Ruel W. Smith

Joseph Harris focuses his employment law practice on litigation, compliance counseling, and risk management. Joe defends employers in federal and state courts, and before administrative agencies, in matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-hour law violations. He also represents employers in disputes involving the breach of post-employment restrictive covenants, such as noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements. In addition, Joe conducts internal investigations ...

Peter Kelly has more than 30 years’ experience in the representation of land owners and developers in the leasing, financing, sale and development of real estate. Significant projects include the sale and development of shopping centers, subdivisions, condominiums, and office and industrial parks. Mr. Kelly also represents moderate to high net worth individuals and families in all aspects of estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration.

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.

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.

Adept at navigating complex labor and employment matters, Scott Silverman is noted by Chambers USA for being “expeditious” and “excellent at providing all points of view.” His range of experience includes representation of employers in administrative proceedings, federal and state court litigation, and arbitrations. Although he has worked on a variety of labor and employment issues throughout his career, Scott’s practice has emphasized labor management relations,...

Giovanni Giarratana represents clients in complex litigation, as well as in civil and criminal investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance matters across a broad range of industries — including healthcare, government contracting, education, manufacturing, and construction. His experience includes defending clients in federal civil and criminal jury trials, representing clients in enforcement actions involving alleged violations of the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and...

Karen M. Morinelli is a Shareholder in the Tampa office. As former General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources, she brings a strong business perspective to both client relations and in her approach to manage client issues. Ms. Morinelli has managed a corporate legal department and a variety of employment related issues in corporate mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, national class action litigation and managed a successful appeal to the United States Supreme Court. She is a fre...

Chester E. Bacheller is a transactional lawyer practicing in the areas of securities, mergers and acquisitions and finance including, venture capital financing. The majority of Mr. Bacheller's practice has centered on representing companies and investors in various corporate and financial transactions. He has substantial experience in a wide range of corporate, securities and banking matters, including: public offerings of securities registered under the federal and state securities laws; cor...

Troy Carnrite's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions. He has represented both public and private companies from a wide range of industries in all aspects of commercial transactions including mergers, stock and other equity sales, asset sales, restructurings, joint ventures, financing and private offerings. His practice also includes sports and entertainment law, where he represents athletes and entertainers in a variety of matters, including team contracts and endorsement deals. Troy ...

Joseph H. Varner III is a partner in Holland & Knight's Tampa office and serves on the firm's Directors Committee. Mr. Varner is experienced in complex commercial litigation, business torts, securities litigation, professional negligence, and personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Mr. Varner has litigated complex liability and medical issues ranging from corporate shareholder disputes to wrongful death arising from medical malpractice. He has obtained significant jury verdicts and...