James J. "Jim" Wimsatt

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...

David Kalteux focuses his practice on employment litigation and traditional labor law and advises clients on implementing proactive strategies to reduce legal risk. David counsels and represents employers on discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and various other employment laws. David is a member of the Firm’s Wage and Hour Practice Group and specializes in repr...

Steven R. Wirth is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Steven R. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Steven R. Wirth since 2023. 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 Steven R. Wirth is held by oth...

Patricia A. McLean is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Patricia A. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Patricia A. McLean since 2023. 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 Patricia A. McLean is held by other lawyers.

Brett Berger is a founding member and Partner of Berger Fernandez PLLC in Tampa, Florida. He represents individuals and families throughout Florida in cases involving injuries and losses caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Berger’s practice includes automobile negligence , serious and catastrophic injuries, premises liability matters such as trip-and-fall and slip-and-fall incidents, wrongful death , and medical malpractice. His recognized practice areas include Medical Malpractice ...

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,...

Lara J. Peppard is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Lara J. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Lara J. Peppard since 2025. 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 Lara J. Peppard is held by other lawyers.

Peter Kelly has more than 30 years’ experience in the representation of land owners and developers in the leasing, financing, sale and development of real estate. Significant projects include the sale and development of shopping centers, subdivisions, condominiums, and office and industrial parks. Mr. Kelly also represents moderate to high net worth individuals and families in all aspects of estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration.

Irina Khasin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Irina practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Irina Khasin 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 Irina Khasin is held by other lawyers.

Christine Howard is a partner in the Tampa and Atlanta offices. She also serves as a Co-Chair of the firm's Women's Initiative and Leadership Council. Christine focuses her practice on the defense of employment discrimination and harassment complaints and wage and hour and benefits litigation. She has successfully handled many dispositive motions, hearings and trials on behalf of employers. Over the last decade, she has defended numerous collective action cases filed on behalf of classes of e...