Top best E Lawyers in Sarasota | 376 available

With over 16 years of criminal law experience, Fayard Law provides aggressive, results-driven defense for clients facing criminal charges in Sarasota and surrounding areas. Led by attorney Michael Fayard—an AV-rated lawyer and former prosecutor in two states—our firm offers strategic legal representation across a wide range of criminal matters, including DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar charges, and more.. Conveniently located near the Sarasota courthouse, Fayard Law delivers personalized legal guidance backed by deep courtroom experience and insider prosecutorial knowledge. We offer free consultations and serve clients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and Manatee County.. When your rights, freedom, and future are at stake, trust a proven criminal defense attorney who knows both sides of the courtroom. Contact Fayard Law today.

The Law Offices of Monica Villaverde, P.L., is a general civil law firm with an emphasis on family law. Our office is located in Sarasota, Florida and services Sarasota, Manatee, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. Our firm is dedicated to providing quality legal representation to our clients. We strive to exceed our clients' expectations with effective and competent legal counsel. Our firm's goal is to develop and maintain long lasting relationships with our clients by aggressively protecting their legal rights.. Practice Areas Include:. MARITAL/FAMILY LAW:. ESTATE PLANNING:. OTHER AREAS:

Thank you so much for visiting my profile. Please visit my web cite at and view "as seen on TV" for footage on National Television Appearances on The O'Reilly Factor and guest commentator on Court TV. You can also view apppearances on Spanish Television "La Guia TV".. ---. Please visit my web cite at .

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Neil is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Florida. He resides in Sarasota with his wife Mary and their sons Luke and Dylan. He has been a Sarasota resident since 1995 and attended Cardinal Mooney High school graduating with the class of 1999. He attended University of South Florida and was awarded his Bachelor’s degree in 2004, and further attended the University of South Florida for graduate studies earning his Master’s degree in Education in 2008. He attended Stetson University College of Law and earned his Juris Doctorate in 2011.. While attending law school, Neil was invited to present an original theory of the evolution of modern legal systems at the 2011 Socio-Legal Studies Conference at the University of Sussex, in the United Kingdom. The topic of his presentation was selected for publication in a collection of essays entitled Law, Justice, and Miscommunications: Essays in Applied Legal Philosophy, (Vanderplas, 2011).. Neil has been a member of the Florida bar since 2011, has been practicing in the area of elder law since 2014, and has previously practiced in the area of commercial insurance coverage specifically for construction defect disputes.

My Sarasota and Manatee County Florida legal practice focuses on assisting clients in the areas of estate planning, probate & trust administration and inheritance disputes, and business & corporate law matters. I also assist clients with the drafting of their pre-marital agreements.. From 1998-2019, I served as a Supply Corps Officer (Contracting and Logistical Planning) with the United States Navy Reserve. I am a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.. In addition, I have published articles and been quoted in The Florida Bar, The Rhode Island Bar, North Carolina Bar (Elder Law), Forbes Magazine, Leimberg (LISI), Association of the US Navy, Reserve Officers Association, MSN Money, etc... I am the recipient of the following awards:. 2020 Rhode Island Bar Journal Outstanding Contributor Award. 2015 Best Business of Lakewood Ranch - Law Firm. 2010 National Award of Merit from the Assoc. of the US Navy;. 2009 Pro-Bono Award, Collier Legal Aid. 2007 SemperComm Award. 2006 Clayton B. Burton Award of Excellence (The Florida Bar). 2003 Naval Reserve Assoc., Literary Award

Ms. Loftus offers a concierge approach to her clients. She begins with the assumption that each case calls for special handling, since no two family law cases are alike. After the initial consultation, she works with her clients closely, to provide them with a basic understanding of Florida family law proceedings. Ms. Loftus and the client are then able to work together to ensure that there are articulated, agreed-upon, legitimate and realistic goals. After the goals are established, Ms. Loftus provides her clients with a range of options designed to meet those objectives. She reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each option and provides her recommendation. Ms. Loftus believes strongly in this approach as the best means of seeing that the client is empowered and fully-informed, and that if significant sums are to be spent on legal fees, the client understands why and knows ahead of time that significant fees will be incurred.. Because of the vicissitudes inherent in the family law court system, Ms. Loftus believes it is in her clients’ interests to resolve family law issues if possible outside of the courtroom. No lawyer can guarantee what results might be obtained after a hearing or trial before the court. Should efforts at a reasonable mediation be unsuccessful, however, Ms. Loftus works with clients to see that their legal objectives are pursued in court through motion practice and trial. At all times, Ms. Loftus presents her clients’ positions in a vigorous, thorough manner designed to achieve success without sacrificing professionalism.

Most people know me as "Drew Clayton." I have had the good fortune of practicing law in a legal arena that is both interesting and challenging.  For several years before I became an attorney in 1987, I worked in mutual fund marketing for Oppenheimer in New York City and as a retail stock broker for L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin and Smith Barney.  That experience has proven to be invaluable in my representation of people who have disputes with their brokerage firms because it has provided me with an insight into the securities business that few attorneys have.. In addition, I have been lucky enough during the course of my career to deal with complex commercial litigation issues in state, federal, and bankruptcy court.  That breadth of experience has enabled me to represent clients in a wide variety of business-related disputes as well.. I practiced law in New Jersey and New York for five years before moving to Florida in 1992.

Liz understands what you are going through. She is twice- divorced herself. One divorce that was settled amicably out of court – and a second divorce that required difficult, complex litigation with an opposing party who was unwilling to cooperate. These experiences have made her better able to help you through your divorce or family law dispute, providing empathy and strength throughout your work together. She represents clients through a full range of other family law needs.She has a wide-range of experience, including banking, real estate, retail management, accounting, and television news – this background serves her well as a problem solver, negotiator and litigator fully committed to the practice of family law. A run for public office honed her public speaking skills and ability to argue her clients’ positions in court. She is a long-time resident of Florida’s West Coast. She understands the local court systems and deeply cares about the issues her clients face.Liz grew up the oldest of eight children. Her father was a long-distance truck driver and her mother stayed at home to raise the children. Neither of Liz’s parents attended college. But that didn’t stop Liz—she was determined to get her college degree. While raising three daughters, she achieved her goal after taking classes on and off for more than 17 years. Liz graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida in 1995.However, Liz had another dream—to become an attorney. Again, she worked and planned and finally achieved her goal.She has been practicing in Sarasota since her admission to the Florida Bar in September 2006.Liz has also found time to give back to her local community. In 2003, while attending law school, Liz was appointed to the City of Sarasota’s Human Relations Board where she served until 2007. She was then appointed to the City’s General Personnel/Civil Service Board where she served until her election to the Sarasota City Commission on May 12, 2015.Please contact her if you need a Sarasota Area Family Law Attorney who will listen, share insight and help you develop a solid strategy for your case.. Education• Graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida in 1995 with a degree in Mass Communications• Graduated Stetson University College of Law in 2005

Jonathan S. Corchnoy has been practicing law for over 40 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and for over 5 years in the Sarasota metropolitan area. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and other states upon Court approval (including Delaware), and is a member of the The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).. His primary office is now located in Sarasota, Florida.  Prior to coming to Sarasota, he practiced  in the Greater Philadelphia region for over 30 years and continues to maintain an office there.  He clerked with the United States Department of Justice, Tax division. He is a 1981 graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA. He spent his youth growing up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.. He is active in special education,personal injury,and elder law issues. He has had both six and seven figure verdicts. He has successfully litigated special education Due Process hearings, Incapacity hearings, and insurance disputes regarding a variety of issues. He has been involved in appellate litigation before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the U. S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.. He is active in helping parents of special needs children receive a free and appropriate public education as well as plan for their future personal and financial independence. He is a past member of the Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the School Law Committee of the New Jersey Bar Association. He currently is a member of the Education Law Committee for  the Florida Bar Asociation.  He has taught professional continuing education courses for COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) at its annual conference, Lehigh University's Special Education Law Conference, the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Exceptional Children's Committee, and Lorman Education Services. He has volunteered as an AARP Driver Safety Instructer. He is the father of a gifted child and a special needs child.

I strive to handle legal matters in an expeditious fashion. My staff and I will listen to you and provide zealous advocacy. You will be provided with information as to your legal alternatives and the possible results. After explaining the legal implications of your case to you, we will honor your decisions. My staff and I look forward to meeting and working with you.

I spent countless hours working on my websites and growing my practice through attending seminars and lecturing.   Unlike other lawyers, I personally put in case results and work on video shots.  My clients or prospective clients need to understand that I am deeply concerned about the outcome of their case.

I am an Attorney at The Byrd Law Firm where I practice Criminal Defense and Family Law.  I was born and raised on Long Island in New York and came to Florida to pursue a college degree at Stetson University.. While studying at Stetson I became intrigued with law, so after I graduated I pursued a law degree at Nova Southeastern University Law School.   At law school I interned at the Broward County State Attorney’s office, and it was there that I realized the injustices and indignities that are suffered by people accused of committing crimes.. After graduating from Law School I worked for over 3 years at the Public Defenders’ Office in Sarasota, where I defended well over a 1000 individuals accused of crimes. I tried many cases including some of the most serious felonies.. In 2008, I started working at the Byrd Law Firm, where I now practice Criminal  Defense and Family law in Sarasota and Manatee County.  I defend all types of criminal case with a large focus on DUIs and Juvenile crimes.. In 2009 I became one of the first attorneys in Sarasota and Manatee Counties to receive a Certificate of Achievement for completing the Breath Test Operator Course which is required of all licensed Breath Test Operators in the State of Florida.  I have also volunteered as a Judge for Teen Court of Sarasota, a diversion program aimed at helping juveniles with their self-esteem, motivation, and self improvement, and in turn prevent any future criminal behavior.. In my family law practice, I focus on all divorce related matters, including but not limited to, child support, alimony, timesharing, equitable distribution and attorney's fees, as well as paternity issues, and Injunctions involving violence.. I aggressively represent all my clients and diligently protect their best interest.. If you would like to speak about your legal matter, please give me a call at.

I am a fourth generation native Floridian.  My undergraduate degree is in accounting from the University of South Carolina.( a gamecock).  After graduation, I served in the United States Treasury Department as a special Agent with the Intelligence Division.  I recieved special training in Washington DC in basic law enforcement techniques including interrogation, surveillance, photography, forensics, photography, wiretapping and basic criminal investigation.  I understand how law enforcement thinks.. I recieved additional training in Income Tax Law, especially the criminal statutes.  I worked in the Miami office investigating organized crime, general tax crimes and on occasions was detailed for special security work.. While working as an agent, I obtained a law degree from the University of Miami.  I then transferred to Atlanta Georgia and worked for a year as an analyst for the Regional Commisioner of Intelligence.  I returned to South Florida in 1971 and joined the United States Attorneys Office where I prosecuted all types of Federal crimes, particuarly white collar crime and tax evasion.  I appeared before numerous grand juries and prosecuted successfully numermous federal crimes.. In 1974 I joined the law firm of Cohen and Hogan on South Beach.  It was probably one of the top criminal firms in Florida.  While there I had the occasion to meet and advise a number of high profile defendants including Jimmy Hoffa.. In 1974 I moved to Ft. Lauderdale where I continued to represent high profile clients from the labor unions including the Operating Engineers.  I defended rackateering and gambling cases many of which included tax charges.  In the late 1970's my practice included repesentation of major drug smugglers from within the United States, the Bahamas and Columbia.  As my reputation grew, my practice expanded and I traveled extensively across the United States defending complex Federal cases in Los Angeles, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.. During that time I defended literally every type of criminal case for drug conspiracies, money laundering, securities fraud, wire and mail fraud, high seas violations, wildlife crimes and bribery.  I represented many of the judges who came under investigation in Miami and my clientel has included everything from Gangsters to the Clergy.  I have seen it all.. In 2002 I expanded my practice to include the West Coast of Florida and formed a partnership with a local attorney in Ft. Myers by the name of Sean O'Halloran.  He was a former prosecutor in Lee and Charlotte County and my Federal experience and his State experience formed the perfect team.  In 2011, I moved to Sarasota where I manage the Aiken and O'Halloran Sarasota office.  My emphasis in the last three years has been in defending sex crimes, particularly Federal Internet crimes.  I have represented defendants in the television series "to Catch a Predator" as well as the last two "Operations Intercept" in Sarasota.  I now travel throughout Florida representing people charged in both State and Federal Court.

I am a board certified real estate attorney who believes there is no substitute for knowledge and experience when addressing the complex legal concerns surrounding real estate.  Our experience and expertise in Florida real estate law is what makes The Edwards Law Firm second to none.. Our aim is simple when serving our clients: we strive to achieve each client's objectives. It is this passion for client service that has led us to be named as one of the Florida’s top real estate lawyers by both our clients and our colleagues.. We help homeowners in foreclosure resolve their real estate problems.  We fight for property owners' rights.  We provide advice and counsel to real estate brokers and their agents in negotiating and closing transactions.. Most of all, we serve home buyers and sellers all across Florida. Our experience will ensure a successful transaction, whether it’s for the purchase of a first home or for a million dollar beach front estate.. If you’re in need of a real estate lawyer, look no further than the knowledge, service, and results offered by The Edwards Law Firm, PL.

I advise and represents clients in real estate, financing and business transactions in Arizona, Florida and Mexico and related litigation in Arizona and Florida.  My dispute resolution practice includes representing parties in contract, business and real estate disputes; investors with claims against company management; and creditors in Bankruptcy Court.  I emphasize practical solutions to achieve my clients' goals and protect their interests.  My real estate practice includes commercial and residential real estate acquisitions and sales, leases, development, financing, and workouts.  I also form and advise business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships), and review, draft and negotiate contracts for businesses and individuals. I also represent borrowers and lenders in financing transactions and disputes.

For over 30 years, I have drafted wills and trusts and administered estates and trusts in the Sarasota area. In 2001, I opened my own law office with a team of three employees.  After running my own office for over 13 years, I merged my firm into Shutts & Bowen LLP, a firm with eight offices throughout the state.  However, my office in Sarasota is a small office with seven attorneys.  Each person in my Trusts and Estates Department at Shutts believes it is our mission to guide clients through challenging decisions and difficult times to preserve their legacies across generations. My team is dedicated to providing outstanding service to our clients. We know that each client is more than just a name on a file folder. Our clients are individuals and families facing unique challenges and sometimes difficult decisions or situations. We understand. We guide our clients with compassion, understanding, and a true commitment to the highest professional standards and ethics. We strive to “go the extra mile” on behalf of our clients. This environment allows clients to feel at ease and comfortable in their decision to work with our team.. Of the more than 106,000 attorneys in Florida, I am one of only 342 in the state of Florida and one of only 28 in the Sarasota and Manatee Counties who have been certified by the Florida Bar as a Specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of an attorney.

Diversely skilled, award-winning executive leader and counsel offering years of experience in strategic planning, policy and budget development, and operational leadership for high-profile trusts, corporations, businesses, private foundations, and not-for-profit organizations. Adept at facilitating growth by developing various levels of the organization and building cohesive teams. Collaborate effectively with senior management to align defined objectives to achieve mission-critical results. Substantial contributions to creating and executing effective recruiting, training, performance optimization strategies, and leadership development. Politically-savvy partner with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and facilitate a harmonious team environment conducive to organizational efficiencies and overall metrics improvements.

Derek Byrd is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar.  Less than 2% of attorneys in Florida are Board Certified.  Derek Byrd was born and raised in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. He grew up watching his father defend high profile criminal cases in the old Sarasota County Courthouse. Derek’s father’s legal skills and the excitement surrounding the legal system inspired Derek to become a criminal defense attorney. He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1995 from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut graduating cum laude (top 5% of his class). While in law school, Derek concentrated his studies on criminal and trial law and he served as Notes and Comments Editor for the Law Review Journal.. SARASOTA’S CRIMINAL DEFENSE / DUI ATTORNEY. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998. Derek is Board Certified in Criminal Defense and has been since 2004. He is a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Statewide Chapter which has close to 2,000 members. Derek also served as the President of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 1999 – 2001. Additionally, he is a Past President of the Sarasota County Bar. Derek also served as Chairperson of the local Florida Bar Grievance Committee. In 2019, he was awarded the Jim Slater Professionalism Award for outstanding professionalism in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Notably, Derek is also on the Board of Directors of the Innocence Project of Florida, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping innocent prisoners in Florida gain their freedom and rebuild their lives. Additionally, he is the President-Elect of the Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court. He is licensed in all State Courts and the Federal Court, Middle District of Florida. Derek has written articles for the Defender magazine and spoken at FACDL seminars. He is a Life Member of FACDL, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar-Criminal Law section, and the Sarasota County Bar Association. Derek’s wife, Heather, has not only been his partner in life for over 20 years, she is also his Partner at The Byrd Law Firm, and her practice is concentrated solely on family law. They have raised two wonderful young men together.

Born in Evanston, IL and raised in Arlington Heights, IL., I came to Sarasota in 1978.    I took a job waitressing at the Mel-O-Dee Restaurant and put myself through College at USF/New College  Campus.  I returned to USF and earned a Master's Degree. After Graduation, I worked at Palms Psyciatric Hospital.  When I had my first born, I had the luxury of staying home for 10 years and raising two children.  The oldest just recently graduated from FSU Law and I am very proud of him.  He is an old soul who exercises his passion and channels his energy in a way to promote change. My daughter can excel in any profession she chooses, she's just trying to find out what that profession is.. I attended Stetson College of Law when my youngest entered Kindergarten. Going from Sesame Street at home to Law School in St. Petersburg was quite an experience. When I graduated from Stetson Law I was 40 years old.  I had interned at the State Attorneys Office and was offered a job.  I worked as an Assistant State attorney to Earl Moreland for 5 years.  I was able to practice in Misdemeanors, Juvenille, Domestic Abuse and Felony Division. I tried over 40 Jury Trials and numerous Bench Trials.  It was a wonderful experience and after 5 years I went out on my own.. I opened up a small practice back in 2003 in Venice, FL.  I wanted to practice Bankruptcy and help those in need of professional guidance and I wanted to educate them on their options.  I thought with my Mental Health background, helping people who are stressed and overwhelmed would be right up my alley. After the rash of Hurricanes and the scars they left behind, my practice grew and I opened an additional practice in Sarasota, FL.  I still run two offices and I still do only debt related law.. My passion is Music, walking, traveling, food, wine, reading, film and being outdoors. At one point I was a runner and ran 12 1/2 Marathons and 12 Full Marathons.  It was the people in my group that motivated me to get up and train.  Once the group dissapated I slowly lost the drive and ambition. I love participating in the community I live in.  Sarasota is my home and I love the people here.

AnneMarie Rizzo is a former Assistant State Attorney with extensive trial experience in the State of Florida. AnneMarie is the only female in the State of Florida with the Forensic Lawyer Scientist certification. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Magna Cum Laude and from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with her Juris Doctorate. AnneMarie also holds a Masters Degree from the University of Florida in Pharmecutical Sciences and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology. AnneMarie feels this advanced education helps her to have a formal background in using science to help build and argue her clients' cases. AnneMarie teaches on a national and statewide level helping lawyers to better litigate their cases in court. AnneMarie has tried many cases involving complex legal and scientific matters from accident reconstruction to toxicology to proper scentific testing methods. AnneMarie has handled and tried cases from minor misdemeanors to homicide cases such as Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter. AnneMarie presents throughout the country and State of Florida on various topics related to ways to defend her clients.. AnneMarie has been featured on multiple news media stations due to her advocacy for her clients discussing topics high profile cases, personal injury cases, and criminal cases on TV outlets such as the local ABC, CBS, and Fox News affiliates. She was also on CNN when she handled a bond hearing for a high profile case. The herald tribune has featured AnneMarie on multiple occasions about her cases because of her unique legal arguments and about cases she has handled. Check out this article about AnneMarie's Lawyer Scientist Certification:. AnneMarie is on the executive board for the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and is President Emeritus after serving the organization as President in 2022. She also has served as the President of the local chapter for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as a Director At Large for the statewide Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She also is a member of the American Chemical Society. Moreover, AnneMarie has served in the community as Chair of the local Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Law Week Committee where she recruited attorneys to teach high school students about the legal system. She also has served as a Guardian ad Litem. In addition, she has spent time serving as a presiding judge over Teen Court proceedings. AnneMarie has been involved in other local organizations such as the Florida Association of Woman Lawyers, Inns of Court, and Junior League.. During her tenure as an Assistant State Attorney she specialized in prosecuting Domestic Violence and Criminal Traffic cases. She assisted hundreds of victims involved in violent relationships in criminal prosecution and assisted victims at hearings seeking protective injunctions. AnneMarie leaves a legacy of winning four separate, consecutive jury trials in the same trial week. She was appointed as a Special Prosecutor by the Governor of Florida to represent the State of Florida on a DUI case in Lee County in 2007 which resulted in another favorable jury verdict for her at trial. She quickly gained the reputation of being an aggressive and zealous advocate for her clients.. AnneMarie has trained law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the state specifically in the areas of evidence based prosecution and trial advocacy in Domestic Violence and Criminal Traffic. She also has trained medical doctors at SHANDS UF and Child Protective Investigators with the Department of Children and Families in the areas of domestic violence and family dynamics. AnneMarie has successfully completed the Advanced DUI School hosted by the Florida Prosecutor Attorney Association. She also has successfully completed the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Course sponsored by the Institute of Police Technology and Management, a course designed to train law enforcement to effectively identify impairment in individuals suspected to be driving under the influence. (A field sobriety exercise regularly used on the roads today) AnneMarie also attended and successfully completed the Trial Advocacy School at the National Advocacy Center held at the United States Department of Justice in South Carolina. AnneMarie also has attended and was awarded certificate of successful completion for intense studies at the National College of DUI Defense at Harvard University. Furthermore, AnneMarie was awarded multiple certificates of completion for her studies at Axion Labs as it relates to Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry as well as being awarded certificates of completion for Mastering Scientific Evidence Seminars.. In her free time AnneMarie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing yoga, traveling, and thoroughly enjoys scuba diving (especially with sharks).

Altom (“Al” and “Tom” combined – the names of his grandfathers) represents individuals injured by medical products across the United States.. After several years of defending physicians and their insurers against medical malpractice lawsuits, Altom founded  Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A. in 1999 to represent people and not insurance companies. Today he serves as the managing partner of the Firm. The Firm actively represents clients from California to Maine, from Texas to Michigan, and from Alaska to Puerto Rico, and in all states and territories in-between.