Smaller firms grow, too

With its 2006 expansion into Tampa, Shutts Bowen grew by building its new office on the foundation of a 100-year history, and the nearly 200 lawyers already on staff across the state.

However, several smaller law firms have found a way to grow as well. Here are a few examples of such firms from along the Gulf Coast:

• Yesner & Boss, P.L., Sarasota: Shawn Yesner and Chris Boss have been using their backgrounds in accounting to help represent borrowers involved in distressed real estate deals. Late last month, they added another tax and accounting specialist to help grow the practice in Sarasota.