Joel Ewusiak

Elena Paras Ketchum focuses her practice on Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, representing clients throughout Tampa and the Middle District of Florida. Her practice centers on guiding businesses and individuals through complex insolvency matters, with extensive experience representing debtors in possession in Chapter 11 proceedings. She has worked with companies across a wide range of industries, including trucking, manufacturing, construction, retail,...

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.

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...

Karl Brandes practices in the areas of civil trial and commercial litigation. His practice includes petroleum marketing litigation; franchise and other trade regulation litigation; class action litigation; environmental litigation; construction litigation for engineer, architect, contractor and developer clients; condominium litigation; professional liability litigation for lawyer and engineer clients; computer litigation; personal injury litigation, including insurance and self-insured defen...

Christopher M. Bentley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christopher M. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher M. Bentley 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 Christopher M. Bentley is held by other lawyers.

M. John Burgess is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. M. John practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized M. John Burgess 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 M. John Burgess is held by other lawyers.

James O. Lang is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. James O. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized James O. Lang 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 James O. Lang is held by other lawyers.

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...

For over 40 years, Richard Maney has dedicated his legal career to championing justice for immigrants and families, establishing himself as a preeminent authority in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. As the visionary force behind Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. , he has led the firm to resolve immigration matters for 72,000+ clients —a testament to his relentless advocacy and strategic expertise. Distinguished Credentials Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law (Florida...

Guy has over 40 years of trial experience with over 100 trials in State and Federal Courts, as well as dozens of trials conducted before arbitration panels. He primarily represents plaintiffs in complex commercial, securities, financial malpractice and consumer fraud litigation and in class actions, generally on a contingency fee basis. He also represents defendants in selected large, complex commercial disputes. He has successfully represented plaintiffs in numerous disputes against brokerag...