Edgel C. "Ed" Lester, Jr.

Mike Hancock has excelled in personal injury law for over 35 years. After several years defending the insurance industry including companies such as Allstate, State Farm, Geico, & Fortune 500 companies, Mike gained insider secrets and learned the inner workings of how insurance companies defend and evaluate personal injury claims. With a clear understanding of the insurance industry and how to obtain the ultimate results for his clients, Mike founded Hancock Injury Attorneys in 1996. Mike...

Edwin P. Gale is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Edwin P., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edwin P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Justin W. Pimenta is a Partner of the law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. He is a highly accomplished trial attorney who cares deeply for his clients and the practice of personal injury law. Justin is twice board certified as an expert in civil trial law by the Florida Bar and The National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was appointed by the President of the Florida Bar to serve as a member of the Florida Bar Civil Trial Law Board Certification Committee for two terms from 2019-2025. The Commi...

Yvette D. Everhart is a shareholder in Sass Law Firm , has practiced labor and employment law in Florida since graduating from Stetson University College of Law and is an advocate of employee rights. Ms. Everhart is Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law by The Florida Bar with over 18 years of experience, making her well-versed in a wide variety of employment law issues. Over the years, Yvette has served on various committees and is currently the Immediate Past Chair of the Labor and ...

Matt Litsky’s practice focuses on complex first party insurance coverage, litigation, and counseling. He handles various first-party matters including claims involving catastrophes (hurricanes and earthquakes), suspected burning, fraud, theft, business interruption, condominium losses, collapse, appraisal, jeweler’s block and motor losses (physical damage and motor truck cargo). He also specializes in first and third party bad faith matters. Mr. Litsky has handled and litigated ma...

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.

Raquel R. Jefferson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Raquel R., 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 Raquel R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Astrid Guardado is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Community Association Law, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate. Astrid, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Astrid is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Stukey is a partner in the firm’s Tampa office. His areas of practice are construction litigation and insurance defense. Mr. Stukey also focuses on Environmental Bodily Injury and Property Damage claims. His practice includes extensive experience with Chinese drywall sulfurous off-gassing, environmental/toxic spills, CPVC environmental stress cracking from incompatibility with ABF II cutting agents, mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, radon, carbon monoxide poisoning, and Legionnaire...

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...