S. Elise Batsel

Kevin J. Darken is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Kevin J., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Doney focuses on M&A and public and private securities financings, corporate governance and compliance matters, as well as Securities Exchange Act reporting. David’s clients include established public companies and privately held companies with significant growth potential in sectors ranging from IT solutions to pharmacy benefits management and underwater exploration. He works closely with these clients on their financings, leveraging his longstanding relationships with source...

Mr. Lauro has an extensive national practice as a trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience. He is a native New Yorker, and his firm has offices in New York and Florida. Mr. Lauro graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. He began his practice with the international law firm of Morgan, Lewis. Mr. Lauro was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, where he prosecuted international narcotics and white co...

Lisa A. McGlynn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Lisa A., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lisa A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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”).

Ruel W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ruel W., 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 Ruel W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For more than 25 years, Bill Tinsley has provided design professionals, owners, contractors and sureties with pragmatic, cost-effective resolution of complex claims and disputes through litigation, arbitration and mediation. His practice includes drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts for traditional and alternative contract delivery methods including design-build and construction management. Each contract is tailored to meet specific project requirements. Additionally, Bi...

With over 20 years of litigation and trial experience, Phillip Howell provides clients with early, accurate case assessments, always focused on trial outcomes and mediation strategy. He practices in commercial and insurance litigation with an emphasis on first-party insurance, maritime, construction defect, and professional negligence defense. A licensed Florida CPA, Phillip uses his accounting background to quickly analyze expert findings and financial issues. He also handles complex transac...

Janet E. Wise is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Janet E., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Janet E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.