Rick A. Buchwalter

Charles “Chuck” Buford is a dual Board-Certified civil trial and business litigation attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator with more than forty years of experience handling complex disputes throughout Florida. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Chuck represents businesses, individuals, insurers, and professionals in matters involving Commercial Litigation and Mediation. As a partner with Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP, he focuses on helping...

Rachael comes to Johnson Pope with diverse experience in employment law and trial litigation. While a student at Stetson College of Law, Rachael was a member of Stetson’s nationally recognized trial team and a member of the Stetson Law Review. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008, Rachael has represented clients in federal, state, and appellate courts on a variety of employment related matters. Rachael is an active member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association where she co-cha...

Caitlin M. Powell joined the Trust & Estates team of Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP, as a probate, trust, and guardianship litigator in July 2019. Caitlin represents individuals and entities across Florida in a range of matters related to probate, trust and guardianship administration and disputes. Caitlin has focused her career on probate, trust and guardianship law since law school, when she volunteered at the North Florida Office of Public Guardian, Inc., and worked with...

Timothy B. Perenich is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Bankruptcy and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Timothy B. practices law in Clearwater, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Timothy B. Perenich 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 Timothy B. Perenich is held by other lawyers.

James B. Soble is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. James B. practices law in St. Petersburg, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized James B. Soble since 2013. 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 B. Soble is held by other lawyers.

Ryan is a partner in the firm’s St. Petersburg office. He is a state and federal trial lawyer as well as a certified civil court mediator. His litigation practice includes complex business disputes; construction law; corporate/partnership disputes; employment related litigation; hospitality law; probate litigation; appellate practice; and real estate law. His real estate matters encompass contract disputes, ad valorem tax challenges, commercial landlord/tenant matters and land use/zonin...

Sandra Fascell Diamond is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Sandra Fascell practices law in St. Petersburg, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Sandra Fascell Diamond 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 Sandra Fascell Diamond is held by other lawyers.

EXPERIENCE Charles joined the firm after graduating law school in 1989. He is a board certified civil trial attorney and handles a wide variety of civil litigation cases. His experience includes cases involving businesses disputes, trust and estate litigation, construction defect litigation, and litigation involving non-competition agreements and other restrictive covenants. DISTINCTIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Admitted to The Florida Bar – 1989 Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law ...

Gary E. Williams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Gary E. practices law in Palm Harbor, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Gary E. Williams 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 Gary E. Williams is held by other lawyers.

Serving as of-counsel, Joseph W. Gaynor, joined the firm Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP in January 2008. Joseph W. Gaynor, P.A. (1995 – present), was the successor to Jacobs, Robbins and Gaynor, P.A. and its successors by merger (1971-1995) specializing in real estate; acquisition, financing and conversion of manufactured home communities and apartments; development of shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, condominiums and planned unit developments, inc...