Gunster, one of Florida's oldest and largest full-service business law firms, today announced that the attorneys and professionals of Icard Merrill will join Gunster effective October 1, 2026, marking the firm's entry into Sarasota and Manatee Counties with two new offices in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch and the addition of 28 attorneys.
Icard Merrill was founded nearly 75 years ago and has built respected practices across real estate and property law, land use, condominium and community association law, construction, litigation, family law, and estate planning and probate. With this addition, Gunster strengthens its bench in real estate, corporate, private wealth services, and business litigation across 15 statewide offices, bridging the gap between its existing Naples and Tampa locations and providing seamless coverage to all of Southwest Florida.
"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," said Bill Perry, CEO and managing shareholder of Gunster." 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. This is a natural progression in our long-term strategy of growth across the state."
"We have enjoyed a long history of serving our clients and this community, and that commitment will only strengthen as part of Gunster," said Telese Zuberer, president of Icard Merrill. "Joining a firm with a breadth of practice areas and statewide presence gives our clients access to expanded resources and expertise, while ensuring the personalized service they have always relied on remains unchanged."
The attorneys and professionals joining Gunster will continue to work out of their current Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch offices.
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Gunster. Florida's Law Firm for Leaders®.
As a full-service law firm, Gunster provides legal counsel to leading organizations and individuals throughout the state and beyond state lines. Established in 1925, the firm has expanded and evolved alongside Florida itself. A magnet for business-savvy attorneys who embrace collaboration for the greatest advantage of clients, Gunster’s growth has not been at the expense of personalized service but because of it. The firm serves clients from its 15 offices across Florida, headquartered in West Palm Beach, with national reach. With more than 370 attorneys and 360 committed professionals, Gunster is ranked among the top 200 largest law firms by the National Law Journal. More information about its practices, industries, offices, and news is available at www.gunster.com.
