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Our Staff

Stacy Smith, Chief Operating Officer

Stacy was born and raised in the beautiful city of Dade City, Florida. She’s a proud local who is active in the community, which she loves. A proud alumna of Pasco High School, she furthered her education at Pasco Hernando Community College and Saint Leo University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, specializing in Management.

She has 17 years of experience in criminal law, she’s a registered paralegal with The Florida Bar and our go-to person for anything we need at the firm. As our Chief Operating Officer, she’s the maestro conducting our day-to-day operations.

Outside the office, Stacy volunteers as a softball coach for the local little league. She’s also the founder of a non-profit kids’ club, where she’s shaping the future leaders of Dade City. And if you’re looking for her during the weekends, you’ll find her on the sidelines or in the stands, cheering on her kids at their sporting and martial arts events.

Heather Huckelby, Lead Legal Assistant

Heather is a seasoned Legal Assistant with over eight years of dedicated service in the legal field. She is passionate about her career, where she has honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of legal processes and procedures. She is the loving mother of two boys, and eagerly awaits the arrival of her daughter in the Fall of 2024.

Balancing her career with a growing family, Heather finds fulfillment in nurturing her children’s diverse interests and passions. One of her sons finds joy in football, embodying the spirit of athleticism and teamwork, while her other son expresses his creativity through art while he also stays updated with current events through his keen interest in the news.

Heather is engaged to the love of her life, with whom she shares the journey of parenthood and life’s adventures. Outside of work and family, Heather finds solace in the pages of her favorite books, indulging in her love for reading. She cherishes moments spent with her loved ones, prioritizing family time, and creating lasting memories. Heather embodies the essence of a multi-faceted individual, seamlessly navigating the intricacies of both her personal and professional life with grace and determination.

Emily Payne, Legal Intern

Emily was raised in Gainesville, Virginia but moved to Tampa, Florida in 2019 to attend the University of Tampa. In August 2021, Emily joined Karatinos Law, PLLC as a part-time student intern while attending school full-time. In December 2024, Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice & Criminology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Speech Studies. At Karatinos Law, PLLC, Emily handles client discovery, public records requests, and assisting Keeley with preparing for trials, hearings, and depositions. Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading and exploring Dade City’s local businesses.