Brian Paul

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...

Tracey Jaensch is the Regional Managing Partner of FordHarrison's seven Florida offices and serves on the firm's Health Care Practice Group Committee. Tracey has tried more than 30 jury trials representing employers. A recognized industry leader, Tracey has over 25 years’ experience advising hospitals and physician practices on a broad range of topics unique to healthcare employers. In addition to healthcare, Tracey has deep bench experience in all aspects of employment issues in the re...

Christian M. Givens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Christian M., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Catriana Messina practices in the area of insurance. She has exclusively represented insurers and their agents since she joined Phelps Dunbar in 2014. Her practice is focused on complex first-party insurance coverage matters arising under homeowners, commercial property, builders risk, catastrophe and other property insurance policies, including but not limited to hurricane claims, sinkhole claims, and claims involving suspected arson, fire, fraud, vandalism, theft, collapse, business interru...

Matthew L. Schwartz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Matthew L., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John L. Dicks II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Bankruptcy, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. John L., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Keith Fendrick is a Partner in the Holland & Knight Tampa office and a member of the Bankruptcy Practice Group. He focuses his practice on bankruptcy and creditors' rights, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, and commercial litigation. Mr. Fendrick has represented financial institutions, corporations, insurance companies, and creditor groups in numerous large Chapter 11 cases around the country. He has also worked with secured and unsecured creditors in workouts, non-bankruptcy ...

Heather L. Fesnak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Financial Services Regulation Law. Heather L., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Heather L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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