For over two decades, Mitch has represented individuals and families in a variety of civil litigation matters including jury trials and appeals throughout the State of Florida and his legal resume reflects many impressive accomplishments.

Mitch has been solo and lead counsel in dozens of jury and bench trials and he has been honored by the publication of numerous successful trial verdicts. Most recently, he was recognized for achieving one of the largest motor vehicle/trucking accident verdicts in the United States.

Mitch’s appellate record is equally as impressive and he has argued before the Florida Supreme Court and Florida District Courts of Appeal across the state with many of his cases being published as legal precedent.

Mitch is bilingual and fluent in Spanish, allowing him to serve a broader client base of individuals and families.
Mitch was born in Evanston, Illinois, before moving to Guatemala at age five. Mitch resided in Guatemala until relocating to the Tampa Bay area. He attended the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1993. While in attendance, he participated in UF’s Post-Baccalaureate Studies Program until 1995. Following his studies at the University of Florida, Mitch obtained his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1998. While in law school, he was a member of the Stetson’s National Championship Trial Team, and he was also a member of Stetson’s nationally recognized Moot Court Board. In his final year at Stetson Law School, Mitch was elected by his peers to serve as Stetson’s Chief Honor Court Attorney. Additionally, Mitch was employed by Stetson as a Teaching Fellow responsible for teaching first year law students research, writing and oral advocacy skills.

After graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 1998, Mitch spent two years working in the Orlando office of George Hartz P.A. In 2000, he joined Smith, Clark, Delesie, Bierley, Mueller & Kadyk in Tampa, where he was a shareholder until becoming a founding partner at Kadyk Delesie & Espat P.A. in 2008. He then formed Powell & Espat in 2011, where he remained until becoming a founding and managing partner of Espat & Johnson.

In addition to his dedication toward protecting his clients’ legal rights, Mitch is devoted to helping homeless pets find homes through the support of local non-profit animal shelters and rescue organizations. He is affectionately known among friends, co-workers, and family as being a doting father to several ‘fur kids.’

Education:

1993 – Bachelor of Arts, University of Florida

1995 – Post-Baccalaureate Studies, Communication, University of Florida

1998 – Juris Doctorate, Stetson College of Law

Admissions and Awards:

1998 – Admitted into the Florida Bar

1998 – Admitted into the Federal U.S. Middle District Court of Florida

2000 – American Bar Association Member

2005 – FDLA Member

2011 – American Justice Association Member/ Association of Trial Lawyers

2012 – Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers’ Association

2016 – American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, Client Satisfaction Award

2018 – Eagle Member of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers/Florida Justice Association.

2020 – CaseMetrix Top 10 Motor Vehicle and Trucking Accident Verdicts in the United States (Fifth Highest)