Benjamin J. Gibson

David C. Ashburn represents a diverse array of clients in their dealings with numerous state and federal regulatory agencies. David’s understanding of governmental regulatory processes has also enabled him to provide counsel to buyers and sellers of health care related businesses, and to lenders and private equity groups that finance those transactions. The many types of health care, managed care and insurance related clients David has represented include the following: Ambulatory surge...

C. David Fonvielle III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. C. David, who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Childs, a partner with Holtzman Vogel, helps clients solve problems with government. Often the solutions involve successful modifications to Florida statutes and regulations. Other times it involves supporting budgetary items critical to a client’s interests or helping clients identify and pursue procurement opportunities. David has earned a reputation for forthrightness and an in-depth understanding of water policy, the legislative process, and state administrative procedures. Da...

Virginia Buchanan is a shareholder at Levin, Papantonio, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brian, Barr & Mougey, P.A., having joined the firm in 1989. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in 1985, and received her Juris Doctorate Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in 1989. She has served as lead/co-lead counsel in more than 50 jury trials, with results exceeding $500 million. She has a national practice and works extensively in her local Pensacola and sur...

Kent Safriet is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Environmental Law. Kent, who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kent is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher E. Varner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Christopher E., who practices law in Pensacola, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

D. Bruce May Jr. heads the firm’s Public Utility practice. For more than 28 years, he has been actively involved before the Florida Public Service Commission and other regulatory agencies on a variety of matters relating to electric, natural gas, water and wastewater utilities. He is also active in legislative matters involving public utility, energy and environmental law issues. Mr. May’s electric and natural gas utility experience includes: representation of utilities in contest...

Thomas F. Gonzalez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aviation Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Thomas F., who practices law in Pensacola, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sonya Penley represents clients in the health care sector with respect to corporate, regulatory, administrative and governmental issues. Her diverse clients include long-term care providers, physician group practices, assisted living facilities, hospitals, hospices, home health agencies, DME suppliers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She has particular experience with health facility acquisitions, mergers and other cha...

With over 20 years of litigation and trial experience, Phillip Howell provides clients with early, accurate case assessments, always focused on trial outcomes and mediation strategy. He practices in commercial and insurance litigation with an emphasis on first-party insurance, maritime, construction defect, and professional negligence defense. A licensed Florida CPA, Phillip uses his accounting background to quickly analyze expert findings and financial issues. He also handles complex transac...