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Tampa, FL Lawyers

42 distinguished attorneys in Tampa, Florida, each reviewed by the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee.

Practice areas in Tampa

Tampa attorney directory

Alan Wagner

Civil Litigation

601 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

A civil trial lawyer since 1983, Alan Wagner brings an extensive and unusual skill set to his partnership in the firm. True to the firm’s dedication to plaintiffs’ rights, his experience plays a vital role in helping clients get the justice they deserve. Alan has distinguished himself as a courtroom lawyer, with recognized experience in handling claims of legal malpractice, medical malpractice, professional negligence, products liability, bad-faith litigation, complex commercial disputes, and toxic torts. Alan became a partner in the firm in 1994 and has served as President of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore since 2003. His exceptional skills and competence have guided and fueled the practice’s growth and success over the decades. Alan has successfully sued doctors, lawyers, hospitals, nursing homes, airlines, cruise lines, accountants, realtors, architects, famous magicians and rock stars, airlines, car companies, construction companies, and many others who, through negligence, have caused harm to his clients – his experience is that vast and varied. One of his key areas of expertise is the examination of expert witnesses, frequently a difficult yet critical component in personal injury litigation. Consistently voted by his professional peers for inclusion on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Lawyers” lists, in plaintiff’s legal, medical, and professional malpractice, he has honed through decades of experience a reputation for general excellence in trial advocacy. Like every member of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, Alan takes his legal and ethical obligations to his clients seriously, and he expects all colleagues in the broader profession to do the same. He is not afraid to sue other lawyers when their negligent actions or failures to act have caused harm to clients. Alan believes, and passionately so, that attorneys are privileged to earn and hold the trust of their clients; attorneys who violate that trust need to be held accountable. Alan’s proficiency and skill are reflected in his leadership roles, professional honors, and numerous memberships. He served as president of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association during 2020-2021 and has served on its board of directors from 2007 to the present time. In 2005, he was inducted as a fellow of the prestigious and distinguished American College of Trial Lawyers, considered the premier professional trial organization in America. Additionally, he was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve two six-year terms on the Florida Standard Jury Instructions Committee (Civil). He is board-certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. On the personal side, Alan holds both single and multiengine pilot’s licenses and is a dedicated husband and father. His wife, Deborah, is the founder and director of Tampa Bay’s Child, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that links impoverished children with sponsors from the community, a journalist, and ten-year member of the St. Pete Times Editorial Board. The couple are avid boaters, and Captain Wagner is well-versed in all matters marine! He has two wonderful grown “children,” both graduates of Rice University: his son Alex, a software engineer who lives in Denver with his wife Stefanie and their two Australian shepherds, Varly and Gru; and his daughter, Natalie, a senior scientist with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, who lives in New York City with her husband, Mick, and their goldendoodle, Ollie.

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Amy Ruiz

Amy Ruiz

Member

Criminal Defense Law

4812 N Habana Ave, Suite A, TAMPA, FL 33614-6871

Amy Ruiz received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and International Economics from the University of Florida in 2000. She received her Juris Doctorate from the Florida State College of Law in 2004. While at Florida State, Ms. Ruiz was a member of the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy. She also participated in the Institute on World Legal Problems where she studied Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Innsbruck, in Austria, with Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Antonin Scalia. Upon graduating law school, Ms. Ruiz, a Tampa native, returned to Tampa and commenced working as an Assistant Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She worked as an Assistant Public Defender from 2004 to 2006 and handled numerous motions, hearings, non-jury trials, and jury trials. In 2006, Ms. Ruiz accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and served there until 2011. As a prosecutor, Ms. Ruiz handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies punishable by life. She litigated hundreds of motions, hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. In 2011, Ms. Ruiz accepted a position with a law firm that practiced exclusively in insurance defense. Ms. Ruiz attended mediations and motion hearings for personal injury and bodily injury cases, in addition to working extensively on Chinese Drywall Multi-District Litigation. Ms. Ruiz is licensed to practice law in both State Court and Federal Court in Florida. She is also a native Spanish speaker and is active amongst the Hispanic community in the Tampa Bay area.

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Barry Taracks

Criminal Defense Law

3210 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Lawyer Barry Taracks, founder of Taracks & Associates, is an ex-state prosecutor with years of professional criminal case experience. He understands all sides of the law, and works hard to consider all the legal needs of our clients.

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Bradley Souders

Personal Injury Law

115 S. Fielding Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606

Education: Samford University, Cumberland School of Law - Juris Doctor (1990) American Journal of Trial Advocacy (1987-1990) (Nation's oldest Law Review dedicated to the advancement of trial Advocacy) University of South Florida - Bachelors of Arts (1987) St. Petersburg Junior College - Associates in Arts (1985) Professional Associations: The Florida Bar (Trial Lawyers Section) Hillsborough County Bar Association (Trial & Litigation Section) Florida Justice Association Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association Life Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2019 to present) Awards: AV Preeminent 5.0 our of 5 Peer Review Rated Martindale Hubbelll (2000 to present) Appreciation Award-Paws for Patriots & Harley Owners Group (2010) Outstanding Program - American Inns of Court (2007) Outstanding Pro Bono Service By Bay Area Volunteer Lawyer Program (2006) For complete and update biography information, please our firm's website using the link provided above.

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Brett Kurland

Brett Kurland

Distinguished Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

101 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Brett Kurland is a former Scholar Athlete from the University of South Carolina. Brett has spent his entire legal career fighting for victims. First, as an Assistant State Attorney representing the victims of crime and then as a personal injury attorney representing injured victims.

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