James M. "Jim" Matulis

ABOUT Brett Berger is a Partner at MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers and an experienced trial lawyer who represents individuals injured as a result of the negligence of others. Brett focuses his practice in the areas of automobile negligence, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, assisted living facility negligence, trip/slip and falls, negligent security, and acts as personal counsel to those accused of negligence when their insurance carriers refuse to take the insured’s best inter...

Ruel W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ruel W., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ruel W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Alvarez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Richard, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Bernstein is managing partner of the firm's Tampa office. He also serves as a Chair of the firm’s Associate Development and Retention Committee. Steve maintains a traditional labor practice in which he represents employers throughout the United States in both state and federal courts, as well as before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other state and federal agencies. In the proce...

M. John Burgess is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. M. John, who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert E. Puterbaugh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Robert E., who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Noel R. Boeke is a business lawyer who focuses on solving a wide range of business problems. He specializes in bankruptcy, creditors' rights litigation, commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and documenting loan transactions. He also has experience in business contract negotiations and Uniform Commercial Code issues. Mr. Boeke has represented various types of business clients, financial institutions and other creditors, including commercial banks, private equity funds, finance subs...

Stephen R. Senn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Stephen R., who practices law in Lakeland, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gretchen M. Lehman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gretchen M., who practices law in Tampa, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gretchen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michelle Bartels is a partner in Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.’s Tampa office and a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Ms. Bartels' practice focuses in the areas of catastrophic and personal injury, general civil litigation, premises liability, trucking defense, professional malpractice, security negligence, vehicle negligence, significant wrongful death, defective products, foster care lead agency and community based care defense. Ms. Bartels earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magn...