Lieser Skaff Alexander

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Lieser Skaff Alexander is a proud member of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a not-for-profit business membership organization that helps promote the businesses and business interests of its members. Members come from diverse backgrounds including small businesses, big corporations, government bodies and the military. United, we become a single, unifying force with the power to shape the future of Tampa Bay.

Board Certified Real Estate

Less than 1% of practicing Florida attorneys are board certified in Real Estate, and Stephanie Martin is a member of this elite group. To achieve certification, Stephanie demonstrated expertise in the area, completed continuing legal education requirements in real estate, and passed a written examination. With her oversight, we address the basic and complex real estate needs of our clients ranging from simple buy/sell transactions to real estate litigation.

Hillsborough County Bar Association

LSA’s attorneys are all members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) and Jeff Lieser is a member of the HCBA’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee.

American Bar Association

LSA attorneys are members of the American Bar Association (ABA), one of the world’s largest professional organizations, with approximately 400,000 members. Founded in 1878, the ABA improves the administration of justice and more.

Lake County Bar Associaition

Joe Alexander was a member and is a Former President of the Lake County Bar Association. Jeff Lieser, an Army reservist, previously spoke at Lake County’s Annual Law Day luncheon about his recent deployment to Iraq, where he prosecuted terrorist defendants in Iraqi Courts.

West Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Lieser Skaff Alexander is a proud member of the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce. This multi-faceted group capitalizes on the diverse resources of its members to support the businesses and neighborhoods in this historic area, promoting smart growth and success for all. Through a variety of development inputs, programs and community outreach, it strives to make West Tampa a great place to live and work.

North Hyde Park Alliance

Lieser Skaff Alexander joined the North Hyde Park Alliance immediately  upon purchasing a new office building in the area on N. Howard Ave. The Alliance’s mission is to maintain and improve the quality of life for residents and business people in the area by promoting progress in the areas of transportation, beautification, crime prevention education and marketing the revitalized area.

St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Lieser Skaff Alexander is a part of the Pinellas County business community as a proud member of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Avvo Rated

The attorneys at Lieser Skaff Alexander (LSA) are all highly rated by Avvo, an independent online lawyer rating resource.

• Jeff Lieser
• Ghada Skaff
• Joseph Alexander
• Karen Prevatt
• Stephanie Martin
• Michael Bayern
• Michael Singer
• Bo Sellitti

Super Lawyers

Attorneys, Jeff Lieser, Ghada Skaff, and Joe Alexander have been selected by Super Lawyers^® magazine, an honor based upon peer review reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys under age 40 who have been recognized by their peers for their professional achievement.

• Jeff Lieser
• Ghada Skaff
• Joe Alexander

Florida Trend Legal Elite

Lieser Skaff Alexander’s attorney Jeff Lieser, and Ghada Skaff are honored in 2022 as part of Florida Trend’s “Florida Legal Elite“. Votes were cast by fellow attorneys as members of the Florida Bar to choose less than 2% of members with this designation. Florida Legal Elite presents the state’s top licensed and practicing attorneys selected by their peers.

• Jeff Lieser
• Ghada Skaff
• Joe Alexander

AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell

Licensed in 2003, Joe Alexander has been awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent^® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell indicating that he has reached the height of professional excellence. The AV rating is the highest such recognition and demonstrates the highest level of skill, ethics and integrity. It is achieved through independent and anonymous peer and judicial review rating.

Expertise

We are proud to announce that Lieser Skaff Alexander has been selected as one of the Best Litigation Attorneys in Tampa for 2022 by Expertise.com.

American Inns of Court

Jeff Lieser is a member of the C. H. Ferguson M. E. White American Inn of Court. The Inn of court is a nation-wide organization whose purpose is to promote legal excellence, civility, professionalism, and ethics in the practice of law.

Gasparilla International Film Festival

Joe Alexander has been elected President of the Tampa Film Institute, Inc., doing business as, Gasparilla International Film Festival (“GIFF”). GIFF is a Tampa Bay area non-profit organization, which, in addition to organizing and operating the acclaimed annual film festival, has grown into an entertaining and educational year-round entity. It is the mission of GIFF to provide continuing support for film screening, production, and education.

The SharkPreneur

Attorney Jeffrey Lieser recently discussed the need for early legal intervention in business transactions on the SharkPreneur podcast with Seth Greene. Jeff explained how consulting with an experienced business attorney at the front end of a business deal is like purchasing insurance for your business.

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Solicitors Journal

LSA solicitor media: Authored by Jeffrey Lieser and recently published in Solicitors Journal, the article “Rental Assistance Programs for Landlords and Tenants”, covers the complex nature of COVID-19 related eviction moratoriums in the United States as well as the practical and legal status of the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program that was intended to help both tenants and landlords. Established in 1856, Solicitors Journal is published monthly and covers practical issues affecting the legal profession.

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SPECTRUM BAY NEWS 9

Affected by the end of the eviction moratorium? Many landlords and renters are concerned about the lasting results of evictions. A recent podcast featuring our real estate attorney Michael Singer shared that there are things renters and landlords can do to help each other.

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Tampa Bay Business Journal

A recent lawsuit filed by several of the Tampa Bay Rays minority owners against owner Stu Sternberg claims that there has been a lack of transparency regarding the operations of the franchise and that earned distributions have been withheld from the minority owners. As partial owners, the plaintiffs allege the only way to realize a return on their investment is through financial distributions or the sale of their shares.

Although the lawsuit is focused on partnership issues, many fans expected that it would result in a change of ownership of the franchise. Even St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman joined in, suggesting that Sternberg consider relinquishing control of the Tampa Bay Rays. However, “It doesn’t seem like that is what’s even being requested,” said Michael Singer, an attorney at Lieser Skaff Alexander in Tampa. Instead, the claims presented in the suit are focused on financial and tax issues among the owners.

To learn more, please read the full article if you have a subscription to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

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Tampa Bay Business Journal

Many employers want to discourage employees from gathering in large groups while off duty, and former LSA Attorney Alissa Kranz discusses the challenges employers face and some options to encourage cooperation. Caution is needed to avoid discrimination and other lawsuits.

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WTSP Tampa Bay 10

Former LSA Attorney Alissa Kranz served as a business legal expert for WTSP Tampa Bay 10 to discuss whether employers can require employees to receive a Covid-19 vaccine if and when it becomes available. Alissa stated that it is likely that employers can mandate this within OSHA rules and guidelines but exemptions allow employees to opt out for health or religious reasons.

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SHRM.org

Former LSA attorney Alissa Kranz was one of a select group of lawyers with business expertise who were interviewed for an article that was published in SHRM. The article focused on whether employers can require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination if or when one becomes available. Alissa discussed how employees might respond negatively to a mandate for vaccination and how this may impact an employer’s workforce.

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Tampa Bay Business Journal

In a recent guest article, LSA attorney Jeff Lieser discussed the limitations of using waivers to protect businesses from potential Covid-19 based lawsuits. No waiver provides complete protection from lawsuits and workers compensation claims but may do so in some situations. However, the wording of the waiver is important and there are non-legal implications of waivers that businesses should consider.

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The Impact Lawyers

LSA Attorney Jeff Lieser wrote an article for The Impact Lawyers publication in which he discussed the many challenges of reopening a law practice, or any businesses, during the COVID epidemic. He shared 10 actions that lawyers and other business leaders can take to create a safe and supportive environment for their staff and clients throughout the reopening process.

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AM Tampa Bay

Former LSA Attorney Alissa Kranz participated as a guest expert on this podcast and explained that employers can require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, but there are many exemptions to this statement. Religious beliefs, disabilities, and those who may have a severe reaction can request an exemption and they have the right to do so.

Tampa Bay Business Journal

Former LSA Attorney Daniel Drake was published in the Tampa Bay Business Journal to discuss the risk of landlords could begin evictions in the coming weeks. Florida’s statewide moratorium on evictions protected COVID-impacted renters but this protection ended on September 1 st and it is expected that many landlords will begin eviction proceedings at this time.

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Tampa Bay Times

Tampa business former LSA lawyer Alissa Kranz said businesses have the legal right to deny anyone entry to their property for not wearing a mask like they do for a shopper not wearing shoes or a shirt. But acting on that puts employees in a difficult position.

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AM Tampa Bay

Former LSA attorney Alissa Kranz spoke with AM Tampa Bay regarding the use of waivers to protect businesses from lawsuits by patrons and employees. Waivers offer no protection if businesses there is intentional or negligent conduct. Waivers may be beneficial in some circumstances but nothing can protect you from being sued.

AM Tampa Bay

The initial Payroll Protection Program (PPP) was not well designed and funds were quickly depleted. The second round of PPP funding allows more businesses to qualify for loan forgiveness. Attorney Jeff Leiser discussed the challenges of the loan forgiveness process and strategies for a successful outcome.

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WTSP 10 News

As businesses reopen, questions have arisen regarding who is liable if an employee or customer contracts COVID-19 while at a place of business. Generally, the public assumes liability when they go out into the world, but the business must do everything possible to operate a safe space.

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Spectrum News

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, attorney Jeffery Lieser discussed liability issues that business owners should understand as they prepare to reopen. Speaking as an expert with Stephanie Claytor, he stated the importance of reopening to avoid losing customers and income, but the necessity of following every piece of guidance available to minimize liability risks.

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AM Tampa Bay – 970 WFLA Podcasts

Former LSA Attorney Alissa Kranz joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss how Florida – and other states – are beginning to allow various businesses to reopen. But what happens if your employer is legally allowed to reopen for business, but you don’t feel it’s safe to return to the workplace? Can your boss force you to go to the office? Can you be fired for refusing to do so?

ABC Action News

If you happen to be one of those people that are laid off and you’re not getting your paycheck and you can’t pay your rent, what do you do? That’s a tough answer at the moment, but I’ll tell you that it was addressed by the local courts here in Florida,” said former LSA attorney Daniel Drake.

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AM Tampa Bay

Former Tampa LSA Attorney Dan Drake joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss what you need to know about the government’s economic impact payments.

• Click here to Listen

Business Observer

Business owners who publish unique content on their websites can seek copyright protection to stop competitors from illegally copying and republishing their content. In a Business Observer article, Jeff Lieser discussed steps companies can take to protect their intellectual property.

AM Tampa Bay

When AM Tampa Bay discussed the controversial job description posted on LinkedIn that listed “Preferably Caucasian” as a requirement, they turned to former LSA employment attorney Laura Coleman for an expert legal opinion. Laura explained that this type of discrimination is not allowed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state of Florida unless there is a bonafide occupational qualification for limiting applicants.

Orlando Sentinel

A Central Florida businessman is suing an aquarium maker whose exclusive works are featured on the reality TV show “Tanked,” claiming the company took his money but didn’t build the one-of-a-kind aquarium in his backyard he planned  to fill with rays, sharks and exotic fish. The lawsuit accuses Las Vegas aquarium-maker Acrylic Tank Manufacturing of breach of contract and unjust enrichment for accepting — but not returning — $147,000 paid up front by Oliver Dawoud.

The Observer News

Probate attorney Karen Prevatt oversaw a $200,000 bequest from her client Brenda Peichart Peash that now funds mental health services for Sun City residents in need. The funds were bequeathed specifically to Mental Health Care Inc., which is now known as Gracepoint in Tampa. The program will use Ms. Peichart Peash’s gift to provide weekly mental health services to this community on an ongoing basis over the next five years. Transportation severely limits residents in this community from accessing this type of care, and Gracepoint’s mobile van is now able to bridge that gap to serve high-risk individuals in their homes.
Ms. Prevatt heads the Lieser, Skaff Alexander Sun City law offices and specializes in probate, wills and estates. She served as legal counsel for the Southshore Coalition for Mental Health & Aging.

The Hill

Jeff’s article on Operation New Dawn was also published in The Hill, a Washington D.C based newspaper  written about national policy focused on business and lobbying particularly regarding Congress.  It has the largest circulation of any other Capitol Hill newspaper.

The Tampa Tribune

As a veteran of Operation New Dawn, Jeff Lieser offered a
letter, which was published in The Tampa Tribune regarding a few of the issues surrounding the 2011 troop withdrawal from Iraq.

Tampa Bay Times

Jeff Lieser was selected as one of six delegates by the America Council of Young Political leaders (ACYPL), a bipartisan organization funded in part by the Department of State, to represent the United State on a delegation to Australia. Afterwards, The Tampa Bay Times
published a letter Jeff wrote regarding of Australia’s health care system.

Florida Bar News

Jeff Lieser of Lieser Skaff Alexander in Tampa and an Army reservist spoke at Lake County’s Annual Law Day luncheon about his recent deployment to Iraq, where he prosecuted terrorist defendants.

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Newsradio 970 WFLA

Jeff Lieser joined AM Tampa bay on NewsRadio WFLA as a guest to discuss property law issues regarding a Florida man whose home was taken over by squatters. Listen to the podcast of his visit With Jack Harris, Tedd Webb and Corey Dylan.

WTSP 10News

WTSP 10News tapped into Jeff Lieser’s construction law experience regarding the $2 Million lien on the newly opened Tampa Premium Outlets.  Lieser explains that construction liens are common in larger projects or developments such as this Outlet Mall project where liens against the property owner are filed after subcontractors do not pay the general contractors.

Fox 13

Fox 13 sought the advice of Tampa Real Estate Attorney, Joe Alexander regarding a recent noise complaint at a luxury apartment that escalated to threats of violence caught on a video that has gone viral.  Joe gives legal advice as to what details landlords can include in a lease agreement to give them leverage in resolving similar problems.  Watch the interview.

Tampa Bay Business Journal

Former LSA attorney Alissa Kranz analyzed three scenarios employers may face in the weeks ahead if an employee does not want to return to work due to fear of contracting the Coronavirus.

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ABC Action News

ABC Action News visited the new offices of Lieser Skaff Alexander seeking real estate law advice from partner Joe Alexander. After a veteran unexpectedly passed away in his apartment, his landlord would not allow his grieving sisters to enter that apartment to obtain personal property needed to settle the estate. Read the blog post to get a detailed explanation of the law behind the landlord’s actions and learn strategies to avoid this problem for either party in a real estate lease agreement.

Tampa Bay’s WFLA

Chanel 8 On Your Side recently sought Lieser Skaff Alexander attorney Jeff Lieser’s experience in construction law for a news story about problems with the unfinished Tempo residential high-rise project that was to be the jewel in the Tampa Housing Authority’s crown. Jeff was interviewed about a report commissioned by the THA that detailed a myriad of construction flaws that have plagued this project and the story was featured during prime-time.

AM Tampa Bay

AM Tampa Bay recently asked former LSA Attorney Alissa Kranz to give her legal opinions regarding the class-action lawsuit filed by Florida employees against Facebook. The employees claim that they experienced severe trauma from watching intense and disturbing videos, which was a job requirement. Alissa explained that a key issue could be whether or not the company disclosed the extreme nature of these videos to the employees prior to the start of their work. She also discussed the challenges of filing the case as a class-action lawsuit since each employee would have had a different level of trauma from watching the videos.

HOA Consultation for ABC Action News

When homeowners clashed with their HOA over an abandoned property, ABC Action News interviewed Jeff Lieser of Lieser Skaff Alexander to explain the legal rights and challenges of the situation. The fact that the HOA is also the current owner of the home, which is in serious disrepair, is hindering neighbors’ ability to force the association to responsibly address the problem.

Florida Bar

All attorneys fully licensed by the Bar to practice law in Florida.

• Jeff Lieser
• Ghada Skaff
• Joseph Alexander
• Michael Singer
• Karen Prevatt
• Stephanie Martin
• Chelsea Harrison
• Michael Bayern
• Taylor George

U.S. Middle District Court of Florida

Jeff Lieser is licensed to practice in Federal Court, including in Florida’ s Middle District.

Southern District Court of Florida

Jeff Lieser is licensed to practice in Florida’ s Southern District.

Circuit Civil Mediation

In 2010 Jeff Lieser became a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit-Civil Mediator. Mediation is an informal dispute resolution process where the mediator helps guide parties towards resolving their lawsuit outside of court. Jeff’s extensive mediation experience enables him to better serve his litigation clients in negotiations, mediations and settlement talks.

U.S. J.A.G. Corps

In addition to his work at Lieser Skaff Alexander, Jeff is a Reserve Judge Advocate in the United States Army J.A.G. Corps and an Iraq War Veteran. He deployed with the First Heavy Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division. While deployed, Jeff served as the Brigade’s Legal Representative in Iraqi courts where he prosecuted terrorism cases involving attacks against U.S. Forces.

Real Estate License

Joe Alexander is a licensed real estate agent in Florida. This perspective gives Lieser Skaff Alexander more unique and in-depth perspective when dealing with legal matters of real property.