Jeffrey Koster

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...

Stephen R. Leslie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Stephen R., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Bart Valdes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Bart, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bart is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carol Rooney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Carol, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carol is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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.

Luis Santos has a unique understanding of the administrative and legal challenges faced by clients in industries like hospitality, retail, restaurant, and grocery. His previous experience as a hospitality and grocery employee gives him a particularly unique insider’s perspective. Prior to attending law school, Luis worked for many years in hospitality management. He began as a front desk clerk and worked himself up to the position of assistant hotel manager. Luis also worked as a grocer...

Catriana Messina practices in the area of insurance. She has exclusively represented insurers and their agents since she joined Phelps Dunbar in 2014. Her practice is focused on complex first-party insurance coverage matters arising under homeowners, commercial property, builders risk, catastrophe and other property insurance policies, including but not limited to hurricane claims, sinkhole claims, and claims involving suspected arson, fire, fraud, vandalism, theft, collapse, business interru...

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