TAMPA, FL – Cantrell Schuette is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys to the firm: J. Derek Kantaskas, who joins as a partner in the Franchise & Commercial Litigation Practice Group, and Katherine Heffner, who joins as an associate in the Employee Rights Practice Group.
Kantaskas is an accomplished commercial litigator with extensive experience representing clients in complex business disputes, contract litigation, franchise matters, construction-related claims, and real estate disputes. In addition to his litigation practice, he regularly advises businesses on contracts, franchise matters, operating agreements, employment agreements, and other business-related matters. He graduated third in his class from Stetson University College of Law, has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers ten times, and is active in numerous legal and professional organizations throughout Florida and nationwide.
Heffner focuses her practice on representing employees and executives in workplace disputes, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related matters. She brings more than a decade of employment law and civil litigation experience, including prior service as a senior attorney with the Florida Commission on Human Relations and in the Consumer Protection Division of the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
The additions reflect the firm’s continued growth and investment in its Franchise & Commercial Litigation and Employee Rights practice groups.
About Cantrell Schuette
Cantrell Schuette is a nationally recognized law firm representing companies and individuals in employment law, federal employment law, franchise law, complex business litigation, non-compete and trade secret disputes, and personal injury cases. The firm’s attorneys bring exceptional credentials, substantial experience, and a passion for helping their clients through focused, strategic, and trial-ready advocacy.