Highlands County Lawyers

As a partner at Band, Gates & Dramis, P.L., Chad Gates is proud to represent clients throughout the Sarasota area. He brings more than 20 years of impressive legal experience to the table, taking on a wide range of cases in that time. Attorney Gates handles matters involving estate planning, probate, personal injury, real estate law, corporate law, and various other issues. He boasts unwavering dedication to his clients, always striving to secure the best possible outcome on their behalves. From tenacious advocacy to skillful negotiations, he knows how to deliver it all. Attorney Gates is currently a member of...

Kelly G. Swartz practices in the areas of intellectual property and business law. She received a B.S. in computer engineering with high honors from the University of Florida and worked as an electrical engineer before earning her J.D. with high honors from Barry University School of Law. She is a patent attorney registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is licensed to practice in the state courts of Florida, the federal Middle District of Florida, the federal Southern District of Florida, and the federal Northern District of Florida. She is a member of the American Bar Association,...

I have practiced law for 32 years. My experience is broad, but has mostly focused on litigation, court practice, and document drafting and review. I have MANY YEARS of courtroom experience. I handle a variety of family and criminal law issues including, but not limited to, divorce, child support enforcement, alimony issues, parenting issues, domestic violence injunctions, mediation, DUI's, drug offenses, battery, probation violations, and theft-related offenses, among many others. I also provide many estate planning services, including the drafting of documents such as, Wills, Power of Attorney (durable or for a limited purpose), and Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills,...

My mission is to work with my clients and limit their legal costs and liability while I zealously represent them on employment law and health law matters. As a solo practitioner, my clients have direct, unfettered access to me as your attorney. This is a different concept than what you will find in larger law firms or even some solo practitioners. I believe that this type of access is something my clients should expect from their lawyer.

Managing Attorney of Bates-Buchanan & Savtisky Law Group since 2011 when the private law firm Bates-Buchanan Law Group, which is now Bates-Buchanan & Savitsky Law Group added Susannah Savitsky as a partner in October 2012. Specializes in Probate, Estate Planning, Trust Managment, Collaborative non- litigation family law cases, as well as animal trust planning, real estate and collections law, foreclosure defense, landlord/tenant law and bankruptcy. Dawn Marie is a graduate of Venice High School, Venice, FL and University of South Florida in Tampa. She graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1998 and worked for Community Legal Services of...

Steven W. Ledbetter works from his Venice, Florida, office on matters involving estate planning and administration, business transactions and corporate law, real estate, construction law, contract, and title insurance matters. Steven W. Ledbetter has been practicing law since 2002. His practice has included work in a wide range of subject areas while representing a wide range of clients including the federal government, corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. His practice has taken him from the mountains and rain of Portland, OR, to the shops and great restaurants of Dallas, TX, and finally back to his home state of Florida...

Lee Karina Dani received her B.A. in psychology from Florida State University in 2000 and is a 2003 graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Law. Ms. Dani was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004 and has been an associate with Korshak & Associates, P.A., since her admittance. Since joining the firm, Ms. Dani has handled hundreds of cases including civil litigation, probate, guardianships, divorces, child support, child custody, stepparent adoption, landlord/tenant, disputes with homeowners' associations, personal injury, and commercial and residential closings. Ms. Dani is the managing attorney for the probate, family law and guardianship sections of...

Todd Passman has practiced law since 1998 and is admitted to the Florida Bar as well as the Georgia Bar.

He was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he graduated from Fort Pierce Westwood High School in 1991. On graduating, Todd was awarded both a Florida Undergraduate Scholars Scholarship and a Florida State University Academic Scholars Scholarship. He attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and graduated in 1995 with a degree in accounting. While attending Florida State, Todd Passman studied abroad in London, England as part of Florida State University’s International Program. Finally, Todd attended the very prestigious...

DAVID P. JOHNSON received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration and his law degree from Wayne State University. He has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Tax Law since 1995 and Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates since 1996. He is one of thirty eight (38) of Florida's 100,000 attorneys to be Board Certified in both Tax Law and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Certification is the highest level of evaluation of an attorney's competency and experience in the areas approved by the Florida Supreme...

I am a 1991 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, and have an undergraduate degree in public administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. I worked as a prosecutor after graduating from law school, and have been in private practice since 1996. I handle all types of criminal cases, primarily in the Sarasota and Manatee county areas.

Neil J. Buchalter, J.D., Attorney at Law, is the founder of Neil Buchalter, P.A. and Buchalter & Pelphrey Attorneys At Law. These law firms have represented individuals and businesses in Brevard County for over 45 years. Mr. Buchalter was raised in Brevard County, attended public and high school in Brevard County and attended college and law school in Florida. His ties with Florida have been throughout his entire life.

Aggressive, dynamic, innovative, and compassionate, Mr. Buchalter brings a skill set that is unique to Brevard County. His knowledge and experience enables him the ability to provide sound solutions and maximum protection...

I practice civil litigation and criminal defense. I began my legal career in the Washington, D.C. office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, a New York-based international law firm, where I was a member of the business fraud litigation group. In 2010, I returned to Sarasota, where I was born a raised, to practice law with my father, a board certified civil trial lawyer with over 40 years of experience, and his law partner, Elliott Metcalfe, an AV rated former public defender with over 30 years and thousands of trials worth of experience. I have experience representing commercial...

Mr. Eisenberg is one of only a handful of criminal defense attorneys (seven, to be exact) in all of Sarasota County who has been recognized by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert. There's a reason why there are so few board certified criminal defense attorneys. That's because the Florida Bar's requirements for board certification are so difficult to achieve! Only lawyers who have been recognized by the Florida Bar as "Board Certified" are legally entitled to call themselves an "Expert" or "Specialist" in their area of the law. It is the highest...

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney born and raised in Manatee County. I hold degrees from the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University. My career began as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward and Hillsborough Counties, where I dedicated myself to defending the accused. I have served as the President of the Manatee County Bar Association and am a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, roles in which I am recognized as a respected leader and relentless advocate within the regional legal community. Throughout my career, I have successfully defended clients charged with serious offenses, securing Not Guilty...

Jessica practices as an attorney in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate Administration and Elder Law. In addition, Jessica is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator. Prior to starting her own firm, Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva, PLLC, Jessica was an Associate Attorney with Panouses Law Group.

Before practicing law, Jessica garnered legal experience through her previous roles as Judicial Assistant to Brevard County Judge David E. Silverman for four years, and as a Civil Litigation Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Certified Notary Signing Agent, Real Estate Agent, Florida Mortgage Broker, Real Estate...

Mr. Friedland is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, Appellate, and Circuit Civil Mediator. Mr. Friedland graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1972 and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Mr. Friedland practiced in Connecticut from 1975 through 1988 when he relocated his practice to Sarasota, Florida. He is a member of the Family Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution Section, and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of the Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar Association, and American...

A veteran of the United States Army and Texas National Guard, and a native Floridian, John Russo has a passion for helping his neighbors. Born and raised in Central Florida, John chose to serve his country in the United States Army. After his service, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development. Pursuing his interest in the law, John earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Wyoming. This background provided John with the foundation that developed his commitment to professional excellence, client service, and providing the best possible legal...

I have been practicing criminal law in Central Florida and the Gulf Coast area for nearly 33 years, with a broad range of experience in both Federal and State Courts across Florida. Over the years, I have successfully litigated various crimes, including but not limited to Sexual Battery, Possession of Child Pornography, and Travelling to Meet a Minor in both State and Federal courts. I firmly believe that diligent work and thorough preparation are crucial in providing excellent representation for my clients. I also recognize the significant impact that being charged with a criminal offense can have on my clients'...

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Nick has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense, earning a reputation as a passionate defender in the courtroom. He believes each case brings unique obstacles, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a seasoned defense lawyer capable of recognizing and addressing these challenges.

Mr. Yarnell has been admitted to the Florida Bar, Texas Bar, all Florida and Texas Federal District Courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Yarnell first attended Louisiana Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering graduating summa cum laude (1987). After completing his service in the U.S. Navy, Yarnell attended Harvard Law School and received his juris doctor degree graduating cum laude (1996).
Conducted over a dozen trials and hundreds of hearings as sole or lead counsel. Litigated cases throughout the State of Florida and in Utah,...

Bishop L. Toups is an estate planning, elder law, and tax attorney in Southwest Florida. He helps clients with their various estate planning needs and helps clients navigate the Medicaid system here in Florida. He also represents clients nationwide and worldwide in front of the IRS. Bishop is also a V.A. accredited attorney and helps Veterans obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

He graduated from The Florida State University, Stetson University of College of Law, and he received a tax law degree (LL.M.) from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, which is consistently ranked a top 3...

Immigration Attorney with over 10 years experience. Practice focused on investor visas, family-based visas, removal defense, citizenship and naturalization, appeals, and Federal litigation.

I have guided and advised clients through their personal and commercial transactions in business and real estate, through their simple and complex estate planning situations and also through all forms of estate administration and probate.

I am a native Floridian and Cuban-American, born and raised in the vibrant state of Florida. In 2015, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of Central Florida. Before stepping into the legal field, I was deeply involved in coordinating healthcare services for injured workers within Florida’s workers’ compensation system. This role provided me with invaluable experience in navigating complex regulations and advocating for those who were injured. In 2017, I moved to Saint Petersburg to pursue my legal studies at Stetson University College of Law. During my time in law school, I sharpened my skills as...

Attorney Andrew John Manie was born in Queens, New York, to a family with roots in Trinidad and Tobago. Raised in the Virgin Islands and later settling in North Lauderdale, Florida, Mr. Manie’s diverse upbringing has provided him with a unique perspective on life and the law. He graduated from Boyd Anderson High School, and soon after, he answered the call to serve his country. The day after his 18th birthday, Mr. Manie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a communications repairman with an infantry battalion. His military service included a deployment to Iraq, where he...

A native of Florida, Timothy H. David earned his J.D. from Nova Law School in 1985 and his B.S. from the University of Central Florida in 1981. He is admitted to practice law in Florida bar and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. David started his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida. Mr. David worked as a Felony Prosecutor where he gained considerable trial experience. He then joined a large insurance defense firm. At this firm he continued his trial practice defending various insurance companies and governmental agencies against...

Mr. Russo is a personal injury, car accident, and medical malpractice attorney located in Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Russo's office is located across from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.

He handles lawsuits involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, slip and fall, product liability, and medical malpractice. A consultation with Mr. Russo is free. Accident and injury cases are free unless you win.

Mr. Russo is originally from Lakeland, Florida and attended Lake Gibson High School. He went to the United State Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the University of Central Florida in...

Beginning with his practice focused on real estate, commercial litigation, banking, and international law, Attorney Brian N. Mark expanded his practice to business and personal injury law as well. Attorney Mark is dedicated to serving his clients with upfront and honest representation and takes the time to guide his clients through every step of the case, detail by detail. Due to his passion for law, he has received bar admission from Florida, the U.S. Districts Court Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida. Prior to his career as an attorney, Attorney Mark attended...

Joe was born and raised in Seminole, Florida. Joe a graduate of Largo High School and attended Florida State University earning both a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Science Education and Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. While earning his Master's Degree, Joe interned with the Florida Senate’s Community Affairs Committee. Following this internship, I spent several years working for the Florida Department of Community Affairs as a Community Planner. It was these professional experiences that facilitated his passion for a career as a real estate attorney. To further his ability to assist others with real estate-related issues,...

I am an entrepreneur at heart and went to college to study business. While in college I began working at a law firm, where I discovered my passion for the law. While in law school, I focused my studies on business law, and wills, trusts and estates. I graduated from law school in May of 1996 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 1996.

My first job out of law school was working for a sole practitioner representing businesses in workers compensation cases. Soon thereafter I took a job with an international law firm managing a satellite office in...

Attorney Anthony "Tony" Olson obtained his law degree from Tulane University. He has been practicing in all areas of employment and family-based immigration law since 2000. Tony has lived and studied in Europe for extensive periods of time, and he has gained a solid understanding of other cultures and immigrants' hopes for a successful future in the United States. He is actively participating in lobbying efforts by legal, community-based, and business organizations that promote comprehensive immigration reform and expanded opportunities for legal immigration.

Tony is fluent in English, German, and Czech, and conversant in Swedish, Hungarian, Russian, and Spanish.

Tyler Puttick joined the law firm of Rossway Swan in 2018 and practices in the areas of real estate law, probate and trust administration, estate planning and general corporate law. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Puttick served as a Law Clerk for the Firm in 2013 and later practiced at a boutique firm serving clients on the Treasure and Space Coasts.

Mr. Puttick earned his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law, where he was a member of the selective Elder Law Concentration Program and the Elder Law Society. He received a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law...

I have lived in Tampa since 1968 and practiced law in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. I have conducted over 100 trials and handled thousands of cases. I have the experience to help you with your situation. Call me for your free initial consultation.

Richard Weldon is an experienced civil trial attorney based in Southwest Florida, and the managing member of Weldon & Rothman, PL. Mr. Weldon focuses his practice on personal injury and civil litigation.

In the area of personal injury, Mr. Weldon provides aggressive representation for matters involving auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, boating accidents, slip and falls, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death. Over the past decade, Mr. Weldon has successfully represented hundreds of individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida in personal injury cases. Additionally, Mr. Weldon maintains a general civil litigation practice, handling diverse matters including complex property disputes,...

Have you found yourself worried about the solidarity of your future due to the heartbreak of a sex crime or violent crime? If so, you need to garner the helpful understanding of a professional in quick succession. The team from the law office of Brian L. Edwards, Esq has more than a decade of experience ready to help you move forward. Don’t let your pain continue any longer than it already has, but instead work towards the effectual case completion that’s deserved. The law office of Brian L. Edwards, Esq is made up of a team of tenacious legal professionals...

Jason Gunter is an employment law attorney who has been awarded the Florida Bar Labor & Employment Law Section Scholarship for academic excellence in Labor and Employment law. Prior to attending law school, Jason was a Firefighter for the City of Cape Coral Fire Department and a member if its union, IAFF Local 2424. In 1993, he was named Firefighter of the Year for the State of Florida. In 1994, Jason attended Nova Southeastern School of Law, where he excelled academically. After his first year, Jason was appointed to the Editorial Board of the Nova Southeastern Law Review....

For nearly three decades I have navigated the legal system, achieving the results my clients desire. As a former prosecutor with hundreds of trials under my belt, I understand that a successful lawyer is not just an aggressive one in the courtroom but also a compassionate one outside of it. Anyone can be aggressive; it takes experience and dedication to understand when to be each. You need a lawyer to preserve your interests during the worst of times. My job and my privilege is to assist my clients through the legal system and the pitfalls that are contained therein.