David S. "Dave" Felman

Larry is a trial lawyer who has handled many types of cases in state and federal courts, including partner disputes, securities litigation, receiverships, breach-of-contract, non-competes, construction law, white-collar fraud, product liability, and intellectual property matters. Larry joined Johnson Pope in 2023. He is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation. Before going to law school, Larry worked as a daily newspape...

Paydon Broeder is a partner in the firm’s Tampa office specializing in the area of First Party Property Defense. He has handled numerous claims involving water, fire, theft, sink-hole, SIU Fraud, and storm related losses through trial for both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, Mr. Broeder conducts examinations under oath to assist carriers with coverage determinations. He also defends carriers in life, automobile, general liability and third party insurance matters. H...

Jeffrey Gad focuses his practice on representing individuals, with an emphasis on estate planning, probate and trust administration, probate litigation and business planning. His practice integrates the personal and estate tax planning concerns of individuals with tax and business planning for their closely held businesses. As part of his corporate practice, Jeffrey assists businesses with choice-of-entity planning, the formation of business entities, business contracts, such as the preparati...

Melissa Kuipers Blake is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Melissa Kuipers practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa Kuipers Blake since 2026. 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 Melissa Kuipers Blake is held by other lawyers.

Todd Foster - Managing Attorney, Todd Foster Law Group Todd Foster's 30 years of professional experience as an FBI special agent, Assistant United States Attorney, state prosecutor, and private counsel set him apart from other criminal defense attorneys. Todd began his career in 1981 as an assistant state attorney in Jacksonville. After serving as a state prosecutor, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a special agent. During his tenure at the FBI, Todd learned the intricacies o...

Robert H. Gidel, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Robert H. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Robert H. Gidel, Jr. since 2025. 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 Robert H. Gidel, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Chris Cavaliere is a principal in the Tampa, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He proactively partners with businesses throughout the country to help them navigate the daily workplace challenges of today’s business world. When preventative strategies are not enough, Chris also strategically represents businesses in employment-related disputes and litigation. Whatever the workplace issue, he ensures the best team is assembled to serve the client’s specific needs. Chris takes pr...

Irina Khasin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Irina practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Irina Khasin since 2026. 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 Irina Khasin is held by other lawyers.

Martin E. Burke is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Martin E. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Martin E. Burke since 2021. 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 Martin E. Burke is held by other lawyers.

Dale Swope is managing partner of Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg which is the development of the solo firm practice he founded six months out of law school, in 1979. Mr. Swope is a Tampa native, and a graduate of Hillsborough High School, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida Law School. The firm’s most senior lawyer, Mr. Swope has received virtually every professional recognition available to lawyers who practice in his field. He has an AV rating (the ...