Mustafa Ameen received his law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School where he finished in the top 5% of his class. After graduating, he began his career at the State Attorney’s Office. During his time as an Assistant State Attorney, he tried over 100 cases, handled hundreds of motion hearings, and prosecuted over 3,000 cases. In 2008, he left the State Attorney’s Office and founded his law firm specializing in criminal defense, traffic citations, and auto accidents. In 2012, he partnered with Andrew Shafii who is also a former Assistant State Attorney. Mr. Ameen heads the personal injury and DUI defense divisions in the firm. He dedicates his time to defend individuals charged with DUIs and help victims who have been injured in auto accidents. In his career, Mr. Ameen helped his clients reach millions of dollars in settlements. His experience as a trial attorney has allowed him to aggressively represent his clients against the insurance industry. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Ameen is an adjunct professor and on the Board of Directors at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and lectures throughout the community.
Andrew Shafii is a lifelong resident of Tampa. He graduated from the University of Florida then went on to South Texas College of Law to obtain his law degree. He began his career as an Assistant State Attorney in Hillsborough County. Because of his skill in trial, Mr. Shafii was quickly promoted to the felony division where he prosecuted serious crimes including life felonies. In 2012 he joined Mr. Ameen and now heads the criminal division in the firm. He has handled over 3,500 criminal cases and tried over 100 cases including 50 jury trials.
After graduating from University of Florida Law School, Diego Merino began his legal career at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s office. Mr. Merino started in the misdemeanor division handling DUIs, drug cases, assault and battery charges. He quickly moved up the ranks as an Assistant Public Defender based on his knowledge of the law and skill in trial. He was assigned to the felony division where he handled drug trafficking cases, aggravated assault and battery, weapons charges and other serious felonies. Mr. Merino handled thousands of cases, argued countless motions and trials. After leaving the PD office, he joined Ameen and Shafii where he continues to defend our clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Mr. Merino is originally from Peru and speaks fluent Spanish.