Emmett Battles

Ed Carlstedt serves as the office managing partner for FordHarrison's Tampa office. His practice focuses on trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant disputes as well as representing management in employment law matters, including defending employers against harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims. Ed has extensive experience in matters involving trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant related issues, and has handled dozens of evidentiary hearings in federal and ...

Dee Anna D. Hays is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Dee Anna D., 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 Dee Anna D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aileen Davis represents financial institutions in a range of lending transactions and loan workouts. She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for her work, including “Lawyer of the Year” honors for banking and finance law in Tampa. Aileen’s experience includes working on real estate loans for across asset types. She also represents land owners and developers in real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, and leasing.

Shane B. Vogt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Shane B., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shane B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gaylord Merlin represents property and business owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation throughout the State of Florida. Our firm guides an owner through the condemnation process, protects an owner's property rights, and fights for an owner to receive full compensation. Andrew G. Diaz represents a variety of business and property owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation. He has handled cases involving the taking of large vacant parcels, national big box retailer...

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

Karl Brandes practices in the areas of civil trial and commercial litigation. His practice includes petroleum marketing litigation; franchise and other trade regulation litigation; class action litigation; environmental litigation; construction litigation for engineer, architect, contractor and developer clients; condominium litigation; professional liability litigation for lawyer and engineer clients; computer litigation; personal injury litigation, including insurance and self-insured defen...

Jim Porter is board certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in City, County, and Local Government Law. He concentrates his practice on land use and zoning, as well as government relations, and also has experience with the wireless communications industry, including cellular tower zoning issues. Jim is also the current School Board Attorney for the Hillsborough County School Board, the 8th largest school district in the nation. Jim formerly served as the Chief Assistant County Attorney for t...

Bryan D. Hull is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Bryan D., 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 Bryan D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kirk Davis is the chair of the Healthcare Practice Group, a multidisciplinary team recognized nationally for representing sector participants in regulatory compliance, insurance, and transactional issues. An accomplished litigator, Kirk represents hospitals and health systems in complex regulatory compliance issues and disputes with a focus on medical malpractice and peer review hearings. Kirk has decades of experience in the peer review process and has been involved in all aspects of hearing...