Umatilla Lawyers

I am an attorney, author, and advocate. For the past 35 years, I have dedicated my practice to the representation of injury victims and their families. My clients have ranged in age from infants to one client who was 106 years old. Throughout the State of Florida, I have represented clients and guided them through the challenges of an injury case. From intake through conclusion, I am there for my clients. My firm's motto is On Your Side - At Your Side. This is a simple and powerful motto that puts the...

I am an Iowa native who has lived in Lake County, Florida since 2005. I focus my practice primarily on residential and commercial real estate transactions, land use, education law, local government law, and litigating real property matters.

Professional: Admitted to The Florida Bar on September 17, 2002 (Bar Number 0568831); licensed as a Florida Certified Public Accountant (License Number AC34985) on June 11, 2002; admitted to the Federal Bar, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on November 13, 2002; United States Tax Court. on July 29, 2008. Personal: Born Lakeland, Florida, on February 8, 1967. Married to Melody A. Shipley nee Cottingham of New Port Richey, Florida on January 29, 1994. Three sons and two daughters. Education: B.S. in Management, The Florida State University, 1994 B.S. in Accounting, The...

Richard M. Adams, Esq., has been providing clients in Orlando and throughout Central Florida with outstanding legal guidance and representation for over 18 years. As managing partner of the Law Office of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Adams focuses his law career on providing skilled legal representation for individuals accused of a wide array of crimes including assault and battery, child abuse, DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, theft, and more. In addition, Mr. Adams represents victims of negligence who have suffered injuries in auto accidents, motorcycle and trucking accidents, premises liability and wrongful death due to the negligence...

Jed was born in Newton, Iowa, but he grew up in Central Florida.

He went to Lake Mary High School, graduating Summa Cum Laude (over 4.0 GPA), while playing varsity baseball and volleyball. He attended Florida State University and obtained degrees, with honors, in both Finance and Insurance/Risk Management. Jed stayed at Florida State for law school where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree with honors.

While at Florida State College of Law, Jed clerked at the Department of Highway Safety where he specialized in appellate issues for DUI cases. He later clerked at a civil insurance-defense law firm, Henry, Buchanan,...

A consumer protection practice, the Law Office of Cynthia O'Donnell helps student loan borrowers and identity theft victims as well as other consumers manage their debt and credit issues.

Cynthia Fussell O'Donnell was born and raised in the panhandle of Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in Music. Coming from a long line of military veterans, she joined the U.S. Navy and attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in February 2001. While in the Navy, she served onboard USS Mahan (DDG-72) as the Strike Warfare Office and USS Hue City (CG-66) as the Damage Control Assistant...

Brent C. Miller is an experienced trial lawyer who dedicates his practice to personal injury and litigation. With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Miller has helped thousands of clients pursue compensation through personal injury claims. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, joining a limited group of trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, skill and experience by obtaining a settlement, award or verdict of $1 million or more. Mr. Miller attended DePaul University in Chicago, Ill., and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree. He then pursued his juris doctor degree from Indiana...

Anton J. Nace, Esq. has served the Central Florida community as a criminal defense attorney for 22 years. Mr. Nace was born and raised in Florida and is well known throughout the legal community, possessing a strong reputation amongst attorneys and judges in the Orlando area and throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Nace began his career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Florida. He handled misdemeanor and felony cases before accepting a position in a specialized unit that dealt with Sex Crimes and Child Abuse. He furthered his career as a partner in several law firms, distributing his...

Thomas B. Luka, Esq. is a native Central Floridian who has provided clients with exceptional courtroom representation and guidance for over 16 years. As a partner at the law firm of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Luka has an extensive background in litigation, and has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal and civil trials. Mr. Luka has appeared as a legal analyst on local and national talk shows such as CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Geraldo Rivera, Jane Velez Mitchell and Court TV. Thomas Luka began his law career as an Assistant State Attorney in...

Patrick Harris is a retired judge (2003-2015) now serving as a lawyer in Central Florida. His practice focus includes Criminal, Traffic and DUI Defense, Mental Health (Baker Acts, Guardianship), Education Law (school suspensions, expulsions and disciplinary actions), Administrative Law, Small Business Law, and Child and Family Law. His 25 years of legal experience, both as a trial attorney and a judge, gives him the Legal Knowledge and Practical Wisdom to give Trusted Advice on a wide range of legal issues.

During his tenure on the bench, Mr. Harris presided over a docket that consisted of both criminal and civil cases....

Charles D. Fantl has been protecting the legal rights of Central Floridians for over a quarter century in both state and federal courts in the areas of criminal, personal injury and family law. Many of his clients have had exceptional results in the more than 100 jury and judge trials, along with his experience bringing motions and appeals.

Attorney Stephanie Modica is a native of Clermont, Florida. Stephanie attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Subsequently, she earned her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude from Roger Williams University School of Law where she was a participant in the Honors Program and Assistant editor of the Law Review.

Stephanie began her career as a Judicial Staff Attorney in Lake County for the Honorable Don F. Briggs, Honorable Mark A. Nacke, Honorable Michael G. Takac, and Honorable James Baxley. As Staff Attorney in both Circuit & County Court, Ms. Modica developed extensive knowledge...

Trial Attorney both Civil and Criminal excess of 100 Trials to verdict. Licensed both Florida and Michigan 23 years of legal experience. Candidate for Lake County Judge.

D. Graham Anderson is an experienced personal injury attorney serving clients across Clermont, Leesburg, and The Villages, Florida. His practice focuses on auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death claims, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and premises liability including negligent security. A former insurance defense attorney, Graham now uses his deep understanding of insurance strategies to fight for the rights of injured individuals and their families. He earned his law degree from Barry University School of Law, where he served on the Moot Court Honors Board, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University. Graham...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Joseph C. Shoemaker is a seasoned trial lawyer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who represents individuals and businesses in complex litigation, employment and discrimination claims, aviation disputes, contract conflicts, real-estate controversies, and civil-rights actions. Since earning his J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2000, Joe has tried and resolved cases in state court and every federal district court in Florida, drawing on earlier experience clerking for Judge Martha Lott and serving as an avionics technician on Harrier aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. Known for translating intricate legal issues into clear, practical advice, he leverages disciplined...

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

Legal Practice Areas: Family Law Business Law Estate Planning Probate Civil Appeals (Appellate Law) Landlord/Tenant Pet Trust Guardianships Litigation Percentage: 90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation Bar Admissions: Florida, 2008 Education: University of Florida Levin College of Law Gainesville, Florida J.D. cum laude – 2008 University of Florida Gainesville, Florida B.A. – 2004 Major: English Professional Associations and Memberships: Eighth Judicial...

H. Manuel Hernández has been an attorney for more than 40 years. He is dual Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Criminal Trial Law and Criminal Appellate Law, and is also Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Criminal Trial Advocate. AV rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory, the highest rating bestowed on attorneys by this venerable and renowned legal bibliographer. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Colorado, Puerto Rico and Middle District of Florida. H. Manuel Hernández is a solo practitioner and will defend you personally. Experience counts.

I am a Board Certified Elder Law attorney practicing primarily in the areas of Estate Planning, Medicaid Asset Protection, Probate, Guardianship, Family Law, and Bankruptcy. These are all areas which affect senior citizens. I have 3 locations to best serve my clients: The Villages, Orlando, and Volusia County, FL

Jacqueline R. LaVerne is a compassionate consumer bankruptcy attorney at Bogin, Munns & Munns, serving clients across Orlando, Clermont, and Kissimmee. She focuses on Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy, helping individuals navigate financial hardship with empathy and reassurance. Jacqueline discovered her passion for bankruptcy law during an internship in law school, which led her to take specialized courses and extern at the Federal Bankruptcy Courthouse in Orlando. A proud UCF alumna, Jacqueline brings a personal, client-centered approach to her practice, drawing on her background in a law enforcement family and her desire to make a difference. When not practicing law,...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

Attorney Michael E. Golub provides legal counsel to residents of central Florida in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, and criminal defense. Mr. Golub is an effective negotiator and litigator who is more than capable of handling matters through litigation or mediation. He is a certified as a family law, circuit civil, and appellate mediator by the Florida Supreme Court. Additionally, he has a wealth of litigation experience representing criminal clients in misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile matters and was an Assistant Public Defender for the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Mr. Golub lives in Tavares with his wife and three...

Gregg R. Brennan, Esq., is the owner and sole practicing attorney in the firm. Mr. Brennan has been licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 2000 and has previously worked as an attorney for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Office of the State Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association and the Citrus County Attorney's Office before forming the Law Offices of Gregg R. Brennan, P.A. Mr. Brennan has represented clients before county and circuit courts in the State of Florida, as well as the Florida Third, Fourth and...

A Florida board-certified intellectual property lawyer, Mr. Leetzow previously practiced intellectual-property law at two large Washington DC intellectual property law firms and a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive patent prosecution experience in the fields of medical devices and medical imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound), golf clubs and related devices, office products, flour-milling equipment and processes, and fiber optic devices and processes. Also, he has experience in trademark prosecution and infringement issues. He has served as an expert witness for patent and royalty issues in a litigation where the jury awarded the client more than $550 million in damages, and the...

I limit my practice to representing people through the bankruptcy process and have been practicing bankruptcy law in the Middle District of Florida since 2000.

I live in South Lake County with my Wife, 2 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 cat.

I would be honored to help you through a difficult time. Give me a call and let's get started.

Hunter

David Haas is a state and federal criminal defense attorney and represents clients throughout Florida and in federal courts around the country. He is a former state and federal prosecutor with extensive jury trial experience, including handling more than 65 jury trials. A fifth-generation Floridian, he graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2001 and began his career as a state prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. After three years of handling felony and misdemeanor offenses, attorney David Haas was promoted to Chief of the Economic/Environmental Crimes Division where he was...

Jason Turchin, Esq. is an Attorney, Author, Media Correspondent, Producer and Entrepreneur who has handled more than 6,500 Personal Injury, Accident, Product Liability, Life Insurance, and Wrongful Death Claims. Jason has appeared throughout the national and international news on various legal topics, including car accidents, wrongful death, product liability, Takata airbag shrapnel claims, exploding pressure cooker claims, life insurance, personal injury and more. Several major media outlets have turned to Jason for legal opinions or stories on his cases, including CBS Evening News, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, Bloomberg News, CBS Miami, Orlando Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, Telemundo, The New...

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...