Lehigh Acres, FL

Richard L. Purtz

Richard L. Purtz is a former Managing Partner (retired 2025) specializing in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Property Damage Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, and Slip/Trip & Falls. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, holds an AV Preeminent Rating, and has been named a Florida 'Super Lawyer'. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and has a background in collegiate and professional sports.

John B. Cechman

John B. Cechman joined the firm in 1972 and became a partner in 1978. He specializes in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Wrongful Death. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, AV Preeminent rated, and has been named a Florida 'Super Lawyer' multiple times. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Andrea Pleimling Smith

Andrea Pleimling Smith joined the firm in 2014 and became a partner in 2017, now serving as Co-Managing Partner. She specializes in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Slip/Trip & Falls, and Spinal Cord Injuries. She is Peer Reviewed by Martindale-Hubbell, a member of the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was recognized in Business Observer's '40 Under 40' in 2019.

Christopher J. Smith

Christopher J. Smith is a Co-Managing Partner at the firm, specializing in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, and Slip/Trip and Falls. He joined the firm in 2007 and became a partner in 2011, then co-managing partner in 2018. He is Florida Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 2019, holds an AV Preeminent Rating, and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has secured multiple verdicts exceeding $1M.

J. Jeffrey Rice

J. Jeffrey Rice is a former Managing Partner (retired 2023) specializing in Commercial Law, Construction Law, and Construction Lien Cases. He is triple board-certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law, Business Litigation, and Construction Law. He holds an AV Preeminent Rating, has been named a Florida 'Super Lawyer' annually since 2006, and was selected for 'The Best Lawyers in America' since 2013. He also served as an NFL referee for 25 years.

Eve T. K. Volkmann

Eve T. K. Volkmann joined the firm in 2019 and became a partner. She graduated magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law, ranking fourth in her class, and earned multiple Book Awards. She specializes in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, and Slip/Trip and Falls. She is a board member of the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association and was a judicial intern clerk.

Stephen W. Buckley

Stephen W. Buckley joined the firm in 1969 and became a partner in 1971. He specializes in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate. He holds an AV Preeminent Rating through Martindale Hubbell’s Peer Reviews and has been with the firm for over 50 years.