David S. Nelson

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...

Chad D. Hansen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Chad D., who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chad D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

ABOUT Andy Steingold is a Senior Trial Attorney with MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, who practices in the areas of Medical Negligence, Nursing Home Abuse, Wrongful Death, Products Liability and Personal Injury. Mr. Steingold is an active member of this community and is currently serving as a Safety Harbor City Commissioner and an Administrative Hearing Officer for the Hillsborough County Dangerous Dog Court. Mr. Steingold was the Mayor of the City of Safety Harbor from 2006-2017 during which he...

Dawn has spent two decades partnering with her clients to help guide and direct their employment decisions to avoid the time and expense of litigation, and creating and executing a strategy to defend them through trial should the need arise. She is committed to knowing her client's businesses. Dawn's familiarity with her client's businesses and industries and knowledge of current legal trends is beneficial to her clients in preparing for and thwarting any potential adverse actions. It is for ...

Lauren Yevich is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Arbitration. Lauren practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Lauren Yevich 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 Lauren Yevich is held by other lawyers.

Patrick J. Duffey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Patrick J. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Patrick J. Duffey 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 Patrick J. Duffey is held by other lawyers.

Steve is a commercial litigator with more than 20 years of experience prosecuting and defending complex business disputes on behalf of his clients. His practice focuses on multi-million-dollar business torts, breach of contract matters, real estate litigation and construction disputes. Steve’s list of clients includes global pharmaceutical companies, Florida’s largest real estate developers, and mid-to-large scale corporations operating in a host of other industries. Steve employs...

Mr. Savitz regularly represents corporate and individual clients at both the trial and appellate level in matters involving construction litigation, franchise litigation, intellectual property litigation, and professional liability litigation including attorney, accountant, and design professional malpractice defense. He is also a certified mediator in federal court. Mr. Savitz is an approved panel attorney for most professional liability insurance carriers.

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.

Anthony Rickman is a dedicated attorney who brings a personal touch to his legal practice. From a young age, Anthony felt compelled to pursue a career in law, driven by a profound desire to help those in need navigate the complexities of the legal system. This passion has been a guiding force throughout his career, influencing the way he approaches each case with diligence and integrity. At The Rickman Law Firm, Anthony focuses on areas such as criminal defense, personal injury, and civil lit...