Alton C. "Al" Ward

Peter Kelly has more than 30 years’ experience in the representation of land owners and developers in the leasing, financing, sale and development of real estate. Significant projects include the sale and development of shopping centers, subdivisions, condominiums, and office and industrial parks. Mr. Kelly also represents moderate to high net worth individuals and families in all aspects of estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration.

Tim is a Shareholder in the firm’s Construction and Design Group. As a Board Certified Construction lawyer by The Florida Bar, he has experience representing owners, developers, contractors, construction managers, design professionals and subcontractors in all phases of the construction process, with an emphasis on complex construction litigation. Tim also serves on the firm's recruiting committee as the firm's hiring shareholder. Active in both professional and Bar-related activities, ...

Craig's practice involves the defense of products liability and high-exposure personal injury claims on behalf of manufacturers and businesses. Craig has represented and served as national trial and litigation management counsel for a diverse range of clients, including global medical device companies, a major tobacco company, international hotel brands, asbestos manufacturers and numerous other Fortune 500 industrial, commercial and consumer manufacturers headquartered in the United States a...

Mark Bernet litigates complex commercial and business disputes, class action defense, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights/foreclosures, and appellate matters in state and federal court. Experienced across a range of sectors, including finance, banking, real estate, aviation finance, and hospitality, his clients include local, regional, and national banks and financial institutions, manufacturers, and venture capitalists. Frequently recommended by the federal agencies and Attorneys General fro...

Erin L. Centrone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Erin L. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Erin L. Centrone since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Erin L. Centrone is held by other lawyers.

William R. Gower III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. William R. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William R. Gower III since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which William R. Go...

Amy M. Darby is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Amy M. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Amy M. Darby since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Amy M. Darby is held by other law...

Accomplishments Ms. Merlin has held several leadership positions in eminent domain during her career. These include: Chair of the ABA Condemnation, Zoning and Land Use Committee (1982 - 1985); Chair of the Florida Bar Eminent Domain Committee (1993 - 1994); Co-Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Eminent Domain Committee (1997-1998) and member of the Florida Bar Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure Steering Committee (1999 - present). Her proudest career accomplishment is institu...

A Partner in Hahn Loeser’s Tampa office, Stuart Jay Levine focuses on business litigation with emphasis in construction and commercial litigation. He also serves as Partner-in-Charge of the Tampa office. Previously, Stuart served as a managing shareholder of the firm Walters Levine & DeGrave, which joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in 2025. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Stuart has represented individuals and all forms of entities involved in the construction process in drafting documen...

Ben Dachepalli has extensive experience negotiating and drafting construction-related agreements, and litigating complex construction claims regarding contract disputes, construction defects, design errors, surety bonds and construction liens. He is dedicated to understanding each client’s business to provide comprehensive strategies that go beyond legal issues, disputes or contracts. Ben is board certified by the Florida Bar in Construction Law. He was selected as national coordinating...