The St. Petersburg law firm continues its legacy of having multiple lawyers recognized with this honor. Sean McQuaid, Aubrey Dicus, Howard Ross, Caitlin Szematowicz and Andrew Pardun all received this significant designation. “Our lawyers have worked hard to help our clients and give back to the community. We are proud that Florida Super Lawyers has noticed our achievements and rewarded our accomplishments,” said Sean McQuaid who is currently both the firm President and President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., was founded in 1958 by Anthony Battaglia and is one of the oldest law firms on the west coast of Florida. Over the decades, its lawyers have handled every type of case or claim that can be brought. The firm is considered to be mid-sized with a broad range of practice areas including personal injury, criminal defense, real estate, corporate and business, commercial litigation, labor and employment, estate planning and probate, insurance dispute, and general civil litigation. The firm has a premier reputation in the legal community, but just as important, its lawyers give back. Every lawyer recognized by Florida Super Lawyers has donated countless hours to helping improve Pinellas County. Many decades ago, the law firm realized that having its lawyers donate their time to the community provided a healthy balance to the pressure of the practice of law. Therefore, there is a clause in every lawyer’s employment contract that they should be involved in professional or charity organizations. It is up to each lawyer to choose the type of organization, but some level of involvement is strongly encouraged. Anthony Battaglia realized long ago that lawyers have an obligation to use their education, training and experience to lead. The five attorneys recognized in 2021 Florida Super Lawyers are examples of this philosophy. Congratulations to them all for this award as a top attorney in their field.

Sean McQuaid

Sean McQuaid has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers since 2014. This year, he continues to be awarded the Super Lawyer designation in the field of plaintiff’s personal injury law. Mr. McQuaid represents people who are seriously injured in car accidents and auto accidents, as well as wrongful death claims. He also practices criminal defense in Pinellas County. Mr. McQuaid is the President of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., managing approximately twenty-five lawyers and staff. He served as the President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association for 2020-21. He is a former chair of the St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board, a former member of the 6th Circuit Nominating Commission, past president of the Harbor Isle Homeowners Association, and formerly served on the Make-a-Wish Foundation Executive Committee.

Aubrey Dicus

Aubrey Dicus has been practicing law in St. Petersburg, Florida for 46 years. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers since its inception. Mr. Dicus practices personal injury, commercial litigation, general civil litigation and criminal defense. He is the past President of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., and a past President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. Mr. Dicus has received countless accolades and awards over his storied legal career and he continues to devote his law practice to helping the people of Tampa Bay.

Howard Ross

Howard Ross has been practicing law in St. Petersburg for 56 years. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers since its inception. Mr. Ross practices in the areas of business, corporate and real estate transactions and litigation. He is a past President of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., and a former Chairman of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ross is still actively practicing law and trying cases. One of his recent successes was a win over the City of St. Petersburg involving a dispute over the development of a commercial property within the City.

Caitlin Szematowicz

Caitlin Szematowicz is a partner at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., and was named as a Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star for the fourth year in a row. She practices in the areas of commercial litigation, general civil litigation, labor and employment, and appeals. Ms. Szematowicz is a past President of the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation, past President of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, on the Executive Committee of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court, and serves on the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Professionalism Committee.

Andrew Pardun

Andrew Pardun is a partner at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., practicing in the areas of real estate law, business law, and commercial litigation and was named as a Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star for the fourth year in a row.. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and is the former chair of the real property section. He also serves as chair of the City of St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board and is a member of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court.

Florida Super Lawyers is an attorney rating system owned by Thompson Reuters. Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in Florida using a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. No more than 5% of licensed attorneys can be designated a Super Lawyer and no more than 2.5% can be Rising Stars. The process is designed to find the best attorneys in their field of practice. Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., is pleased to have been considered for these awards and will continue to pursue the ideals that led its lawyers to this level of achievement.