Vanessa King is an experienced trial lawyer. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 2005 and her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011. She served more than three years as an Assistant State Attorney where she specialized in the prosecution of career criminals.

During her time as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, she has tried various charges including vehicular homicide, attempted murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. Since leaving the State Attorney’s Office in 2014, she has practiced in the areas of criminal defense (state and federal), civil litigation, nursing home defense, administrative/licensure law, auto negligence, and personal injury.

Vanessa was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency. She is rated as one of the “10 Best Attorneys” in Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell®, a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Top 40 under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.

Vanessa is a member of the Federal Bar Association-Tampa Bay Chapter, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Clearwater Bar Association, Florida Association for Women Lawyers-Pinellas, Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Past President, current FACDL chapter representative, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), BNI and the Better Business Bureau. She is the currently secretary of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, Treasurer for Barney Masterson Inn of Court and Board Member of Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the dog park with her Labrador/Husky mix, Ruthie Bader Ginsbark, and taking advantage of all the local events and festivities that the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Catherine “CJ” Brown is a Florida Registered paralegal whom has worked in the legal field for over 10 years, specializing in criminal defense. Born and raised near Daytona Beach, Florida, she began her career in the legal field in 2014 at a traffic defense firm as a legal assistant. Upon meeting her now husband, she moved to Tampa Bay in 2016 where she worked for a solo attorney specializing in criminal defense, injunctions, and probate law through 2023. In 2019, she graduated summa cum laude from Keiser University with an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. She is an active member of both Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. In her spare time, CJ enjoys spending time with the rescues at the cat sanctuary she and her husband run, listening to audio books, and going to escape rooms.

Meet Ruthie Bader Ginsbark, the firm’s resident trailblazer, treat negotiator, and Chief Morale Officer. At seven years old, this spirited Husky–Labrador mix brings together the best of both breeds: the sharp intelligence and dramatic flair of a Husky with the unwavering loyalty and warmth of a Lab. Named in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ruthie takes her role seriously, especially when it comes to defending the constitutional right to belly rubs and ensuring equal access to treats for all.

Ruthie joined the firm as a tiny pup and quickly rose through the ranks. Her daily responsibilities include greeting clients with a calming presence, supervising meetings from her strategically placed office rug, and conducting thorough inspections of lunch bags for compliance. She believes strongly in persistence, fairness, and second chances—values that guide both her namesake’s legacy and the heart of the practice.

Outside the office, Ruthie is an avid adventurer who thrives on long walks, spirited backyard patrols, and the occasional dramatic husky monologue. She has a particular talent for reading the room, offering reassuring nudges and celebrating victories with full-body tail wags.

Above all, Ruthie reminds everyone who walks through the door that advocacy begins with compassion. Justice may be complex, but in Ruthie’s world, loyalty is simple, courage is instinctual, and love is unconditional.