Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. announces six of their lawyers have been selected to the Florida Super Lawyers 2023 list. Each of these attorneys has a unique story but they all have a few things in common: passion for the law, noteworthy legal achievements, and putting their clients first.

Super Lawyers is an exclusive list that honors less than 5 percent of attorneys in the entire state of Florida. This year, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce Sean McQuaid, Aubrey Dicus, Howard Ross, Caitlin Szemotowicz, and Robert Kapusta as being included in the Florida Super Lawyers list. Andrew Pardun has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, which honors no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in Florida who must be 40 or younger or have been in practice 10 years or less.

A big congratulations is in order for each of these highly accomplished attorneys who have committed themselves to not only helping their clients but also to serving their communities.

Super Lawyers is a research-driven and peer-conducted rating system that is part of Thomson Reuters. It’s a diverse list of highly exceptional attorneys and serves as a resource for consumers and attorney referrals.

Only the most outstanding lawyers with substantial professional achievement are chosen by their peers to represent “Super Lawyers.” The annual list based on a peer-rating system involves a rigorous selection process using:

• Peer recognition
• Individual Research
• Evaluations by highly respected and credible attorneys

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list

Sean McQuaid

Sean McQuaid is a premiere attorney. As the President of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., he’s a role-model and mentor, and manages over 40 employees at the firm. Sean has been honored with the Florida Super Lawyers title every year since 2014. Through his relentless determination, Sean made the fastest rise in the history of the firm from partner to President. Sean’s areas of legal expertise include personal injury and criminal defense.

Sean McQuaid’s impact in the legal and community sphere has helped contribute to his esteemed reputation as a lawyer and a leader. He is the former President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, former chair of the St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board, former member of the 6th Circuit Nominating Commission, and former President of the Harbor Isle Homeowners Association. He has also served on the Make-a-Wish Foundation Executive Committee.

Caitlin Szematowicz

Caitlin Szematowcz is one of the trailblazing female attorneys of the firm. She is now recognized as a 2023 Floria Super Lawyer for the fifth year in a row. Her keen intelligence and hard work have contributed to her success in practicing appeals, commercial litigation, general civil litigation, and labor and employment.

Caitlin is not only making history at the firm, but she’s also made tremendous strides in her legal career both inside and outside of the courtroom. She is a past president of the St Petersburg Bar Foundation and former President of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association. Caitlin has also served on the Executive Committee of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court and currently serves on the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Professionalism Committee.

Aubrey Dicus

Former president and CEO of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., Aubrey Dicus has been recognized again as a 2023 Florida Super Lawyer. Aubrey is a former president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Aubrey is known for his extensive legal experience. He has also made major contributions to the legal community during his career and is esteemed with nearly 50 years of legal experience. Aubrey has been with the firm since 1974 and has practiced in the following areas: criminal defense, civil litigation, commercial litigation, general civil litigation, and personal injury.

Aubrey has also garnered respect and some of the highest honors over his career, including being recognized by “Best Lawyers in America.” He’s also held numerous titles that substantiate his leadership abilities, including President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and founding member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Howard Ross

Howard Ross is one of the attorneys with the longest history at the firm, 56 years and counting. He paved the way for other attorneys during his legal career in St. Petersburg. This year is one of many that Howard Ross has been included in the Florida Super Lawyer list, as well as his 51st year as a member of the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association (ABA). Today Howard practices in business and corporate litigation, and real estate transactions.

Mr. Ross has also been acknowledged by “Best Lawyers in America,” earned the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, and American Lawyer Media and recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell Top Rated Lawyer in Real Estate Law.

Robert Kapusta, Jr.

Robert is honored once again to be included in the Florida Super Lawyers list. He represents clients in cases involving Business and Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Tax and Estate Planning. Robert is a multi-talented attorney with diverse experience; he’s not only an attorney but also a CPA and is qualified to practice in all Florida state courts.

In addition to his professional achievements, Robert is a highly active member and leader in the community. His particular areas of passion are local business growth, education improvements, and economic improvement in St. Petersburg. He is the chair of the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, Committee Chair for Tampa Bay Innovation Center, Board Member for Governors for the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and chair member of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Performing Arts. Kapusta has an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell and is the former President and Treasurer of the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation.

Andrew Pardun (Rising Star)

Andrew Pardun is a 2023 Rising Star who specializes in real estate law, commercial litigation, and business law. No more than 2.5% of Florida attorneys are included in the Super Lawyers Rising Star list. This is Andrew’s fifth consecutive year being recognized.

In addition to his career, Andrew holds numerous leadership roles in community organizations such as the Executive Committee of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, the Real Property Section chair, and chair of the City of St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board. He’s also an active member in the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court.

One of the Oldest Law Firms in Tampa Bay

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is one of the oldest firms in the Tampa Bay area. Providing legal services as well as support and guidance, they give people a voice in the justice system. It is this very passion based on a philosophy of helping that distinguishes the quality of the firm and their work.

Since its foundation in 1958 by Anthony Battaglia, the firm has been building its legacy and handling various types of legal cases. The attorneys of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. offer prestigious legal services in the following areas:

• commercial litigation
• corporate and business law
• criminal defense
• estate planning and probate
• general civil litigation
• labor and employment
• personal injury
• property damage and insurance dispute
• real estate

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is more than just a law firm. They are an active and iconic organization in the public at large. One of founder Anthony Battaglia’s greatest values was to give back to the community and do more than just practice law. While he dedicated the utmost importance to prioritizing training and education, experience outside of the courtroom was also something invaluable and required for all of his attorneys. To this day, every attorney at the firm continues to uphold this standard of excellence and contribute to the community.