Laurel Lawyers

I am the managing attorney of Brick Business Law, P.A. My firm focuses primarily on litigating and resolving business disputes in and around the Tampa Bay Area. Our clients include business organizations of various sizes and in various industries such as manufacturing, services, technology, medical, food, real estate and others. I am an AV-rated attorney with significant trial and courtroom experience (over 100 trials). I have been honored by SuperLawyers as both a Rising Star and Super Lawyer since 2015, and among the Best Business Lawyers in Tampa and St. Petersburg by Expertise.com. I have...

Anthony G. Ryan provides aggressive criminal defese in State and Federal Courts throughout the state of Florida. He is a board certified criminal trial attorney with over twelve years of experience. Call him today: 941-954-7132

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.

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...

Melissa Karp Elsbree has lived in Sarasota since 1972. After graduating high school, she attended The American University in Washington, D.C., obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 1983. Melissa subsequently earned her J.D. degree from Florida State University College of Law in December of 1990, immediately began her law practice in her hometown of Sarasota, and has practiced exclusively in Sarasota since that time. Formerly a partner of Karp & Karp, P.A., Melissa has longstanding experience in handling complex civil litigation matters, concentrated primarily in the areas of family law and divorce, foreclosure defense...

Brice Van Elswyk started his professional career as an investment banker in 1998. Over the next 14 years, Brice worked for several international investment banks eventually specializing in structured products with complex tax, accounting and regulatory capital constraints. Working closely with the top international law firms in the world as an investment banker inspired Brice to leave wall street behind and go to law school. Brice spent the next seven years at the State Attorney’s Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida. While at the State Attorney’s Office, Brice prosecuted crimes ranging from misdemeanors such as DUI’s and domestic batteries, all...

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...

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...

I practice law from my office in Venice, Florida. My practice areas include Divorce and Family Law, Business and Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Probate and Trust Litigation.

I am a registered patent attorney and member of the Florida Bar. I am licensed to practice law in the State of Florida.

I graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 2012 with my J.D., and I graduated from Tulane University with a B.S. in both Finance and Cellular Biology (2009).

I take a solution oriented approach to solving the legal problems of my clients. Whether that is a...

Michelle is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law with an L.LM in Elder Law, Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law with a Juris Doctor, State College of Florida with a Paralegal Certificate, University of South Florida - Sarasota/Manatee with a Bachelor's Degree in History, University of Phoenix with a Master in Accountancy, and Florida Metropolitan University with a Bachelor's in Accounting.

A firm believer in education, she continues to encourage others by being an Adjunct Professor at State College of Florida's Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Venice Campuses since 2016. She teaches the Legal Research and...

Allan is an Attorney and CPA whose practice focuses on legal and business management services for passionate clients in the entertainment/media and fashion/apparel industries. His unique background allows him to service clients with all aspects of transactional entertainment matters, copyright and trademark matters, licensing, and financial and tax consulting. Allan serves as counsel to musicians, records producers, managers, record labels, music publishers, actors, film and photography production companies, designers and apparel companies. His past professional experience includes EMI Music, Woods & Middleton, LLP, Deloitte (tax, licensing, royalty audits), and Tommy Hilfiger. He also has experience...

Attorney Sherri L. Johnson provides discreet, compassionate counsel to clients in the Sarasota and Bradenton area who are experiencing financial difficulties and are considering a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing. Ms. Johnson personally handles each client's bankruptcy case from start to finish, including attendance at the Meeting of Creditors.

Kevin Sanderson serves your legal needs throughout all of West Central Florida, including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton, North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Arcadia, Englewood, and Naples.

Education
Kevin F. Sanderson is a graduate of Boston University (B.A., Psychology) and obtained his juris doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. He continued his education, obtaining his LL.M. (legal laureate masters) in international taxation and offshore finance, also at St. Thomas University School of Law. Kevin was born and raised in New Jersey.

Licenses
Mr. Sanderson is a member of the Florida Bar, a member...

Carol Avard is a member of the Medical Malpractice, Social Security, Federal Torts, and Motor Vehicle Collision sections of the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America). She is also a member of the Bad Faith, Disability Law, Employment Law, ERISA Litigation, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, Nursing Home, PI/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Professional Negligence, and Social Security Disability Law sections of The Florida Association for Justice. Additionally, she is an Accredited Veterans Disability Attorney. Carol is a member of the NOSSCR Board of Directors – a professional association of Social Security Disability practitioners.

Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Richard Ellis graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1976 and received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1979. Mr. Ellis has served on the City of Sarasota Planning Board, City of Sarasota Board of Adjustment, and currently serves as Special Magistrate for the City of Sarasota, a position he has held since 1999.

Mr. Ellis has filed in excess of 5,000 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases over the past three decades and has handled hundreds of family law matters since beginning practice in 1979.

Mr. Ellis spends his...

Ronald W. Chapman is the owner of Chapman Law Group and has been practicing law for over 25 years in Michigan and Florida. He is AV® Rated. Ron is a recognized leader in the legal community and a frequent speaker in the area of medical malpractice and risk management. In 1997 Ron was ranked as one of the top ten speakers for Skillpath, Inc. Ron graduated from California State University, Sacramento (BA, Cum Laude 1979), University of Southern California School of Administration (MPA 1980) and Wayne State Law School (JD 1984). After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air...

I am a Southwest Florida attorney board certified in labor and employment law by the Florida Bar. My practice focuses on employment law, insurance claims, whistleblower representation, and civil litigation.

Much of my law practice involves the representation of current and former employees denied proper compensation; victimized by discrimination or retaliation in the workplace; or requiring legal assistance with non-compete agreements. I'm also heavily involved with the representation of families and businesses denied appropriate insurance coverage following Hurricane Irma. Additionally, I provide representation for Medicare fraud whistleblowers, sexual abuse victims, and most business litigation matters.

I have...

Rob Andretz is passionate about helping his clients. Rob has had the honor and privilege of being licensed to practice law since 2003, and he is happy to put his education and experience in the fields of law, biology, and psychology to work for health professionals in need of his help. Rob enjoys being able to be a light in the darkness for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives.

Rob primarily devotes his time to helping health professionals accused of violating state and federal laws in criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout the...

Daniel A. McGowan is a Trial Lawyer and Litigation Counsel for individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and institutions. Practice exclusively in the area of advising fiduciaries and individuals in all aspects of trust administration and related court proceedings, including will and trust contests, actions to construe, modify and reform wills and trusts, breach of fiduciary duty claims, elder abuse, as well as proceedings to remove and surcharge fiduciaries. Mr. McGowan is a member of the Florida Probate Rules Committee (2020 Term); Florida Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Estate and Trust Law Section of the Ohio Bar; Probate and Trust...

For the past four (4) decades I have been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Probate & Trust Administration and Litigation, and Probate Avoidance. I have also represented Florida corporate entities, shareholders, LLC members, and partners in business transactions, contract drafting, succession planning, mergers & acquisitions, and business disputes. My clients include opposite-sex and same-sex couples, business owners, individuals looking to protect their assets from creditor claims, retirees, family members needing guidance in the administration of a Florida probate estate or an inheritance dispute, and relatives of individuals who need to...

As a dedicated IRS Tax defense attorney Mary has been helping clients get tax debt relief by negotiating currently non-collectible status, offers in compromise, installment agreements, innocent spouse relief, audits, removing levies, releasing liens, and negotiating penalty abatement. Mary's career as a IRS tax attorney began in 1993 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree in 1988 and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University, Babcock Graduate School of Management in 1990. Her career in tax law...

I am a practicing attorney with over twenty-seven years experience in Florida and New York. I currently actively litigating family law cases including modification of alimony, domestication of a foreign decree and dissolution of marriage cases. Additionally, I am appearing as local counsel for Plaintiff’s in debt collection, mortgage foreclosure and insurance subrogation cases. I previously served as a Child Support Hearing Officer/Magistrate for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Bradenton, Florida.

Born in Kentucky and raised in Ohio, Matt graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing). He received his law degree, Cum Laude, and his Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Stetson University. While in law school, Matt completed internships with the Chief Judge for the US District Court, Middle District of Florida, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the 12th Judicial Circuit's Office of the State Attorney in Florida. Matt also earned Book Awards in Evidence, Criminal Procedure II,...

Originally from Buffalo, New York with an NY bar license still in effect, I have been living in Sarasota for the last 25 years. My Florida Bar license was obtained in 1978 and I have been practicing since then in the fields of personal injury and family law. I believe in settling cases with mediation when possible and saving clients both time and money whenever possible. I am a member of the Florida Justice Association and believe my motto of "Talk to a lawyer who cares " should be followed. My web page is www.divorcelawyersarasota.com where additional information including client...

Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. Former Sarasota prosecutor. Owner/occupant of The Laurel Building in historic Laurel Park district of Sarasota.

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...

Ms. Phidd practices corporate law and commercial litigation.

If you have been injured by no fault of your own, LeavenLaw Injury Lawyers can help. With several litigators experienced in both state and federal court, LeavenLaw’s trial litigators have the experience needed to appropriately represent your interests and maximize your recovery. Sometimes that representation involves trial, sometimes that involves maximizing recovery faster through strategic settlement. LeavenLaw is well versed and experienced at both. If injured and you need counsel, contact our firm today! 800-526-1949

Matt Erjavec is a native Floridian who graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Business Management and received his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Matt returned home to Florida and began practicing as a personal injury attorney at a high volume law firm in Tampa, Florida. During this time, Matt gained invaluable experience handling all aspects of personal injury cases while representing thousands of injury victims. However, this experience also exposed Matt to the shortcomings of high volume law firms - namely, that many times...

My name is Sheryl Edwards from The Edwards Law Firm, PL and I am a Sarasota foreclosure lawyer. If you are facing foreclosure, or threats of the same, then it is vital that you begin exploring your options, and that you begin to pursue the results that you need. I can help investigate your situation and ensure that all options are explored, and that your rights are defended throughout this process. Contact me to begin fighting these threats today!

Christopher D. Smith received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). A long-time resident of Florida, Mr. Smith also graduated from Pine View School in Sarasota. He is a member of the bars of Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and is admitted to practice in the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida. Christopher is also certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.


Christopher started his career with the international law firm of Dechert LLP in 2001, working as an associate in the securities law...

Tampa Insurance Law Attorney

As the founder and managing partner of Germain Law Group, Michael Germain continues to represent insurance policyholders, personal injury victims, consumers, and businesses across Florida.

He is a dedicated advocate for his clients' causes, even if their case takes them against large insurance corporations. His resolve stems from nearly a decade of legal experience, which allows him to confidently fight for his clients' futures inside and outside of the courtroom.

Michael Germain founded Germain Law Group on the foundation of open-communication and a drive to help people gain the justice that they deserve.

With insurance-related matters, individuals, families,...

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,...

Bradford M. Gucciardo is an experienced attorney whose work is devoted almost exclusively to the representation of stock market investors who have been victims of stockbroker and brokerage firm misconduct. Specifically, Mr. Gucciardo helps brokerage firm customers recover stock market losses, most often of retirement savings, that they sustained as the result of mishandling of their brokerage accounts. After he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in the study of English literature, creative writing and criminology from the University of South Florida, Mr. Gucciardo, a native New Yorker, returned to New York to attend St. John’s University School of...