Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce that six of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. This honor reflects exceptional professional achievement, peer recognition, and a demonstrated commitment to outstanding client advocacy.
The Florida Super Lawyers designation, presented by Thomson Reuters, is awarded through a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of attorneys in Florida are named Florida Super Lawyers, while only 2.5% receive Rising Stars recognition.
For 2026, the firm celebrates the recognition of Sean McQuaid, Aubrey Dicus, Caitlin Szematowicz, and Robert Kapusta, Jr. as Florida Super Lawyers. Lama Alqasemi and Alec M. Waid have also been named Rising Stars, highlighting the firm’s depth of talent across generations of leadership.
We congratulate these attorneys on their well-earned recognition and continued dedication to excellence in the legal profession.
Introducing Our 2026 Florida Super Lawyers
Sean McQuaid
As President of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., Sean McQuaid continues to set the standard for leadership and legal excellence. A Florida Super Lawyer for more than a decade, Sean focuses his practice on personal injury and criminal defense. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, has been recognized by Best Lawyers annually since 2014, and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Under his leadership, the firm has earned continued distinction, including recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms® awards and multiple consecutive Tampa Bay Times “Best of the Best” honors. Sean also celebrated his 25th year with the firm in 2025 and remains deeply engaged in community leadership through service with the St. Petersburg Bar Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Caitlin Szematowicz
Celebrating her seventh year of recognition as a Florida Super Lawyer, Caitlin Szematowicz is known for her work in appellate matters, commercial litigation, general civil litigation, and labor and employment law. She is an active leader in the legal community, having served on the Executive Committee and as Co-President of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court and previously as President of both the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation and the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association.
Aubrey Dicus
With nearly five decades of legal experience, Aubrey Dicus remains a cornerstone of the firm and a distinguished Florida Super Lawyer. His practice spans criminal defense, civil and commercial litigation, and personal injury law. Aubrey is honored in the Best Lawyers in America 2026 edition for his work across multiple practice areas and holds a Martindale‑Hubbell AV Preeminent® rating, reflecting the highest level of peer recognition. He has also held key leadership roles with the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. A founding board member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a Master of the Bench with several Inns of Court, Aubrey’s career is marked by professionalism, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the legal community.
Robert Kapusta, Jr.
Robert Kapusta, Jr. is a repeat Florida Super Lawyer honoree who brings a unique blend of legal and financial expertise to his practice in corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, tax and estate planning, and real estate law. In the Best Lawyers in America 2026 edition, he was recognized in multiple categories, including Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Real Estate Law. As a Certified Public Accountant, Robert offers strategic insight to both individual and business clients. He serves as Chair of the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and supports initiatives that promote business growth, education, arts programming, and economic vitality in the community.
2026 Florida Rising Stars
Lama Alqasemi (Rising Star)
Lama Alqasemi has been recognized as a Florida Rising Star for her work in estate planning, tax planning, and probate and trust administration. A Tampa Bay native, Lama holds an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University. Her legal background includes experience with the U.S. Department of Justice and Dentons in Prague. Since returning to the Tampa Bay area in 2022, Lama has remained committed to community education and providing highly personalized counsel to her clients.
Alec M. Waid (Rising Star)
Alec M. Waid has been recognized as a Florida Rising Star for his work in general civil and commercial litigation and criminal defense. A Tampa Bay native, Alec earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of Barristers. His background includes nearly four years as a prosecutor with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, including service as a Special Prosecutor in the Gang Unit and in the Traffic Homicide Unit. Since joining Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., Alec has focused on providing strategic, trial-ready representation to individuals and businesses throughout Tampa Bay.
A Tradition of Legal Excellence in Tampa Bay
Since 1958, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. has served the Tampa Bay area with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public service. Founded by the late Anthony Battaglia, the firm has grown into one of Florida’s most established and respected law firms.
Today, the firm provides comprehensive legal representation across a wide range of practice areas, including:
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporate & Business Law
- Criminal Defense
- Estate Planning & Probate
- General Civil Litigation
- Labor & Employment Law
- Personal Injury
- Property Damage & Insurance Disputes
- Real Estate Law
Beyond the courtroom, the firm’s attorneys remain actively engaged in civic leadership and community service, continuing a legacy that has defined Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. for more than six decades.
For trusted legal representation from Florida’s most accomplished attorneys, contact Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. today.
