Jay M. Howanitz
About Jay M. Howanitz
Jay M. Howanitz is a lawyer based in Jacksonville, FL and has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America since 2024. Jay M. Howanitz is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Current Firm: Spohrer Dodd
Education: Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D., graduated 2005
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Nearby Lawyers
William P. Byrne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Railroad Law. William P., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steve is chairman of the firm and head of its Litigation Department. Steve is a trial lawyer, with his practice centered on complex commercial litigation and insolvency matters. Steve has a successful record in extended jury trials in major business disputes. Steve represents plaintiffs and defendants in contract, business torts and corporate governance disputes. His insolvency experience includes lead representation of debtors and creditors in chapter 11 reorganizations of publicly held comp...
Mr. Diebenow is a partner at the firm. His primary focus is real estate, land use, zoning, and government law. As a registered lobbyist across a wide range of issues, Mr. Diebenow represents individuals, corporations, landowners and developers to secure business and development incentives as well as entitlements including land use, zoning, concurrency and mobility fee approvals. He also provides legal counsel in real estate transactions including the acquisition, entitlement, financing, and d...
Kenneth A. Tomchin has over 30 years of litigation experience. Upon graduating law school, Ken joined the law firm of Mahoney, Adams & Criser, where he represented a wide variety of businesses of various sizes with their commercial litigation needs. After making shareholder, Ken continued his practice before founding Tomchin & Odom, P.A. in the spring of 1997. Ken joined Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd in the fall of 2019. He now focuses his practice on complex litigation matters. Ken i...
Ross H. Chafin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate and Real Estate Law. Ross H., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ross H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jennifer P. Lawson’s practice is devoted to defending insurers in all aspects of insurance law in state and federal courts throughout Florida. She primarily represents insurers and their insureds in cases involving automobile accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, property damage disputes, and automobile diminished value. Additionally, Jennifer provides counsel to insurers regarding insurance policies, civil remedy notices, and attorneys’ fee issues. Jennifer also en...
William E. Gibbs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. William E., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Peter P. Hargitai is a trial lawyer, focusing on real estate and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Hargitai has extensive trial experience in both traditional and alternative dispute resolution tribunals, and has handled complex matters involving real estate disputes, business torts, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and anti-competitive practices. Mr. Hargitai also has developed a banking operations practice and currently represents many national and regional banks. Prior to entering pri...
Lloyd Johnson Sarber III is a shareholder with Carr Allison in the Jacksonville, FL office. Johnny’s practice focuses on civil trial defense in the area of commercial motor vehicle transportation law (including tractor trailer, passenger bus and other large vehicle accidents). He also represents clients in matters involving premises liability, municipal liability, bad faith and products liability. Johnny is admitted to practice before all state courts in Florida, the United States Distr...
Daniel J. Kissane is a partner in the Jacksonville Office. His areas of expertise include: product liability defense litigation, personal injury defense, banking and financial, class actions, commercial litigation, construction defects, premises liability, consumer law, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, wrongful death defense, insurance coverage issues and toxic tort (asbestos, Benzene and other exposures). Mr. Kissane is a 1984 graduate of the University of Miami (B.A.) and recei...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.