James P. Terpening III

Alejandro J. Fernandez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Trade Secrets Law. Alejandro J., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alejandro J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With over 30 years of litigation experience, Mike Grimley represents insurers, corporations, and individuals in a wide range of civil matters. He takes a proactive, early-assessment approach to achieve favorable outcomes through discovery, motion practice, dispute resolution, or trial. Mike has tried numerous jury and bench trials across Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, and his trial experience informs how he builds each case from the outset. His practice includes first- and third-part...

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...

As a founding partner of Lieser Skaff, attorney Jeffrey Lieser focuses his practice on commercial litigation , construction litigation , and commercial real estate litigation . A skilled trial attorney and certified civil mediator , Jeff brings extensive experience to his representation of clients involved in complex legal disputes, including class actions and high-stakes business conflicts in both state and federal courts. Recognized by peers and industry leaders, Jeff has repeatedly been na...

Ben Dachepalli has extensive experience negotiating and drafting construction-related agreements, and litigating complex construction claims regarding contract disputes, construction defects, design errors, surety bonds and construction liens. He is dedicated to understanding each client’s business to provide comprehensive strategies that go beyond legal issues, disputes or contracts. Ben is board certified by the Florida Bar in Construction Law. He was selected as national coordinating...

Ed Suarez is a veteran trial lawyer with more than thirty years of experience representing individuals, executives, healthcare providers, and businesses in high-stakes white-collar criminal defense, federal and state investigations, False Claims Act matters and general criminal cases. A longtime Tampa resident, he has built a reputation as one of Florida’s leading defenders in complex federal cases, known for his meticulous case preparation, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment ...

Tom Hunt represents business owners in connection with all aspects of the purchase, sale, development, leasing and financing of real property. Tom’s experience spans from representing a publically-traded company in connection with a series of sale-leaseback transactions totaling nearly one billion dollars, to an individual purchasing a vacant parcel for recreational purposes, and almost everything in between. Tom devotes a large portion of his practice to assisting property owners and t...

Jolyon Acosta’s practice focuses on private wealth services for high net worth individuals, families, and multi-generational business owners. Mr. Acosta counsels clients in a variety of complex estate and business planning matters related to their wealth management needs. He has extensive experience advising clients on matters involving estate, gift, and income taxes, and routinely assists family businesses in succession and other planning matters. Mr. Acosta represents clients across a...

Cullan Jones represents management in resolving their complex labor, employment, and related business disputes. Throughout Cullan’s career he has represented employers on a wide range of labor and employment matters, with an emphasis on defending employers against class and collective action lawsuits under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act flowing from the conduct of criminal background checks. He also advises employers on compliance with federal and state l...

Tracey Jaensch is the Regional Managing Partner of FordHarrison's seven Florida offices and serves on the firm's Health Care Practice Group Committee. Tracey has tried more than 30 jury trials representing employers. A recognized industry leader, Tracey has over 25 years’ experience advising hospitals and physician practices on a broad range of topics unique to healthcare employers. In addition to healthcare, Tracey has deep bench experience in all aspects of employment issues in the re...