G. Wrede "Wrede" Kirkpatrick

Background Cary Gaylord has represented clients in over 30 counties in Florida as well as in the federal courts and courts of Illinois and Georgia. He has handled cases involving large vacant parcels, churches, national big box retailers, shopping centers, gas station/convenience stores, fast food restaurants, supermarket chains, professional offices, farmers, retailers, grove operators, golf course owners, homeowners, as well as other properties both in eminent domain and inverse condemnatio...

Jeff Warren's practice focuses on Chapter 11 reorganization cases. Mr. Warren was lead bankruptcy counsel to the debtor, Celotex Corporation, in one of the largest Chapter 11 cases ever filed. He successfully argued Celotex v. Edwards before the United States Supreme Court, establishing national precedent regarding the jurisdiction of bankruptcy judges.

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...

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.

Ciara Willis focuses her practice on civil litigation in state and federal courts, primarily in matters involving business and contract disputes, condominium associations, homeowner associations, real estate, and other general commercial litigation matters. Ms. Willis also serves as general counsel for a variety of residential and professional community associations, as well as Community Development Districts (“CDDs”).

Janet E. Wise is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2001, which recognizes her special knowledge, skills and proficiency in labor and employment law, along with her professionalism and ethical standards. As an attorney with the Sass Law Firm, she brings over 34 years of experience to the practice which primarily represents employees from both the private and public sectors in workplace disputes. Ms. Wise speaks frequently on employment law topics, especially ...

Todd Foster - Managing Attorney, Todd Foster Law Group Todd Foster's 30 years of professional experience as an FBI special agent, Assistant United States Attorney, state prosecutor, and private counsel set him apart from other criminal defense attorneys. Todd began his career in 1981 as an assistant state attorney in Jacksonville. After serving as a state prosecutor, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a special agent. During his tenure at the FBI, Todd learned the intricacies o...

Bryan Dion is an associate attorney in Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP’s Tampa and St. Petersburg offices, where he focuses his practice on Real Estate Law and land use matters throughout Florida. He represents builders, developers, lenders, investors, and property owners in acquisitions, dispositions, financing, zoning, entitlements, right-of-way matters, and other development-related issues. Bryan also advises clients on refinancing transactions and complex real estate de...

David A. Miller is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Corporate Law. David A. practices law in Lakeland, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized David A. Miller since 2022. 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 David A. Miller is held by other lawyers.

David Doney focuses on M&A and public and private securities financings, corporate governance and compliance matters, as well as Securities Exchange Act reporting. David’s clients include established public companies and privately held companies with significant growth potential in sectors ranging from IT solutions to pharmacy benefits management and underwater exploration. He works closely with these clients on their financings, leveraging his longstanding relationships with source...