have found no greater professional fulfillment than providing high-quality legal service and achieving corrective results for individuals who have suffered unlawful treatment at the hands of their employers. I have counseled thousands of individuals. I have achieved multiple million-dollar recoveries for my clients. And, while...

Laura Anne Olson is the founder and principal attorney at The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A., a Tampa law practice focused on marital and family law and civil litigation in South Tampa and the greater Tampa area.

Laura received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida in Tampa and earned her Juris Doctorate law degree from Stetson University College of Law, across the bay in Gulfport. During her time in law school, Laura clerked for the Honorable Judge Dennis Alvarez (Chief judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, retired) and the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich (U.S....

Timothy C. Martin is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. As the owner/attorney of Martin Law Office, P.A., he serves the Tampa Bay and Central Florida areas and beyond in matters relating to animal law, estate planning and probate, real estate/real property including landlord/tenant matters, corporate law, business organizations and transactions, LGBT issues, and limited family law matters.

Charis Campbell was born and raised in New Providence, Bahamas. In 2002, she moved to South Florida with her family to pursue an education that ultimately led to her career in the legal profession. Charis obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a major in Criminology and a minor in African Studies.

Charis obtained her Juris Doctor Degree from Stetson University College of Law. While at Stetson, She worked at a full-service real estate firm gaining experience in foreclosure and title curative work assisting with the representation of major lending...

As a Partner of the Law Offices of Russo Pelletier & Sullivan, I limit my practice of law to represent only those clients charged with criminal offenses and DUIs. Both I and my partner Tim Sullivan are former state prosecutors. My experience as an Assistant State Attorney with the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida has given me invaluable legal knowledge and insight into the strategies and tactics often used by prosecutors in trying criminal cases. This experience allows myself and Mr. Sullivan to develop unique, creative strategies in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome in each and every...

Army Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer, Sean decided to continue to serve his community by becoming an Attorney. Sean has a mission to protect the people and started Panther Law, P.A. to do just that. He offers legal help in Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate, Bankruptcy, and Special Needs Law.