by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Fowler White Boggs Banker, one of the state’s largest law firms, has opened an office downtown, the firm’s ninth in the state.
Fowler White president and chief executive officer Rhea F. Law said the newly- established local presence reinforces the firm’s commitment to its goals.
“The opening of a Jacksonville office continues in our firm’s strategic approach to growth,” she said. “It also reinforces our mission to provide a full range of legal services across the state.”
Fowler White Boggs Banker currently retains the services of over 200 attorneys in Jacksonville, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach.
After just a week on the job, local managing shareholder Tom Dearing has high hopes that despite still being surrounded by unpacked boxes, the local office will enjoy rapid growth in both size and in areas of practice.
Statewide, Fowler White is a full-service firm headquartered in Tampa.
“Right now the Jacksonville office is focusing exclusively on commercial litigation,” said Dearing, formerly a partner with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Green & MacRae L.L.P. “We’ll be able to assist with everything from class action law suits to contract negotiations, but I’m optimistic we’ll be able to expand our capabilities very soon.”
Anticipating future growth, Fowler White has leased half of the 22nd floor in the Bank of America tower, allowing them to accommodate up to 13 attorneys.
“We also have an option to lease more space as needed,” he said.
Dearing has been practicing law in Jacksonville for over 30 years and is joined by John Marino, Bethany Vause and E.K.Cottrell.
Each previously practiced with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Green and MacRae, a firm located only six floors higher in the same building.
“However, we’re still very friendly and remain close to our ex-partners,” said Dearing. “We are all delighted to become part of the prestigious Fowler White Boggs Banker organization, which is recognized as one of Florida’s oldest and most successful law firms.”
Dearing added the deal establishing a local Fowler White office was put together over a long period, and not without several failed attempts.
“As I understand it, the firm wanted to become more established in Jacksonville for quite some time and they had been talking with different groups. However, nothing ever came out of those discussions,” he said. “I don’t think they were able to establish the right amount of synergy until now.
“Fowler White is very people- oriented, and they’re conscientious of the kind of lawyers with whom they become associated, so it’s very rewarding to be a part of their growth. I believe we’re capable of doing anything.”
Though they are still settling into the new surroundings, there’s still plenty of work to do.
“In two weeks we’ll have everything in our office put together, but we’re already down to business,” said Dearing. “We have several clients, many of whom we brought with us, to keep us busy, and we’re looking forward to letting our reputation speak for itself.”