In today’s competitive legal marketplace, knowing your competition is more than just good strategy — it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a solo practitioner, a partner in a mid-sized firm, or part of a legal marketing team, understanding the major players in Florida’s legal industry can give you the edge you need to stand out.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 largest law firms in Florida (plus a standout boutique firm), explore how they position themselves, and identify the opportunities smaller firms have to compete — and win.
The Florida Legal Market Is Fiercely Competitive
As an attorney, you already know the legal industry is one of the most competitive professional services sectors out there. Clients have options — many of them. Which is why learning what the largest law firms are doing (and not doing) can help sharpen your own firm’s positioning.
If you’re working at one of Florida’s largest law firms, congratulations — you’re doing something right. But being “large” doesn’t always equate to being “better.” And for smaller firms or solo attorneys, that distinction presents a significant opportunity to highlight what you can offer that larger firms often can’t: personalized service, agility, and unique expertise.
Is Bigger Always Better?
Large firms bring clear advantages — deep benches, multi-office support, and name recognition. But they also face significant challenges:
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Less agility: Big firms may struggle to pivot quickly as markets change. For example, when the economy dips, demand for bankruptcy attorneys spikes. But larger, specialized firms may be slow to adapt.
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Client disconnect: Large firms often face difficulty delivering a personal, hands-on client experience. This opens the door for smaller firms to shine with boutique service and personal relationships.
Smaller firms can — and should — capitalize on these challenges by focusing on relationship-building, niche expertise, and the power of a strong brand personality.
Florida’s Top 10 Largest Law Firms
Based on data from Florida Trend Magazine’s 2018 Book of Lists, here are the 10 largest law firms in Florida by number of attorneys and office presence.
1. Akerman LLP
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 410
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Offices in Florida: 10
Akerman leads the pack in size and reach. Known for forward-thinking legal solutions, it focuses heavily on middle-market M&A, complex disputes, and sectors like financial services and real estate.
2. Greenberg Traurig
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 373
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Offices in Florida: 8
Greenberg Traurig launched in Miami and has grown into a global powerhouse. Their brand message — “Miami Roots, Global Reach” — reflects their dual focus on local and international business law.
3. Holland & Knight
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 358
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Offices in Florida: 9
Positioning itself at the intersection of international business, Holland & Knight focuses on trade, real estate, healthcare, and transportation, taking full advantage of Miami’s global connections.
4. Cole, Scott & Kissane
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 311
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Offices in Florida: 11
Primarily a litigation firm, CSK emphasizes client value and diversity. Despite its size, it strives to maintain personal attention for each client — a challenge many large firms struggle to meet.
5. GrayRobinson
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Headquarters: Orlando
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Florida Lawyers: 300
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Offices in Florida: 13
GrayRobinson blends legal and lobbying services. With a strong presence in both Florida and Washington, D.C., it serves Fortune 500 companies, banks, and public agencies.
6. Shutts & Bowen
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 270
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Offices in Florida: 7
With over a century of legal experience, Shutts & Bowen handles more than 30 practice areas. Their branding line — “The door is always open” — cleverly plays off their name while emphasizing accessibility.
7. Carlton Fields
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Headquarters: Tampa
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Florida Lawyers: 244
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Offices in Florida: 5
Founded in 1901, Carlton Fields has a strong focus on serving banks and clients in the financial services sector, combining tradition with deep regulatory knowledge.
8. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer
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Headquarters: Miami
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Florida Lawyers: 242
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Offices in Florida: 10
As the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the country, QPWB uses its diversity as a strength. Their slogan — “We think differently, we act differently, and we are different” — reinforces their distinct identity in a crowded market.
9. Gunster
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Headquarters: West Palm Beach
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Florida Lawyers: 182
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Offices in Florida: 13
Gunster positions itself as “Florida’s law firm for business.” With a team of business-savvy attorneys, it stays in tune with the state’s evolving business climate.
10. Morgan & Morgan
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Headquarters: Orlando
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Florida Lawyers: 175
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Offices in Florida: 23
Known for its aggressive marketing and “For The People” slogan, Morgan & Morgan is a leading personal injury law firm. Its expansive reach and consumer-focused approach make it a household name in Florida.
Bonus: Jostock & Jostock P.A. – A Boutique Firm Making Big Moves
Though not one of the largest by numbers, Jostock & Jostock P.A. deserves recognition. Based in Naples, this boutique firm focuses on estate planning, elder law, probate, and real estate law.
Their strength lies in personalized legal service and deep client relationships — exactly where smaller firms can differentiate themselves from the giants. With decades of combined experience and a reputation for compassionate, strategic guidance, Jostock & Jostock proves that size isn’t everything.
Final Thoughts: Competing with the Big Firms
As we’ve seen, the largest law firms in Florida have impressive footprints. But their scale also creates opportunities for smaller firms to stand out.
Here’s how your firm can compete:
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Emphasize personalized service and fast response times.
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Niche down — own your specialization.
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Build a powerful brand around your firm’s values.
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Stay agile to pivot quickly with changing client needs and market conditions.
Need help standing out in a saturated legal market?
Partner With Oamii — Florida’s Legal Marketing Experts
At Oamii, we specialize in digital marketing for law firms. From SEO and content marketing to web design and reputation management, we help you craft a brand that resonates — and generates results.
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📞 Call us at 561-228-4111 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation.