J. Meredith Wester, Shareholder

EDUCATION:
Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1990
University of South Florida, B.A., magna cum laude, 1988

PRACTICE AREAS:
Litigation
Bankruptcy

North Tampa Office
Tel: (813) 968-1002

Meredith Wester Concentrates her practice in the area of commercial litigation with a focus on title insurance litigation, commercial landlord/tenant, construction law, bankruptcy, environmental law, securities fraud litigation, medical malpractice and personal injury.

Meredith has developed particular expertise in commercial landlord/tenant rights, construction law, title insurance and creditors' rights issues. Her clients in the landlord/tenant field are owners of regional malls, office buildings and shopping centers. In the construction field, she has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. She has also represented creditors in bankruptcy proceedings and general creditors' rights matters. Additionally, Ms. Wester has extensive litigation experience representing clients on land use issues involving easements and deed restrictions.

Meredith has lectured on environmental law, construction lien laws in Florida, and bankruptcy and creditors' rights. She is a member of American Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The Florida Bar (member Trial Lawyers and former Chair for the Hillsborough County Grievance Committee), the Hillsborough County Bar Association (serving on the Board of Directors), the Hillsborough County Trial Lawyers Association and the Tampa Bay Inns of Court (serving on the Executive Board as Treasurer). She has also served as a board member of the Governing Board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Northwest Hillsborough County Basin Board and the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation.

Meredith is an active member of the community as well. She has served as Treasurer of PACE for Girls, a member of the Board of Directors of the Tampa Bay International Business Counsel, President of the Hillsborough County Head Start Foundation and an appointee of the Hillsborough County Commission to serve on the Hillsborough County Children's Advisory Board. She is the Treasurer of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni and the former President of the FBI Tampa Bay Citizens Academy Chapter.

Meredith is a graduate of the University of South Florida (B.A., magna cum laude, 1988) and received her law degree from Stetson University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1990).

Prior to entering the practice of law, Meredith was a surgical nurse at University Community Hospital. This background has enabled Meredith to have a unique understanding of the medical issues involved in medical malpractice and personal injury cases.