Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms, is proud to announce that three of its shareholders—Jack Rice, Asghar Syed, and Charles Whittington—have been sworn in as presidents of local bar associations across Florida.
John K. "Jack" Rice is now serving as president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association for its 2026-2027 board of directors after his swearing-in on June 6. He focuses his practice on real estate and development, helping developers, property owners, and family offices secure land use and zoning approvals and navigate local government and other regulatory environments. Before joining Gunster, Rice served as assistant general counsel to six local governments in Palm Beach County and as a zoning attorney for the nation’s capital, gaining firsthand experience with how complex multi-agency development decisions are made at the highest levels.
Asghar A. Syed is now serving as president of the Jacksonville Bar Association for its 2026-2027 board of governors after his swearing-in on June 4. He is a litigator and a trusted advisor to businesses across the healthcare, transportation, education, and franchise sectors. Syed has prosecuted and defended a range of legal claims, including high-stakes fraud, contract, business tort, and corporate governance disputes. With a passion for public service and community initiatives, Syed helped launch TEDxJacksonville and serves on the board of directors for the Baptist Health System.
Charles C. Whittington is now serving as president of the Collier County Bar Association for its 2026-2027 board of directors after his swearing-in on June 5. He advises on all types of commercial and residential real estate transactional matters, representing individuals, developers, and business owners involved in complex matters such as acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and development. Whittington also represents clients seeking land-use entitlements throughout Southwest Florida and routinely handles commercial landlord-tenant matters. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®.
"Having three attorneys simultaneously appointed to lead bar associations across the state is a testament to Gunster's deep roots and relationships throughout Florida," said Bill Perry, CEO and Managing Shareholder. "Jack, Asghar, and Charles have earned the trust of their peers, and their leadership marks a pivotal moment for our firm as we continue into our next century of service."
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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 from its 13 offices statewide. Established in 1925, the firm has expanded, diversified and evolved, but always with a singular focus: Florida and its clients’ stake in it. 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 offices in Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, Vero Beach, and its headquarters in West Palm Beach. With more than 330 attorneys and consultants, and 300 committed support staff, Gunster is ranked among the top 200 largest law firms by the National Law Journal and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Diverse Law Firms by Law360. More information about its practices, industries, offices and news is available at www.gunster.com.
