Four lawyers of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., have been named Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend. The exclusive title is an esteemed honor in the legal community – only the top 1.3% of lawyers in Florida can call themselves “Legal Elite.”
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce that Sean McQuaid, Robert Kapusta, Caitlin Szematowicz, and Andrew Pardun have been recognized with this distinct achievement. In addition, the firm would like to thank the attorneys for their hard work and congratulate them on joining the elite rankings of Florida Legal Elite.
FloridaTrend’s Legal Elite nominees are a select group of attorneys chosen by their peers. Earning this title is extremely competitive and considered one of the highest achievements available to Florida Lawyers. This is the 18th year Florida Trend presents the state’s top licensed and practicing attorneys as Florida Legal Elite,
Voting for Florida Legal Elite is open to all Florida Bar members. Then an outside agency tabulates the votes to ensure accuracy. Following the analysis of results, each nominee undergoes an eligibility check that includes a review process and confirmation of the attorney’s Florida Bar membership status and history. Lastly, the winners are announced, with less than 2% of the Florida Bar members being named Florida Legal Elite.
Sean McQuaid
Sean McQuaid is the current president and a practicing attorney of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. He works aggressively to represent his clients while managing a team of approximately 40 lawyers and staff.
Mr. McQuaid is an all-star in the Florida legal ranks. He has been consecutively recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer from 2014-2022.
He specializes in representing clients with personal injury cases, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death claims, and criminal defense.
Sean’s dedication and commitment to community service are just as impressive as his professional reputation. He has a strong presence in the legal community and has held numerous leadership positions. Sean has previously held the title of president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association (2020-2021) and president of the Harbor Isle Homeowners Association.
He was a former chair member of the St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board and a former member of the St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board. Furthermore, Mr. McQuaid has served on the Make-a-Wish Foundation Executive Committee. His extensive extracurricular portfolio doesn’t end there. Sean is affiliated with the following organizations:
- The Florida Bar
- the Bar of the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- the St.Petersburg Bar Association, the Clearwater Bar Association
- the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- and various other legal associations.
Andrew Pardun
Andrew Pardun LL.M. is a partner at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. and has been with the firm since 2016.
His practice areas include Real Estate Law, Commercial & Residential Title Insurance, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings, Commercial Lending and Borrowing, Foreclosure Matters, Business Law, and Tax Law.
Andrew currently serves on the Executive Committee of the St. Petersburg Bar Association as the Treasurer, is chair of the City of St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board, and is a Barney Masterson American Inn of Court member. Furthermore, he has formerly served as the Real Property Section chair.
Andrew attended Stetson University College of Law for his Juris Doctorate Degree and completed his MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. In addition, Andrew was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honors society. He later completed his Master of Laws Degree in Taxation at Villanova University, allowing him to incorporate his enhanced knowledge of the U.S. Tax Code into his transactional practice.
Robert Kapusta, Jr.
Robert Kapusta Jr. is a “Florida Super Lawyer” who ranks among the top lawyers in Florida.
Robert is a practicing attorney at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, PA, specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax and Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Business and Corporate Law.
Robert’s scope of expertise and experience is varied, allowing him to offer exclusive services. Not only does he provide expert legal counsel, but he is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts.
Robert is a highly active leader in the community. He dedicates much of his time to supporting local business growth and fostering economic vitality. In addition, he is passionate about volunteering his time to help improve schools and educational programming opportunities in St. Petersburg. Mr. Kapusta has won several accolades commending his commitment to community service.
Robert is currently chair of the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and Committee Chair for Tampa Bay Innovation Center. He also serves on the Board of Governors for the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and is a chair member of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Robert has an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell and has held positions as President and Treasurer of the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation.
Caitlin Szematowicz
Caitlin Szematowcz is a partner at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. and has been with the firm since 2012. In addition to achieving Florida Legal Elite status, Caitlin has also been named a Florida Super Lawyer in 2022. This is the fifth consecutive year that Caitlin has earned herself the title as a Florida Super Lawyer “Rising Star.”
Caitlin’s practice areas include commercial litigation, general civil litigation, labor and employment, and appeals.
Caitlin has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career. She is the former president of the St Petersburg Bar Foundation, former president of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, and previously served on the Executive Committee of the Barney Masterson American Inn of court. She also currently serves on the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Professionalism Committee.
Caitlin’s outstanding performance in the top rankings was a norm long before she began her legal career. She graduated Magna Can Laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2012 and Cum Laude from the University of Tampa’s Honors Program in 2008. In addition, Caitlin received the “Outstanding Graduate in Writing” award during her undergraduate studies.
Ms. Szematowicz has a diverse and extensive portfolio in various legal positions. During law school, she worked as an appellate law clerk in the D.C. area and proceeded to work as an extern at the Us attorney’s office. She also interned as a certified legal intern at the state attorney’s office and graduated from law school with a pro bono certificate. Moreover, Caitlin has made a significant contribution to the research for the Florida Innocence Commission.
Caitlin’s achievements do not end with her impressive academic record. She also enjoys volunteering in the Tampa Bay Area and continues to remain an active leader and participant in the legal community.
In 2014 she received the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court’s Thomas E. Penick, Jr. “The Rock” Award for her exceptional service to the community.
She is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court. In addition, She is the former president of the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation and Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association. Caitlin also served six years on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation.
