CARLSON, MEISSNER & HAYSLETT - Key Persons


Anne F. Borghetti

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
  • of Counsel

Antonio L. Viera

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
  • Partner
  • Partner at Carlson
Antonio L. Viera is a partner at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico after his parents left Cuba, but has lived in the Tampa Bay Area since childhood. Antonio has been practicing law since 1999 and specializes in the areas of Social Security Disability, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation. Although Antonio has been offered the opportunity to represent insurance companies in the past, he has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in need. Antonio is also a certified mediator and fluent in English and Spanish. When he is not working, Antonio loves spending time with his wife, Sarah, their three young children, and his extended family.

Attorney Casey Carlson

Job Titles:
  • Partner at Carlson
Attorney Casey Carlson is a highly respected partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, with over three decades of experience in the legal industry. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the Tampa legal community, with a reputation for exceptional trial skills and personalized service. Mr. Carlson is a distinguished member of the Florida Bar, Colorado Bar, and Clearwater Bar Association, and has deep roots in the local community. Born and raised in the area, Mr. Carlson graduated from Keswick Christian High School and went on to earn his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in Birmingham. Since joining Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1989, he has been dedicated to serving his clients with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and compassion. His commitment to his clients and community has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after attorneys in Port Richey and the surrounding areas.

Barney Masterson Inn

Job Titles:
  • Inn of Court ( past Member )

Betty M. Whitman

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Betty Marion Whitman resides in Ocala, Marion County, Florida where she began practicing law in Marion County in 1987. Betty started her legal career as a secretary to her father, a general practitioner in Melbourne, Florida. She continued to work as a legal secretary in various cities in Florida and briefly in New York City. She obtained her A.A. degree from Brevard Community College, then went on to the University of Central Florida to obtain her B.A. degree, and then to Law School at the University of Florida. Betty has achieved an "AV Preeminent" rating by Martindale & Hubbell, which is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the fact that her peers rate her at the highest level of achievement. She was also Board Certified in Workers' Compensation (2000-2015). She has spoken at numerous seminars and educational programs on practice and procedure, and topical issues, involving workers' compensation, employment law, and liability law.

Casey K. Carlson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Partner
Casey Carlson is a long-time Clearwater, Florida, resident who graduated from Keswick Christian High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He joined the firm in 1989 upon graduation from law school. He enjoys boating, fishing, golf, scuba diving, travel, and spending time with family and friends. Attorney Casey Carlson is a highly respected partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, with over three decades of experience in the legal industry. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the Tampa legal community, with a reputation for exceptional trial skills and personalized service. Mr. Carlson is a distinguished member of the Florida Bar, Colorado Bar, and Clearwater Bar Association, and has deep roots in the local community. Born and raised in the area, Mr. Carlson graduated from Keswick Christian High School and went on to earn his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in Birmingham. Since joining Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1989, he has been dedicated to serving his clients with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and compassion. His commitment to his clients and community has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after attorneys in Port Richey and the surrounding areas.

Clayton Clearwater

I was referred to Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett Law Office by my former Chiropractor. I have never dealt with anything like this. Jennifer made it easy on me.

Edward D. Carlson

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner
Edward D. Carlson was born in New Jersey. He founded the firm with Paul Meissner in 1971. He has served as a municipal judge for the cities of Belleair and Safety Harbor, Florida. Ed has been married for more than 40 years and has four grown children and five grandchildren. Attorney Edward D. Carlson is a highly respected legal professional who co-founded Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1971. With more than fifty years of experience, he has established himself as a trusted name in the legal community. Mr. Carlson's extensive legal background includes serving as a municipal judge in Belleair and Safety Harbor. He is also a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Clearwater Bar Association, the U.S. District Courts of the Middle District, Southern District, and Northern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals. Throughout his career, Mr. Carlson has built a legacy of personalized client attention, exceptional legal skills, and a deep commitment to service. These qualities have become the foundation of the firm's continued success in handling complex and challenging cases.

Florida Guardian

Job Titles:
  • Ad Litem Program, Sixth Judicial Circuit ( past Guardian Ad Litem )

J. Kevin Hayslett

Job Titles:
  • Senior Partner
  • Partner at Carlson
Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett brings exceptional legal knowledge to every case at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett. His background serving as an Assistant State Attorney has led to outstanding trial skills and a breadth of insight into the legal system from both sides of the aisle. His legal acumen and experience make him a powerful force in court, where he can deliver persuasive, well-supported arguments or negotiate with insurance companies, opposing counsel, or prosecutors. His knowledge and experience have proven vital in achieving positive outcomes in various legal matters. Mr. Hayslett carries forward the legacy of service established by the firm's founders. Kevin Hayslett can be heard on Radio IO on his show, "Kevin's Law." J. Kevin Hayslett is a law firm partner at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He and his wife, Melisa have three sons. They enjoy playing tennis, baseball and watching seasonal sports. Kevin is an avid tennis player and is currently nationally rated in singles and doubles. J. Kevin Hayslett is a respected Tampa area attorney and a well-known figure in our local community. He is committed to the legacy of service and community engagement established by the firm's founders. As a partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, he brings exceptional experience to every case, supported by his background serving as an Assistant State Attorney. Mr. Hayslett brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience in the local courts, having served on both sides of the aisle. His insights, familiarity with the local courts and their personnel, and legal skills gives his clients confidence their cases are in the hands of an attorney. Attorney J. Keven Hayslett is committed to the legacy of service and superior legal work established over 50 years serving the Bradenton community. A partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, his background serving as an Assistant State Attorney has given him a breadth of knowledge and experience in negotiations to achieve a positive outcome, along with familiarity with the local courts and their personnel. He is a familiar figure in the local community, with an exceptional level of knowledge of the law, from both sides of the aisle, which has served his clients well.

Jennifer A. Burns

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Jennifer joined the firm in 2004 and is a partner. She and her husband have a daughter. They enjoy spending time with family and friends.

John L. Evans

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Originally from New Jersey, John has resided in Florida for over 30 years. He began his career in nursing, earning a BSN from Excelsior College i...

Kaitlyn B. Statile

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Kaitlyn Statile attended the University of Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to earn her j...

Kubicki Draper Law - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Shareholder

Matthew B. Wheeley

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Matthew Wheeley was born in Haines City, FL and grew up in Clearwater. He and his wife, Dianna, have two grown children who were recently married and live in Tampa. They have tw...

Melissa Bradenton

I was arrested at a bar and charged with drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest. A lot of my friends were there and we were all in shock at what had happened. The following day I had a consultation with Mr. River...

Melodie B. Jaffe

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Melodie Brosious Jaffe has lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years. She and her husband have three children together. She enjoys boating, horseback riding and ...

Paul A. Meissner

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner
Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child. He is a graduate of Clear... Paul A. Meissner, Jr. is a highly respected legal professional and founding partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett. With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Meissner has established himself as a leading authority in his field. He is widely recognized for his exceptional legal skills and has earned numerous accolades for his work, including an AV "Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a "10" rating from Avvo, two of the most prestigious peer-review rating services in the legal industry. In addition to his impressive legal career, Mr. Meissner has also served as an educator at Stetson College of Law in St. Petersburg and an Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute in St. Petersburg. He has also worked as an FBI Special Agent and an Assistant State Attorney, giving him a unique perspective and invaluable experience in the legal system. As a founding partner of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, Mr. Meissner has played a pivotal role in establishing the firm as one of the most successful and respected practices in the state. His commitment to providing exceptional legal services to his clients has helped the firm build a reputation for excellence and personalized attention.

Rick Rivera

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
  • Partner
Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 200...

Ryan T. Cox

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master's degree in criminal justice from UC...

Sanderson Law

Job Titles:
  • Fayetteville, GA Summer Associate

Terry Tampa

Daviana went above and beyond when It came to handling my case. She answered every call and question I had in a timely and professional manner.

Thomas M. McLaughlin

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
A true citizen of Tampa Bay, Thomas M. McLaughlin attended Belcher Elementary, Oak Grove Middle, Pinellas Park High, and the University of South Florida. Tom attended...