Law firm names new managing shareholder

FORT MYERS — Southwest Florida business attorney Douglas Szabo has been elected managing lawyer of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt P.A., one of the largest law firms in the region.

The firm’s stockholders elected Szabo for a three-year term that begins May 21, according to a statement. Szabo will succeed Russell Schropp, who held this position since 2015, the release adds. “I am very pleased to turn over the reins to a very qualified leader such as Doug, and I look forward to returning to the full-time practice of law when my term expires in May,” Schropp says in the release.

Szabo began his career with Henderson Franklin in 1987. He currently serves as chair of the business litigation department and is a member of the firm’s marketing committee. Szabo represents clients in complex business cases, including corporate and partnership disputes, trade secret litigation, real estate dispute and breach of contract lawsuits.

“It is a great honor and privilege that my partners have given me the opportunity to serve as the next managing lawyer of Henderson Franklin, Szabo says in the release. “First and foremost, I want to express my deep appreciation to Russ for his hard work leading the firm over the last six years with a steady hand and keen intellect. Throughout my entire 34-year legal career at Henderson Franklin, I have witnessed tremendous growth both in the number of attorneys and areas of practice we provide. Now, I am most excited about the future of Henderson Franklin as we emerge into a post-COVID world and the challenges that may bring. I am committed to Henderson Franklin remaining the preeminent law firm in Southwest Florida while continuing to provide excellent service to our clients and working with our amazing staff.”

Henderson Franklin has 60 attorneys who provide a range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers' compensation, employment law, real estate and land use and environmental law.