Top 10 Largest Law Firms in Florida

In the world of legal marketing, staying ahead of the competition is critical. To do that, you need to understand who the key players are, how they operate, and where they excel. Florida’s legal market is as competitive as it gets, with numerous firms vying for attention, clients, and top-tier talent. Whether you're part of one of Florida’s largest law firms or you run a smaller practice, knowing who your competition is can help you position yourself more effectively in the market.

Florida’s Legal Landscape: A Competitive and Evolving Marketplace

The legal marketplace in Florida is highly competitive, and the competition is only growing. For the largest law firms in Florida, the competition isn’t just about winning cases—it's about securing high-value clients and maintaining a strong, recognizable brand. Larger firms may have an edge in terms of resources, but they also face unique challenges.

For one, large firms tend to be less nimble when the market shifts. A downturn may increase demand for bankruptcy services, while a booming economy might elevate corporate and commercial work. Adjusting to these shifts can be more difficult for larger firms due to their size and structure.

Additionally, large firms often struggle to deliver the personalized service that smaller firms can. Clients at big firms may feel like just another number in a sea of cases. This gives smaller, more agile firms an opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering more direct, client-focused service—a key factor that can attract clients seeking more personalized attention.

Does Bigger Always Mean Better?

While large firms have significant resources, extensive legal teams, and high-profile clients, it doesn’t always translate into superior service or results. Large firms may be less flexible, making it difficult to quickly pivot to meet changing client needs. On the other hand, smaller firms can use their size as an advantage, offering nimble, customized solutions and a more personal touch that larger firms can’t always provide.

If you're running a smaller law firm, don’t feel discouraged. You are uniquely positioned to offer what larger firms can’t: personal service, deep client relationships, and an agile approach to legal challenges.

Now, let’s take a look at the Top 10 Largest Law Firms in Florida to see how they’ve shaped the state’s legal market.

1. Akerman

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 410

• Florida Offices: 10

Akerman tops the list of Florida’s largest law firms. Known for its forward-thinking approach, Akerman excels in middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A), complex disputes, and specializes in financial services and real estate. With a strong presence in Florida and beyond, Akerman is a leader in legal innovation.

2. Greenberg Traurig

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 373

• Florida Offices: 8

Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in Florida’s legal community, with its founding office in Miami. Its slogan, “Miami Roots, Global Reach,” speaks to its strong local presence paired with international legal expertise. The firm serves clients across a variety of sectors, including real estate, corporate law, and intellectual property.

3. Holland & Knight

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 358

• Florida Offices: 9

Holland & Knight is a key player in Florida’s legal market, with a strong focus on industries like real estate, telecommunications, banking, and healthcare. With offices across the state and an international reach, Holland & Knight has established itself as a go-to firm for complex legal matters.

4. Cole Scott & Kissane

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 311

• Florida Offices: 11

A litigation-driven firm, Cole Scott & Kissane stands out for its commitment to maintaining strong client relationships despite its large size. The firm celebrates diversity and leverages a diverse workforce to enhance the quality of service it provides across various practice areas.

5. GrayRobinson

Location: Orlando

• Number of Attorneys: 300

• Florida Offices: 13

GrayRobinson is a full-service law firm that also offers lobbying services in both Florida and Washington, DC. With offices across the state, the firm provides legal and consulting services to a wide array of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, banks, and government agencies.

6. Shutts & Bowen

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 270

• Florida Offices: 7

Shutts & Bowen has a rich history in Florida, providing legal services in over 30 practice areas. From litigation to corporate law and insurance, Shutts & Bowen serves clients across various industries. With its slogan “The door is always open,” the firm emphasizes accessibility and responsiveness.

7. Carlton Fields

Location: Tampa

• Number of Attorneys: 244

• Florida Offices: 5

Founded in 1901, Carlton Fields is a staple of Florida’s legal landscape. It specializes in serving financial institutions, offering deep expertise in banking and regulatory matters. Carlton Fields is also known for its strong litigation and corporate practices.

8. Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer

Location: Miami

• Number of Attorneys: 242

• Florida Offices: 10

Quintairos Prieto is the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the country. This unique distinction helps them stand out in the Florida legal market. With a slogan that says, "We think differently, we act differently and we are different," they differentiate themselves by offering a fresh perspective on legal services.

9. Gunster

Location: West Palm Beach

• Number of Attorneys: 182

• Florida Offices: 13

Gunster is a smaller firm compared to some of the others on this list but has established itself as a go-to firm for Florida’s business community. Known for its focus on corporate law, Gunster has made its mark by attracting business-savvy attorneys and offering expert legal guidance in the state's dynamic economic environment.

10. Morgan & Morgan

Location: Orlando

• Number of Attorneys: 175

• Florida Offices: 23

Morgan & Morgan is one of Florida’s largest personal injury firms, with a strong, client-centered message: "Protecting the people, not the powerful." Known for its aggressive approach to personal injury cases, Morgan & Morgan has made a name for itself as a champion for victims of negligence.

Conclusion: Standing Out in Florida's Competitive Legal Market

The largest law firms in Florida undoubtedly have the advantage of size, resources, and a vast range of practice areas. However, with that size comes challenges—like a lack of flexibility and the difficulty of providing individualized client attention. Smaller firms have a unique opportunity to offer personalized, hands-on service, which can be a significant differentiator in today’s competitive market.

For smaller firms looking to stand out, focusing on your firm's distinct strengths and using smart marketing tactics can give you the edge you need. Whether it’s offering niche expertise, providing better customer service, or using digital marketing to your advantage, there’s plenty of room for smaller firms to succeed.

If you’re looking to enhance your law firm’s digital marketing strategy, Oamii, Florida's top digital marketing agency for law firms, can help. Reach out today to learn how we can help you grow and differentiate your practice in this highly competitive market.