Benjamin R. "Ben" Hanan

Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota. He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998. Mr. Byrd is Board Certified in C...

Christopher K. Caswell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Christopher K., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

William W. Merrill, III is a shareholder at Icard Merrill. His nationally recognized practice in land use, planning, transportation and environmental law includes representation of both developers and public sector clients. He has received the "AV" rating, the highest rating available, from Martindale-Hubbell, which is recognized as the most respected source of authoritative and dependable information about members of the legal community and reflects confidential ratings by other lawyers and ...

G. Matthew Brockway is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. G. Matthew, who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which G. Matthew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jaime Wallace practices exclusively in the area of family law, which includes handling a wide range of divorce cases, post-divorce matters, preparation of marital agreements, paternity matters, and custody cases.Ms. Wallace supports her clients in remaining realistic throughout what is often a traumatic and life-altering experience in their lives. She wants her clients to be left with the knowledge and belief that their interests are intelligently and vigorously represented to get them the be...

Mark C. Hanewich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Mark C., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tom Icard focuses his nationally recognized practice on construction related matters, from preparation and review of contract documents to claims negotiation and multi-party litigation (2016 Best Lawyers in America Sarasota metro area “Construction Lawyer of the Year”). He has represented both public and private owners, as well as developers, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals with respect to the construction of industrial facilities, airports, power plants, muni...

Jamie Ebling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jamie, who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jamie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel C. Guarnieri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Daniel C., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.