Javier F. Gelis

David has over 40 years of trial and litigation experience trying cases throughout the North Carolina state and federal courts. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, with special emphasis on the defense and representation of clients in trucking and transportation, product liability and business litigation. David represents numerous national clients across North Carolina. He has also successfully represented his clients at the appellate level before the North Carolina Court of A...

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, John Paul Tsahakis spent a year abroad working in Greece, the birthplace of three of his four grandparents. He returned to Chapel Hill in 2006 to earn his Juris Doctor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was an active member of the Holderness Moot Court Bench. In 2009, John Paul had the honor of competing in the National Environmental Moot Court Competition in New York. Raised in...

Over 30 years representing defendants in business and complex litigation, including commercial and employment disputes, securities, class action and antitrust cases. Has lectured in the areas of trial practice, civil procedure, and insurance law. Former President of the Oklahoma County Bar Association, 2007-08.

Michael Calogero is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Michael, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James A. Roberts III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Corporate Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. James A., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and...

Steven J. Pace is an Attorney and Senior Vice President at S&I whose work focuses on environmental law, energy law, civil litigation and insurance law. Steve is listed in the Best Lawyers in America for Energy Law and Environmental Law. Steve is listed as a Great Plains Super Lawyer®--2009 and 2011 -- Environmental, General Litigation. Steve is a Fellow in the Iowa State Bar Association, the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Steve serves as sect...

3 Things to Know About Ryan Bliss: He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law. He was recognized on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants by Best Lawyers in 2025 and 2026.* He was named to the “Top 20 Managing Partners” list by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2025.* Ryan Bliss is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where he leads the firm’s workers’...

As a former trial attorney for the DOJ, Dan knows the complexities of federal court litigation with federal agencies. He litigates cases for companies facing adverse regulatory initiatives or enforcement actions by agencies like the FDA. Dan Jarcho represents clients in federal trial court and appellate litigation involving federal regulatory issues. Dan has litigated numerous Administrative Procedure Act challenges to federal agency actions, including cases involving the U.S. Food and Drug A...

La'Toyia concentrates her practice in insurance coverage, commercial litigation, business torts and unfair competition, toxic tort litigation, white collar criminal defense, product liability litigation, drug and device litigation, and other complex civil litigation. Her experience also includes regularly conducting internal investigations for companies and providing advice on reporting obligations and representation throughout all phases of government investigations and accompanying litigati...

Susan L. Steffey was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987 and to the Mississippi Bar in 1991. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Susan practiced in Tampa, Florida, with the law firm of Sessums & Mason (1987-1990), and served as law clerk to the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-19...