Gunster announces their addition as of Oct. 1, as it ‘establishes footprint’ in Sarasota and Manatee counties
Gunster, “one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms,” announced on Oct. 1 that the attorneys and professionals of Icard Merrill had joined it as of that date.
This will mark Gunster’s entry into Sarasota and Manatee counties, “with two new offices in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch and the addition of 28 attorneys,” a news release notes.
Icard Merrill, which was founded nearly 75 years ago, “has built respected practices across real estate and property law, land use, condominium and community association law, construction, litigation, family law, and estate planning and probate,” the release points out. “With this addition, Gunster strengthens its bench in real estate, corporate, private wealth services, and business litigation across 15 statewide offices, bridging the gap between its existing Naples and Tampa locations and providing seamless coverage to all of Southwest Florida,” the release adds.
“Sarasota is one of Florida’s fastest-growing markets, with a wave of new businesses and residents moving into the region, particularly as growth pushes east into areas like Lakewood Ranch,” said Bill Perry, CEO and managing shareholder of Gunster, in the release. “Icard Merrill has spent nearly 75 years building deep roots and a sterling reputation in this community, and their team’s culture and commitment to client service align seamlessly with our own. This is a natural progression in our long-term strategy of growth across the state,” Perry noted in the release.
“We have enjoyed a long history of serving our clients and this community, and that commitment will only strengthen as part of Gunster,” said Telese Zuberer, president of Icard Merrill, in the release. “Joining a firm with a breadth of practice areas and statewide presence gives our clients access to expanded resources and expertise, while ensuring the personalized service they have always relied on remains unchanged,” Zuberer added.
“The attorneys and professionals joining Gunster will continue to work out of their current Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch offices,” the release says.