Lannie D. Hough Jr.

Steve Bernstein is managing partner of the firm's Tampa office. He also serves as a Chair of the firm’s Associate Development and Retention Committee. Steve maintains a traditional labor practice in which he represents employers throughout the United States in both state and federal courts, as well as before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other state and federal agencies. In the proce...

Phillip is a board-certified OSHA and employment lawyer, litigator, and advisor. He has practiced for more than 27 years and has developed a reputation for being a strategic, practical, and trusted partner to clients on labor and employment matters. One of Phillip’s strengths is developing teams and deploying firm resources to ensure clients receive the best possible service and results. OSHA Inspections, Citations, and Litigation. Phillip and his teams have helped clients with more tha...

Joe Rugg has 35 years of experience in representing healthcare providers, licensed professionals, and business clients in their transactional, tax, corporate and organizational, and regulatory matters. He has extensive experience in representing physicians and physician groups, including hospital medical staffs and independent practice associations, clinically integrated networks, management services organizations, diagnostic imaging centers, and ambulatory surgery centers. He has assisted he...

Astrid Guardado is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Community Association Law, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate. Astrid, 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 Astrid is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Jamie Klapholz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Jamie, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jamie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Hancock has excelled in personal injury law for over 35 years. After several years defending the insurance industry including companies such as Allstate, State Farm, Geico, & Fortune 500 companies, Mike gained insider secrets and learned the inner workings of how insurance companies defend and evaluate personal injury claims. With a clear understanding of the insurance industry and how to obtain the ultimate results for his clients, Mike founded Hancock Injury Attorneys in 1996. Mike...

Ashwin R. Trehan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Ashwin R., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashwin R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauren Yevich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration. Lauren, 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 Lauren is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alicia Schumacher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Alicia, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alicia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.