Dean W. Karikas is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Karikas earned his law degree from The University of Toledo College of Law. Prior to law school, Mr. Karikas attended The University of Toledo on a football scholarship. While at The University of Toledo, Mr. Karikas played college football. Mr. Karikas excelled in his academics, making the Dean’s List six times. Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Karikas joined the Air Force, and relocated to Florida in 1984. Mr. Karikas is also licensed, but currently inactive to practice law in Colorado and Ohio.
Mr. Dean W. Karikas is an involved member in the St. Petersburg community, where he actively plays in the Gulfport Community Theater. Mr. Karikas is also an avid diver who enjoys spear fishing. He is active with Dive Care Inc., a nonprofit organization that trains veterans with disabilities how to scuba dive. Mr. Karikas also serves as the Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors for Dive Care. Mr. Karikas has also acted as a volunteer for Abilities Inc. of Florida for over 20 years. When Mr. Karikas is not volunteering or practicing law, he enjoys spending time with his daughters and riding his Harley Road King.
Year Joined Firm
1997
Bar Admissions
Ohio, 1983
Florida, 1985
Colorado, 1994
U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 1993
U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1985
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida, 1993
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida, 1985
U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1988
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 1984
Education
University of Toledo College of Law, Toledo, Ohio
Juris Doctor – March, 1983
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
B.B.A. – June, 1980
Honors: Dean’s List
Honors: Football Scholarship
Major: Marketing
Professional Associations and Memberships
Florida Bar Association
Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers
American Association for Justice
St. Petersburg Bar Association
Hillsborough County Bar Association
Federal Court Middle and Southern District of Florida
Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association
Florida Justice Association
Past Employment Positions
Yanchuck, Berman & Kasaris, P. A., St. Petersburg/Tarpon Springs, Florida, Attorney Member, 1996 – 1997
Duke & Karikas, P .A. St. Petersburg/Tampa/Palm Harbor/New Port Richey, Florida, Managing Partner and Shareholder, 1989 – 1996
Butler & Burnette, P.A. Tampa, Florida, Associate Attorney, 1988 – 1989
United States Air Force, Eastern Space Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, Chief Prosecutor, Chief of Military Justice Division, 1986 – 1988
United States Air Force, Eastern Space Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Chief of Claims & Tort Litigation Division/Labor Law Division, 1983 – 1984
Royer and Karikas, Partner, 1983 – 1984
Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney, 1987