Charles A. Samarkos

Experience 

Charles A. Samarkos is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Partner in Johnson Pope’s Clearwater office, where he has spent his entire career since joining the firm after graduating from law school in 1989. For more than three decades, Charles has represented businesses, individuals, and families in complex civil litigation matters—cases involving business disputes, construction defects, shareholder derivative actions, restrictive covenant cases, trust and estate disputes and family law disputes involving issues relating to businesses.   His practice is grounded in the principles that have guided him since his earliest days as a trial lawyer: meticulous preparation, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to helping clients resolve the problems they cannot solve on their own.

Over the years, Charles has built a reputation as a lawyer who thrives in the courtroom but also understands the value of pragmatic resolution. His accounting background allows him to interpret financial statements, balance sheets, understand forensic and valuation issues with uncommon precision—an advantage in business and trust litigation where numbers tell as much of the story as witnesses do. He has handled cases involving family-owned enterprises, construction contractors and developers, physicians, financial professionals, and closely held corporations, representing both plaintiffs and defendants with equal tenacity and fairness.

To Charles, litigation is not just about winning cases—it’s about earning trust. Whether representing a large corporation, a small family business or individuals in needed of justice for their disputes, he measures success by the confidence his clients place in him and the outcomes that restore their peace of mind. Known for being aggressive when necessary but always fair, he embodies the combination of intellect, preparation, and humanity that clients and colleagues alike respect.

Representative Matters

• Successfully Defended Group Home’s Right to Remain in Residential Community. Represented a group home for individuals with disabilities in a pro bono case against a subdivision that sought to remove them because they were not a “single family” unit. The case resulted in a decisive win for the home and reinforced Charles’ long-standing commitment to advocacy for people with disabilities—a cause deeply personal to him as a parent.
• Prevailed in Complex Shareholder and Partnership Litigation. Represented shareholders and partners in closely held business disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, corporate governance, and valuation issues. Secured favorable outcomes through trial and appellate advocacy, protecting clients’ interests and preserving enterprise value.
• Handled Multi-Million-Dollar Construction Defect and Contract Disputes. Represented developers, contractors, and subcontractors in high-value claims involving structural defects, performance disputes, and delay damages. Known for his deep understanding of construction operations, Charles has guided clients from pre-litigation strategy through trial and appeal.
• Litigated and Enforced Restrictive Covenant and Non-Compete Agreements. Advised businesses and executives in cases involving non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions, combining courtroom skill with practical business judgment to secure enforceable and fair outcomes.
• Appellate Advocacy Shaping Florida Civil Litigation. Successfully argued multiple appeals before the Florida Second District Court of Appeal.

Bar Admissions:

• Florida, 1989

Education:

• Stetson University, J.D., cum laude, 1989
• ABA National Mock Trial Competition – 1^st Place, 1989
• University of South Florida, B.A., Accounting, 1986

 Awards & Recognition:

• Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, 1996 – Present
• The Best Lawyers in America©, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2010 – Present
• The Best Lawyers in America© Litigation – Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year,” 2022
• Florida Super Lawyers, General Litigation, 2022 – Present
• Barney Masterson Inn of Court Lawyer of the Year Award, 2022

Community & Professional Organizations

• Advent Hospital North Pinellas Foundation (formerly known as Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Helen Ellis Memorial Foundation)
  • Director, 2011 – 2021
  • Chairperson 2017-2020,
• UPARC
  • Director, 1999 –2012
  • Past President, 2004 – 2006
• Tarpon Springs Middle and High School Advisory Counsel
  • Member, 2003 – 2013
  • Chair, 2005- 2007 (Tarpon Middle) 2008 – 2013 (Tarpon High)
• Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Inc.
  • Director, various years

Outside the Office

 When he’s not in the courtroom, Charles enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family. An avid golfer and boater, he finds relaxation on the fairway or exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast waters. He also loves to travel, with frequent trips to Greece to reconnect with his heritage, visit family, and recharge in the place that shaped so much of his perspective on life and work.