Trevena, Pontrello & Associates offers legal representation in the areas of criminal defense, criminal appeals, and some civil and family law matters. As a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of litigation and practice experience, John Trevena offers sophisticated and ingenious strategies for what can often be complex and difficult circumstances. John H. Trevena is the owner and managing attorney of his firm. His keen sense of strategy, accomplished skills as a trial lawyer and straightforward approach bring due process for his clients in the criminal justice and civil court systems. Attorney Trevena is listed in Florida Super Lawyers magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Super Lawyers are peer selected and considered among the top 5% of attorneys in their areas of practice. Attorney Trevena is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). The LCA is comprised of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Membership is limited by invitation only and selection is based upon evaluations of effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, and superior ethical reputation. Attorney Trevena is ranked ranked Superb (10 out of 10) by Avvo™, an independent company that ranks attorneys based on their years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements, and industry recognition. Trevena's firm was also recently named the Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Florida, by the publication Corporate America - The Legal Elite 2015. Attorney Trevena is a member of The American Trial Lawyers Association (The Association) and was selected for inclusion in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers for the State of Florida (2007-2015). Membership into The American Trial Lawyers Association is by invitation and is extended only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, leadership, influence, reputation, stature, and profile in the trial attorney community, as viewed by The Association, other trial lawyers, members of the bench, and the public at large. Attorney Trevena was also elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2010. The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation is an honorary organization representing one-third of one percent of licensed attorneys. Fellows are lawyers, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have been elected by their peers to become members of The Fellows because of their outstanding achievements in the legal profession. Attorney Trevena was admitted to the Florida Bar and US District Court, Middle District of Florida in 1986. He received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University in 1985, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982 from the University of South Florida. His current memberships include: Clearwater, St. Petersburg and American (Member, Criminal Law Section) Bar Associations The Florida Bar; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Life Member) Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association (President, 2005) Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Life Member) American Judicature Society. John is a Lifetime Member of Phi Delta Phi, and was on the editorial board for the Florida Bar Journal and Florida Bar News from 1990-1993. He served as Assistant State Attorney from 1985-1987. Attorney Trevena has been a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education) since August 1, 1992.

Shazia Sparkman is the founder and managing partner where she advocates fiercely and passionately for her clients in all types of family law and complex business litigation matters. Armed with a razor sharp grasp of the law, Ms. Sparkman brings her smart sophistication in analyzing every case for each client. Clients have come to expect a tailored and customized approach to each legal situation. It is this personalized approach that was the vision of Ms. Sparkman and that has rooted the firm into the Tampa Bay community as one recognized for excellent service. Ms. Sparkman is a native of Tampa, born and raised and grew up with a passion for the law and service. She has cultivated her talent for lawyering in the most effective and artful manner where her persuasion skills and legal expertise merge together in the courtroom. She is a perfectionist at heart who drives herself to accomplish tasks that others would run from. Her memory and ability to multi-task is difficult to comprehend or describe but clearly reveals how she is able to remember every conversation she has ever had and every client story told. Ms. Sparkman’s community involvement is an extension of her dedication to her clients. She is a member of the Junior League of Tampa and her passion for giving back to the community is exemplified in the volunteer service work she provides in addition to the law firm’s support of various community events that are dear to heart, such as the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay and the Easter Seals organization, both organizations that highlight giving to empower and strengthen children. As a mother of three children, Ms. Sparkman is fueled by this role as a mother, lawyer and volunteer with her focus being to make her community a place where she can be proud to raise her children.

Thomas Gilbert is an attorney licensed in Florida and New Jersey. Mr. Gilbert received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and social sciences from the University of Tampa and his J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Riverview, Florida. While pursuing his law degree, Mr. Gilbert interned at the St. Michael’s Legal Center, a pro bono legal clinic focusing on family law issues. After graduating from law school, Mr. Gilbert served as a judicial law clerk in the Family Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. During his clerkship, Mr. Gilbert conducted legal research, analyzed legal data, and prepared legal memoranda for the Family Division judges. He also conducted many successful parenting time mediations in non-divorce cases. After his clerkship, Mr. Gilbert worked in private practice at two midsize family law firms before joining The Law Offices of Robert Geller. Well-versed in the latest developments in the law, Mr. Gilbert is adept at guiding clients to address their plans for both the short- and long-term consequences of Family Court proceedings. Mr. Gilbert is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a State Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and as an Officer with the Tampa Police Department before beginning his law career. While his focus is on resolving cases without needless litigation, he is well prepared to fight for his clients in the courtroom if necessary.

Since 2014, Mr. Mervine has represented clients in hundreds of cases across 12 Florida counties. While his primary focus is family law, his diverse legal experience also includes representing small businesses, insurance companies, lenders, investors in secondary debt markets, and individuals in immigration court proceedings. Backed by an extensive academic background—including a Juris Doctor and multiple advanced degrees—he brings a well-rounded, strategic approach to every case David Mervine is a dedicated and zealous advocate, committed to guiding clients through the complexities of family law with strategic insight and unwavering support. With a client-centered and collaborative approach, he empowers individuals to navigate challenging legal matters while safeguarding their rights and securing their future.​ Licensed to practice in Florida and before the EOIR Immigration Courts, Mr. Mervine has represented clients in hundreds of cases across 12 Florida counties. While his primary focus is family law—including high-conflict divorces, child custody disputes, and marital agreements—his experience also extends to representing small businesses, insurance companies, lenders, investors in secondary debt markets, and individuals in the immigration Courts. Mr. Mervine’s commitment to community service has been recognized with the prestigious William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, underscoring his dedication to providing legal assistance to those in need. Understanding the profound legal and emotional challenges that families encounter, he crafts thoughtful, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Mr. Mervine began his higher education at the State University of New York at Albany, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence, holding multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from American University, a Master of Science in Communications from Clarion University, and two Master’s Degrees from Colorado State University—one in Finance and another in Organizational Leadership. His legal education culminated at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, where he earned his Juris Doctor and developed a strong foundation in legal advocacy. With extensive legal knowledge, a client-first philosophy, and a steadfast commitment to justice, Mr. Mervine remains a trusted advocate, helping clients navigate life’s most pivotal legal challenges with clarity and confidence.