John P. Cole

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Poole served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida in the Employment Litigation Bureau, where he represented public officials and state agencies in employment law matters. Mr. Poole has handled a wide variety of employment law matters, including litigation before both state and federal administrative agencies, state and federal trial courts, and state and federal appellate courts.

Chris is a shareholder in the firm’s Business Department. He counsels individuals and families regarding estates, trusts and tax issues involving the accumulation and preservation of wealth. As both an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, he has developed in-depth experience in the administration of complicated estates and trusts, including litigating disputes involving trustees, personal representatives and other individuals acting as fiduciaries. Chris also has extensive experien...

Lauren Weisman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Corporate Law. Lauren practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Lauren Weisman 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 Lauren Weisman is held by other lawyers.

Geoffrey D. Sessions is a Partner in our office in Jacksonville, Florida, and he has three decades of expertise in litigating and arbitrating all manner of claims, including aging services, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, and general liability claims. Geoff works with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals as well as hospitals and health care facilities to aggressively defend them in both claims that arise and other legal endeavors. He is a longtime member of the A...

Adam L. Heiden is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Adam L. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Adam L. Heiden 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 Adam L. Heiden is held by other lawyers.

John assists clients in the areas of environmental law, real estate and land use and zoning law, with an emphasis on litigation. He helps individuals, developers and public entities in all aspects of environmental due diligence, permitting and entitlement. John also assists clients in navigating the complex web of state and federal environmental statutes and regulations, including counseling clients on compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA...

Angie is a seasoned transactional lawyer whose practice focuses on complex healthcare matters and navigating mergers and acquisitions . She has advised and represented a wide variety of clients in financing transactions, healthcare regulatory matters, joint ventures, commercial contracts, clinical trials, corporate governance and more with the knowledge and insight only 25 years of experience can provide. Prior to joining Smith Hulsey & Busey, Angie was a partner at a global AmLaw 100 fir...

Steve is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and a corporate transactional lawyer in the firm’s Business and Healthcare practice areas. Steve’s practice for more than 20 years has focused on the representation of clients in their most important and complicated transactions, including the negotiation and documentation of mergers, acquisitions and stock and asset sales, joint ventures, private equity investments and financings. Steve also represents clients and executive...

Steven L. Cottrell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Steven L. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Steven L. Cottrell since 2027. 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 Steven L. Cottrell is held by other lawyers.

William E. Gibbs is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. William E. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William E. Gibbs 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 William E. Gibbs is held by other lawyers.