Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

The Law Offices of Jason M. Melton, P.A. has offices in Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Ocala, Tampa, Bushnell, Inverness and Gainesville where we handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Wrongful Death, DUI, Criminal, Brain Injury, Divorce and all Family law issues and other related legal matters in the following communities:
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Trinity, Hudson, Holiday, Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Bushnell, Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa, The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, Bronson, Cedar Key, Tavares, Clermont, Bartow, Lakeland - which includes Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hernando County, Polk County, Lake County, Sumter County, Citrus County, Marion County, Levy County and Alachua County

Mr. Weldon was born and raised in Southwest Florida. He is a member in good standing with the Florida Bar and has been an active member with the Collier County Bar Association, Lee County Bar Association, Collier County Bar Association Trial Section, and Thomas S. Biggs American Inns of Court. He is admitted to practice in the State of Florida and the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida.

A graduate of Sarasota High School, Florida State University, and University of Florida, Mr. Weldon is proud of his Florida heritage and education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Florida State University, graduating cum laude, and obtained his law degree from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law.

Richard Weldon is an active member of the community. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Pelican Bay where he is currently President-Elect of the club, a member of the Board of Directors, and past Kiwanis advisor for Key Club at the Community School of Naples. He is also a member of the University of Florida Alumni Association and the Southwest Florida Gator Club.

Mr. Weldon established The Weldon Law Firm, PL with a vision of building a full-service law firm dedicated to providing exceptional representation to its clients. Although the firm has grown, the firm maintains its original mission of providing personalized legal representation while maintaining the highest ethical standards. At Weldon & Rothman, PL we pride ourselves in providing our clients the highest level of legal representation in an efficient and cost-productive manner.

Joel is a Shareholder at Forizs & Dogali, P.A. Possessing legal and practical business experience beyond his years, Joel has handled a wide range of legal matters for both plaintiffs and defendants since he began practicing law in 2001.

Joel enjoys the variety associated with his general civil litigation practice; however, he focuses his law practice in three main areas: securities and investment litigation, trademark litigation and commercial litigation.

In securities and investment litigation, Joel has represented many investors, agents, brokers and broker-dealers in both customer and industry disputes, in matters involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation and negligent supervision, among several other areas. Joel has previously served as litigation and corporate counsel for a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority broker-dealer, where his duties included representing the corporation and its subsidiaries in arbitration and litigation proceedings. He gained valuable insight into the securities industry while serving as litigation and corporate counsel.

In his intellectual property practice, Joel has counseled many clients concerning trademark selection, registration and protection. He has experience litigating inter partes trademark proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and has prosecuted and defended trademark infringement claims in state and federal court. Joel has also assisted clients with domain name disputes in Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Proceedings and in courts.

In the area of commercial litigation, Joel has litigated a myriad of cases in state and federal court at both the trial and appellate level. Exemplary cases include Class Actions, as well as Civil Rights, Breach of Contract, Real Estate, Lender, and Personal Injury Claims, to name just a few.

In recent years, Joel's thoughts and opinions on various legal matters have been sought by various media outlets, including the Ocala Star Banner, the Tampa Tribune, the Saint Petersburg Times, and Courthouse News. More recently, examples of Joel's cases to be featured in the press include a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of crime victims whose personal, identifying information was published on a publically-accessible Sheriff's Office website, a lawsuit brought on behalf of a woman wrongfully arrested and jailed for months for a crime she did not commit, a lawsuit brought on behalf of several inmates alleged to have been subjected to excessive force within a regional jail, a lawsuit brought on behalf of a senior citizen duped out of her life savings by a Tampa investment company, and a bankruptcy proceeding involving a Sarasota investment club's perpetration of an extensive ponzi scheme.

At Forizs & Dogali, P.A., Joel has put his natural business sense to use, initiating a complete revamp of the Firmâs logo and website. He has also integrated social networking media into the Firm's marketing efforts, successfully led teams within the Firm to achieve various marketing initiatives, and as a result of his efforts and creativity, the Firm has experienced noticeable business development and growth. While successfully managing his legal practice and the business side of practicing law, Joel consistently finds time to mentor younger attorneys and paralegals to assist in their professional growth.

Outside of work, Joel enjoys exercising and rooting on the only team that matters: the West Virginia University Mountaineers. "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Joel may be reached via e-mail at jewusiak@forizs-dogali.com, via phone at (813) 289-0700, or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ewusiak

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 with the beaches and sunshine, where he and his family have settled down in Venice on the Gulf Coast.

Mr. Ledbetter is known as a fair, yet aggressive, attorney. He always puts the goals of his clients at the forefront of every matter and through clarity of communication, dedicated work habits, and use of the latest technology works to produce effective results in a timely and cost effective manner.

Integrity, persistence, attention to detail, and excellent client communication have all been cited by his clients as strengths.

Attorney Dale James Morgado brings diverse experience to the firm by combining large and boutique law firm experience, with an M.B.A. and J.D., effectively counseling clients in a business, defense, and plaintiff capacity. He began his legal career clerking for Phipps P.C. more than a decade ago; only to soon join one of Bostonâs 50 largest law firms, Deutsch, William, Brooks, Derensis & Holland. After attending law school in Connecticut, he began practicing as an attorney at the Hartford office of the nationally recognized ERISA plaintiffs firm Moukawsher & Walsh. After moving from New England to Florida, Attorney Morgado practiced with the 140-lawyer defense firm Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart in the firmâs Chambers recognized ERISA and Employee Benefit practice group. Attorney Morgado has focused his practice on ERISA and employment law throughout his entire legal career, both from a transactional and litigation standpoint and has worked on both sides of the bench, making him one of a few practioners to gain an understanding of these practice areas from the defendant, plaintiff, and business perspective. He leads the firm when it comes to ERISA and certain employment law matters.

Bar & Court Admissions

The Florida Bar
The Connecticut Bar
The United States Tax Court
Middle District of Florida
District of Connecticut
Southern District of New York

Published Works

Author of “Economic Consequences to Companies, States, and Municipalities Sponsoring Pension Plans from the Recent Market Losses and Potential ERISA Fiduciary Liability to Investment Advisers that Follow.” April 2009 Employee Benefit Plan Review


Author of “The Death Tax – How Will Obama’s Tax Plan Affect Your Estate Plan.” Published in December 2008 LeMieux Report

Co-Author of “Blessings Point to Cash Balance Prosperity for Interested Advisers.” Published in the September 2008 Employee Benefit Adviser


Author of “Sell it But Don’t Overstate it Unless You Want to Get Sued: When Does ERISA Liability Attach.” Published in the July 2008 Employee Benefit Adviser

Co-Author of “The Pension Protection Act Brings Sweeping Changes.” Published in the 2007 Connecticut Bar Association Employment Quarterly Vol. 13 Issue 2


Co-Author of “A Federal Agency Says You Are Disabled…And A District Court Agrees, The Relevance of Social Security Disability Findings in ERISA Disability Insurance Benefit Litigation.” Published in the 2007 Connecticut Bar Association Employment Quarterly Vol. 13 Issue 3


Contributor to American Bar Associations Subcommittee on Benefit Claims and Individual Rights for 2007 Mid-Winter Report of Claims Procedures and Remedies for Procedural Violations

Past or Present Professional Associations and Memberships

American Bar Association
American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Tax Council
Connecticut Bar Association
Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
Broward County Bar Association
Florida Bar Association
Hartford County Bar Association

Representative Matters

Richards v. Fleetboston Financial Corp et. al. , 3:04-cv-01638, (cash balance class action litigation regarding whipsaw, fiduciary duties, 204(h) disclosure, and age discrimination)

Pugliese v. United Tech Corp. , 3:06-cv-01013, (golden handshake litigation regarding breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation under ERISA 502(a)(3))

Sparveri v. Town of Rocky Hill , 3:05 -cv-00376, (42 U.S.C. 1983 action regarding breach of municipal pension plan terms)

Goldberg v. United Illuminating Company , 3:06 -cv-01358, (defined benefit plan claim under ERISA 502(a)(1)(B) to enforce pension plan terms)

Hospital for Special Care v. Donna Abram, et. al. , Doc. No. CV-07-5006097 (defense of contract collection on behalf of fiduciary)

Regan v. City of Torrington , Doc. No. CV-07-5005888-S, (breach of contract claim regarding medical and disability pension benefits)

Sublette et. al. v. FedEx, Doc. No. 04-3013 Ma/P, (golden handshake litigation involving breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation under ERISA 502(a)(3))

Kajda v. SNET , Doc. No. CV-07-5010107-S (severance litigation concerning fiduciary duties, misrepresentation and violation of employee fringe benefits under C.G.S. Sec. 31-76k)

Thompson, et al. v. Linvatec Corporation, et. al ., Doc. No. 06-cv-404 (class action ERISA claim for severance benefits involving breach of fiduciary duty under 502(a)(3), violation of ERISA summary plan description requirements under ERISA Sec. 102, and benefit claims under 502(a)(1)(B))

Arivella et. al. v. Lucent , C.A. No. 08-10398 , (claim for benefits under ERISA 502(a)(1)(B), common law fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty under 502(a)(3))

Lavoie v. SBC , Doc. No. 3:04-cv-1116, (litigation regarding serious consideration test, breach of fiduciary duty, and misrepresentation of severance plan benefits)

Morse v. Shape , Case No. 09-014965 (fraud, unjust enrichment, contract and civil theft action)

In Re United States Sugar Corporation Litigation CV- 08-80101 (ERISA class action against U.S. Sugar, company executives, board, fiduciaries and ESOP plan, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, breach of duty)

The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. is a civil litigation and trial law firm. The Firm has received Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating ("AV") for legal ability and ethical standards. The Firm is also listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, for which fewer than five percent (5%) of all law firms in the country qualify and are included.

Located in New Tampa / Wesley Chapel (on the Hillsborough / Pasco County border), the Firm is in the heart of the Tampa Bay area. Rather than being anchored to a specific downtown area, as most other law firms are, the Firm is more centrally located to easily, equally, and efficiently manage the entire Tampa Bay region. Being in the Tampa Bay area (directly in the middle of the state) also allows the Firm to accommodate clients throughout the entire state of Florida.

Pablo B. Morla is dedicated to serving the interests of his clients in a wide array of cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, subrogation, business or commercial disputes, and select insurance defense litigation matters.

Prior to establishing Morla & Associates, P.A., Pablo worked for a large defense litigation firm, representing insurance companies and large businesses. That experience gave Pablo the practical knowledge and drive to establish Morla & Associates, P.A. in order to prosecute and defend cases on behalf of his clients in a wide array of practice areas. Read more at www.MORLALAW.com.

People have problems. I have always viewed my role as an attorney and advocate from the same perspective - my job is to help people solve their problems. In that respect, trouble is my business.

As a problem solver, I strive to reduce the client's risk and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. As an advocate, I am ethically obligated to vigorously act in my client's best interests. Whenever possible, I provide clients with innovative, sound and flexible strategies for solving their legal problems. But I will be the first to tell you that many legal problems can't be resolved without confrontation. When necessary, I will initiate aggressive action to solve my client's legal problems and protect their rights.

I recognize that clients want an attorney who will provide legal services in an efficient, cost-effective manner. I do not believe in creating acrimonious situations in order to make problems worse and generate additional legal fees. I believe in defusing volatile situations, but recognize that this is not always possible.

I am very proud to be a cancer survivor (25+ years). I credit the disease with teaching me an invaluable lesson - how to remain disciplined, focus on my goal, overcome adversity and thrive during the most challenging times.

GREGORY R. HANEY is a partner in the real estate practice group in the Tampa, Florida office of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. Mr. Haney is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and was recognized by Super Lawyers as a 2009 Florida Rising Star.

Mr. Haney has substantial experience in handling negotiation, financing, title, and all other aspects of commercial real estate transactions involving shopping centers, office buildings, retail centers, multi-family housing projects, and hotels, as well as related land use issues. Mr. Haney also has substantial experience in representing both landlords and tenants in commercial leasing transactions involving office, retail, warehouse and industrial properties, and in representing financial institutions in commercial lending and related matters.

Mr. Haney brings to his transactional practice the benefit of a significant litigation background, having practiced in state and federal courts in the areas of commercial, construction, surety, bankruptcy and foreclosure litigation, which allows for a broader understanding of how to negotiate and structure real estate transactions for clients in a manner that accounts for potential issues and risks.

Mr. Haney is an approved attorney agent for Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, and Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation.

Michael J. Faehner, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Esq.is an associate with the law firm of Fisher & Sauls. He practices is the area of Wills, Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning, Tax, Business Law and Civil Litigation groups and previously was Sr. Tax & Charitable Strategist at Raymond James Trust Private Wealth Management Family Office. Prior to joining the Private Wealth Management team, Michael practiced as a tax, probate, estate planning, and civil litigation lawyer for over 10 years in the Clearwater and Sarasota area. His past experience includes being President of The Clearwater Bar Association, President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and as a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors. Mike earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance and a BA in History from the University of Notre Dame. Michael graduated with multiple honors from Valparaiso University School of Law and obtained his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida.

He sits of the Board of Directors for the SPCA of Tampa Bay where he is a Vice President of the Board. He chairs their Development Committee and their professional advisors committee. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Leadership Pinellas and the St. Anthony Hospital Foundation. He presently is volunteering on several committees for the Suncoast YMCA, Catholic Charities, the Skip Kline Society, the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, RCS, Morton Plant Foundation, All Children’s Hospital and Academy Prep. He also volunteers his time to give talks on assorted tax and charitable issues to the community. In Michael’s spare time, he serves as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College in their four year Bachelor’s Paralegal Studies Program. He is presently on his second time serving as the President of the University of Notre Dame Club for the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

We have represented clients from over 45 states and 20 foreign countries. While the diversity of our work mirrors the diversity of our clients, our primary areas of practice are civil litigation, real estate and title services, and estate planning and probate. We commonly work with other firms both to represent their clients in local matters and to obtain additional counsel in matters beyond our areas of practice.