Susan Bennett

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...

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

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...

Danielle S. Kemp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Bankruptcy. Danielle S., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Danielle S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ed Carlstedt serves as the office managing partner for FordHarrison's Tampa office. His practice focuses on trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant disputes as well as representing management in employment law matters, including defending employers against harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims. Ed has extensive experience in matters involving trade secret, non-compete and restrictive covenant related issues, and has handled dozens of evidentiary hearings in federal and ...

E. Blake Paul is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. E. Blake, who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which E. Blake is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Gaudet is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Brian, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Erin L. Centrone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Erin L., 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 Erin L. 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...