On October 1, 2022, Gunster completed a merger transaction with the Barnett law firm, a Tampa-based law firm formerly known as Barnett, Kirkwood, Koche, Long & Foster. Barnett attorneys joined Gunster’s Tax, Corporate, Real Estate, Business Litigation and Private Wealth Services practices. This merger positions Gunster as one of the Tampa Bay region's largest commercial law firms, with 51 attorneys and 39 professional staff. The firm now operates two offices in the region, one in downtown Tampa and one on Bayshore Boulevard.
The news was featured widely across a number of media outlets, including the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Tampa Bay Times, Daily Business Review, Reuters, Law360, Business Observer, St. Pete Catalyst, Florida Trend and Florida Politics.
"As we continue to grow strategically, it’s important to align ourselves with attorneys who are committed to both to the legal profession, the local communities we serve and to the state of Florida,” stated Bill Perry, CEO and managing shareholder of Gunster.
"After diligent consideration, the shareholders of Barnett determined that Gunster was the best fit for continuing and broadening the level of service and care we provide to our wonderful clients, while strengthening the professional culture for our exceptional attorneys and staff," added Peter Kirkwood, managing partner of Barnett.
Gunster has seen unprecedented growth over the past year and now has more than 240 attorneys and consultants, and over 240 support staff.
