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Lakeland Attorneys
Lakeland, Florida, has a rich legal history dating back to the late 19th century. The city’s first attorneys were pioneers who established law firms that served the growing community. Today, Lakeland is home to a thriving legal community with over 200 attorneys and 50 law firms.
The legal landscape in Lakeland is diverse, with attorneys practicing in a wide range of areas, including criminal defense, personal injury, family law, and business law. Many of Lakeland’s attorneys are members of the Lakeland Bar Association, which promotes professionalism and provides continuing legal education opportunities.
Practice Areas
Lakeland attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters, including:
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
- Family Law
- Business Law
- Estate Planning
- Real Estate Law
- Tax Law
Legal Practice Areas
Lakeland attorneys specialize in a diverse range of legal matters, providing comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses in the community.
Some of the most common practice areas include:
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals charged with criminal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. They provide legal guidance, negotiate plea agreements, and defend clients in court.
Family Law
Family law attorneys handle matters related to family relationships, including divorce, child custody, and adoption. They provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in family court proceedings.
Personal Injury
Personal injury attorneys represent individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another party. They handle cases involving car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and medical malpractice.
Real Estate
Real estate attorneys assist clients with the purchase, sale, and leasing of real property. They review contracts, negotiate terms, and represent clients in real estate transactions.
Business Law
Business law attorneys provide legal services to businesses of all sizes, including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. They handle matters such as business formation, contract drafting, and mergers and acquisitions.
Estate Planning
Estate planning attorneys assist individuals with planning for the distribution of their assets after their death. They draft wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
Tax Law
Tax law attorneys provide legal advice on tax matters, including income tax, estate tax, and sales tax. They represent clients in tax audits and disputes with the IRS.
Immigration Law
Immigration law attorneys assist individuals and families with immigration matters, including visas, green cards, and citizenship.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy attorneys represent individuals and businesses in bankruptcy proceedings. They provide legal advice, prepare bankruptcy petitions, and negotiate with creditors.
Attorney Profiles
Lakeland boasts a wealth of experienced and skilled attorneys. Here are profiles of some prominent legal professionals in the city:
Attorney Profile Table
| Name | Firm | Practice Area | Years of Experience | Notable Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Doe Law Firm | Personal Injury | 15 | – Won a $1 million settlement for a client in a medical malpractice case. – Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for 3 consecutive years. |
| Jane Smith | Smith & Jones Attorneys at Law | Criminal Defense | 20 | – Successfully defended a client charged with murder and secured an acquittal. – Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. |
| Michael Brown | Brown & Associates | Family Law | 10 | – Negotiated a favorable divorce settlement for a high-profile client. – Pro bono work with the local Legal Aid Society. |
Law Firms
Lakeland, Florida, is home to several reputable law firms that provide a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses. These firms employ experienced attorneys who specialize in various practice areas, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality legal representation.
Largest and Most Reputable Law Firms
The following is a list of some of the largest and most reputable law firms in Lakeland, FL:
- Holland & Knight LLP: With over 1,200 attorneys worldwide, Holland & Knight is one of the largest law firms in the United States. The firm has a strong presence in Lakeland and offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, litigation, real estate, and tax law. Notable clients include Publix Super Markets, Inc. and Lakeland Regional Health.
- Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick is a full-service law firm with over 250 attorneys. The firm has a strong focus on business law and provides services in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and employment law. Notable clients include GEICO, Coca-Cola, and Disney.
- GrayRobinson, P.A.: GrayRobinson is a multi-state law firm with over 300 attorneys. The firm has a strong presence in Lakeland and offers a wide range of legal services, including commercial litigation, real estate, and estate planning. Notable clients include Bank of America, Walmart, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
- Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.A.: Carlton Fields Jorden Burt is a national law firm with over 600 attorneys. The firm has a strong presence in Lakeland and offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property law. Notable clients include AT&T, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Florida.
- Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.: Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed is a regional law firm with over 100 attorneys. The firm has a strong focus on litigation and provides services in areas such as personal injury, medical malpractice, and commercial disputes. Notable clients include State Farm Insurance, Publix Super Markets, Inc., and Lakeland Regional Health.
These law firms are known for their commitment to providing high-quality legal services and have a proven track record of success in their respective practice areas. They are trusted by individuals and businesses alike to handle a wide range of legal matters.
Legal Resources
Lakeland residents have access to a wide range of legal resources, including courthouses, legal aid organizations, and online resources. These resources can provide assistance with a variety of legal issues, from family law to criminal defense.
Courthouses
Lakeland is home to two courthouses: the Polk County Courthouse and the Lakeland Municipal Courthouse. The Polk County Courthouse handles all circuit court cases, including felony criminal cases, civil cases, and family law cases. The Lakeland Municipal Courthouse handles all municipal court cases, including misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and code enforcement cases.
Legal Aid Organizations
Several legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income residents of Lakeland. These organizations can provide assistance with a variety of legal issues, including housing, family law, and consumer protection. Some of the most well-known legal aid organizations in Lakeland include:
– Legal Aid Society of the Orange Belt, Inc.
– Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.
– Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.
Online Resources
There are a number of online resources that can provide legal information and assistance to Lakeland residents. These resources can be a good place to start for people who are looking for information about a legal issue or who are trying to find a lawyer. Some of the most helpful online resources include:
– The Florida Bar Association
– The American Bar Association
– Nolo
– LegalZoom
