a few words about us

The Experience

Yardley Law combines big city expertise with small town service. As a lawyer with over 25 years of experience, Thomas Yardley knows what work is needed to advance a client’s case, and what is useless bill padding. He uses experienced Florida Registered Paralegals to keep costs down.

The Paralegals

Yardley Law’s paralegals are individuals with education, training, and/or work experience, who work under the direction and supervision of Thomas H. Yardley. They perform specifically delegated substantive legal work and have met the requirements of registration as set forth in Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

The Team

THOMAS H. YARDLEY – Attorney

Tom has been practicing law in Brevard County for 25 years. He grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then entered the United States Naval Reserve and served as a commissioned officer for five years. Tom left the Navy and entered law school, graduating from the University of Florida in 1987 with a Juris Doctor degree, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1988.

Tom’s law career began as an Assistant Public Defender in Brevard County. In 1991, he became an associate at the law firm of Reinman, Harrell, Graham, Mitchell & Watwood, and in 1996, opened his own office. He is admitted to, and has practiced in, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. He has conducted numerous jury trials in both federal districts and the Circuit and County Courts of Florida.

Tom is a member of the Florida Bar Client Security Fund Committee, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a Board Member and Vice Chairman of the City of Cocoa’s U.S. 1 Corridor Redevelopment Agency, a Board Member of the Central Brevard Humane Society, and a Referee with the United States Soccer Association. His past memberships include the Florida Bar Code and Rules of Evidence Committee, Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, and a Barrister with the Vassar B. Carlton Inns of Court.

Hiring an attorney can be stressful and financially challenging. Our office is here to help make a difficult situation less so. Give Yardley Law a call to find out how we can help you with your criminal, civil, probate, estate planning, or bankruptcy matter. Our practice continues to grow from clients allowing us to serve all of their future and current legal needs, and for that we are constantly grateful.

Tom Yardley is affiliated with the following organizations:

PATTY BLANKENSHIP, FRP – Paralegal/Office Manager

Patty has lived in Brevard for most of her life, graduating from Brevard County public schools and Eastern Florida State College. She began her career working as a secretary for attorney Walter Shepard. Since then she has worked for McDonnell Douglas on the Delta program, Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and various attorneys before joining Yardley Law in 2003.

Patty is a Florida Registered Paralegal, assisting Mr. Yardley on various civil, family, and bankruptcy cases by researching and preparing legal documents and other documentation. She is also the Office Manager and oversees all office and billing procedures.

Patty is a member of the Central Brevard Bankruptcy Law Association and the person to speak with if you are considering filing bankruptcy. She is a good listener and knowledgeable about the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, what Chapter is right for your situation, and what you can and can’t keep when you file bankruptcy. Feel free to call and set an appointment. There is no cost or obligation to speak with her.

SUSAN ROMANO, FRP – Paralegal

Susan was born and raised in Brevard County, Florida. She began her career in the legal field in 1981 at the office of the Clerk of Court, moving on from there to the State Attorney’s Office, and then working as a Judicial Assistant to Judge Edward Jackson. After leaving Judge Jackson, Susan entered the private sector as a paralegal in the large, Melbourne-based law firm, Reinman, Harrell, Graham, Mitchell & Wattwood, P.A., before joining Yardley Law in 2004.

Susan has extensive experience in civil litigation, family law, probate, guardianships, and estate planning, and is a Florida Registered Paralegal, a member of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., and a member of the Brevard Paralegal Association.

Give Susan a call to help you with your estate planning needs. She can explain all options available to you, including your Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Health Care Surrogate, Power of Attorney, and Pre-Need Guardian, and whether or not a Trust is right for you.