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Whether you’re part of a big firm, run a boutique practice, or fly solo, seeing what the “big players” are doing — and where they fall short.
In Florida’s crowded legal market, standing out isn’t easy. With tens of thousands of attorneys competing across the state, understanding your competition isn’t just a smart move—it’s a strategic necessity. Whether you’re part of a large firm, running a boutique practice, or building a solo operation, knowing who the biggest players are can help you identify your own advantages and areas for growth.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 largest law firms in Florida by headcount and regional presence, and more importantly—what you can learn from them. Because bigger doesn’t always mean better.
It’s easy to think, “Well, I’m not competing with the big guys.” But that’s not always true. Big firms set the standard for many legal services in the eyes of clients. Their size, visibility, and marketing budgets mean they dominate impressions—online and off.
Understanding what large firms offer—and what they lack—gives smaller and mid-sized firms an edge:
You can position your services more clearly
You can carve out a niche they overlook
You can highlight your agility, personal service, and lower overhead
Put simply: If you know what your competition is doing, you’ll know what you need to do better.
Large firms bring a lot to the table. They have more attorneys, deeper practice areas, and bigger marketing budgets. But they also face major limitations:
Bureaucracy and slower change – Adapting to economic or industry shifts can take time.
Less personalized service – Clients may feel like a number, passed between associates.
High overhead and fees – Large offices and staff mean higher costs that get passed along to clients.
These drawbacks create opportunities for smaller firms to shine—especially when it comes to personalized service, niche expertise, and responsiveness.
Here’s a look at Florida’s biggest law firms by number of attorneys operating within the state. While rankings may shift slightly year to year, these firms consistently dominate the Florida legal market.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 430+
Offices in Florida: 10+
Akerman is known for its strength in real estate, financial services, and middle-market M&A. Their scale allows them to handle complex disputes and corporate matters across the state. The firm brands itself as modern and forward-thinking.
Key Advantage: High-end transactional work and litigation capabilities.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Offer more personal client relationships and quicker turnaround on smaller matters.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 340+
Offices in Florida: 8
With international reach but Miami roots, this firm serves clients across many industries. Their branding often emphasizes global capabilities with local knowledge.
Key Advantage: International connections and a broad range of services.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Niche down into specific areas where a more focused approach is valuable.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 330+
Offices in Florida: 9
Holland & Knight leverages Miami’s status as an international hub by focusing on sectors like real estate, construction, healthcare, and trade.
Key Advantage: Well-rounded industry experience and national reputation.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Highlight your flexibility, lower rates, and industry-specific focus.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 275+
Offices in Florida: 13
A full-service firm with a strong presence in both legal and lobbying services. GrayRobinson is active in local and state-level politics and works with businesses, banks, and government agencies.
Key Advantage: Legal + lobbying combination.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Emphasize quicker access to attorneys, particularly for time-sensitive legal matters.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 260+
Offices in Florida: 11
CSK is known for its litigation focus and strong presence in insurance defense. Despite its size, the firm highlights its commitment to individualized service.
Key Advantage: Large-scale litigation management and diversity of practice.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Market your firm’s dedication to individual attention and local focus.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 250+
Offices in Florida: 7
With more than 100 years in operation, Shutts offers services in over 30 practice areas. Their tagline, “The door is always open,” reflects their client-focused philosophy.
Key Advantage: Longevity and multi-practice experience.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Build your brand around access, responsiveness, and cost-effective solutions.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 240+
Offices in Florida: 5
This firm has a long-standing reputation in litigation and financial services law, particularly for banks and insurers.
Key Advantage: Regulatory depth and industry expertise.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Capitalize on areas like small business law or emerging industries where flexibility is key.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 230+
Offices in Florida: 10
QPWB is the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the U.S. They pride themselves on thinking and acting differently, which resonates with clients seeking diversity and innovation.
Key Advantage: Inclusive leadership and broad litigation practice.
Opportunity for Small Firms: If you share these values, lean into it. Today’s clients want authenticity and alignment with their own values.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 180+
Offices in Florida: 13
Known as “Florida’s law firm for business,” Gunster has carved out a solid niche in business law and governmental relations.
Key Advantage: Strong business law presence across Florida.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Offer boutique business law services with faster communication and customized strategies.
Approx. Florida Attorneys: 170+
Offices in Florida: 20+
This consumer-focused firm is one of the most recognizable names in personal injury law, thanks to massive advertising and a “For the People” message.
Key Advantage: Brand recognition and aggressive marketing.
Opportunity for Small Firms: Emphasize local reputation, community involvement, and more personal service.
While not on the Top 10 list, Jostock & Jostock represents what’s possible for smaller law firms. Specializing in estate planning, probate, elder law, and real estate law, this Naples-based firm proves that focused expertise and personalized service can be just as powerful as size.
If your firm provides high-touch service, strategic advice, and strong community ties, you don’t need a 100-attorney team to build a loyal client base.
Being smaller can be your biggest strength. Here’s how to turn size into strategy:
Direct access to attorneys
Faster communication
Personalized strategy and attention
Flexible billing
Pick a few practice areas and become known for them. Clients seek specialists when the stakes are high.
Focus your digital efforts on your city or county. You don’t need to compete statewide to dominate locally.
Develop messaging that highlights your firm’s mission, values, and personality. People hire people, not logos.
The biggest law firms in Florida dominate in size, resources, and visibility—but that doesn’t mean they’re the best fit for every client. If you run or work at a small to mid-sized firm, your biggest competitive advantages are speed, service, and specialization.
Understand what the big firms do well, but focus even more on what they don’t do—and make that the cornerstone of your brand.
Ready to grow your presence and compete with the best? Start by positioning your firm as the solution clients are actually looking for: one that’s responsive, personal, and highly effective.
If you need help building that online presence, refining your digital strategy, or creating compelling legal content, we’re here to help.
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