Leslie Loftus

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...

Daniel C. Guarnieri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Daniel 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 Daniel C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Telese L. Zuberer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Community Association Law. Telese L., 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 Telese L. 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 Land Use and Zoning Law, 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.

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 ...

Jamie Ebling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jamie, 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 Jamie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Evan N. Berlin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Evan N., who practices law in Sarasota, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Evan N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A Partner in Hahn Loeser’s Sarasota office, Joel W. Walters focuses on business litigation, including health care, construction, insurance, and real property disputes. He serves as the Partner-in-Charge of the Sarasota office. Joel is Florida Board Certified in Business Litigation and was a shareholder in the law firm Walters Levine & DeGrave, which joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in 2025. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS For over twenty years, Joel has concentrated his practice in busi...

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 ...