William S. Graessle

A shareholder with Taylor Day, John currently serves as our president and managing partner. In his business litigation practice, he protects the interests of companies, management teams, and business owners in a diverse array of commercial and torts disputes. He litigates in State and Federal Court, as well as before arbitrators in Florida. John’s general areas of experience include breach of contract claims, shareholder disputes, corporate governance disputes, joint ventures disputes, ...

Gary Wheeler has represented employers exclusively in both the private and public sectors since graduating from law school in 1997. His experience includes successfully defending employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. Mr. Wheeler is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, as well as the Florida state bar. Mr. Wheeler is a frequent lecturer at seminars for employers. He provides in-house training on workplace issues to su...

Shaw Ashley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Shaw, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shaw is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Brian J. Aull is a partner in the Jacksonville office. He practices in all phases of civil litigation, including personal injury litigation, construction litigation, employment and labor, insurance coverage and carrier representation, trucking/transportation and professional liability litigation. Prior to joining Cole, Scott & Kissane, Mr. Aull practiced as an Assistant State Attorney, in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he was a member of the Homicide/Major Crimes Division a...

William P. Byrne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Railroad Law. William P., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Peter P. Hargitai is a trial lawyer, focusing on real estate and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Hargitai has extensive trial experience in both traditional and alternative dispute resolution tribunals, and has handled complex matters involving real estate disputes, business torts, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and anti-competitive practices. Mr. Hargitai also has developed a banking operations practice and currently represents many national and regional banks. Prior to entering pri...

Mr. Eckels devotes his practice to the defense of employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation and Longshore claims. He practices throughout Florida and Georgia in the workers’ compensation context, while his longshore and Defense Base Act practice extends nationwide. He handles all facets of workers’ compensation and longshore claims from the initial reporting of an accident and its investigation, including site visits, through the discovery process to trial, a...

Kristen L. Wenger is an attorney with Rivkin Radler LLP in Jacksonville, Florida. Her practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, insurance-related disputes, and class action defense. She represents insurers, businesses, and management in matters involving alleged deceptive business practices, consumer fraud claims, and other high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts. Kristen has worked on class actions and complex commercial litigation across the United States, including matt...

David J. Hull is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. David J., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.