Leesburg attorney Daniel J. Kersey has become the only attorney currently based in Lake County to hold Board Certification in Construction Law from The Florida Bar.

The certification is awarded to attorneys who meet experience requirements in construction law, complete advanced legal education, undergo peer review and pass a comprehensive examination.

For Daniel, the accomplishment is tied closely to the background that first shaped his interest in the field.

“I didn’t grow up around lawyers,” Daniel says. “I grew up around people who worked with their hands, worked the land and built businesses. I think that background is one of the reasons construction law has always made sense to me.”

Daniel grew up in Central Florida around agriculture, blue-collar workers and small-business owners. He later earned both a business degree and law degree from the University of Florida.

After law school, he served as an assistant state attorney before entering private practice. In 2019, he joined Phil Smith and Christina Campbell, who later formed Smith Campbell, PA in Leesburg. Earlier this year, Daniel was named an equity member of the firm.

His practice includes construction and commercial disputes involving contractors, subcontractors, developers, property owners, suppliers and design professionals throughout Florida.

Outside of work, Daniel and his wife are raising three children — Aubrey, 5, and 2-year-old twins Whitley and Isla. His wife works as a professional protection dog trainer with Trident Elite K9 and leads the company’s Florida operations.

Daniel says remaining in Central Florida has been an important part of his career.

“Central Florida is home,” he says. “I’m proud to have built my career here.”