Meet Our Team

Business Operations Manager

Jessica has been working with the firm since its initial formation and manages the business administration needs of the law office as our Business Operations Manager. She handles our business with skill and efficiency without sacrificing personability and kindness. Jessica treats each client as family and strives diligently to work with each and every client in order to find a representation arrangement that works for them and their specific individual circumstances.

Certified Paralegal

Andrea Braun is a Civil Litigation Paralegal for Bernhardt Riley. She earned her degree in Associates of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies in 1997 in Kansas City, Missouri where she worked in the fields of Commercial Litigation, Creditor Remedies and Bankruptcy. Andrea relocated to the Tampa Bay Area in 2011 to be closer to her family where she worked in HOA/Condo and Personal Injury Law before joining Bernhardt Riley in 2023. Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, and playing with her two dogs.

Paralegal

Breanna Talbot is a Paralegal in the Civil Litigation Division at Bernhardt Riley. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, which she earned from Saint Petersburg College in 2020. Breanna began her paralegal career specializing in workers’ compensation before transitioning to complex litigation, focusing on construction defects for five years. She is a Tampa, Florida native who enjoys learning new things, exercising, traveling and spending time with her family.

Executive Assistant

Courtney Reynolds grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to live in North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Hawaii before moving to Florida. She graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a degree in Justice Administration and a focus on Criminal Law. She and her family now live in the Tampa Bay area and enjoy the many outdoor activities available in central Florida. Courtney has many years of client relations experience and always strives to make clients happy.

Receptionist

Eli is originally from Austin, Texas where he obtained his degree in Health Administration. He has recently relocated to Florida and appreciates spending time with his family and soaking up the Florida sunshine. With over 10 years of customer service experience, Eli strives to ensure that customers have positive and informative experiences with our firm.

Criminal Defense Paralegal

Jill Mello has been a Legal Assistant for Bernhardt Riley since early 2021. Jill brings her experience as an administrative assistant at a prestigious professional office suit in Pinellas County. Jill’s thoughtful and kind demeanor is a joy for our clients as she is often one of the first points of contacts. Jill continues to expand her legal education as she is in the process of earning a registered paralegal certificate.

Certified Paralegal

Jordan grew up in Northern Virginia and decided to move to Florida in 2011. She attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and continues to live in the area. Before joining Bernhardt Riley Jordan worked in Estate Administration and Real Estate Law. Jordan’s experience composing legal documents, attention to detail, and her rigid organization, help her to manage high case volumes. In her free time Jordan enjoys surfing, riding her bike by the beach, reading, and is an avid Washington Capitals NHL hockey fan.

Paralegal

Melanie Serrano moved to Miami, Florida in 2018 from Reading, Pennsylvania. In 2022 she started as a Legal Assistant in the Trial and Litigation department at a law firm within the city. Melanie attended the University of Miami where she received her Paralegal Certification and began her career at Bernhardt Riley. She recently relocated to Orlando, Florida to be closer to family. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with her dogs.

Receptionist

Megan Minter joined Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law as a legal receptionist in May 2024. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida in 2023, where she was an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, a professional pre-law fraternity. With over nine years of customer service experience across various industries, Megan is eager to apply her skills and knowledge in her new role.

Receptionist

Ariel was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. She brings several years of client care experience to the Bernhardt Riley team and is excited to contribute her skills. Ariel prides herself on being detail-oriented, friendly, and an active listener. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time with her three dogs, and getting together with friends.

Debt Defense Coordinator

Thiago Lanes has been the Debt Defense Coordinator for Bernhardt Riley since 2020. Thiago was born in Brazil and lived there until 2000 when he moved to Connecticut. Thiago attended Western Connecticut State University where he was a two-way starter for the University’s Football program and graduated with a degree in Justice and Law Administration, with a focus on Legal. Thiago’s hard work and professionalism help him effectively handle a large caseload in a manner that is appreciated by clients and respected throughout the industry.

Michael, affectionately known as Coach Mike, has been an integral part of the firm’s success since its inception. As of November 2024, he officially joined the team as Chief Performance Officer.

In his role, Michael is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and thrive. His goal is to help the firm continuously deliver an Outstanding Customer Experience and Outstanding Results for its clients.

Michael brings with him a proven history of delivering exceptional results across diverse industries and roles. He has been specifically chosen to lead transformational initiatives and spearhead the launch of high-value products and services. Over the years, Michael has supported numerous business owners in achieving measurable growth and success for their companies. His unique talent lies in identifying opportunities for rapid value creation, leveraging resources effectively, and employing strategies that improve client experience, company culture, and productivity.

Outside of work, Michael loves spending quality time with his wife, family, and close friends. He enjoys staying active through various athletic pursuits and is deeply committed to personal growth. He remains thankful to the teachers and mentors who have generously shared their knowledge, experience, and wisdom with him.