Ruel W. Smith

Blake Gaylord is a partner practicing in the field of eminent domain and property rights. He has successfully represented property owners statewide in jury trials, bench trials, and administrative and Value Adjustment Board proceedings. Prior to joining the firm, Blake served as an officer in the U.S. Army where he was deployed in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (Kuwait) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Professionally, he has served as the Chairman of the Eminent Domain Committee of...

Mr. Savitz regularly represents corporate and individual clients at both the trial and appellate level in matters involving construction litigation, franchise litigation, intellectual property litigation, and professional liability litigation including attorney, accountant, and design professional malpractice defense. He is also a certified mediator in federal court. Mr. Savitz is an approved panel attorney for most professional liability insurance carriers.

Gaylord Merlin represents property and business owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation throughout the State of Florida. Our firm guides an owner through the condemnation process, protects an owner's property rights, and fights for an owner to receive full compensation. Andrew G. Diaz represents a variety of business and property owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation. He has handled cases involving the taking of large vacant parcels, national big box retailer...

Shane A. Hart is a partner in Holland & Knight's Tampa office and a member of the Private Wealth Services Group. He represents clients in estate planning and estate administration matters. His practice focuses on developing comprehensive estate plans for clients in a way that minimizes transfer taxes while achieving other desired goals. He also counsels personal representatives in the administration of estates, including the preparation of necessary court filings and the estate tax return...

Keith Ligori is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Keith practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Keith Ligori since 2024. 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 Keith Ligori is held by other lawyers.

TRIAL ATTORNEY David Mitchell is an experienced litigator who has prosecuted civil litigation cases in 12 states, 17 federal district court jurisdictions, and 4 federal appellate jurisdictions. David currently concentrates his practice in the areas of personal injury litigation and medical malpractice litigation. David has previously demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of civil practice areas, having been recognized by his peers as the #1 Consumer Protection attorney for eight consecutiv...

Kelly R. High is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Health Care Law, Insurance Law, Litigation - Health Care, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kelly R. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Kelly R. High 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 Kelly R. Hig...

Nick Andrews concentrates his practice on the representation of management in matters related to labor and employment law. Nick is adept at advising clients facing complex employment law issues, including disputes related to allegations of harassment, employment discrimination, and wage and hour violations. He has appeared on behalf of employers before state and federal courts as well as administrative agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations ...

Joseph F. Diaco, Jr. is committed to helping injury victims in personal injury claims. Mr. Diaco began building a reputation as an aggressive advocate while litigating complex insurance cases early in his legal career beginning in 1995. For nearly 2 decades, Mr. Diaco has managed thousands of injury claims, deposed hundreds of experts (including doctors), and successfully handled dozens of jury trials Mr. Diaco grew up in St. Petersburg, and he graduated from Northeast High School in 1988. He...

Adam Lawton Alpert’s practice focuses on the representation of debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and trustees in Chapter 11 reorganizations and Chapter 7 liquidations. Mr. Alpert is Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, accredited by The Florida Bar. Mr. Alpert regularly represents distressed companies, unsecured creditors' committees, and purchasers of assets in all aspects of bankruptcy. Mr. Alpert's practice also includes handling ...