Special to The Laker / Lutz News
Craig Laporte has lived in Pasco County since graduating from the University of Florida in 1975 and moving to his parents’ home in New Port Richey to look for work. And, as Craig tells the story, he “fell into an opportunity” with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office that resulted in becoming a deputy. For the next four years, he worked mostly nights patrolling the western half of the county.
Four years later, when the Sheriff’s office needed a pilot to fly its helicopter, Craig was a perfect candidate because, in college, he was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Craig flew the Sheriff’s helicopter for the next three and a half years, while also attending Stetson University College of Law, graduating in 1983.
With this background, it’s no surprise that Craig’s law firm, Proly, Laporte & Mulligan, is the organizer and primary sponsor of an annual event for families of Pasco’s law enforcement community. Simply called Family Fun Day, this year’s event was in April and was attended by more than 675 adults and children. Activities included pony rides, bounce houses, water slides, and Hungry Harry’s barbecue dinners.
Proly, Laporte & Mulligan has also raised money for many other community groups. Why do Craig and his partners support so many charities? “Because we believe in giving back to the community,” said Craig. “Pasco County has been good to me personally, and good to my firm. It’s natural for us to give back, and we especially like charities where 100 percent of the proceeds benefit local groups.”
Proly, Laporte & Mulligan is a law firm with 35 years experience — all of it in Pasco County. It works with clients in all areas of the county, primarily in personal injury and criminal law.
“We keep our practice limited to personal injury and criminal defense. That’s what we do, because that’s what we’re good at,” said Craig. Unlike many personal injury firms, Proly, Laporte & Mulligan works with clients through the case’s conclusion, including litigation, if necessary.
“When I sit down with a client and take their case, it is with the full understanding that I will be with them until the end — win, lose or draw,” said Craig. “About 10 to 15 percent of our personal injury cases go to trial. The rest are settled by the insurance company, because their client is at fault.”
When you call Proly, Laporte & Mulligan with a legal matter, you will always talk to an attorney, not a paralegal, said Craig.
“You are always a person, never a case number, with our firm” says Craig. Craig welcomes local residents to call his law firm for experienced legal counsel where the client’s interest is always first.
800-273-8303 • www.PLMAttorneys.com
11914 Oak Trail Way • Port Richey, FL 34668
