Phillip S. Howell

E. Blake Paul is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. E. Blake practices law in Lakeland, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized E. Blake Paul since 2018. 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 E. Blake Paul is held by other lawyers.

As a former banker and trained credit analyst, George Guerra has a well developed sense of how business works and how business professionals think. As a practicing lawyer for nearly 20 years, those skills have been critical in helping resolve countless disputes on an individual and industry-wide basis. He has represented clients in all forms of litigation in court and in arbitration with more than 40 arbitration awards and numerous court decisions to his credit. Some of the matters he has han...

Caren Skversky Marlowe is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Caren Skversky practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Caren Skversky Marlowe 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 Caren Skversky Marlowe is held by other lawyers.

Scott Distasio is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Scott practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Scott Distasio since 2022. 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 Scott Distasio is held by other lawyers.

Since starting with the Firm in 1988, Michael’s practice has concentrated on bankruptcy and insolvency related Litigation. Michael has represented corporate and individual debtors, secured creditors, equipment lenders, landlords, creditor’s committees, trustees and petitioning creditors in involuntary bankruptcies. Michael also has substantial experience in receivership cases.

Ryan T. Hopper is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Ryan T. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan T. Hopper since 2025. 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 Ryan T. Hopper is held by other lawyers.

William R. Gower III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. William R. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William R. Gower III since 2020. 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 William R. Go...

Janet E. Wise is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2001, which recognizes her special knowledge, skills and proficiency in labor and employment law, along with her professionalism and ethical standards. As an attorney with the Sass Law Firm, she brings over 34 years of experience to the practice which primarily represents employees from both the private and public sectors in workplace disputes. Ms. Wise speaks frequently on employment law topics, especially ...

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...

For over 40 years in practice at Shumaker, Tom has served as a trusted advisor and strong advocate for clients involved in all types of complex commercial litigation. Tom serves as the firm's Deputy General Counsel and is a member of the Litigation & Disputes Service Line. Tom has been a devoted supporter and Board of Directors member of The MacDonald Training Center for more than 25 years, serving as Chairman on multiple occasions. When he is not working, Tom enjoys scuba diving, playing...