Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Sarasota, FL
The Essenson Law Firm has been providing comprehensive legal services since 1979, with offices in Buffalo, New York, and Sarasota, Florida. Our firm holds the prestigious AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, reflecting our commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards. We specialize in appellate practice, business law, family law, real property, torts, and wills/probate, serving clients across Florida. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in both trial and appellate courts, offering personalized legal solutions tailored to each client's needs. We prioritize client relationships, ensuring compassionate and dedicated representation in complex legal matters. Our team includes seasoned professionals like James L.Essenson, Barbara J. Welch, and Matthew J. Kelly, who have earned recognition for their expertise and courtroom success. We maintain strong ties to the legal community through memberships in the Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar Association, and other professional organizations. Our practice extends to Sarasota and Manatee counties, with a focus on delivering accessible, high-quality legal counsel. We offer services ranging from routine legal advice to civil litigation advocacy, including arbitration and mediation. Our track record of success in both trial and appellate courts demonstrates our ability to achieve favorable outcomes for clients facing diverse legal challenges.
Services
Appellate Practice
Business Law
Family Law
Real Property
Wills and Probate
Torts
Guardianship
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in Florida legal matters since 1979
- Our firm maintains the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV rating for excellence
- We provide personalized legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs
- Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in both trial and appellate courts
- We combine compassionate representation with proven legal expertise in complex cases
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV
What people say
Compassionate and professional
Exceptional courtroom results
Personalized legal solutions
Knowledgeable and helpful
Dedicated representation
Services
Appellate Practice
Our appellate practice handles complex legal appeals with experienced attorneys who have successfully argued cases before state and federal appellate courts. We focus on preserving favorable trial outcomes and challenging adverse decisions through thorough legal analysis and persuasive argumentation. Our team's deep understanding of appellate procedures and precedent ensures comprehensive representation for clients seeking appellate review.
Family Law
We provide comprehensive family law services including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and property division. Our attorneys handle prenuptial agreements, adoption cases, and post-nuptial agreements with sensitivity to clients' emotional and legal needs. We strive to achieve equitable solutions through negotiation or litigation while prioritizing clients' family interests and long-term well-being.
Real Property
Our real estate practice covers property transactions, title insurance, and dispute resolution for residential and commercial properties. We represent clients in purchase/sale agreements, landlord-tenant disputes, and homeowners association matters. Our experience includes resolving complex issues related to easements, covenants, and mortgage foreclosures while ensuring clients' property rights are protected throughout the transaction process.
Wills and Probate
We offer comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. Our probate practice manages estate administration, asset distribution, and litigation related to contested wills. We guide clients through complex probate processes while ensuring compliance with Florida estate laws and protecting beneficiaries' interests during the administration of estates.
Business Law
Our business law practice handles commercial transactions, contract disputes, and business formation/dissolution. We represent clients in construction litigation, business acquisitions, and commercial collections matters. Our attorneys provide strategic legal counsel for business operations while effectively advocating for clients' interests in commercial litigation and transactional matters across various industries.
People
James L. Essenson
Attorney
Summa Cum Laude NYU graduate with 40+ years of legal experience, admitted to practice in Florida, New York, and federal courts. Specializes in appellate practice and complex litigation.
Barbara J. Welch
Attorney
Cum Laude University of Central Florida graduate with 20+ years of Florida legal experience, specializing in family law and commercial litigation.
Matthew J. Kelly
Attorney
Stetson University-trained litigator with 10+ years of Florida practice experience, focusing on business law and appellate advocacy.
Darice A. Wallace
Paralegal
Florida Registered Paralegal with 25+ years of firm experience, providing critical support in complex legal cases and client matters.
Tia D. McKibbin
Accounting Administrator
15-year firm veteran managing financial operations and client billing with expertise in legal accounting practices.
Questions
What areas of law does Essenson Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in appellate practice, business law, family law, real property, torts, wills/probate, and guardianship matters.
Where does Essenson Law Firm serve clients?
We serve clients throughout Florida, with primary offices in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
What experience does the firm have in appellate cases?
Our attorneys have extensive appellate experience, including successfully arguing cases before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Does the firm handle real estate legal matters?
Yes, we handle all aspects of real estate law including transactions, title insurance, and homeowners association disputes.
