Christian C. "Chris" Burden

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...

Steven Richardson is a partner in the Tallahassee office of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. He has been with the firm since 2013 and has worked in both the Tampa and Tallahassee offices. Mr. Richardson has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® since 2024 for Insurance Law. Mr. Richardson's practice focuses in the areas of catastrophic and personal injury, general civil litigation, premises liability, trucking defense, security negligence, vehicle negligence, wrongful death, defectiv...

Benjamin S. Jilek is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin S., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For over 40 years, Richard Maney has dedicated his legal career to championing justice for immigrants and families, establishing himself as a preeminent authority in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. As the visionary force behind Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. , he has led the firm to resolve immigration matters for 72,000+ clients —a testament to his relentless advocacy and strategic expertise. Distinguished Credentials Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law (Florida...

Krysta Torok is a partner with the firm’s Tampa office. Her practice areas include premises liability, defense of claims against condominium, homeowner and community associations and their officers and directors, SIU insurance fraud, fraud litigation, actions for breach of vendor contracts, as well as personal injury and general civil litigation. Ms. Torok attended Gannon University, in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science....

Frances Martinez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Frances, 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 Frances is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With over 30 years of litigation experience, Mike Grimley represents insurers, corporations, and individuals in a wide range of civil matters. He takes a proactive, early-assessment approach to achieve favorable outcomes through discovery, motion practice, dispute resolution, or trial. Mike has tried numerous jury and bench trials across Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, and his trial experience informs how he builds each case from the outset. His practice includes first- and third-part...

Laura Labbee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Laura, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Richard D. Eckhard is the head of the Tampa office real estate group. Mr Eckhard's practice focuses on office and retail real estate development, leasing, acquisition and disposition. He represents national and regional landlords and tenants in connection with office buildings, shopping centers and mixed–use properties. He also handles synthetic and leveraged leases. Mr. Eckhard is the incoming chair of The Florida Bar Real Property Leasing Committee. Since 2007, he has served as a memb...