Raymond T. "Tom" Elligett, Jr.

Ryan Cappy was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and graduated Cum Laude from Jesuit High School in 1993. He attended Florida State University, where he served as president of the Interfraternity Council, before earning his Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law in 2000. While in law school, he received the Book Award in Constitutional Law, an honor presented to the student demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in the subject. Ryan began his legal career as an...

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...

James O. Lang is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. James O., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chad M. Vanderhoef is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Chad M., 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 Chad M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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...

Kristin A. Norse practices exclusively in the areas of appellate practice and civil litigation support. She has over 30 years of legal experience, including more than 20 years representing clients in trial and appellate courts and ten years working as a senior staff attorney for the Honorable Chris W. Altenbernd at the Second District Court of Appeal. She has successfully represented individuals and businesses in well over 100 involving various areas of law including complex commercial cases,...

Ciara Willis focuses her practice on civil litigation in state and federal courts, primarily in matters involving business and contract disputes, condominium associations, homeowner associations, real estate, and other general commercial litigation matters. Ms. Willis also serves as general counsel for a variety of residential and professional community associations, as well as Community Development Districts (“CDDs”).

Nicholas B. Vargo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Nicholas B., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Hooker concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation. During his more than 30-year career, Mr. Hooker has litigated a variety of complex commercial actions, including contract disputes, business torts, products liability claims, shareholder disputes and derivative actions, antitrust and trade regulation issues, disputes between franchisors and franchisees, Section 1983 constitutional claims, real estate disputes, land use issues, unfair trade practice claims, telecommuni...