James J. "Jim" Kennedy III

Rhett Parker focuses his practice on litigation. His trial and litigation experience includes premises liability, traffic accident, wrongful death, personal injury, criminal defense and insurance coverage. He also practices in construction litigation for engineers, contractor and developers and is licensed to practice in all Florida state and federal courts, including the northern, middle and southern districts. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Rhett served as an assistant public defender in t...

Kristin A. Norse practices exclusively in the areas of appellate practice and civil litigation support. She has over 30 years of legal experience, including more than 20 years representing clients in trial and appellate courts and ten years working as a senior staff attorney for the Honorable Chris W. Altenbernd at the Second District Court of Appeal. She has successfully represented individuals and businesses in well over 100 involving various areas of law including complex commercial cases,...

Matthew K. Fenton has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1994. Mr. Fenton received his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Florida in 1989, with honors, and his law degree from the University of Florida, with honors, in 1993, where he served on the Editorial Board of the University of Florida Law Review. Mr. Fenton served as the first law clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Pizzo from 1995 to 1997, where he was exposed to a variety of employment law cases and d...

Frank R. Jakes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Frank R., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Frank R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris Johnson defends both local and national employers in litigation and administrative proceedings against all claims arising from the employment relationship. Chris also focuses a significant portion of his practice on litigation prevention efforts including the review and revision or personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with evolving labor and employment laws. He understands where an employer is most vulnerable and works with his clients to eliminate those vulnerabilitie...

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...

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.

Benjamin S. Jilek is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin S., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

LaKisha M. Kinsey-Sallis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law and Employment Law - Management. LaKisha M., 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 LaKisha M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...