Ethen R. Shapiro

Laura Labbee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Laura, 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 Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

ABOUT Adam J. Fernandez is a Partner at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers and an experienced trial lawyer. Adam focuses his practice on representing clients injured as a result of Motor Vehicle/Commercial Vehicle/Trucking Accidents, Maritime/Boating Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Negligence, Defective/Unsafe products, and Trip/Slip Hazards. Adam also focuses his practice on “Dram Shop” claims against bars and restaurants for the sale of alcoho...

Darryl has been a trial lawyer with the firm since 1982 and is Managing Partner. He has handled many types of cases, including personal injury cases, car crashes, defective product designs, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, land use litigation, non-compete litigation and sophisticated business litigation. He is also a Certified Circuit Court Mediator.

Richard B. Stephens, Jr. is a partner in Holland & Knight's Lakeland office. Mr. Stephens divides his time between tax exempt financings and a diverse corporate practice. On the corporate side, Mr. Stephens has extensive experience in large corporate transactions focusing on the gas, power, cement and road based industries (including structured products, prepaid gas transactions, financings, derivatives, acquisitions, mergers, and general contract drafting). He also has significant experi...

For over 20 years, Erin has defended both private and public-sector employers before state and federal courts and agencies. Erin is a trusted advisor to a broad range of employers, including large hospitals, retail establishments, call centers, manufacturing companies, accounting firms, pharmaceutical companies, financial services businesses, software development companies, health care providers, school districts and municipalities. She assists employers in managing the employment relationshi...

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...

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

Joseph F. Diaco, Jr. is committed to helping injury victims in personal injury claims. Mr. Diaco began building a reputation as an aggressive advocate while litigating complex insurance cases early in his legal career beginning in 1995. For nearly 2 decades, Mr. Diaco has managed thousands of injury claims, deposed hundreds of experts (including doctors), and successfully handled dozens of jury trials Mr. Diaco grew up in St. Petersburg, and he graduated from Northeast High School in 1988. He...

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...

An aggressive litigator, Karina Perez Ilic has diverse expertise in civil litigation including catastrophic workplace accidents, contracts, commercial disputes, premises liability, and Tampa motor vehicle accidents. She is not afraid to be a fierce advocate for clients who have been wronged or injured. A Florida native, she ventured to New Orleans to receive her bachelor’s degree in business law with a minor in French language at Tulane University. She continued her legal education in N...