Julian Rodriguez was born in San Antonio, Texas and was raised in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from the Florida State University College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Management and would later receive his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. 

Julian worked with Vernis & Bowling as a law clerk for two years while attending Stetson Law and became an associate attorney upon his admittance to the Florida Bar. He has also served his local community by participating in pro-bono family law work with Bay Area Legal Services in Tampa, Florida. Prior to joining Vernis & Bowling, he gained valuable experience in both personal injury and immigration law. 

In his free time, Julian enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, listening to music, and exploring new places and activities within the community

Brandon Crane was born in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Brandon went on to attend law school at Pepperdine University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. While in law school Brandon also obtained a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

Brandon began his law career practicing insurance defense at a West Palm Beach law firm, where he handled all varieties of civil litigation, including but not limited to first and third party insurance coverage disputes, personal injury, and construction defect. He then expanded his practice to handling real estate and trust and estate administration and litigation. He has since focused his practice extensively in first-party property insurance defense relating to coverage disputes throughout the State of Florida.

Brandon’s goal is to ensure that his clients have an attorney who can guide them through the tedious litigation process and advise them on the best course of action for their legal situation. Brandon’s years of experience in the first-party property field here in Florida have shown him that not every solution works for every situation and that each matter requires a unique strategy.

Clients can rest assured that if Brandon is assigned to their matter they will receive the best defense and legal advice possible.

When not practicing law, Brandon can often be found exercising, cooking, or spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.

Mr. Baer graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center. He began his career as an Assistant Public Defender for Broward County, Florida.

Mr. Baer’s goal is to provide innovative legal advice to bring cases to prompt and cost-effective resolution. His three and half years as Plaintiff’s counsel gives him unique insight into the Plaintiff’s mindset. With his extensive experience, including hundreds of depositions, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations, Mr. Baer is able to use his ongoing relationships to with Plaintiffs’ counsel to identify the issues in the case from the onset and then determine the best and most effective resolution with the client.

Mr. Baer is an active member of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators and the Broward County Bar Association.

When not practicing law, Mr. Baer also finds time to service his community, working with children with autism and breast cancer awareness.

Joseph D. Bootka was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Political Science with a Minor in Legal Studies. After college, Joseph attended Ave Maria School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor.

Joseph was admitted to the Florida Bar and immediately joined the Vernis & Bowling Team to focus his civil trial practice in all areas of automobile negligence, premises liability, civil rights litigation, first/third party claims and liability defense.

Joseph is a member of the Florida Bar and is also admitted in the United States Supreme Court, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

When not working, Joseph enjoys all aspects of outdoor life with his beautiful wife to include camping, hiking, boating, and lounging at the beach.

Mia Tolliver is an associate attorney at the St. Petersburg office. She is a South Louisiana native and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a pre-law concentration and a minor in philosophy. As an undergraduate, she was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society and competed nationally in the American Moot Court Association.  Mia received her Juris Doctorate from the Stetson University College of Law. While in law school, she was a member of the Dispute Resolution Team and the Moot Court Team, where she competed nationally, served as captain, and earned the Best Brief Award at the Southeast Regional Jessup competition alongside the rest of her team, the largest moot court competition in the world. She was awarded the John Scheb Inn of Court Outstanding Appellate Advocacy Award at graduation.

Mia is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida. She originally joined Vernis & Bowling as a law clerk. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar, she has focused her practice on areas of personal injury litigation including auto liability defense, wrongful death, and premises liability. Her goal as a defense attorney is to provide confident and excellent representation for her clients, while building lasting relationships by exceeding client expectations.

Outside of work, Mia enjoys running, visiting her family back in Louisiana, and exploring the beautiful scenery throughout St. Petersburg.