The Practice of Law in Florida
The state of Florida boasts a dynamic and expansive legal market, rich with opportunities for law firms of all sizes and specialties. The landscape of Florida’s legal community is characterized by a diverse range of practice areas and industries, including real estate, healthcare, finance, and technology, each demanding a wide array of expert legal services. The state is home to a robust community of multinational corporations, professional services firms, and full-service multifunctional boutiques, creating a strong demand for qualified and experienced legal talent.
Florida’s legal market is also marked by the presence of a number of well-established, highly regarded law firms, many of which have been serving clients across the United States and abroad for decades. These firms have built a reputation for excellence by providing their clients with high-quality legal counsel and innovative solutions to complex legal issues.
One of the key factors contributing to the strength of the Florida legal market is the state’s economy , which has a broad and diverse base that spans many different sectors. This economic diversity provides law firms with the opportunity to work with clients in a wide range of industries, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of their clients’ businesses and to provide tailored, strategic legal advice.
In addition to its strong economy, Florida’s legal market is also characterized by a rich professional culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional development. The state’s legal industry is home to a number of organizations and professional associations that are dedicated to the support and advancement of legal professionals. These organizations provide a range of resources and services, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and professional development, all designed to help legal professionals succeed in their practice.
Overall, the Florida legal market is an important and influential part of the broader U.S. legal landscape, one that continues to play a critical role in the growth and development of the legal industry as a whole.
Evaluation of Top Law Firms
In our selection of the top law firms in Florida, we take into special consideration the following factors among others:
Areas of Practice: We examine the various areas of practice offered by the law firm, and how well they perform in each area, as compared to other law firms in the region.
Professional Experience: The professional experience of the attorneys at the law firm is essential. We consider how experienced they are in the field they practice and whether there has been a history of providing good legal representation to their clients. We look at the length of time that the firm has been providing services to the public.
Professional Affiliations: We consider how well connected the firm is to the community, as many times this can make the difference in how the firm operates its business.
Attorney Profiles: We carefully review the attorneys in each law firm and look at their profiles and experience levels. Are they dedicated to a specific area of law or are more general in practice?
Client Reviews and Reputation: Reputation is key to selecting a law firm. Reviews from current and prior clients of the law firm is the best way to gauge experiences. We carefully read all client reviews and ratings online and also select reviews of clients. Do clients have good things to say about the law firm? This speaks volumes.
Greenberg Traurig: An International Firm
Since its inception in 1967, Greenberg Traurig has been at the forefront of the legal world. With over 2,200 attorneys, 1,000 legal professionals, and nearly 700 support staff, the firm stands as a titan in the global legal community. Their footprint can be seen across the globe with more than 43 offices in 18 countries, reinforcing their stature as a truly international law firm.
The substantial growth that Greenberg Traurig has experienced has come through significant growth in key practice areas. The daily practice of the law firm is largely concentrated on litigation, intellectual property and governmental and land use law. Their clients range from start-ups to multinational conglomerates. Some of their most notable clients include Fortune 500 companies, other large businesses like HP, Johnson & Johnson, and Keiser University. The firm also has a strong focus on enabling corporate leaders to help set policy and engage with government, which includes an extensive lobbying team that operates in every U.S. state and in Spain.
Greenberg Traurig has branched out from its real estate law roots to become a dominant force in multiple fields, including public finance and gaming law. Its rise in key practice areas, however, hasn’t diminished their reputation as a leading real estate and land use firm in both Florida and nationally. Their recent success has led to a national ranking for the U.S. News & World Report in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Litigation – Labor & Employment, Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Litigation – Securities, and Public Finance Law. They have received national recognition for nearly all of their practice areas.
The firm’s unparalleled experience and resources have led them to be involved in some of the largest and most divisive cases in American history. Two cases in particular that are cemented in history are "Bush v. Gore," the first ever presidential election decided by the United States Supreme Court; and, "the Florida Election Recount." Both cases showcased Greenberg Traurig’s strength as litigators and their deep pool of talent throughout their firm.
Greenberg Traurig has a long history of multiple green accreditations and sustainability practices that help them minimize the firm’s ecological footprint. This extends to their conferences as well. The firm held its 2018 Annual Global Labor & Employment Law Conference in Costa Rica, which allowed for attorneys to network while enjoying the beauty of Central America.
Akerman LLP: A Heavyweight in Florida
A Florida Powerhouse, Akerman LLP offers a full range of services to its clients, which is particularly well-suited to local clients. Their attorneys have a deep understanding of both federal and state law, so they can help you no matter which type of law you have an interest in. They’ve handled a wide range of cases for clients here in Florida, and in states as far away as Washington.
The firm has 800 lawyers in Florida and other states. Most of these lawyers practice in at least one area listed below:
The blog portion of their website is well-organized, with sections on Commercial Litigation, International, Labor & Employment, Government Affairs, Healthcare, and Real Estate.
Holland & Knight: Counsel You Can Rely On
Holland & Knight’s core values and commitment guide the firm to be trusted advisors to their clients, attorneys, and communities. Their clients include some of the world’s largest and most well-known companies. They are recognized as one of the Good to Great Law Firms, and have built a reputation on their worldwide presence-offices in 28 countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, United Kingdom and France. Holland & Knight cares about the communities they serve and works to perform charitable work. As a business citizen and trusted advisor, they provide pro bono and community service. They partner with non-profit and charitable organizations, and donate time to help end homelessness in Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale-in addition to many other charitable organizations.
Carlton Fields: Full Service Law Firm
With an extensive footprint across Florida, Carlton Fields integrates national reach and local depth through its network of offices strategically located in key economic hubs. This blend of expertise and familiarity with the landscape provides the firm with the ability to deliver top-tier legal solutions tailored to a diverse set of industries. From the busy urban centers of Miami, Orlando, and Tampa to the quieter yet growing markets throughout the state, Carlton Fields has established a significant presence. The firm’s team comprises highly-skilled lawyers specializing in various fields of law, including litigation, mergers and acquisitions, business transactions, labor and employment, intellectual property, and environmental law. One of Carlton Fields’ distinguishing features is its deep industry focus, ranging from hospitality and real estate to healthcare and transportation. This enables Carlton Fields to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Florida and beyond, and to offer practical, effective solutions. Moreover, Carlton Fields emphasizes community involvement and pro bono work, reflecting the firm’s commitment not only to the practice of law but also to the broader societal good. Be it through local initiatives, legal aid, or community service, the firm is steadfast in its goal to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates. In summary, Carlton Fields stands out as a comprehensive law firm in Florida with a robust and diverse practice that prioritizes client loyalty and social responsibility.
Foley & Lardner: Novel Approaches To Your Legal Needs
Foley & Lardner stands out as a distinctive law firm in Florida, offering unique solutions that set them apart from the pack. With a deep-seated commitment to embracing innovation, legal technology integration, and client-centered service, they epitomize the evolving practice of modern law. Their approach is not merely about staying ahead of the curve, but rather shaping the curve itself. Foley & Lardner’s unique value proposition includes specialized legal teams adept across a diverse range of practice areas. Such teams bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that allows them to take on complex matters, where other firms may not have the capacity to do so or may only assign one lawyer with a general knowledge of the area. They have a notable service focus in the fields of business, healthcare, intellectual property, real estate, and environmental law, among others. They excel in handling complicated corporate transactions, commercial litigations, and robust patent work in various technology fields . Their strength lies in their flexibility to adapt to the needs of their clientele, providing a mix of legal services that other firms might find more challenging to do with the same level of expertise. Whether it’s intellectual property protection, healthcare regulations, environmental compliance, complex litigation, or corporate transactions, they have specialized teams ready to serve. Foley & Lardner’s notable achievements further cements their status as a top Florida law firm. They have been listed in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Law Firms" rankings, as well as receiving high marks in the Chambers & Partners 2019 edition. That level of recognition comes hard work and dedication to meeting the diverse legal needs of Florida’s geographic, business, and legal structure. Their unique and innovative approaches to legal problems are exactly what today’s legal climate demands. Foley & Lardner’s ability to leverage technology into their firm is another factor that helps propel it forward. They are the quintessential firm for cutting-edge legal services in the Sunshine State. Their future looks bright.
Shutts & Bowen: A Legacy Of Trust
Shutts & Bowen opened two busy New York offices in 1901 and 1904. Under the leadership of partners Edmund D. Meade, Stephen R. Miles, and Alfred W. Hooker, the firm solidified its national rankings through aggressive innovative client service. Following the Miami land boom, the firm closed its New York offices in 1925 and resumed its purely Florida presence, with strongholds in Miami and Key West, where it opened its first Florida office in 1910.
In June 1967, Jack E. Palmer, Jr., a civil trial attorney who practiced in Key West, joined the Miami firm, and in short order became a partner. Over the next several years, five more attorneys joined the key West office. Jack Palmer’s early goals were to build a first class key west law firm, the key west office to be a full line office, and to merge the 1968 Miami and Key West practices. Jack Palmer also had another goal: to make Shutts and Bowen the best place for lawyers to practice law.
The firm was built on the premise that the very best lawyers would be attracted to a law firm that placed a priority on the lawyer’s personal, professional growth. The firm combined full service with an innovative, collegial atmosphere which offered real responsibility to younger lawyers. This model was unique among Florida firms which imposed rigid hierarchies, seniority, and an impersonal approach to professional development. Palmer’s formula for attracting and retaining the best young lawyers was simple: good lawyers would join; and stay at Shutts. All the firm needed to provide them was training and mentoring.
Today Shutts & Bowen is comprised of 235 lawyers, of counsel, or contract attorneys and they continue to persevere, grow, evolve and expand as one of the leading full-service law firms in Florida.
Morgan & Morgan: Lawyers for the People
For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has carried the slogan "For The People." This slogan embodies what the firm has always been about—standing up for those who may not have a voice, and fighting for the rights of those who are stuck in a difficult situation. Morgan & Morgan is the largest class-action firm in the country, and they win a number of high-profile cases on a regular basis. Among their recent victories are a $100 million verdict against WWE in a concussion lawsuit on behalf of 20 former wrestlers, a $55 million jury verdict for two pain patients who were denied medical care due to their opioid use, a $37.5 million verdict for a family after a fatal rollover accident caused by defective tires, a $25 million arbitration ruling against Citibank for deceptive practices in credit card accounts, and a $20 million settlement for the families of those killed in the Boston Marathon bombing. Morgan & Morgan continues to take a stand against corporations and insurance companies on behalf of their clients, and they have undoubtedly earned a place among the top law firms in Florida.
Gunster: The Florida Firm for Business
Gunster is another of Florida’s prominent full-service law firms. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale with two satellite offices in Miami and Coral Gables, Gunster has been an important part of Florida’s landscape for nearly a century. With 350 lawyers and 2500 staff, a pro bono program, and a charitable giving initiative, they’re deeply involved in the communities where their clients and people are based. More than 3/4 of Gunster’s lawyers have advanced degrees, and over 100 have earned AV ratings from Martindale-Hubbel. Gunster prides itself on being the "law firm for business", and supports diverse interests including the environment, public education, and the arts. Gunster prides itself on its involvement in pro bono work and has been an important contributor to local charities such as Habitat for Humanity.
Gunster offers a full complement of legal services to businesses of all sizes. Gunster practices and industry areas include:
- Construction Law
- Government Relations
- Litigation
- Private Wealth Services
- Public Finance
- Real Estate
- Tax and Taxation Laws
- Trusts and Estates
As Florida’s law firm for business, Gunster has actively participated in some of the country’s largest mergers and acquisitions. Gunster is a member of ALFA International and has deep ties to businesses in the Midwest where they have a network of 80 independent law firms.
Quarles & Brady: Law Firms in Florida from Milwaukee to Miami
Headquartered in Milwaukee with an ever-expanding footprint across the US, Quarles & Brady is home to an energetic and entrepreneurial group of over 600 attorneys and 200 business professionals. They provide comprehensive legal services in a variety of fields including real estate and community development, environmental law, tax, litigation, IP & Technology, Intellectual Property and Health & Life Science. With over 45 attorneys in the Miami office alone, they have both the experience and the bench strength to provide solutions for their clients. In addition to a depth of expertise and a close connection to the Miami market, their South Florida office has the benefit of support from their network of over 500 attorneys from their seven offices across the U.S. Quarles proudly uses Unity, their in-house project manager able to coordinate multi-office projects. Quarles has a reputation for excellence in its practices and its clients are ranging leaders in their fields. They are known for serving the greater Miami and Palm Beach area as well as across the US and abroad. The Miami office includes attorneys who are members of The Florida Bar’s Environmental and Land Use Section where they concentrate practice on both Florida and federal environmental issues. They also represent some of the most prominent real estate developers and public interest organizations in the state and prepare the necessary documents and contracts to accomplish their clients’ goals.
Conclusion – Selecting a Law Firm
Ultimately, the right choice of a law firm in Florida will depend on your specific legal needs, the expertise of the firm, and your comfort with the attorneys you choose to work with. The right firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your legal issues, so it is essential to do your research and find a firm that will meet your needs and help you through your case. The above rankings are a starting point and should not be the only criteria by which you select your law firm . It is a good idea to get a sense of the firm’s reputation, its specific expertise, and its approach before committing to a particular attorney. You may find that some firms fit your needs better than others, depending on the type of legal matter involved, such as employment law, business law, or real estate, and the geographical location of your case will also play an important role.