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Whether you are facing a challenging legal issue or seeking proactive legal advice, we are here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and dedication.

Meet Our team

Joseph m. Williams

Managing Attorney
Joey is a native Floridian splitting time between his Macclenny hometown and a second home in Hill City, South Dakota. Prior to being the youngest lawyer ever elected Judge in the State of Florida, he demonstrated a gift for advocacy working as a criminal defense attorney, civil litigator, and criminal prosecutor. Joey was elected to six consecutive terms as Baker County Judge starting in 1992. Joey was a collegial member of the six-county 8th Circuit Judiciary. In the course of time, and by appointment of the Chief Judge, he presided over matters in all divisions- family, civil, and criminal- in all six counties of the Circuit. Joey also had the honor of serving as the County Administrative judge for Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union Counties. Beyond his service in the 8th Judicial Circuit, Joey was very active at the State level. He served on the State Judicial Management Council by appointment of the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, appointed Judicial Liaison to the Florida Bar Board of Governors by its President, Presenter at the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies, twice elected as President of the Florida Conference of County Court Judges of Florida, Recipient of the Harvey Ford Award- the highest recognition given to a judge by vote of all county judges throughout the State of Florida. Joey’s last distinction in his judicial career was being elected to serve on the Judicial Qualifications Commission which enforces the Code of Judicial Conduct for all state courts in the State of Florida. Joey has been admitted to the Florida, Georgia, and South Dakota Bars; United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida; the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and is a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee for the South Dakota Bar.

Leah Ceranski

Associate Attorney
Leah Ceranski is a dedicated and passionate attorney who has quickly made a name for herself in the legal field. A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Leah pursued her legal education at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. During her time in law school, she excelled both academically and as a leader, serving as Vice President of the Women in Law organization and as a proud member of the First Generation Lawyers group.
Leah began her legal career working at a nonprofit legal aid office, where she primarily focused on family law and housing disputes. Her commitment to advocating for those in need has been a driving force throughout her career. In the summer of 2024, Leah joined the esteemed law firm J.M. Williams, PA, in their Hill City, South Dakota office.
Leah's dedication to her clients is evident in her approach to every case. She is committed to fighting for her clients' best interests, both in and out of the courtroom, with a blend of compassion, determination, and legal expertise.
Outside of the office, Leah is an avid outdoorswoman. She enjoys hiking the scenic trails of South Dakota, hunting in both the Black Hills and the woods of northern Wisconsin, and unwinding with a good book at home.

NATHAN hall

Associate Attorney
With over a decade of dedicated legal practice in Florida, Attorney Nathan brings experience and a deep commitment to serving his clients' needs. Nathan began his career as a Florida Circuit Court staff attorney, then entered private practice in 2012. His practice spans a diverse range of areas but focuses on Estate Planning & Trusts, Probate, Guardianship, Real Estate, Adoptions, and Business Law.
Nathan is passionate about helping individuals and families plan for the future, secure their assets, build lasting legacies, and create new businesses and opportunities. Whether guiding clients through the complexities of estate administration, drafting business contracts, or setting estate plans in place to give families peace of mind, Nathan brings understanding and a willingness to tailor solutions to a client’s individual needs.
Beyond his legal practice, Nathan finds fulfillment in spending time with his family, pursuing his passion for writing, and continuously expanding his knowledge across a wide array of subjects. His dedication to both professional excellence and personal growth underscores his commitment to providing exceptional service and achieving favorable results for his clients.
OFFICE MANAGER
Amy Hunter
Amy oversees all aspects of bookkeeping, invoicing, billing, and client engagement agreements. Married to Travis Hunter for two decades, she is a loving mother to three daughters who inspire her every day. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Flagler College and earned her Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Florida in 2006, solidifying her expertise in financial management and business administration.
PARALEGAL
Jessie Ferry
With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, Jessie Ferry is a seasoned paralegal with extensive expertise across various areas of law. Throughout a distinguished career, Jessie has demonstrated a profound commitment to providing exceptional legal support and ensuring the best outcomes for clients. Throughout a dedicated career, Jessie has consistently prioritized client needs and legal excellence. Jessie is married to Richard Ferry, and together they have five children and a granddaughter. She values family life and enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, taking trips and relaxing on the beach.
EXECUTIVE LEGAL SECRETARY
AVALON HOLSAPPLE
Avalon Holsapple, originally from Palm Harbor, FL, currently resides in Hill City, SD. She joined the firm in November 2023 as an Executive Legal Secretary. In her role, Avalon efficiently manages the firm's calendar and handles incoming calls, ensuring smooth communication and organization within the office. Her dedication to supporting the legal team and maintaining operational efficiency contributes significantly to the firm's daily operations.
Our full team of attorneys consists of Paul Hawkes (Of Counsel), Nathan Hall (Associate), Joseph M. Williams (Managing Attorney), Kevin Alvarez (Of Counsel) and Leah Ceranski (Associate).

Paul Hawkes

Of Counsel
Paul graduated from the Florida State University, College of Law, with Honors in 1985. While in law school Paul’s academic performance earned an opportunity to be part of the Florida State Law Review. On Law Review Paul served on the Law Review’s Board of Directors as Research Editor. Following law school Paul went to work for a commercial law firm, Rumburger, Kirk, Caldwell, Cabinas, and Burke, P.A., defending national corporations against product liability claims and other complex tort litigation. Paul left the firm to pursue public service opportunities.Paul accepted an offer to serve as an Assistant State Attorney in the Fifth Circuit where he prosecuted all levels of criminal offenses. Paul then left the State Attorney’s office and opened his own law office so he could run for election to the Florida House of Representatives. In his two terms, 1990-1994, in the Florida House, Paul represented parts of Citrus, Marion, and Hernando Counties. In 1996, when the Republicans won the Majority in the Florida House for the first time since 1874, Paul served as Special Counsel to the first Republican Speaker in 122 years, Daniel Webster. In his role as special counsel to Speaker Webster, Paul was instrumental in drafting new Rules for the Florida House, made referral recommendations on all legislation filed in the House, and oversaw special projects. In 2001, Paul had the opportunity to return to the Florida House as Chief of Policy and Special Counsel for Speaker Tom Feeney. In this capacity Paul advised Speaker Feeney on all policy issues arising in the Florida House.Paul received a House Speaker appointment to the 1997/1998 Florida Constitutional Revision Commission serving as the Chair of the ‘Bonding and Investments’ Committee. The Constitutional Revision Commission proposed 9 diverse revisions; Florida’s voters adopted 8.In 2000, Governor Bush employed Paul in his Office of Policy and Budget. Governor Bush appointed Paul to serve as his ‘efficiency czar’ – responsible for identifying efficiencies and outsourcing opportunities requiring Paul to work closely with each of the Governor’s agencies. Paul’s title was Deputy Director of the Office of Policy and Budget, and he was registered to lobby for the Governor’s legislative agenda. In 2003, Governor Bush appointed Paul to the First District Court of Appeal. Paul served as an appellate judge for 9 years, being twice retained by the citizens in the 31 counties of North Florida. During 2007 Paul became the youngest judge elected by his peers to serve as the court’s Chief Judge. During his tenure Paul was successful in obtaining legislative approval and funding for the first electronic filing system successfully implemented in in the Florida state courts. Paul currently engages in the general practice of both appellate law and trial practice and has been chosen by both the State employees’ union and the State of Florida, to serve as an arbiter in employee discipline disputes. Paul also represents various entities before the Florida Legislature as a lobbyist.

Kevin Alvarez

Of Counsel
Kevin Alvarez is a board-certified attorney with thirteen years of experience in private practice. He has represented over 1,000 people in criminal cases and other litigation, including complex civil, in State and Federal courts. The Florida Bar Board Certified him in Criminal Trial law. Less than 8 percent of all lawyers in Florida are Board-Certified in their respective practice areas.Kevin knows that a successful resolution in many cases requires an immediate and thorough investigation led by an experienced attorney. That is his promise to his clients: hard work, diligence, skilled investigation, and a fight for the best possible outcome. As an undergraduate student, Kevin interned at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in his hometown of Ocala, Florida, where he gained experience in the inner workings of that law enforcement agency, including the violent crimes division, the sex crimes division, uniformed patrol and the jail. His law degree is from the Florida State University College of Law and he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and political science from Florida State University. He completed both degrees in a total of four years (three years less than a standard track). He is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, both local and statewide, and his dog Wentz is a regular visitor at his downtown Tallahassee office. In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashely, a lawyer herself, and their daughter.
Address
445 East Macclenny Avenue, Suite 2 Macclenny, FL 32063 351 E. Main Street Hill City, SD 57745
Contacts
Hours
Florida Monday - Thursday9:00 a.m. EST - 5:00 p.m. EST South Dakota Monday - Thursday9:00 a.m. MT - 4:00 p.m. MT
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