Joseph (Joe) was born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joe was born to Joseph S. Bellissimo Jr., Esq., and Edythe Bellissimo. He is the oldest of 5 children. In 2014, he moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and has called Central Florida home ever since. He graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School as a member of the engineering academy, where he held the state record for almost a decade in the Autodesk Inventor Certification Exam. He is a proud graduate of Florida State University, earning his B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating from FSU, Joe, a devout Roman Catholic, attended Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, acquiring his Juris Doctorate.

Following his passion for streetwear and limited-edition collectors’ pieces, Joe created automation software for securing exclusive, hard-to-find items. With this precise and innovative software, Joe has been able to broker deals between high profile clients and retailers. Joe’s proficiency with technology was apparent in his early childhood, when at just 4 years old, he was the IT technician for his elementary school. Joe’s upbringing in the legal profession started with him playing action figures beside his father amid meetings and admiring the hard, but gratifying work his father did.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, Joe handles claims involving general liability, automobile liability, property and casualty, and cyber security.

Outside of the office, you can spot Joe hiding in the crowd at a theme park or taking the spotlight announcing a basketball game. Joe is an avid supporter of both Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and the Florida State Seminoles. A lover of space and exploration, Joe is thrilled with the possibility of colonizing Mars and has personally volunteered himself and his family to be the first to go. He has gone as far as to name his dog after Saturn’s smallest moon, Atlas. Joe advocates for renewable energy and has an unnatural affection for McDonald’s Coca-Cola.

DeSharné Carroll was born in Birmingham, Alabama.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Mississippi State University and earned her Juris Doctor from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University where she was recognized on the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List for her academic achievements.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, she concentrates her practice on civil litigation.  DeSharné handles a wide range of matters including automobile liability, premises liability, trucking litigation, and products liability representing individuals, businesses, and insurers in complex disputes. DeSharné is admitted to practice law in all state courts in both Georgia and Alabama, including the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia; as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Alabama. She is a member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association and Georgia Association for Women Lawyers.

Prior to joining the firm, DeSharné practiced in insurance defense, medical malpractice litigation, and transportation defense in both Alabama and Georgia. She has managed cases from inception through resolution, achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. DeSharné’s favorite part of practicing law is working with clients. She is committed to ensuring that clients feel supported and informed through every stage of the legal process.

Beyond her work, she enjoys a well-rounded life and loves spending time with friends and family, working out, traveling and experiencing new cultures.  You can also find her doing Pilates, hiking, cooking, and reading.

Darcy Tsikerdanos was born and raised in Central Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. While at the University of Florida, Darcy was heavily involved in volunteer work on and off campus, UF’s Premed AMSA where she served as a Committee Director, and the Greek Community.

Following her graduation from the University of Florida, Darcy attended Stetson University College of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. While at Stetson Law, she served as a campus ambassador, the treasurer of Stetson’s Health Care Law Association, and as a research assistant and teaching assistant for Stetson’s Legal Research and Writing Department. She also clerked with a private firm specializing in contract, real property, and business litigation, as well as corporate transactional law, where she gained invaluable transferable experience.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, Darcy’s practice primarily focuses on automobile liability, general liability defense, and premises liability claims.

Outside the practice of law, Darcy enjoys traveling both locally and internationally, spending time with her family and friends, and exploring local parks and dog-friendly beaches with her dog, Dixie.

Geoffrey Marcus graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior Biology and a minor in Anthropology. Surprisingly, a single elective course shifted Geoffrey’s path from the medical field to the legal field. Thus, Geoffrey continued his education at the University of Miami School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2019.

Upon graduating from law school, Geoffrey and his wife (who he met in law school) relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. Geoffrey initially began his legal career at a Plaintiff firm that specializes in employment law and litigation. Thereafter, Geoffrey worked at a civil defense firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he handled civil litigation matters, involving the following: third party litigation, including employment law, OSHA investigations and citations, premises liability, vehicle accident defense, trucking defense, wrongful death, construction defects, and the defense of government and municipalities; and insurance coverage/first party litigation.

Geoffrey has represented, among others, a trillion dollar e-commerce company, a multi-billion dollar food and beverage supply company, a multi-million dollar hospitality business, and a multi-million dollar real estate development firm, as well as local health care providers and restaurants. He is experienced at managing all stages of litigation – pre-litigation through appellate work.

Notably, Geoffrey recently prevailed on summary judgment, which was later affirmed by the Fourth Circuit, after oral argument, pertaining to the issue of employer drug testing policy for new and current employees and an employer’s related obligations under the ADA and N.C.G.S. § 95-28.2 (lawful use of lawful products statute) when an employee tested positive for THC use. Anderson v. Diamondback Inv. Grp., LLC, 117 F. 4th 165 (4th Cir. 2024).

In his personal life, Geoffrey enjoys spending time with his wife, Natasha, and embracing being a “girl dad” to his daughter, Olivia.

Jessica Berger is a dedicated litigation attorney based in Jacksonville, Florida, with a strong background in both federal and state court litigation.  Jessica received her J.D. from Florida State University College of Law then earned her MBA at the University of Florida.   Jessica was awarded the Distinguished Pro Bono Award at FSU Law and previously served in clinics and student groups advocating for human rights and trafficking survivors. She continues to support community legal outreach efforts in Jacksonville.

Her professional values are rooted in a commitment to justice, clear communication, and strategic legal advocacy. Her previous involvement in human rights work at Florida State University and in the Florida Senate has instilled a deep commitment to leveling the legal playing field to help those in need.

Jessica served as lead analyst on two bills that passed through the Florida Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, reflecting her legislative skill and legal insight.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, she focuses her practice on general liability litigation, including the defense of personal injury, premises liability, and related tort claims.

Jessica is an avid traveler and baker who enjoys outdoor adventures, playing golf, cheering on her favorite college football and NHL teams, and spending time with her rescued Red Fox Labrador, Malibu Barkbie.