Matthew S. Francis

Tom Icard focuses his nationally recognized practice on construction related matters, from preparation and review of contract documents to claims negotiation and multi-party litigation (2016 Best Lawyers in America Sarasota metro area “Construction Lawyer of the Year”). He has represented both public and private owners, as well as developers, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals with respect to the construction of industrial facilities, airports, power plants, muni...

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.

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 C...

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...

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

Michael R. Whitt is a trial-tested attorney with over 35 years of experience, concentrating his trial practice in the areas of eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and business and real estate disputes. Mike’s experience includes a wide array of business and real estate litigation, including eminent domain, zoning and land use, boundary and title disputes, inverse condemnation and other property right matters. Mike is Board Certified by The Florida Bar as a Specialist in Business Litig...

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...

Stephen D. Rees, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law. Stephen D., who practices law in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen D. 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.

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 ...