
Joel W. Walters, Business Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Insurance · 4.8/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews
Managing ShareholderatWalters Levine & DeGrave
Tampa, FL
Practicing business in Tampa since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 19 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joel W. Walters?
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Quick answer
Joel W. Walters is a managing shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walters Levine & DeGrave. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Insurance
- Handles Business, General, and Insurance matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joel W. Walters: Joel W. Walters is a managing shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walters Levine & DeGrave. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joel W. Walters
Joel concentrates on business, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Business cases in Tampa, Florida
Joel takes business matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Tampa, Florida
Joel takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Tampa, Florida
Joel takes insurance matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tampa, Florida
Joel takes litigation matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joel W. Walters — Over 42 years of Florida business experience
Joel W. Walters is a managing shareholder based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walters Levine & DeGrave. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
Joel W. Walters, Board Certified in Business Litigation, is a shareholder in the law firm of Walters Levine Parisi & DeGrave, where he practices in the areas of business litigation, construction, insurance and real property disputes.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
During his years of practice, Joel has concentrated his practice in business law and general commercial litigation and is frequently called upon to advise clients in regard to: contract disputes; construction and suretyship matters; corporate and shareholder disputes and insurance matters. In so doing, he regularly handles complex, multi-partied litigation in state and federal court and in cases referred to arbitration. By virtue of his substantial experience in construction law, Joel has been accepted by the American Arbitration Association on its National Panel of Arbitrators and is approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to serve as a speaker for continuing education programs for licensed contractors and design professionals in Florida. Joel is also a well-respected lecturer and published author as to topics relating to business law and litigation. He is certified by the Supreme Court of Florida to serve as a court-appointed mediator in every circuit court in Florida. He is admitted to practice before all local and state courts in Missouri and Florida, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the Western District of Missouri, and the Eighth and Eleventh U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal. He is a member of the Sarasota County and American Bar Associations, the Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Florida Bar and Missouri Bar.
EDUCATION AND SCHOLASTICS
Joel received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and his Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. While in law school, he served on the moot court board and received the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in family law. Following graduation, Joel served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Robert T. Donnelly, (now retired), Supreme Court of Missouri.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Joel is a past president and current board member of the Police Athletic League of Sarasota County. Joel has served on the Board of Directors of the Sunnyland Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Longboat Key Recreation Center and volunteers his time to many other charitable and civic causes. He is currently a member of the Sarasota Rotary Club.
Working with Joel on a business matter
Joel W. Walters, Board Certified in Business Litigation, is a shareholder in the law firm of Walters Levine Parisi & DeGrave, where he practices in the areas of business litigation, construction, insurance and real property disputes. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS During his years of practice, Joel has concentrated his practice in business law and general commercial litigation and is frequently called…
Clients Joel works with
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and insurance matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Joel W. Walters's legal education and bar admissions
University of Missouri, Kansas City
J.D. · 1984
University of Missouri, Columbia
B.S.B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
Florida
1986 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1984 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in University of Missouri, Kansas City and B.S.B.A. in University of Missouri, Columbia.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in University of Missouri, Kansas City and B.S.B.A. in University of Missouri, Columbia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joel W. Walters
Joel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Joel W. Walters's office in Tampa
Joel's primary office is at 601 Bayshore Boulevard, Suite 720, Tampa, FL, 33606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Walters Levine & DeGrave
601 Bayshore Boulevard, Suite 720
Tampa, FL 33606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joel W. Walters — 4.8/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Tampa.
4.8
19 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joel W. Walters claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel W. Walters — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joel
Joel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joel W. Walters
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Joel is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joel will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joel?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new business clients right now?
Joel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Joel handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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