Firm continues strategic growth with four attorney additions and internal advancement
Bedell is pleased to announce the addition of four attorneys, along with the promotion of a longtime team member, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients across Northeast Florida.
Joining the firm in 2026 are attorneys James McCauley and William Weber.
McCauley focuses his practice on criminal defense. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and previously served as a Summer Associate with Bedell.
Weber focuses his practice on business and employment litigation, representing companies and individuals in contract disputes and related matters. He was a Bedell summer associate. He earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and served as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Anne C. Conway. Before re-joining Bedell, he practiced with a national law firm in Orlando.
The firm also recognizes attorneys Sarah Byres and Taylor Collins, who joined in 2025 and continue to expand the firm’s capabilities in civil and family law matters.
Byres focuses her practice on family law. A Jacksonville native, she earned her law degree with honors from the University of Kentucky College of Law and previously practiced in Lexington, where she handled divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases.
Collins focuses her practice on civil litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor from Florida State University, where she served as Managing Editor of the Florida State Law Review and gained experience through legislative and public defense roles before joining Bedell. She was a Bedell summer associate.
In addition, Bedell announces the promotion of Jennifer Griffis to full-time paralegal.
Griffis has been with the firm since 2013 and has supported the criminal defense team in various roles. She earned her Certificate in Paralegal Studies in 2022 and became a Certified Paralegal in 2023.
“These additions and internal growth reflect our continued investment in building a strong team to serve our clients,” said Bedell Managing Director David Barksdale. “Plus, they are all fun, positive people to work with”.
For more information, visit https://www.bedellfirm.com/.
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About Bedell
Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe, P.A., located in Jacksonville, is the oldest law firm in continuous operation in Florida. Our attorneys offer extensive experience in trial and appellate litigation, representing clients in a wide range of matters, including criminal, commercial litigation, civil litigation, family law, real estate litigation, and professional malpractice cases. For more information, visit bedellfirm.com or call (904) 353-0211.
