Jon Byron Coats Jr.

Licensed to practice in Florida and Louisiana.  Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the United States District Courts of the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. 

I have handled cases in both State and Federal Courts in Florida, Louisiana, and multiple cases through pro hac vice admission in the Federal Courts of Texas, Georgia and Delaware.

Prior to starting my own law practice I gained invaluable litigation experience with a large New Orleans law firm handling cases through trial and appeal for a wide range of clients, including London based insurers, oil companies, oil field service providers, international maritime clients, and various multinational corporations.  Upon returning home to the Tampa Bay area I headed up the litigation department for a small Tampa law firm focusing on personal injury litigation.  After starting my own firm in 2004 I decided to narrow my practice to the representation of business owners, lending institutions, and individuals and companies in various business and commercial matters, real estate and land development and general civil litigation.

I believe that the practice of law should be focused on providing every client a true value added service.  Accordingly, I attempt, whenever possible, to handle legal matters on a flat fee basis so that my clients know what any given case or matter will cost them.  Additionally, if you don't need a lawyer, I will tell you so.  No use paying me to do something you can easily handle yourself.  Finally, I pride myself on being available to my clients.  Yes, there are times when I am in Court, meeting with other clients, or in the middle of a real estate or commercial closing and I simply can't talk to you as soon as you call.  But, I will call you back as soon as possible, and every client gets my cell phone number.  Lawyers sometimes forget that their client's legal issues don't just happen between the hours of 9:00 to 5:00.  If I accept a client, I want them to know that, within reason, I am always available to answer their questions and provide them with counsel.

I am a member of Tampa Bay Lodge 252, Free and Accepted Masons; Shriners of North America, Egypt Shriners, Tampa; and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.  I also proudly serve on the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Family YMCA Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Program.