Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is a full-service Florida law firm with offices in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. For over 50 years, the firm has built a reputation for legal excellence, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to putting clients first. Johnson Pope offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate, litigation, real estate, tax, estate planning, intellectual property, and healthcare law. With a collaborative culture and a focus on integrity and results, the firm serves as a trusted legal partner to individuals, businesses, and institutions across Tampa Bay.
Steve Pratico, Partner – Commercial Litigation
A Trusted Advocate for Businesses in Litigation
With over 20 years of experience in high-stakes commercial litigation, Steve Pratico is the attorney businesses call when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether representing plaintiffs or defendants in commercial litigation matters, Steve is known for stepping into the breach for his clients when a dispute has the potential to derail operations, alter a company’s direction, or threaten its future altogether.
Steve works closely with small to mid-sized businesses, developers, and corporations across Florida and beyond, helping them navigate complex breach of contract cases, commercial real estate and development disputes, and other critical business torts. His litigation style is strategic, aggressive, and outcomes-driven, which has earned him recognition from The Best Lawyers in America© in Commercial Litigation and a reputation as one of Florida’s go-to trial attorneys.
He’s represented global pharmaceutical companies, some of Florida’s largest developers, large-scale microprocessor manufacturers, and numerous regional businesses across industries, always with a focus on aligning aggressive legal strategy with long-term business goals.
Why do you feel it’s important for the local business community to support economic development efforts?
Economic development fuels opportunity. When local businesses thrive, so do the people and communities around them. We all benefit when we contribute to a stronger local business community, whether by creating jobs, investing in local talent, or supporting initiatives that bring growth to our region. As a litigator, I see firsthand how a healthy business climate can give companies the stability to weather storms and focus on the future.
What needs to be done to continue the growth and support of the Tampa Bay area?
We must stay interconnected. Regardless of industry—law, finance, tech, construction, we all play a part in each other’s success. The more we lean into collaboration and share our expertise, the more we ensure Tampa and Hillsborough County remain a supportive, competitive place to do business.
What is the number one thing that will impact Tampa’s competitiveness in the coming decade?
Managing growth smartly. Tampa is attracting talent, capital, and development at an incredible pace. If we continue to invest in infrastructure, public services, and policies that support both startups and legacy businesses, we’ll remain a top market for innovation and investment.
What do you think makes Tampa such a great place for business?
Tampa offers a rare combination of accessibility and momentum. It’s a market where you can start or scale a business without being buried in red tape. There’s a sense of possibility here—success feels within reach, and the community is built on helping each other get there.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Tampa?
Trying new restaurants, especially on Water Street, Ybor, South Howard and North Hyde Park. Those areas are buzzing with new energy and reflect exactly what makes Tampa exciting right now. Everything is evolving for the better.
