Scott Brown

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...

Al Gomez is a partner in the Tampa office of Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP. The majority of his practice is in the area of bankruptcy law, insolvency, assignments for the benefit of creditors and all other aspects of debtor/creditor law. He has represented clients in all aspects of bankruptcy representation and insolvency matters (debtors, creditors, trustees, assignees, receivers, purchasers, etc.) since 1990. His practice has primarily focused on the commercial and corporate...

Since starting with the Firm in 1988, Michael’s practice has concentrated on bankruptcy and insolvency related Litigation. Michael has represented corporate and individual debtors, secured creditors, equipment lenders, landlords, creditor’s committees, trustees and petitioning creditors in involuntary bankruptcies. Michael also has substantial experience in receivership cases.

Ben Dachepalli has extensive experience negotiating and drafting construction-related agreements, and litigating complex construction claims regarding contract disputes, construction defects, design errors, surety bonds and construction liens. He is dedicated to understanding each client’s business to provide comprehensive strategies that go beyond legal issues, disputes or contracts. Ben is board certified by the Florida Bar in Construction Law. He was selected as national coordinating...

Darryl has been a trial lawyer with the firm since 1982 and is Managing Partner. He has handled many types of cases, including personal injury cases, car crashes, defective product designs, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, land use litigation, non-compete litigation and sophisticated business litigation. He is also a Certified Circuit Court Mediator.

Stacy D. Blank practices primarily in the area of appellate and general commercial litigation. She has litigated appeals in the Florida District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the United States Circuit Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits. She has handled appeals and trial court litigation in numerous subject areas including trust and estates, antitrust, employment law, state and federal taxation, environmental law, family law, administrative law, intellectu...

As a founding partner of Lieser Skaff, attorney Jeffrey Lieser focuses his practice on commercial litigation , construction litigation , and commercial real estate litigation . A skilled trial attorney and certified civil mediator , Jeff brings extensive experience to his representation of clients involved in complex legal disputes, including class actions and high-stakes business conflicts in both state and federal courts. Recognized by peers and industry leaders, Jeff has repeatedly been na...

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...

Eric Almon is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Eric practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Eric Almon 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 Eric Almon is held by other lawyers.

Ryan A. Lopez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Ryan A. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan A. Lopez since 2022. 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 A. Lopez is held by other lawyers.