John D. Russell

Amy K. Recla is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Labor Law - Management. Amy K. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Amy K. Recla 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 Amy K. Recla is held by other lawyers.

An aggressive litigator, Karina Perez Ilić has diverse expertise in civil litigation, including premises liability, Tampa motor vehicle accidents , and catastrophic workplace accidents . She is not afraid to be a fierce advocate for clients who have been wronged or injured. A Florida native, she ventured to New Orleans to receive her bachelor’s degree in business law with a minor in French language at Tulane University. She continued her legal education in New Orleans, graduating from L...

Michael M. Mills Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Michael M. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Michael M. Mills Jr. since 2024. 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 Michael M. Mills Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Ryan T. Hopper is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Ryan T. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan T. Hopper 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 Ryan T. Hopper is held by other lawyers.

For over 20 years, Erin has defended both private and public-sector employers before state and federal courts and agencies. Erin is a trusted advisor to a broad range of employers, including large hospitals, retail establishments, call centers, manufacturing companies, accounting firms, pharmaceutical companies, financial services businesses, software development companies, health care providers, school districts and municipalities. She assists employers in managing the employment relationshi...

Brian Gaudet is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Brian practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Brian Gaudet since 2026. 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 Brian Gaudet is held by other lawyers.

Ed Carlstedt serves as the office managing partner for FordHarrison's Tampa office. His practice focuses on trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant disputes as well as representing management in employment law matters, including defending employers against harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims. Ed has extensive experience in matters involving trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant related issues, and has handled dozens of evidentiary hearings in federal and ...

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...

Richard D. Eckhard is the head of the Tampa office real estate group. Mr Eckhard's practice focuses on office and retail real estate development, leasing, acquisition and disposition. He represents national and regional landlords and tenants in connection with office buildings, shopping centers and mixed–use properties. He also handles synthetic and leveraged leases. Mr. Eckhard is the incoming chair of The Florida Bar Real Property Leasing Committee. Since 2007, he has served as a memb...

Mike Hooker concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation. During his more than 30-year career, Mr. Hooker has litigated a variety of complex commercial actions, including contract disputes, business torts, products liability claims, shareholder disputes and derivative actions, antitrust and trade regulation issues, disputes between franchisors and franchisees, Section 1983 constitutional claims, real estate disputes, land use issues, unfair trade practice claims, telecommuni...