Bethany LaPolla

Rachael comes to Johnson Pope with diverse experience in employment law and trial litigation. While a student at Stetson College of Law, Rachael was a member of Stetson’s nationally recognized trial team and a member of the Stetson Law Review. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008, Rachael has represented clients in federal, state, and appellate courts on a variety of employment related matters. Rachael is an active member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association where she co-cha...

Sean M. Dillon is a construction lawyer and ADR professional with more than 30 years of experience handling construction law, construction litigation, business law, and commercial litigation matters. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida , Mr. Dillon serves clients throughout the United States and internationally through Dillon ADR & Law PA . His practice has focused on resolving large and complex disputes involving all phases of the construction industry, including matters arising from mega-p...

John C. Austin is a personal injury attorney with Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers in Clearwater, Florida. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2008 after earning his J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. For the first twelve years of his career, Mr. Austin represented the other side. From 2009 to 2016 he defended insurance companies and their insureds against personal injury claims at a Tampa Bay insurance defense firm. From 2016 to 2021 he served as...

Kevin S. Hennessy is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Litigation - Environmental. Kevin S. practices law in St. Petersburg, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Kevin S. Hennessy since 2023. 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 Kevin S. Hennessy is held by other lawyers.

Peter advises individuals and families with respect to estate planning, wealth preservation issues and business succession planning. He also represents businesses and entrepreneurs with respect to startup ventures, financing, and mergers and acquisitions. He further represents tax exempt organizations, foundations and charitable groups.

Mark S. Roman is the founding partner of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers in Clearwater, Florida, which he established in 1996. Admitted to The Florida Bar in 1986, he has practiced exclusively in personal injury law for four decades. Mr. Roman is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a designation held by fewer than two percent of Florida attorneys and one that requires substantial trial experience, peer review, and a written examination. He holds an AV Preeminent rating...

Colby S. Hearn, who practices law in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Colby is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area Colby is a trial lawyer, a Florida Qualified Arbitrator, and strategic advisor who practices in state and federal court. He repres...

James B. Soble is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. James B. practices law in St. Petersburg, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized James B. Soble since 2013. 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 James B. Soble is held by other lawyers.

Brandon D. Bellew is a partner at Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP in Clearwater, Florida. His practice focuses on Litigation – Trusts and Estates, including trust, estate, and guardianship litigation . Brandon represents individuals, families, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries throughout Florida in contested trust, probate, and guardianship matters, including disputes involving incapacity, fiduciary duties, inheritance rights, and estate administration. Throughout his career, Bra...

Joel has over 40 years of experience in tax, business, asset protection, and estate and gift tax planning for high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs. He consults on business entities, including limited liability companies (LLCs), S corporations and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). He structures and prepares shareholder agreements, operating agreements and other business agreements. He also routinely handles sophisticated estate planning including the preparation of wills, revocabl...