The Sarasota and Bradenton Area region is home to a robust cadre of legal minds. As part of the annual SRQ Magazine Elite Top Attorneys program, we invited attorneys from Anna Maria and Lakewood Ranch down through Downtown Sarasota, Venice and North Port to nominate the peers who had garnered their utmost respect—whether on the same or opposite side of the negotiating table—and they answered. The respect of one’s peers, especially in the discerning legal profession, reflects a defining level of great achievement. We are humbled by the overwhelming number of thoughtful nominations we received from this community of professionals this year and are pleased to share the results with you, our readers.
In SRQ Magazine’s 2024 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide and awards section you will meet this year’s honorees whose skills have helped their clients realize their goals. Many of our honorees share their expertise with the community as noted by their philanthropic and leadership contributions. The legal profession is part of a proud and long lineage that has been vital in establishing our modern world. The quality of a society can be judged in part by the measure of fairness manifested in how individuals are treated by our system of laws.
Conscientious and skilled litigators are the reliable engines of our legal system, and the smart, skilled men and women represented in this peer-review program ensure the inevitable conflicts of human life can be dealt with in a manner that is equitable and honest. We hope you enjoy meeting SRQ Magazine’s 2024 Elite Top Attorneys—congratulations are in order.
FEATURED HONOREES
ATTORNEYS FOR NON PROFITS
Betsy Pennewill Community Foundation of Sarasota County 2635 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34237
941-556-7152
BANKING AND FINANCIAL
Stephen G. Perry
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
BUSINESS LAW
Michael E. Siegel
Shutts & Bowen LLP
1858 Ringling Blvd. | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236
941-552-3775
CIVIL LAW LITIGATION
Michael Schuchat
Lutz, Bobo & Telfair PA 2 N. Tamiami Trail | 5th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1800
SECOND PRINTING Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2024 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.
Fred E. Moore
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
Daniel P. VanEtten
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
CONSTRUCTION
Erik M. Hanson
Shutts & Bowen LLP
1858 Ringling Blvd. | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236
941-552-3774
E. Zachary Rans
Shutts & Bowen LLP
1858 Ringling Blvd. | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236
941-552-3787
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
James A. Fowler Jr.
Fowler Law Group PA
2075 Main St. | Ste 38 Sarasota, FL 34237
941-900-3100
CIVIL LAW TRANSACTIONAL
Jonathan P. Whitney
Lutz, Bobo & Telfair PA 2 N. Tamiami Trail | 5th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1800
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Charles F. Johnson III
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
Andrew Pouget
Fowler Law Group PA 2075 Main St. | Ste 38 Sarasota, FL 34237
941-900-3100
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Mark P. Barnebey
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
Marisa J. Powers
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100
HEALTH CARE LAW
Matthew J. Lapointe
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100
INSURANCE
Vanessa Ross
Ross Legal Group 2501 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941-275-1998
Over the last 25 years, attorney Barbara H. Gormley has proudly represented only individuals that have been injured as a result of the negligence of another. Ms. Gormley is rated “AV Preeminent” which is the highest level of peer rating and means that her peers, lawyers and judges, have ranked her at the highest level of professional excellence for her legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. Ms. Gormley has provided the highest quality of legal services both inside and out of the courtroom since 1999 and is known for treating every case as if it is going to trial. She represents clients throughout the State of Florida.
Her practice involves personal injury, including serious and catastrophic injuries, wrongful death as a result of automobile and trucking accidents, pedestrians and bicyclists hit by a motor vehicle, motorcycle accidents, trip/slip and fall cases on commercial and residential properties, negligent security resulting in injury cases, as well as nursing home and assisted living facility abuse cases.
Tell us about yourself.
Juris Doctor Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Davie, Florida, Deans List Member of the Nova Southeastern University’s Moot Court Honor Society State Bar of Florida, Admitted 1999 U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Florida Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section Member Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association Sarasota County Bar Association Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® since 2014.
FLORIDA BAR
DATE OF ADMISSION
April 16, 1999
All Florida State Courts and the Federal Middle District of Florida
PRACTICE AREAS
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Negligent Security resulting in injury
Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents
Nursing Home and ALF abuse
DEGREES
Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 25 Years
AV Rated Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association
LAW FIRM
Law Office of Barbara H. Gormley, P.A.
of Law and Miami University
BETSY PENNEWILL
Concerning Foundations
and Planned Giving Techniques Compliance with Regulations of Sarasota County
HONOREE | Estate Planning, Trusts, Real Estate
CONTACT 2635 Fruitville Rd | Sarasota, FL 34237
941.556.7152 | cfsarasota.org
BIO
Betsy Pennewill serves as General Counsel at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, working with donors and professional advisors to craft planned giving agreements and ensuring compliance with IRC regulations for foundations. She is also skilled in real estate transactions and estate planning matters. Pennewill is a member of the Public Policy Committee of Philanthropy Southeast and the past board chair of Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida.
Tell us about yourself and your firm. Community Impact Powered by Philanthropy: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County unites people and organizations to create opportunities across generations to improve lives. Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, cause, community. Be The One.
Bernard F. Walsh
Goldman Babboni
Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 342433
941-954-1234
Matthew R. Plummer
Elizete Velado Mallard Perez PLLC 889 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236
941-952-1682
REAL ESTATE
Ryan T. Harris
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0100
Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
A fifth generation Sarasota attorney with more than 40 years of experience, Bill Robertson has a lengthy and robust background focusing on personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout Florida. He spent much of his career at one of Sarasota’s oldest law firms –including a decade-long tenure as CEO – before establishing his own legal practice in 2020. His extensive experience in handling auto and motorcycle accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, plane crashes, trucking accidents, slip and fall, propane and natural gas explosions and defective products, he has recovered over $250 Million for his clients throughout his career.
Bill is a community-based lawyer being recognized both locally and nationally, for his dedication to helping our national heroes and veterans, and his e orts in fi ghting against the opioid crisis which brought him national attention including a feature and a report by Fox News journalist, Geraldo Rivera. Additionally, Bill previously hosted a local call-in radio show called Let’s Talk Law with Bill Robertson on WSRQ.
A member of the Florida Justice Association, he dedicates countless hours to help people navigate the legal system on a pro bono basis. He has been recognized by his peers in the industry for his excellent legal skills and accomplishments, including receiving an AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell magazine for the highest level of professional excellence for 20 years, has received recognition from America’s Top High Stakes Litigators, National Lawyers of Distinction and America’s Most Honored Lawyers, Super Lawyer in Florida, Top Lawyers in Florida, Top Attorneys in Florida, Top Attorneys in Tampa Bay.
Testimonial
When my son was hit by a car last year while sitting at an intersection on his bicycle, I knew we would need legal help. I felt dealing with someone who had been involved with Personal Injury law in this area for over 30 years was a better option for us than some of the big box law firms. It proved to be a good decision. Bill, his sta , and associates did a masterful job of getting my son a healthy settlement. I don’t think you could have a better representative fighting for your well being than the Robertson Law Firm, P.A.
FLORIDA BAR
DATE OF ADMISSION
October 18, 1984
PRACTICE AREAS
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Injury
DEGREES
Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg, FL; Juris Doctorate
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL; Bachelor of Science, Government
LAW FIRM
The Robertson Law Firm PA
FLORIDA BARADMISSION
September 26, 2008
DEGREES
Bachelor of Science, Ferrum College, 2002
Juris Doctorate, Coastal School of Law, 2008
PRACTICE AREAS
Criminal Defense
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Forty Carrots
Key to the Cure
Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance
Americans Inn of Court
Sarasota County Bar Association
Manatee County Bar Association
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
JAMES FOWLER
HONOREE | Criminal Defense
CONTACT 2075 Main Street | Suite #38 | Sarasota, FL 34237
James Fowler is the founding partner of Fowler Law Group, P.A. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI o enses, driver’s license suspensions and tra c cases. He is a 4th generation native of Sarasota County with strong ties to the local community. James served as a prosecutor with the O ce of the State Attorney in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As a prosecuting attorney he handled numerous DUI, misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and received specialized training from the Florida Tra c Safety Resource Prosecution Program in the areas of drugged drivers and DUI refusal cases and Motion Practice. He has been recognized as a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers Association from 2014 – 2020. He has been named to Super Lawyers Magazine list of “Rising Stars” from 2014 – 2020. James has also been nominated for Judicial Appointment by the 12th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission three times in as many years. James has been featured in numerous publications throughout his career; most notably Forbes, Entrepreneur, Hu Post, and Business Insider.
FLORIDA BAR
DATE OF ADMISSION
April 15, 2020
DEGREES
Juris Doctorate
PRACTICE AREAS
Estate Planning
Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney
Probate and Trust Administration
Adversarial Matters
LAW FIRM
Hensley Law Offices, LLC
JENNIFER J. HENSLEY
HONOREE | Wills & Trusts
BIO
My passion for serving others ignited at an early age, inspired by personal struggles which often mirror those of my clients. I’m committed to empathy and unwavering dedication. Estate Planning holds a special place, valuing everyone’s voice and protecting what matters most. Advocacy defines my practice, putting client needs fi rst. Together, we build lasting legacies founded on trust and steadfast support, bridging professional excellence and heartfelt compassion.
ANDREW POUGET
HONOREE | Criminal Defense
CONTACT 2075 Main Street | Suite #38 | Sarasota, FL 34237 941-404-8909 | andrew@teamflg.com | thefowlerlawgroup.com
BIO
Andrew Pouget is a lifelong student of the law and vigilant advocate for justice. He understands that success is earned by hard work, determination, quality legal research, and framing arguments with precision and articulation. His passion for law is the driving force that compels him to take the extra step, and he does not quit until he achieves the best possible result for his clients. Since matriculating in 2018, Andrew has continued the firm’s legacy of providing high-quality criminal defense to Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa. Andrew’s depth of legal knowledge and proficiency in legal writing provides an essential element to FLG’s comprehensive approach to criminal defense, and his aptitude for appellate practice sets FLG apart as a full-service criminal defense fi rm in the SRQ area.
CHARLES W. TELFAIR, IV
HONOREE | Personal Injury
CONTACT 2 North Tamiami Trail, Fifth Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236
Charles W. Telfair IV is a Personal Injury Attorney. Telfair began his career at Holland and Knight back in 1989. Holland and Knight chose to relocate to Tampa and Lutz, Bobo and Telfair opened its doors in April of 1992. Through his career Telfair has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest corporations in the world: Tropicana, Volvo Penta, Stanely Bostich, to name a few. Telfair believes accessibility and honesty are what his clients appreciate the most. Personal Injury law is personal. Telfair puts forth his energy, knowledge and time to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.
MISSION Telfair and Lutz, Bobo and Telfair are rated AV by Martindale Hubbell. This means that our peers have given us the highest rating for both ethics and legal ability. Here at Lutz, Bobo & Telfair we are privileged to work with you, and we are honored to share our experience with you. At Lutz, Bobo and Telfair we treat our clients the way we prefer to be treated.
17 years
DEGREES
Suma Cum Laude, Majors in philosophy, political science, and pre-law
Detroit College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, Juris Doctorate
Certificates in Trial Practice and Criminal Law
DUI Defense, Criminal Appeals Criminal Law
RECOGNITION
4rd year SRQ ‘Elite Top Attorneys’
FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION May 10, 1991
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship, in 1987
Attended Officer Basic School at Fort McClellan 1988
Juris Doctorate, Stetson University College of Law in 1990, Stanley Milledge Award
Retired from the US Army
Reserves as Captain in 2000
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
34 years
LAW FIRM
Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, Trial Lawyers
FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION
September 17, 2003
Also licensed in Pennsylvania
PRACTICE AREAS
Zoning | Land Use
Environmental | Real Estate
Sustainability | Due Diligence
FEMA | Development
Permitting | Wetlands
Green Building | Waterfront
Permitting | Conservation
Riparian Rights | Docks
Contaminated Site Remediation
Redevelopment | Code
Enforcement | Ethics | Copyright
Shopping Center Law
LAW FIRM
The Colburn Firm, PL
CASEY COLBURN
HONOREE | Land Use, Environmental Law
BIO
FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION
February 22, 1996
DEGREES
University of South Florida, B.A., B.A., 1988, and MLA 1992
University of Florida
Levin College of Law, J.D. 1995
RECOGNITION
Florida Trend Magazine
Legal Elite, 2009-2024
SuperLawyer, 2015-2024
University of South Florida
Alumni Leader of the Year, 2009, AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
LAW FIRM
Sensenig Law Firm
Mr. Colburn’s Florida-based boutique law practice is devoted to the acquisition, disposition, development and redevelopment of real estate. Casey assists landowners with zoning and permitting of retail shopping centers, waterfront, hospitality and residential projects. He helps property owners and governments to properly apply FEMA’s “50% Rule” as well as other environmental, wetland, protected species, dock and navigation regulations. He leads due diligence teams for investor and portfolio deals. Casey also participates in the development and implementation of zoning and environmental rules, cleanup actions, renewable energy technologies, ethical practices, conservation and sustainable strategies. He has lectured about his experience with these topics. A significant part of his practice now involves co-counsel relationships with other lawyers and law fi rms from across the country and helping individuals and businesses relocate to the free state of Florida. “Assisting a colleague’s valued client is a high honor, much like being recognized again this year by my talented local peers. Thank you, SRQ.”
Christine Sensenig is the managing partner of The Sensenig Law Firm, P.A. She provides human resources and employment law advice as well as litigation defense to employers of all sizes in all aspects of the employment relationship. To build strong long-term relationships with clients, the Firm explores the “why” behind a client’s concerns. In employment law, clients have needs in “real time” and the Firm believes in being an accessible resource to our clients. Christine Sensenig is grateful to have been recognized in her community by colleagues that she respects and admires as a member of SRQ Magazine’s Elite Top Attorneys.
“I do my best because I am counting on you counting on me.”
— Maya Angelou
VANESSA ROSS
HONOREE | Insurance Litigation
CONTACT 1800 Second Street | Suite 892 | Sarasota, FL 34236 941-275-1998 | vross@rosslegalfl.com | rosslegalfl.com
BIO
Vanessa Ross has spent her legal career handling insurance claims, resolving questions of coverage and getting insurance companies to pay the money that her clients deserve. For 20 years, she and her team have recovered proceeds relating to homeowner's claims, catastrophic building damage, fi re loss, windstorm and hurricane losses, construction defects, water damage, and personal injury. She handles complex litigation all the way through jury trial. Ms. Ross attended Law School at the Florida State University College of Law, and was member of the Mock Trial Team. Ms. Ross also graduated cum laude from the University of Florida. She resides full time in Sarasota, Florida.
