Longtime Sarasota-Manatee law firm joins prominent Florida practice

Longtime Sarasota law practice Icard Merrill has joined Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest business law firms, effective Oct. 1.

With the move, 28 attorneys from two Icard Merrill offices — one at 2033 Main St. in Sarasota and another at 8470 Enterprise Circle in Lakewood Ranch — have joined Gunster, which was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in West Palm Beach.

"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,” Gunster CEO and managing shareholder Bill Perry says in a statement. “This is a natural progression in our long-term strategy of growth across the state.”

Entering the Sarasota-Manatee market bridges the gap between Gunster’s existing Naples and Tampa locations and provides access to a rapidly growing area.

"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,” Perry says in the statement.

Through its Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch offices, Icard Merrill has specialized in real estate and property law, land use, condominium and community association law, construction, litigation, family law, and estate planning and probate. With the addition, Gunster strengthens its offerings in real estate, corporate, private wealth services and business litigation across 15 statewide offices, according to a statement.

Icard Merrill clients will tap into Gunster's network that includes 370 attorneys and 360 committed professionals.

"Joining a firm with a breadth of practice areas and statewide presence gives our clients access to expanded resources and expertise," Icard Merrill President Telese Zuberer says in the statement, "while ensuring the personalized service they have always relied on remains unchanged."