Scott Pence

Erin Raschke practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance. She has exclusively represented insurers and their agents since she joined Phelps Dunbar in January 2008. Her practice is focused on complex insurance coverage, counseling, and litigation and includes advising and defending insurers regarding allegations of insurer “bad faith.” Erin advises surplus lines and admitted, both foreign and domestic, insurance carriers and routinely represents them in both state and federa...

Jeff Warren's practice focuses on Chapter 11 reorganization cases. Mr. Warren was lead bankruptcy counsel to the debtor, Celotex Corporation, in one of the largest Chapter 11 cases ever filed. He successfully argued Celotex v. Edwards before the United States Supreme Court, establishing national precedent regarding the jurisdiction of bankruptcy judges.

Steve Bernstein is managing partner of the firm's Tampa office. He also serves as a Chair of the firm’s Associate Development and Retention Committee. Steve maintains a traditional labor practice in which he represents employers throughout the United States in both state and federal courts, as well as before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other state and federal agencies. In the proce...

Vit Gulbis brings an emphasis in tax and business planning to his representation of closely-held businesses and professional practices. His practice integrates the personal and estate tax planning concerns of business owners with business planning. He has represented closely-held businesses throughout their life cycle. He is experienced in the corporate governance and financial concerns of small businesses, and regularly represents clients in their merger and acquisition and financing transac...

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”).

Jamie Klapholz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Jamie practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Jamie Klapholz since 2026. 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 Jamie Klapholz is held by other lawyers.

Janet E. Wise is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2001, which recognizes her special knowledge, skills and proficiency in labor and employment law, along with her professionalism and ethical standards. As an attorney with the Sass Law Firm, she brings over 34 years of experience to the practice which primarily represents employees from both the private and public sectors in workplace disputes. Ms. Wise speaks frequently on employment law topics, especially ...

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...

Danielle S. Kemp is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Bankruptcy. Danielle S. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Danielle S. Kemp 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 Danielle S. Kemp is held by other lawyers.

Larry is a trial lawyer who has handled many types of cases in state and federal courts, including partner disputes, securities litigation, receiverships, breach-of-contract, non-competes, construction law, white-collar fraud, product liability, and intellectual property matters. Larry joined Johnson Pope in 2023. He is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation. Before going to law school, Larry worked as a daily newspape...