A Brief Introduction to the Legal Field in Jacksonville
Some of the best and most successful lawyers in Florida practice in Jacksonville. These attorneys may handle anything from family law to business law, but the one thing they have in common is experience as Jacksonville lawyers. Having practical experience in your area can make a huge difference in client retention, and it’s something that some clients will even ask you about when you first meet them. This is something that all of the law firms we note here know all about, since it’s invaluable to their success. They have unparalleled experience in law as they continue to help people and businesses in the legal environment of Jacksonville, Florida . A positive work environment, lifestyle, and relationships between the community and its law firms encourage attorneys to open their own practices here. In addition, 128 miles away from the extremely densely populated and busy city of Orlando, Jacksonville, Florida is the center of many of the state’s legal activities. Numerous law firms call Jacksonville home so that they can be near the courts that are so important for their business. In addition, the entire local economy continually thrives, which encourages more and more law firms to play a role in this economic growth.
Highlighting Prominent Law Firms in Jacksonville
Several Jacksonville law firms have built impressive reputations for their depth of expertise and diverse practice areas. These long-established firms have deep roots in the community and offer a one-stop-shop for clients’ legal needs.
Akerman LLP is widely regarded as one of the largest and most successful law firms in Florida. Founded in 1920 as Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, the firm relocated to Jacksonville in 1964. Now operating from the historic Barnett Bank Building, Akerman has more than 780 attorneys and 23 offices nationwide. The firm’s practices include litigation, real estate, corporate services, intellectual property, labor and employment, tax, and more. Akerman represents many of the world’s largest businesses and serves a diverse client base, including Fortune 100 companies.
Another prominent Jacksonville firm is Rogers Towers, PA. Founded in 1868, Rogers Towers is one of the oldest law firms in the state. With around 100 attorneys, it is headquartered on the Southbank. The firm specializes in business and general litigation, government affairs and land use, labor and employment, dispute resolution, and real estate and lending practices. Noteworthy on their résumé, Rogers Towers was named "Best Law Firm" by U.S. News & World Report for four years in a row.
Jacksonville also boasts a major regional office of Greenberg Traurig, PA. Originally known as Greenberg Truarig, Hoffman, Lipoff, Quentel & Wolff, the firm was established in Miami in 1968. The firm expanded into Jacksonville a decade later and moved to a new 10th floor office in Bank of America Plaza this year. Across south and central Florida, Greenberg Traurig employs approximately 550 professionals. IDR Magazine recently ranked the Jacksonville office as the seventh-largest law firm in the area.
Understanding How to Select a Law Firm
When selecting a law firm in Jacksonville to handle your legal matters, there are several key factors to consider. Your decision should be based on a variety of elements, including the firm’s legal expertise, history with similar cases, client feedback and reviews, and their fee structure.
Legal expertise is essential when choosing a law firm. Each firm has its own set of skills and areas of specialization, so you’ll want to ensure that you select a firm that has experience in your particular legal area. For instance, if you’re seeking representation for a complex civil litigation case, you wouldn’t want to hire a firm whose primary focus is criminal law. A firm should be able to provide you with information regarding their attorneys’ experience and expertise during your initial consultation.
The firm’s case history can also provide insight into their capabilities. A firm that has a successful track record with cases similar to yours will likely be able to provide the representation that you need. Some firms even include case results on their websites, allowing you to easily compare their history with similar cases.
Client reviews and testimonials can be very telling when evaluating a law firm. Many satisfied clients are happy to take the time to write a positive review, which can give you confidence that the firm will provide the representation you need. Conversely, reviews from dissatisfied clients can help you avoid a potential pitfall.
Lastly, consider the fee structure of the law firm. Many people who require legal assistance are also trying to be as fiscally responsible as possible. Litigation can be an expensive process, so it is important to understand how the firm charges for services. In addition, you should have a clear understanding of how your legal fees will be calculated. Some law firms base their fees on an hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee. Ask about the fee structure when having your initial consultation with the law firm.
Different Types of Law Firms in Jacksonville
A comprehensive range of services is on offer to clients in Jacksonville through these law firms. The legal fields of practice which these firms cover include:
Family Law
Family law is a major area of practice for Jacksonville legal professionals, covering issues such as divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence, guardianship and paternity. Such matters are often emotionally charged, and require a good deal of attention, judgment and tact. The 10 best Jacksonville family lawyers have the knowledge and experience to meet any family law need.
Criminal Defense
Jacksonville criminal defense is a specialization offered by several law firms, as well as a relatively rare and much sought after practice – expungement of criminal and arrest records. The 10 best criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville combine extensive knowledge of Florida law , compassion and commitment to their clients and their causes.
Corporate Law
Many firms listed in the best 10 list offer corporate services to businesses in Jacksonville, and there is a wealth of knowledge and experience available in this field. Corporate services which most firms cover include business start-up, real estate, intellectual property law, malpractice litigation, employment law and business transactions.
Personal Injury Litigation
Businesses and individuals who have been involved in accidents can depend upon the Jacksonville personal injury lawyers in the 10 best list to provide them with expert legal representation. Contingency fees, which are a common feature of personal injury litigation, ensure that legal services remain affordable to all clients.
Jacksonville Law Firms and Community Outreach
A crucial element in choosing a financial or family law firm is how they approach their role as a member of the community. A lawyer’s responsibility is not only to his or her clients, but to society in general. The legal community in Jacksonville hasn’t shied away from its responsibilities, with prominent area firms engaging in local sponsorships, educational initiatives, and even pro bono work.
On the sponsorship side, two of the largest and most respected firms in Jacksonville, Rogers Towers and Gunster, continue to play large roles in events such as the "Battle at the Beach," the city’s annual high school basketball tournament. And in 2016, the Jacksonville Bar Association awarded the Diana L. Morgan Scholarship to Florida Coastal School of Law graduate Lindsey Odere for her efforts in public service. In addition to pro bono legal work, pro bono attorneys often volunteer their time at the Guardian ad Litem program, which seeks to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system.
These examples are just a few of many ways that Jacksonville area law firms strive to make a difference in the local community.
What Does the Future Hold for Law Firms in Jacksonville?
As JaxLegalGroup.com looks to the future, one thing is clear: the landscape of law firms in Jacksonville will continue to evolve rapidly under the influence of technology, changing regulations, and the economic climate. The access to data today is unprecedented in human history and can be used by both law firms and clients alike to gain a competitive edge. Online resources like LegalMatch, Rocket Lawyer, and many others allow clients to find lawyers that focus on their specialized need through online reviews, ratings and side by side comparisons. Not only that but these programs offer discounts for services that are generally only available to larger law firms. At the same time, seasoned attorneys at existing firms are using their years of experience to write insightful blogs , articles and e-books so that potential clients get to know them before making the decision for representation. Even though online representation appears to dominate the landscape of legal representation as we see it, nothing can replace the trusted relationship built between you and a local attorney. More than ever the demand for ethical, experienced, and client-oriented attorneys in Northeast Florida is on the rise. In an ever-changing business environment, the legal agreements that govern many business transactions must likewise to be subject to revision and examination. From the increased use of Alternative Business Structures (a.k.a "Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms") to the rapidly increasing rates of commercial foreclosure, Jacksonvillians can expect to see new business structures and legal uncertainties in the coming years.