Karla Allen

Karla Allen received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. While attending Stetson, Karla focused her studies on Elder Law and Estate Planning and received a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law. Karla was also awarded the Matthew Bender Elder Law Book Award for high academic achievement in Elder Law and Estate Planning courses. Karla was also recognized with the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award and was inducted into the Who's Who Among American Colleges & Universities. In addition to Elder Law and Estate Planning, Karla also practices Family Law with specific emphasis on marital dissolution, child custody and support, and modification of child custody and support, guardianship, guardian advocacy, Medicaid Planning and Bankruptcy.

Karla's passion for practicing comes from her own personal experiences in life. Karla worked and raised kids while attending college, and has struggled through divorce and life as a single mother. As a parent, Karla has also faced the challenges that arise when you have a child with special medical needs. Due to the many hospitalizations of her own child who had battled liver disease and was eventually transplanted, Karla came to know other families who struggled with issues associated to having special needs children of their own. This has helped Karla grow personally and allows her to have a deeper compassionate understanding of the issues people face at a whole different level. So, not only does she know the law, she knows people.

Karla is currently admitted to practice in Florida and the Middle District of the U.S. District Court, is a member of the Hillsborough Bar Association, Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and Association of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA).

Karla has also authored the following articles:

• Legacy and Long-Term Care: Should the Privilege of Inheritance Take a Backseat to the Needs of Providing Long-Term Care for the Growing Elder Population? (Spring 2007)
• Special Needs Trusts: Their Purpose, the Different Types, and Knowing When and Why to Use Them (Spring 2008)
• The Disabled Child and Divorced Parents:  The Impact of Child Support on SSI and an Alternative Arrangement That Should Be Considered (Spring 2008)

Joseph T. McCormick III

Joseph completed his undergraduate education at the University of South Florida with a degree in Secondary Education. He stayed on to earn a Master's Degree in History. He later received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, where he earned the William F. Blews Pro Bono Award, repeatedly placed on the Honor Roll and became a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.

While attending Stetson, Joseph worked in several law firms covering multiple practice areas, including foreclosures and bankruptcies. He gleaned a great deal of hands-on experience representing creditors and is eager to apply that knowledge to helping and protecting consumers.

Joseph currently focuses his practice in the area of foreclosure defense, consumer protection with regard to debt collection violations, bankruptcy, real estate and family law.

Joseph was born in Connecticut, but he has lived in Tampa for fifteen years. He is committed to the good of his community and the people around him.

Joseph is currently admitted to practice in the State of Florida and the Middle District of the U.S. District Court.