Dean Cannon

Hayden R. Dempsey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Government Relations Practice. Hayden R., who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hayden R. 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...

Karen D. Walker serves as executive partner of the Tallahassee office and practices in the firm’s Public Policy & Regulation Group. Ms. Walker’s practice encompasses all aspects of Florida administrative law, and she has a broad range of experience in Florida state and local government procurement matters and public utility law. Ms. Walker also regularly counsels clients on Florida ethics and election law issues. She practices before the Florida Division of Administrative Hear...

Patrice Boyes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Patrice, who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrice is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Griffin facilitates infrastructure initiatives across the United States. He works with investor-owned electric utilities, independent power producers, energy developers and energy services contractors to structure contracts and implement large-scale energy projects. With more than 20 years of experience in the electrical energy sector, Steve has a comprehensive understanding of the business and legal landscape. He provides clients with practical, efficient and business-oriented advice. ...

Peter Mougey is a shareholder and the Chair of Levin Papantonio’s Securities and Business Litigation department. He concentrates his practice in the areas of complex litigation, financial services, and securities litigation, and whistleblower or qui tam litigation. Mr. Mougey has been recognized as one of Florida’s top 100 trial lawyers and a Florida Super Lawyer and has dedicated his career to championing individuals’ rights against the world’s largest companies. His ...

JAMES W. GUSTAFSON JR . is a Shareholder with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., a member of the firm’s executive committee, and the managing partner of the firm’s Tallahassee office. He is a sixth generation Florida native who served with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and studied at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, before becoming a trial lawyer. Mr. Gustafson is a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a worldwide organization limited to ju...

David C. Ashburn represents a diverse array of clients in their dealings with numerous state and federal regulatory agencies. David’s understanding of governmental regulatory processes has also enabled him to provide counsel to buyers and sellers of health care related businesses, and to lenders and private equity groups that finance those transactions. The many types of health care, managed care and insurance related clients David has represented include the following: Ambulatory surge...

Jonathan P. Steverson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law. Jonathan P., who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael J. Cherniga is Co-Chair of the firm's Health & FDA Business Practice. On a regional and national basis, Mike's practice involves representation of a diverse client base consisting of health care organizations (and clients which support the business of health care), both for-profit and not-for-profit. He also has substantial experience serving health care professionals and allied health care personnel who serve or support those organizations. The types of clients involved in the bu...