Joel W. Walters

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

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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 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.

Main office

Walters Levine & DeGrave

601 Bayshore Boulevard, Suite 720

Tampa, FL 33606

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Client 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.

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Hiring 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.

More counsel

If Joel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.