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Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) is proud to announce that Tampa Partner Todd Smayda has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Sheila K. Nicholson Attorney of the Year Award. This accolade, exclusive to the QPWB Tampa office, recognizes more than just legal expertise; it celebrates the qualities that make a true DIFFERENCE-MAKER within the firm and the legal community.

"I am grateful to receive an award inspired by a truly dedicated attorney and leader," says Smayda. "I take very seriously my duty to defend the firm’s clients and to encourage our younger lawyers to grow, just as Sheila did."

The award is named in honor of Sheila K. Nicholson, a former QPWB attorney who tragically passed away from cancer in 2019. Nicholson was more than just a lawyer; she was a physical therapist, a mentor, and a source of unwavering support for her colleagues. Her dedication to the firm, even in the face of adversity, left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

"She epitomized courage, leading by example and always putting the needs of others, including mine, above her own," shares Tampa Hub Managing Partner Peter Molinelli. "She was the very definition of a leader."

This sentiment underscores the core values that the Sheila K. Nicholson Attorney of the Year Award represents. It's a tribute to selflessness, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the legal profession. For five years now, this award, given exclusively by the Tampa hub, has honored individuals who, like Smayda, embody the spirit of Nicholson's legacy.

A seasoned litigator, Smayda focuses his practice on medical and nursing malpractice defense, representing healthcare providers, fire districts, and municipalities throughout Florida. He has also obtained significant trial victories in employment and whistleblower cases. Smayda's extensive experience includes handling claims against pharmacies, particularly those involving OxyContin. His commitment to mentoring young lawyers and fostering a collaborative environment within the firm echoes Nicholson's own leadership during a time of transition for the Tampa office. His dedication to his clients and the legal profession reflects the high standards that Nicholson championed.

"This award is more than just a name on a plaque," says Molinelli. "It represents the embodiment of ethics and hard work that Sheila exemplified, a way to honor her memory and inspire others to follow in her footsteps."

By recognizing Todd Smayda with this award, QPWB celebrates not just his individual achievements but also the enduring impact of Sheila K. Nicholson. It's a reminder that true leadership lies in selflessness, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Ultimately, the Sheila K. Nicholson Attorney of the Year Award reflects QPWB's devotion to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and leadership. By recognizing and celebrating these qualities in its attorneys, QPWB strengthens its foundation as a firm dedicated not only to legal expertise but also to the values that make a lasting impact on its people and its clients.