Dane C. Heptner

Dane Heptner is a hard-working, intelligent young man with a bright personality and great sense of humor. Born and raised in Tampa Bay, Dane is as passionate about improving the Tampa community. His mother is a family law attorney in Clearwater, and her example inspired Dane to pursue the practice of law and allowed him to pick up advocacy skills at an early age.

Dane graduated from Sickles High School in 2008. He received a 100% scholarship to attend the University of Central Florida, where he received his Bachelors in Creative Writing. While at UCF, he made the Dean’s List several times while maintaining a course load that was heavy enough to allow him to graduate in just three years.

Following his graduation, Dane was accepted in to the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. While at UF Law, Dane received several academic honors including making the Dean’s List and the Book Awards (highest achievement) in Trial Practice, Criminal Litigation, and Trial Team.

Dane’s strong passion for courtroom advocacy was ignited when he became a member of the UF Trial team. He was elected to serve as the president of the UF Trial team and was awarded the Gerald T. Bennett Award for Outstanding Service and Advocacy. He still visits Gainesville to help the team in selecting members, hosting tournaments, and judging competitions.

Dane Heptner’s relationship with Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes sprung to life during the summer of 2012. While interning for the Honorable Bruce Boyer, Dane observed Mark Perenich try a wrongful death case which returned a $54 million verdict. After the trial, Dane approached the firm and requested a chance to interview for a position. Recognizing his initiative and great potential, the firm obliged. Dane’s passion for the practice of law was immediately apparent. He was given a position as a law clerk for the summer of 2013.

Since that time, Dane Heptner has helped try multiple cases in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, including a $3.1 Million drunk driving verdict . He has taken up active roles in the Hillsborough, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater Bar Associations, and is a member of the community-based leadership group, Leadership Pinellas. He certainly has a bright future here at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril and Noyes.