Athena Pearl Riley is a former felony prosecutor, licensed Realtor, and real estate investor. Athena’s extensive trial experience, meticulous attention to case details, and real estate background has made her the go-to attorney for individuals, investors and businesses alike seeking the zealous representation they deserve. Selected to serve as the Chief Justice of her alma mater at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Athena went on to graduate from UNM School of Law, where she was a member of her law school’s nationally ranked mock trial team, winning Regionals and advancing to Nationals. Athena received a number of distinguished honors during law school, including the American Association for Justice Partnership in Advocacy award, the American Board of Trial Advocates mock trial student of the year award, first place honors in the Mediation Competition, advancing to Regionals in the Negotiation Competition, competing in the invitation only National Institute for Trial Advocacy Tournament of Champions, and serving as the President of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Student Association. Athena was subsequently selected to be the National Trial Competition Coach for Golden Gate School of Law in San Francisco, California, where she taught for two years prior to relocating to Northwest Florida. Athena received the 2019 Florida Association for Women Lawyers "Leader in the Law" award and has dedicated her practice to protecting her clients financial and property interests. Community Involvement: Athena is very active in her community, having served on a number of local boards including United Way, Boys & Girls Club and the Healthy Start Coalition. Athena is the founding member of the Okaloosa Florida Association for Women Lawyers (OFAWL), and of Franklin’s Tree House Foundation, where her and her husband have created the “Confident Kids!” program which partners with Children in Crisis, Inc, a non-profit organization serving foster children from Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. In her free time, Athena enjoys running, reading, cooking and exploring the white sand beaches and nature trails of the place she now calls home. Practice areas: Athena's practice covers a wide range of civil issues including simple to complex contract disputes, business entity incorporations, negligent and fraudulent misrepresentations, land disputes, condominium defects & HOA representation, mold litigation, unlawful detainers, evictions, and defending against federal and state civil asset forfeitures, among handling a number of other civil issues.

Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity. How did you build a successful practice? I was fortunate enough to begin my legal career having great mentors and practicing in front of great judges. Having that foundation and always continuing to work hard has helped me build a successful practice. What should clients look for in a lawyer? Clients should look for a lawyer that has a strong work ethic and that conducts himself/herself with integrity. How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? Having knowledge of the local judges and attorneys for the other side in very important in all areas of law. What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? I’m happy to discuss an individual’s legal matter for free over the phone or at one of our locations. I would review their case, discuss the strengths and weaknesses and determine what options may be available for the client What information do you need in a free phone consultation? I would like to review any paperwork they’ve received from the other attorney/party as well as contact information for following up. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? The two things that separate me from other lawyers are (1) my trial experience and (2) my experience on the opposing side. I have handled more trials in my first decade as an attorney than most attorneys will handle in their entire career. Additionally, as it pertains to criminal defense and debt defense, I have been the head attorney in my respective divisions for the sides I now go against. This gives me a big advantage in those cases. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? When someone comes to me, it usually means they’re going through a tough time. Either they’ve been hurt, arrested or sued. Helping someone get through that difficult time by putting these legal issues behind them is very rewarding. What are your other interests in addition to law? I am a big sports fan and I also love to travel.

Drew was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he attended Choctawhatchee High School. He is the son of Vince Bruner, of Fort Walton, and Laurie Bruner, of Crestview. Upon graduating, he enrolled at Auburn University where he completed his degree in political science in preparation for law school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he enrolled as a scholarship student in 2009. During law school, Drew worked as a licensed legal intern at the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office where he gained valuable courtroom experience in criminal proceedings. Drew became a member of the Florida Bar in November of 2012, the Alabama Bar in April of 2014, and the Georgia State Bar in 2018. Drew is also licensed to practice in all Federal Courts in the State of Florida, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Drew is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the benchmark in ethical standing for attorneys. Drew enjoys long marathon running, cycling, reading, and hunting in his free time. Drew is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach.

In 2017 Kelly Simon became associated with Aaron B. Wentz, P.A. Kelly was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach. After graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1997, she received her Associate Degree from Okaloosa Walton Community College and then her Bachelor Degree from University of West Florida. She graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2004 and immediately took a position with the State Attorney’s Office in Pensacola. After working as an Assistant State Attorney for three years, she went on to represent children on behalf of the State of Florida at the Department of Children and Families. After almost 10 years practicing dependency litigation, she has joined the firm of Aaron B. Wentz, P.A. Kelly’s practice at Aaron B. Wentz, P.A. includes personal injury, family law, criminal defense, estate planning, probate, and general civil litigation. When Kelly is not practicing law, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

We offer a wide range of legal services for the Florida Gulf Coast area. Foreclosure defense, criminal law, civil litigation, family law, property law, and more. Call us for a free consultation. We will advise you on the best plan to meet your legal needs.

The law firm of Cotton & Gates, Attorneys at Law, has provided high-quality service and representation to people in Okaloosa County and Northwest Florida since 1976. Our lawyers have a well-earned reputation for their strong advocacy skills and ability to obtain results for people facing serious legal problems involving criminal, family, real estate, estate planning and probate issues.

Prior to joining the Law Offices of James C. Campbell, P.A., John Madden, a Shalimar native, was an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he handled Juvenile, Misdemeanor Crimes including DUI's and Domestic Violence, and all degrees of serious Felony cases. In his 5 years with the State, John handled thousands of cases throughout Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties. He has tried over 20 jury trials to verdict, and was recognized statewide as "Outstanding Prosecutor" by Mother's Against Drunk Driver's in 2014. Throughout the Circuit, John has established valuable relationships with fellow attorneys, prosecutors, judges, clerks, law enforcement and probation officers. His knowledge of the law, the legal process, and his experience in the courtroom, allow him to successfully defend the rights of his clients. John attended Florida State University where he obtained both his Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and his Juris Doctorate.

Your family’s best interest is my main focus. I will listen and provide creative, effective solutions to reach your goals. Tonya Holman is the Attorney you recommend to your family and friends! Tonya is focused on solving your problem quickly and according to your goals by executing the most cost-effective tactics and using the most appropriate legal options available. Tonya’s demeanor and performance is the result of a conscientious work ethic of serving people. Her goal is to get you the best possible outcome in your case. As a military spouse for 24 years, Tonya has a deep understanding of the issues that may and will arise with dealing with military family law issues. Tonya understands the complex issues pertaining to relocation, visitation during deployments, and the family care package. Tonya strongly believes in zealous advocacy for those who wear the uniform, spouses and children that support them.

Michael V. McGrail is a partner in the law firm of Wesley, McGrail and Wesley. He began his legal career in 1993 and is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida and the U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida. Mr. McGrail’s practice is limited solely to litigation matters. He represents clients who have been seriously injured through the fault of someone else. His practice is limited to personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and insurance coverage disputes, as well as those who have been denied Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. The law firm of Wesley, McGrail and Wesley is dedicated to representing clients throughout Northwest Florida who have been severely injured through no fault of their own. Whether it be representing a claimant at a Social Security administrative law hearing or trying a wrongful death claim in front a jury, Wesley, McGrail and Wesley will do everything to maximize your recovery and ensure that your case is handled with professionalism, integrity and dignity. When Mr. McGrail gets time away from the office, he enjoys boating, working out, spending time with his family and attending Florida State Football games during the fall. He is married to his high school sweetheart and has three grown daughters. Mr. McGrail has been very involved in the local sports community, having spent many years as a soccer coach, team manager and is a member of the Fort Walton Beach Allsports Association and a Wuerffel Trophy Regional Representative. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach where he enjoys singing in the choir and working with the youth department.