WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (November 15, 2010) — Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms, announces an expansion of its Tallahassee office with the addition of four attorneys and a government affairs consultant who will establish the Government Affairs group.  Joining the Tallahassee office in Gunster’s newest practice area are Lila A. Jaber; J. Larry Williams; Matthew Feil; Beth Keating; and Brady J. Benford.

“These five individuals bring exceptional talent, relationships and experience to Gunster and add another dimension of service for our clients,” said Bill Perry, Gunster’s managing partner.  “Gunster has provided legal and business advice to Florida companies for over 85 years.  This move strengthens our ties to Tallahassee and our ability to provide comprehensive legal services for our clients.”

“Gunster is significantly expanding its statewide government affairs practice which is capable of representing clients at the executive, administrative, legislative and regulatory levels of state government,” said Lila Jaber, the new Government Affairs practice leader.  “The policy decisions made in Tallahassee affect businesses statewide.  By joining the team, we further expand its Tallahassee capabilities and amplify Gunster’s position as Florida’s Law Firm for Business.”

Lila A. Jaber is a shareholder and most recently worked as co-chair of Akerman’s Energy & Utilities practice. Twice appointed by the Governor to the Public Service Commission (PSC), Jaber served as both Commissioner and Chairman while presiding over Florida’s regulatory utility matters.  Prior to her appointment as Florida PSC Commissioner, Lila was the Bureau Chief of the PSC’s water legal department.  Jaber, fluent in Arabic, is knowledgeable in public affairs, energy, natural gas, water, telecommunications, and broadband policies.  Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Workforce Florida, Inc. and is the incoming chair of Leadership Florida.

J. Larry Williams is a shareholder with extensive experience in governmental representation at all levels.  Formerly with Akerman, Williams has consulted clients on affairs before the Florida Legislature and Cabinet, as well as state agencies in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.  Representing a variety of clients ranging from transportation to healthcare and entertainment to tobacco companies, Williams was recognized as one of ‘The Best lawyers in America’ in 2009 and 2010 for government relations law.

Other attorneys joining the Tallahassee office as shareholders include Matthew Feil and Beth Keating; Brady J. Benford will work as a government affairs consultant.  Collectively, this group brings extensive PSC regulatory experience to the firm which is augmented by their utility industry knowledge.  They have experience working with a variety of utilities including electric and natural gas, cable and telecommunications, water, wastewater and renewable energy companies.  Feil, Keating and Benford have represented clients and negotiated before state and federal regulatory agencies, as well as the Florida Legislature.

To learn more about the firm, please visit: www.gunster.com.

 

About Gunster

Established in 1925, Gunster is a full service Florida law firm with eight offices around the state providing counsel to leading businesses and individuals. Our statewide presence and culture reflect the firm’s status as Florida’s law firm for business. Gunster services clients from its offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Vero Beach and its headquarters in West Palm Beach with over 165 attorneys and 200 committed support staff.

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