Joseph D. Hunt

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...

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.

Ed Suarez is a veteran trial lawyer with more than thirty years of experience representing individuals, executives, healthcare providers, and businesses in high-stakes white-collar criminal defense, federal and state investigations, False Claims Act matters and general criminal cases. A longtime Tampa resident, he has built a reputation as one of Florida’s leading defenders in complex federal cases, known for his meticulous case preparation, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment ...

ABOUT Steve Zaloudek is a Senior Trial Attorney at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers. Steve focuses his practice in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death.He has been admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and Georgia and has logged more than 30 years of trial experience in these states, obtaining several noteworthy judgments and settlements for his clients. In 2011, Steve garnered one of the top published verdicts in the state of New York. In 2012 he repeated that feat wit...

Blake Gaylord is a partner practicing in the field of eminent domain and property rights. He has successfully represented property owners statewide in jury trials, bench trials, and administrative and Value Adjustment Board proceedings. Prior to joining the firm, Blake served as an officer in the U.S. Army where he was deployed in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (Kuwait) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Professionally, he has served as the Chairman of the Eminent Domain Committee of...

Chris Johnson defends both local and national employers in litigation and administrative proceedings against all claims arising from the employment relationship. Chris also focuses a significant portion of his practice on litigation prevention efforts including the review and revision or personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with evolving labor and employment laws. He understands where an employer is most vulnerable and works with his clients to eliminate those vulnerabilitie...

Dawn has spent two decades partnering with her clients to help guide and direct their employment decisions to avoid the time and expense of litigation, and creating and executing a strategy to defend them through trial should the need arise. She is committed to knowing her client's businesses. Dawn's familiarity with her client's businesses and industries and knowledge of current legal trends is beneficial to her clients in preparing for and thwarting any potential adverse actions. It is for ...

Eric Almon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Eric, 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 Eric is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With over 30 years of litigation experience, Mike Grimley represents insurers, corporations, and individuals in a wide range of civil matters. He takes a proactive, early-assessment approach to achieve favorable outcomes through discovery, motion practice, dispute resolution, or trial. Mike has tried numerous jury and bench trials across Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, and his trial experience informs how he builds each case from the outset. His practice includes first- and third-part...

David Banker is an experienced civil trial lawyer who has tried a broad range of cases in federal and state courts involving products liability, employment discrimination, medical negligence, personal injury, commercial disputes and consumer disputes. Mr. Banker has also litigated mass tort and class action cases involving prescription drugs, medical devices and consumer products.