Alton C. "Al" Ward

Since starting with the Firm in 1988, Michael’s practice has concentrated on bankruptcy and insolvency related Litigation. Michael has represented corporate and individual debtors, secured creditors, equipment lenders, landlords, creditor’s committees, trustees and petitioning creditors in involuntary bankruptcies. Michael also has substantial experience in receivership cases.

Troy Carnrite's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions. He has represented both public and private companies from a wide range of industries in all aspects of commercial transactions including mergers, stock and other equity sales, asset sales, restructurings, joint ventures, financing and private offerings. His practice also includes sports and entertainment law, where he represents athletes and entertainers in a variety of matters, including team contracts and endorsement deals. Troy ...

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...

Luis Santos has a unique understanding of the administrative and legal challenges faced by clients in industries like hospitality, retail, restaurant, and grocery. His previous experience as a hospitality and grocery employee gives him a particularly unique insider’s perspective. Prior to attending law school, Luis worked for many years in hospitality management. He began as a front desk clerk and worked himself up to the position of assistant hotel manager. Luis also worked as a grocer...

William M. Sharp Sr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of International Trade and Finance Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. William M., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brent Jones’ transactional practice encompasses a broad range of areas, including federal and state securities law, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Jones counsels lenders, investors and companies, including start-up enterprises, in connection with debt and equity financings. Mr. Jones advises companies concerning compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including preparation and review of private placement memorandums, regi...

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...

Carol Rooney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Carol, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carol is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd Foster - Managing Attorney, Todd Foster Law Group Todd Foster's 30 years of professional experience as an FBI special agent, Assistant United States Attorney, state prosecutor, and private counsel set him apart from other criminal defense attorneys. Todd began his career in 1981 as an assistant state attorney in Jacksonville. After serving as a state prosecutor, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a special agent. During his tenure at the FBI, Todd learned the intricacies o...

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...