Michael P. "Mike" Matthews

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...

SCOTT A. ARTHUR is a partner with Diaco Law, a firm dedicated to the representation of individuals and families in catastrophic personal injury cases. Previously he was a shareholder at Gunn Law Group, P.A., where his practice focused on representing policyholders and the injured in claims against insurance companies, including cases involving insurance coverage, bad faith, and unfair claims settlement practices. Mr. Arthur has served as lead trial counsel in personal injury, coverage, produc...

Dale Swope is managing partner of Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg which is the development of the solo firm practice he founded six months out of law school, in 1979. Mr. Swope is a Tampa native, and a graduate of Hillsborough High School, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida Law School. The firm’s most senior lawyer, Mr. Swope has received virtually every professional recognition available to lawyers who practice in his field. He has an AV rating (the ...

Guy has over 40 years of trial experience with over 100 trials in State and Federal Courts, as well as dozens of trials conducted before arbitration panels. He primarily represents plaintiffs in complex commercial, securities, financial malpractice and consumer fraud litigation and in class actions, generally on a contingency fee basis. He also represents defendants in selected large, complex commercial disputes. He has successfully represented plaintiffs in numerous disputes against brokerag...

Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa Bay native, is widely recognized as a trailblazer and impassioned advocate for her clients and all Floridians. She is the Minority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives and currently represents the residents of House District 67 throughout north Tampa and Hillsborough County. Prior to Ms. Driskell joining Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg as a partner in 2024, she served as Of Counsel and Shareholder for a prestigious national law firm. Ms. Driskell e...

Tim is a Shareholder in the firm’s Construction and Design Group. As a Board Certified Construction lawyer by The Florida Bar, he has experience representing owners, developers, contractors, construction managers, design professionals and subcontractors in all phases of the construction process, with an emphasis on complex construction litigation. Tim also serves on the firm's recruiting committee as the firm's hiring shareholder. Active in both professional and Bar-related activities, ...

James Maskowitz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. James practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized James Maskowitz 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 James Maskowitz is held by other lawyers.

Kelly Holbrook is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kelly practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Kelly Holbrook 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 Kelly Holbrook is h...

David Kalteux focuses his practice on employment litigation and traditional labor law and advises clients on implementing proactive strategies to reduce legal risk. David counsels and represents employers on discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and various other employment laws. David is a member of the Firm’s Wage and Hour Practice Group and specializes in repr...

Michael L. Wiener is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Michael L. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Michael L. Wiener since 2019. 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 Michael L. Wiener is held by other lawyers.