Matthew L. Evans

Gaylord Merlin represents property and business owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation throughout the State of Florida. Our firm guides an owner through the condemnation process, protects an owner's property rights, and fights for an owner to receive full compensation. Andrew G. Diaz represents a variety of business and property owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation. He has handled cases involving the taking of large vacant parcels, national big box retailer...

Jeff Shear is a member of the firm's Real Estate Practice Group, where he represents a wide variety of stakeholders, ranging from developers and lenders to institutional investors regarding real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financing and lending. For developer representation, Jeff handles all aspects of commercial and residential real estate projects, including acquisitions, zoning and permitting, financing, and disposition. He also represents buyers and sellers in commercial real estat...

Tyler E. Batteese is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Tyler E. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Tyler E. Batteese since 2024. 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 Tyler E. Batteese is held by other lawyers.

Office Head of Constangy's Tampa, Lakeland and Port St. Lucie Offices Recognized in publications, Best Lawyers in America (1995-2017) Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2016) Recognized in Chambers USA Guide Successfully represented companies in claims involving sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge, race, disability, age, religious and sex discrimination Successfully represented companies in wage hour claims Assisted companies in due diligence in mergers and acquisitions Acted as c...

Richard D. Eckhard is the head of the Tampa office real estate group. Mr Eckhard's practice focuses on office and retail real estate development, leasing, acquisition and disposition. He represents national and regional landlords and tenants in connection with office buildings, shopping centers and mixed–use properties. He also handles synthetic and leveraged leases. Mr. Eckhard is the incoming chair of The Florida Bar Real Property Leasing Committee. Since 2007, he has served as a memb...

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...

Richard B. Wilkes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Richard B. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Richard B. Wilkes 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 Richard B. Wilkes is held by other lawyers.

Barbara Hart is a shareholder with Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler PA in Tampa, Florida, where her practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, as well as Litigation – Bankruptcy. She is an active member of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar and previously served as the Association’s President and Chair of the Board. Barbara has also served as Chair of the District-Wide Steering Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middl...

Steven R. Wirth is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Steven R. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Steven R. Wirth since 2023. 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 Steven R. Wirth is held by oth...

Erin Raschke practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance. She has exclusively represented insurers and their agents since she joined Phelps Dunbar in January 2008. Her practice is focused on complex insurance coverage, counseling, and litigation and includes advising and defending insurers regarding allegations of insurer “bad faith.” Erin advises surplus lines and admitted, both foreign and domestic, insurance carriers and routinely represents them in both state and federa...