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    Payton K. Pope-Koepsell

    Associate

    Tampa
    813-472-7764
    payton.koepsell@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    LitigationConstruction/DesignReal Estate and Construction

    Payton Pope-Koepsell represents design professionals, contractors and other construction professionals in a wide range of matters, including construction defect claims, contract disputes and lien actions.

    Payton takes a business-minded approach to her practice, working closely with clients to understand their priorities and craft strategies that deliver efficient, effective results. Before a dispute ever reaches a courtroom, she provides hands-on pre-suit counsel—reviewing and negotiating contracts, pursuing early resolution through demand letters and settlement discussions, and, where possible, helping clients avoid litigation altogether.

    When litigating, Payton brings a calculated, focused approach to every stage of the case. She manages all facets of the process—from pleadings and written discovery to depositions, motion practice, and courtroom advocacy—and regularly represents clients in mediation and arbitration as well. She is driven by one goal: achieving the best possible result for every client, every time.

    Experience

    • Served as second chair in a successful two-week bench trial regarding construction and surety claims on behalf of a general contractor. Conducted direct and cross-examination of witnesses, argued objections, and drafted proposed judgment and post-judgment claim for attorneys’ fees.

    • Prepared for and assisted in four-day deposition of condominium developer’s expert witness on numerous complex construction defects involving damages alleged to be more than $150 million.
    • Secured subrogation of a plaintiff’s withdrawal of a $5 million defective design claim for international engineering client at mediation through presentation of strong legal and factual defenses.

    Insights

    • June 4, 2026

      Phelps Expands Chambers Rankings to 33 Practices and 88 Lawyers in 2026 Guide…

    • October 24, 2025

      Phelps Wins Breach-of-Contract Dispute for KAST Construction After Nine-Day Trial…

    More +
    • June 5, 2025

      Phelps’ Chambers USA Rankings Expand to 78 Lawyers, 28 Practices in 2025 Guide…

    Recognition

    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Construction
    • Litigation - Construction (2027), The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch 
    • Diversity Fellow, ABA Forum on Construction Law
    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Construction
    • Litigation - Construction (2027), The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch 
    • Diversity Fellow, ABA Forum on Construction Law

    Education

    • University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2022
    • University of Florida, B.A., International Studies, summa cum laude, 2017
    • University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2022
    • University of Florida, B.A., International Studies, summa cum laude, 2017

    Credentials

    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional:

    • The Florida Bar
    • American Bar Association - Forum on Construction Law - Member 

    Civic:

    • Girls Rock St. Pete - Secretary (2026)

    Professional:

    • The Florida Bar
    • American Bar Association - Forum on Construction Law - Member 

    Civic:

    • Girls Rock St. Pete - Secretary (2026)
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Litigation
    • Construction/Design
    • Real Estate and Construction
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