Top best L Lawyers in Sarasota | 337 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.

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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

Mr. Butler was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, moving to Fort Myers, Florida in 1999. After graduating from Fort Myers High School, Mr. Butler attended the University of Central Florida, where he was a member of the Burnett Honors College, and in 2006 graduated with University Honors, receiving his bachelor degree in Legal Studies, with a minor in Political Science. In 2010, he received his Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Florida, Fredrick G. Levin College of Law. While in law school, Mr. Butler had the privilege of receiving book awards in Sales, Cyberlaw, and Trial Practice, a distinction given to the highest grade in the class. He also served as a teaching assistant for advanced trial practice students. Mr. Butler has been practicing law in Sarasota since 2010, representing clients civil and commercial matters and appeals.. In 2013, Mr. Butler was inducted as a Fellow of the Florida Bar Association's Leadership Academy. Mr. Butler is a Director of the Young Lawyers Division of the Sarasota County Bar Association, and is on the Diversity Committee of the Sarasota County Bar Association. Mr. Butler is also a member of the Young Professionals Group of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Government Issues Committee. In his spare time, Mr. Butler enjoys studying history, particularly ancient Roman history.

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.

Marian Wangler Ratton, R.N., Esq. is a practicing attorney and registered nurse who has dedicated her career to the defense of healthcare professionals as well as practicing family law and estate planning. What makes Marian unique is that she has continuously practiced both nursing and law for over 25 years, sharing her time equally between both careers. Her combined knowledge and experience in law and nursing makes her ideally suited to represent, advise and educate nurses and health care professionals with legal issues relating to nursing, healthcare law and professional licensing.. Since 1983 Marian has been a registered nurse working at several Metro Detroit Hospitals. She is an experienced ICU and cardiovascular nurse as well as an educator and preceptor. Marian has taught classes in Medical-Legal Ethics in Healthcare at local colleges and has been a speaker at women's seminars on the topics of family law and estate planning. In 1988 she earned her Juris Doctor and worked at several firms practicing medical malpractice before starting her own firm in 1992 with her husband. During such time, Marian worked as a legal nurse consultant and focused her practice on family law, estate planning and probate.. With over 30 years experience as a registered nurse, Marian brings a wealth of experience to the firm's healthcare practice and is a valuable asset to our nursing and healthcare clients who require legal representation and advice for health law matters, specifically nurse licensure and nursing medical malpractice.

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.

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.

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 promoted comprehensive immigration reform and expanded opportunities for legal immigration.. Tony is fluent in English, German, and Czech, and conversant in Spanish, Hungarian, Swedish, and Russian.

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).

Experienced L attorney serving clients in Sarasota and surrounding areas.

Experienced L attorney serving clients in Sarasota and surrounding areas.