L. Howard Payne

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...

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...

Christopher K. Caswell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Christopher K., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

G. Matthew Brockway is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. G. Matthew, who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which G. Matthew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bianca N. Senior is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Bianca N., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bianca N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert E. Messick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Robert E., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. 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.

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 ...

Alyssa Nohren is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Real Estate Law. Alyssa, who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alyssa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William C. McComb is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. William C., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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