Kenneth M. Poole, Jr.

Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota . He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998. Mr. Byrd is Board Certified in ...

Meghan Serrano is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Meghan practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Meghan Serrano 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 Meghan Serrano is held by other lawyers.

Evan N. Berlin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Evan N. practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Evan N. Berlin since 2018. 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 Evan N. Berlin is held by other lawyers.

Salvatore G. Scro is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Construction Law. Salvatore G. practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Salvatore G. Scro 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 Salvatore G. Scro is held by other lawyers.

William C. McComb is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. William C. practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William C. McComb 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 William C. McComb is held by other lawyers.

Heather Byrd earned her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Fairfield University in 1993. During that time, she also served as an intern with the Stamford Connecticut Probation Office. While serving as an intern, Heather became interested in cases where criminal and family law overlapped, particularly in the areas of domestic violence and child abuse. Heather earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995. She graduated in the top 1/3 of he...

William W. Merrill, III is a shareholder at Icard Merrill. His nationally recognized practice in land use, planning, transportation and environmental law includes representation of both developers and public sector clients. He has received the "AV" rating, the highest rating available, from Martindale-Hubbell, which is recognized as the most respected source of authoritative and dependable information about members of the legal community and reflects confidential ratings by other lawyers and ...

Jan serves as the Sarasota Managing Partner and formerly served as the Regional Service Line Leader for the Real Estate, Construction & Development Service Line. In addition to representing individuals and corporate clients in connection with the acquisition, development, and construction of residential and commercial real estate projects, Jan represents business borrowers and state, regional, and national lenders in documenting and closing Small Business Administration (SBA) loans; borro...

Known for masterfully managing details in even the most complex transactions, Ben is detailed and conscientious in his approach to problem solving and collaborates with clients in seeing a project through from start to finish. His principal areas of practice include business and estate planning. In addition, for almost a decade, he served as the Managing Partner of the Sarasota Office and served for four years as Co-Chair of the Firm's Management Committee. As part of his business practice, B...

Brenda L. Patten is a founding member of the law firm of Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, with offices in Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Bonita Springs, Florida. Ms. Patten specializes in Land Use Law, Government Law, Administrative Law and real estate development law. She is a professional urban planner and attorney representing developers of major projects, including hotels, resorts, condominiums, shopping centers, new communities and other major developments. Ms. Pa...