Mr. Cruz Carino achieved his Doctor of Jurisprudence, from Stetson University College of Law. Before that, he received his Bachelor of Arts, finishing in the top ten percent of his class, from The University of Florida. He served as a Certified State Intern in the State’s Attorney’s Office, where he tried more than ten cases, and was also privileged to serve as a Federal Judicial Intern to the Honorable District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich, of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Upon graduation, Mr. Cruz worked as a Judicial Staff Attorney for four years in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. From there, he served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General from 2001-2012, handling criminal appeals and collateral petitions on behalf of the State of Florida. Mr. Cruz has argued before the Second District Court of Appeal, the Fifth District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. He is admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts, and is also admitted to practice in the Middle District of Florida. He is fluent in Spanish, and has taught as an adjunct professor at Saint Petersburg College. He currently heads the Appellate Section of The Pendas Law Firm and is the (interim) Managing Attorney for the Tampa office. He oversees all appellate matters and provides litigation support to attorneys throughout the firm. Additionally, he handles his own litigation case load. His practice focuses on general civil litigation, appeals and trial support. Mr. Cruz guides all appeals from the filing of a notice of appeal through the filing of a motion to recall mandate.

Practicing law in the state of Florida for over 20 years, attorney Kevin Gallagher has earned an outstanding reputation in the field of personal injury law. Working with victims of automobile accidents, wrongful death, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and other serious injuries, Kevin works tirelessly to ensure that every client receives the best possible verdict and/or settlement for their injuries. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin attended Bowling Green State University where he earned a B.S., B.A. He then went to the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where he received his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. In addition, Mr. Gallagher was a member of the Law Review at Cooley Law School. While in law school, Kevin also interned for a Federal District Court Judge. An extremely caring individual, Kevin’s experience, knowledge, work ethic, determination, and will to win are applied to every case. In addition to caring for his clients, Kevin is also a strong community supporter and believes in giving back. He supports numerous charities, both in the community and in his home state. Kevin is a member of the Million Dollar Advocate Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum which are two of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. Also a member of The Verdict Club and Superior Lawyers of America, Kevin is recognized as an elite litigator for his achievements and abilities in obtaining superior verdicts and settlements.

Jesse is a partner at the Podor Law Firm and practices in the Bradenton, Florida office. Jesse was born in Cleveland, OH, and lived there until 2001. In 2001, Jesse moved to Bradenton and attended Bradenton Christian School. Jesse earned his J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2016. Prior to completing his J.D., Jesse completed his B.S. in Sport Management from the University of Florida. During law school, Jesse interned at Smith, Thompson, Shaw, Minacci & Colon, P.A. in Tallahassee, Florida, and at “Game On Nation” in Bradenton, Florida.