Michael J. Colitz III

Background Cary Gaylord has represented clients in over 30 counties in Florida as well as in the federal courts and courts of Illinois and Georgia. He has handled cases involving large vacant parcels, churches, national big box retailers, shopping centers, gas station/convenience stores, fast food restaurants, supermarket chains, professional offices, farmers, retailers, grove operators, golf course owners, homeowners, as well as other properties both in eminent domain and inverse condemnatio...

Brad is an experienced litigator who has handled a wide array of business, intellectual property, and class action disputes. He is consistently recognized by his peers as one of the leading business litigators in Florida. Brad is also a trusted advisor to clients who regularly turn to him to navigate complex business issues.

Lee Bentley’s practice includes the defense of False Claims Act and qui tam cases, internal investigations, and white collar criminal matters. He specializes in telemedicine/telehealth, compound pharmacy, and urine toxicology cases, among other alleged fraud schemes. His experience also includes complex civil litigation involving government entities. Lee has handled trials and appeals in numerous federal and state courts, and has served as sole or lead counsel in almost 40 civil and cri...

Eric Almon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Eric, 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 Eric is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Stukey is a partner in the firm’s Tampa office. His areas of practice are construction litigation and insurance defense. Mr. Stukey also focuses on Environmental Bodily Injury and Property Damage claims. His practice includes extensive experience with Chinese drywall sulfurous off-gassing, environmental/toxic spills, CPVC environmental stress cracking from incompatibility with ABF II cutting agents, mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, radon, carbon monoxide poisoning, and Legionnaire...

As a founding partner of Lieser Skaff, attorney Jeffrey Lieser focuses his practice on commercial litigation , construction litigation , and commercial real estate litigation . A skilled trial attorney and certified civil mediator , Jeff brings extensive experience to his representation of clients involved in complex legal disputes, including class actions and high-stakes business conflicts in both state and federal courts. Recognized by peers and industry leaders, Jeff has repeatedly been na...

Catriana Messina practices in the area of insurance. She has exclusively represented insurers and their agents since she joined Phelps Dunbar in 2014. Her practice is focused on complex first-party insurance coverage matters arising under homeowners, commercial property, builders risk, catastrophe and other property insurance policies, including but not limited to hurricane claims, sinkhole claims, and claims involving suspected arson, fire, fraud, vandalism, theft, collapse, business interru...

John Phillips practices in the area of labor and employment. He represents employer clients in labor and employment matters throughout the United States. Past and present clients include manufacturers, retailers, rental car companies, financial institutions, medical services, hospitals, hotels, physicians’ professional associations, employee leasing companies, government contractors, insurance companies, shipyards, mining companies, and restaurants. He regularly appears in both state an...

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.

Fentrice D. Driskell is a Tampa Bay native, a nationally respected attorney, and is recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Antitrust Law. Widely recognized as a trailblazer and impassioned advocate for her clients and all Floridians, she serves as the Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives and represents the residents of House District 67 throughout North Tampa and Hillsborough County. Prior to joining Swope, Rodante P.A. as a partner in 2024, Ms. Driskell served ...