Lieser Skaff
Let our experienced attorneys with wide ranging distinct professional business law backgrounds make an impact for you.
Our Legal Team
Should you choose to retain our firm, you can rest assured that you have hired lawyers who have worked at some of Florida’s largest law firms and are committed to achieving big firm results while providing small firm client service.
Our firm also offers the advantage of attorneys with distinct professional backgrounds.
Jeff Lieser is a litigator who represents clients in state and federal court. He is also a Circuit Civil Mediator and a Reserve Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army J.A.G. Corps.
Ghada Skaff is a Tampa native and business law attorney. Ghada has served as general counsel to a Tampa-based manufacturing company and has advised countless companies on a full spectrum of legal matters. She is also fluent in the Arabic dialect.
This diversity of experience sets the firm apart by allowing for the development of a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to each client’s unique legal issue.
Legal Services Offered
We focus on assisting clients with business law matters, including litigation. We also regularly represent clients with real property disputes, including landlord representation, evictions, title insurance claims, construction liens, and community associations’ disputes, including homeowners’ associations (HOA) and condominium associations (COA).
We also handle employment law, trust and probate administration and litigation, and many other types of legal issues.
Consult with a Tampa Bay Lawyer
Whatever legal issue you may be facing as a business owner, personal injury victim, landlord, homeowner, or military veteran, it is important to seek qualified professional legal services from a knowledgeable Tampa lawyer who will be dedicated to the protection and advancement of your rights and interests.
We look forward to working with you!
Lieser Skaff is a Tampa Bay law firm with clients throughout the United States ranging from Fortune 500 (S&P 500) companies to private individuals. We are here for all of your legal needs, including property litigation, business disputes, and other serious legal issues.
The Lieser Skaff
Mission
“There is nothing more rewarding for us than solving someone’s problem. As lawyers, what we often tell clients is, don’t worry, go home and sleep well tonight, we’ve got this.”
Principles
Set Us Apart
“The philosophies that drive us are integrity, honor, and hard work.”
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Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Lieser Skaff is a proud member of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a not-for-profit business membership organization that helps promote its members' businesses and business interests. 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
LS'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
LS 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 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 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. -
Avvo Rated
The attorneys at Lieser Skaff (LS) are all highly rated by Avvo, an independent online lawyer rating resource. -
Super Lawyers
Attorneys, Jeff Lieser, Ghada Skaff, Stephanie Martin 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. -
Florida Trend Legal Elite
Lieser Skaff’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. -
2024 Florida Trend “Notable Managing Partner"
Jeffrey Lieser and Ghada Skaff are among the mere 109 managing partners across the state of Florida recognized as “Legal Elite, Notable Managing Partners” for 2024 by Florida Trend magazine. The 109 attorneys were thoroughly vetted for making outstanding contributions to the legal profession. -
Florida Trend’s "Notable Women Leaders in Law"
Our Lieser Skaff attorney Ghada Skaff is recognized as one of Florida Trend’s "Notable Women Leaders in Law" since 2021. This accolade celebrates women who have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication to the legal profession in Florida. -
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 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.
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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. -
Solicitors Journal
LS 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. -
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. -
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 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. -
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Many employers want to discourage employees from gathering in large groups while off duty, and former LS Attorney Alissa Kranz discusses the challenges employers face and some options to encourage cooperation. Caution is needed to avoid discrimination and other lawsuits. -
WTSP Tampa Bay 10
Former LS 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. -
SHRM.org
Former LS 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. -
Tampa Bay Business Journal
In a recent guest article, LS 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. -
The Impact Lawyers
LS 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. -
AM Tampa Bay
Former LS 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 LS 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. -
Tampa Bay Times
Tampa business former LS 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. -
AM Tampa Bay
Former LS 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. -
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. -
Spectrum News
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, attorney Jeffrey 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. -
AM Tampa Bay - 970 WFLA Podcasts
Former LS 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 LS attorney Daniel Drake. -
AM Tampa Bay
Former Tampa LS Attorney Dan Drake joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss what you need to know about the government's economic impact payments. -
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 LS 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 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. -
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 LS 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. -
ABC Action News
ABC Action News visited the new offices of Lieser Skaff 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 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 LS 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 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.
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Real Estate License
Joe Alexander is a licensed real estate agent in Florida. This perspective gives Lieser Skaff more unique and in-depth perspective when dealing with legal matters of real property. -
U.S. J.A.G. Corps
In addition to his work at Lieser Skaff, 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. -
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. -
Southern District Court of Florida
Jeff Lieser is licensed to practice in Florida’ s Southern District. -
U.S. Middle District Court of Florida
Jeff Lieser is licensed to practice in Federal Court, including in Florida’ s Middle District. -
Florida Bar
All attorneys fully licensed by the Bar to practice law in Florida.
Blog Posts
No Way, Pro Se – Don’t Go It Alone
May 26, 2025
If you are thinking of representing yourself in court, remember that Florida courts can hold self-represented parties to attorney-level standards. Pro se (self-represented) litigation can result in emotional decisions, costly mistakes and time-consuming missteps.
When a Lease Ends: Tenant at Will vs. Tenant at Sufferance
May 8, 2025
When a Florida lease ends and the tenant stays, they are either a tenant at sufferance or at will. Knowing which one a tenant is considered under the law is crucial to knowing what your obligations are for evicting the tenant because a tenant at sufferance requires no notice while a tenant at will requires you to follow very specific notice and procedural requirements.
Essential Considerations for Landlords Before Signing a Commercial Lease
April 11, 2025
Before signing a commercial lease in Tampa, a landlord should conduct due diligence on tenants, decide on the lease structure, and clearly define terms relating to rent, maintenance, permitted use, and default provisions. Taking these steps reduces risks, enhances profitability, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.