Members of your community since 1971
Results matter. The highest-rated law firm in St. Petersburg.
A personal approach means better results
People helped by the firm
50 years Serving the People of St. Pete, FL
Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett has over 50 years of serving the people of St. Pete with personalized legal counsel. We are not a national firm with ads pumped out endlessly on TV, but a highly rated law firm that pours all our efforts into protecting the rights of local citizens. We are proud to be known for our long history of service and exceptional results.
Senior Partner J. Kevin Hayslett, Esq.
Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett has carried forward the legacy of service first established by the founders of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett and taken the firm to even higher levels of accomplishment. His background as an Assistant State Attorney gives a unique perspective on navigating the legal system, local courts, or negotiating with insurance companies to seek a favorable settlement. A partner at the firm, Mr. Hayslett is known throughout the St. Pete area, where he often supports various local groups, bringing his energy, focus, and commitment to every activity.
Senior Partner Casey K. Carlson, Esq.
Attorney Casey Carlson is a partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, where he brings impressive legal skills to every case he takes on. A long-time Clearwater resident and graduate of Keswick Christian High School, he achieved his Juris Doctorate at J.D. Cumberland School of Law at Samford University Birmingham, after which he joined the firm. His accomplishments in the legal arena have resulted in Mr. Carlson being among the most sought-after attorneys in St. Pete and beyond, a reflection of his impressive trial skills, coupled with personalized service and care.
Founding Partner Edward D. Carlson
Founding Partners Edward D. Carlson and Paul Meissner established the first offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1971. Mr. Carlson’s accomplishments over the years include serving as a municipal judge in Belleair and Safety Harbor. He is a member of the Clearwater Bar Association and the U.S. District Courts of the Middle District, Southern District, and Northern District of Florida, representing clients at the U.S. Court of Appeals. Mr. Carlson is widely known as one of the most accomplished legal minds in the region, helping to establish a legacy of personalized care for which the firm is known today.
Founding Partner Paul A. Meissner, Jr.
Founding Partner Paul A. Meissner, Jr. founded the first offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1971, and his legacy of outstanding legal counsel and personal client care is a foundation of the firm’s ongoing success over the years. His legal accomplishments have led to a peer-review rating of AV “Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell and “10” on Avvo, reflecting his outstanding legal skills and dedication to the people he serves.
AttorneyDaviana M. Braniff
Daviana Marie Braniff was born in Clearwater, Florida, but primarily grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving a scholarship for women’s soccer, Daviana attend...
Read Biography
AttorneyJennifer A. Burns
Jennifer joined the firm in 2004 and is a partner. She and her husband have a daughter. They enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Read Biography
AttorneyRyan T. Cox
A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UC...
Read Biography
AttorneyRick Rivera
Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 200...
Read Biography
AttorneyKaitlyn B. Statile
Kaitlyn Statile attended the University of Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to earn her j...
Read Biography
AttorneyAntonio L. Viera
Antonio L. Viera is a partner at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico after his parents left Cuba, but has lived in the Tampa Bay Area si...
Read Biography
AttorneyBetty M. Whitman
Betty Marion Whitman resides in Ocala, Marion County, Florida where she began practicing law in Marion County in 1987. Betty started her legal career as a secretary to her fathe...
Read Biography
AttorneyMelodie B. Jaffe
Melodie Brosious Jaffe has lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years. She and her husband have three children together. She enjoys boating, horseback riding and ...
Read Biography
AttorneyAnne F. Borghetti Of Counsel
AttorneyThomas M. McLaughlin
A true citizen of Tampa Bay, Thomas M. McLaughlin attended Belcher Elementary, Oak Grove Middle, Pinellas Park High, and the University of South Florida. Tom attended...
Read Biography
AttorneyJohn L. Evans
Originally from New Jersey, John has resided in Florida for over 30 years. He began his career in nursing, earning a BSN from Excelsior College i...
Read Biography
AttorneyJohn N. Barnes
John was born in Jasper, Indiana and grew up in Gulfport, Florida. After graduating from Boca Ciega High School, John went on to obtain his undergraduate degree in Po...
Read Biography
AttorneyPhil Di Spirito
Phil Di Spirito was born in New Jersey but grew up in Orlando, Florida. Phil attended the University of Central Florida where he received his undergraduate degree in Political S...
Read Biography
Our Attorneys
Our St. Pete offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett take a team approach to the legal matters they represent. They work together to seek the most favorable resolution possible in cases of personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and Social Security Disability. Our reputation for excellence reflects our commitment to personalized service, delivered with integrity, skills, and compassion.
Personal Injury Law
Personal legal counsel is essential in aiding individuals who have been injured and suffered damages due to the negligence of others. At Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, we help navigate the complex legal system and seek the compensation they deserve. Personal injury law is a branch of law addressing cases in which an individual has been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person. The goal of a claim or lawsuit is to recover compensation for the impact of the injuries on the individual, including the cost of medical bills, lost wages, reduced quality of life, and other damages.
Our legal team takes on personal injury cases focused on protecting the rights of the injured. We perform every legal action to pursue the full scope of damages, including all economic and non-economic losses. Calculating the value of a claim or lawsuit requires the assistance of financial experts, medical experts, and other resources. Without the support of an attorney familiar with this process, you could accept a settlement far lower than you deserve. Don't take chances with this critical issue.
At Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, you will be represented by local St. Pete legal experts, not a national law firm with a cookie-cutter approach, and a lawyer who may not respond to calls or concerns or even meet you in person. Our legal team has deep, broad roots in the St. Pete community, with over 50 years of serving the region's people. Each of our legal team is driven to achieve justice for the injured and their families.
Worker's Compensation
Workers' compensation pays benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. The benefits include the costs of medical treatment and a percentage of lost wages. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, and employees are typically entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness. It is a shock to have a claim denied, with individuals and families facing financial ruin.
The process of filing for workers' comp benefits is complex and confusing. Sometimes, an employer or an insurance company may deny the claim, leaving the employee without the benefits they deserve. In these situations, getting the help of a talented, experienced workers' compensation attorney is critical. At Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, our legal team can help navigate the claims process to fight for the benefits they are entitled to. The firm represents injured workers in appeals, filing third-party lawsuits when possible and addressing all other legal issues associated with a workplace injury.
Giving you a clear way forward.
DUI
Choosing the right DUI defense lawyer is a matter of extreme urgency. It is essential that your defense attorney has experience and outstanding skills and offers personalized service. At Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, we are proud to have achieved a reputation for legal excellence in defending against misdemeanor and felony DUI charges.
A DUI conviction, even a first-time misdemeanor offense, can have severe and lasting consequences. A conviction on your criminal record is easily found by a prospective employer, landlord, or anyone performing a background check. The penalties can include jail or prison time, expensive fines, and the loss of the legal right to operate a vehicle. If you or a loved one is accused of driving under the influence in the St. Pete’s area, make your first call to the legal team at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, the premier local law firm in the region.
Learn More about DUI
Social Security Disability
Many people living in the St. Pete area may need Social Security benefits to survive. One of the most challenging issues in the system is the high rate of denied applications, leaving many disabled people facing personal and financial devastation. With the help of the legal team at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, an application can be submitted with all the required documentation to increase the chances of success. In appeals, your case can be presented by a talented attorney who understands the system and is dedicated to fighting for the benefits deserved.
Learn More about Social Security Disability
Criminal Defense
The Florida criminal justice system is harsh and unforgiving. If you are facing criminal charges, the individual standing between you and the system's full force is your criminal defense lawyer – and you must choose right. A conviction can lead to losing your freedom, your right to vote, and owing thousands in fines and restitution. Our legal team at the St. Pete offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett brings outstanding legal talent and experience at trial to every case.
Our firm can investigate the facts in your case, develop a compelling defense strategy, and present a defense case in court with energy and professionalism. Every case is unique, and with the help of our firm, the damage to your life, freedoms, and reputation can be protected, and the most favorable outcome pursued.
Learn More about Criminal DefenseOur Locations Serving West Florida & Beyond
Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett serves the entire West Florida area, with convenient office locations in Tampa, Clearwater, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, St. Pete, and Bradenton. With over 50 years of serving clients in the local area and supporting our communities, you can expect superior service, integrity, and compassion from a highly-rated local law firm with deep ties to the region and its people.
Tampa
727-616-1210
Clearwater
727-616-1210
Bradenton
727-616-1210
New Port Richey
727-616-1210
Spring Hill
727-616-1210
St. Pete
727-616-1210
