William F. "Chip" Merlin, Jr.

Luis Santos has a unique understanding of the administrative and legal challenges faced by clients in industries like hospitality, retail, restaurant, and grocery. His previous experience as a hospitality and grocery employee gives him a particularly unique insider’s perspective. Prior to attending law school, Luis worked for many years in hospitality management. He began as a front desk clerk and worked himself up to the position of assistant hotel manager. Luis also worked as a grocer...

Sean Shaw is an award-winning trial attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law and is a fearless advocate for clients inside and outside of the courtroom. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Sean is a resident of the Tampa Bay community. He graduated from Princeton University in 2000 with an A.B. in Politics and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2003. In 2008, he was appointed Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate by Chie...

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...

Kevin D. Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kevin D., 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 D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly Holbrook is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kelly, 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 Kelly is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alan F. Wagner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Alan F., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alan F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal pr...

Adam Lawton Alpert’s practice focuses on the representation of debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and trustees in Chapter 11 reorganizations and Chapter 7 liquidations. Mr. Alpert is Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, accredited by The Florida Bar. Mr. Alpert regularly represents distressed companies, unsecured creditors' committees, and purchasers of assets in all aspects of bankruptcy. Mr. Alpert's practice also includes handling ...

Amy M. Darby is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Amy M., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chad D. Hansen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Chad D., who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chad D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Background Cary Gaylord has represented clients in over 30 counties in Florida as well as in the federal courts and courts of Illinois and Georgia. He has handled cases involving large vacant parcels, churches, national big box retailers, shopping centers, gas station/convenience stores, fast food restaurants, supermarket chains, professional offices, farmers, retailers, grove operators, golf course owners, homeowners, as well as other properties both in eminent domain and inverse condemnatio...