Justin Bell

Cullan Jones represents management in resolving their complex labor, employment, and related business disputes. Throughout Cullan’s career he has represented employers on a wide range of labor and employment matters, with an emphasis on defending employers against class and collective action lawsuits under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act flowing from the conduct of criminal background checks. He also advises employers on compliance with federal and state l...

Gretchen M. Lehman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gretchen M., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gretchen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott H. Jackman, a partner in our Tampa office, is a member of the firm’s Community Association Group and focuses on litigation defense of claims against condominium, homeowner and community associations and their officers and directors, to include civil and administrative claims based on the governing statutes, employment and housing discrimination claims, actions for breach of vendor contracts, as well as personal injury and other common law claims. Mr. Jackman also handles malpracti...

Rhett Parker focuses his practice on litigation. His trial and litigation experience includes premises liability, traffic accident, wrongful death, personal injury, criminal defense and insurance coverage. He also practices in construction litigation for engineers, contractor and developers and is licensed to practice in all Florida state and federal courts, including the northern, middle and southern districts. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Rhett served as an assistant public defender in t...

Jennifer Chapman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Jennifer, 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 Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With more than 20 years of experience as a trial attorney, Russell Buhite focuses his practice on life, health and disability insurance coverage litigation, as well as myriad ERISA matters. He is also experienced in defending employers in employment law matters before the EEOC and in state and federal courts. Russell also represents a wide range of professionals including agents, brokers, attorneys, appraisers, engineers and others in all manner of alleged malpractice and errors and omissions...

Brian T. McElfatrick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Brian T., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph F. Diaco, Jr. is committed to helping injury victims in personal injury claims. Mr. Diaco began building a reputation as an aggressive advocate while litigating complex insurance cases early in his legal career beginning in 1995. For nearly 2 decades, Mr. Diaco has managed thousands of injury claims, deposed hundreds of experts (including doctors), and successfully handled dozens of jury trials Mr. Diaco grew up in St. Petersburg, and he graduated from Northeast High School in 1988. He...

Kevin Knowlton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Health Care Law. Kevin, who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Seth Schimmel practices in the areas of construction and commercial litigation. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in design and construction disputes and complex commercial litigation throughout the state of Florida. In his construction practice, Mr. Schimmel represents engineers, architects, commercial and residential developers, owners, and general contractors in a wide range of litigation matters which include construction defect and delay claims, professional liability and erro...