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Trenam adds nine attorneys in Sarasota expansion
Trenam Law expanded its presence on Florida’s Gulf Coast by combining with the Sarasota law firm Norton Hammersley Lopez & Skokos, adding nine attorneys as competition intensifies among firms seeking a larger share of the state’s growing business and real estate market.
The combination, effective June 1, gives Tampa-based Trenam additional depth in real estate, business transactions, litigation and private client services while strengthening its position in Sarasota, one of Florida’s fastest-growing professional services markets.
Law firms across Florida have increasingly pursued combinations and lateral hiring as population growth, development activity and wealth migration create demand for legal services ranging from commercial real estate and business transactions to estate planning and litigation.
“We are very fortunate for Norton Hammersley to have selected us to be their partners and help us grow our Sarasota presence,” said Nelson Castellano, managing shareholder of Trenam.
Norton Hammersley has operated in Sarasota for more than three decades and advises clients on real estate, business law, litigation and private client matters. Its attorneys regularly represent developers, business owners, lenders and families throughout Southwest Florida.
The move gives Trenam additional scale in a market that has attracted new residents, investors and businesses over the past several years. Sarasota and Manatee counties have experienced sustained population growth and development activity, fueling demand for legal counsel tied to commercial projects, financing, wealth planning and corporate expansion.
Sam Norton, founder and shareholder of Norton Hammersley, said the combination will allow clients to maintain the personalized service of a boutique firm while gaining access to a broader platform.
“Trenam is a true leader in the Florida legal market with over 55 years of service here, and we are excited to join their team and bring our clients the high level of excellence both of our firms are committed to and recognized for providing,” Norton said.
The attorneys joining Trenam include Sam Norton, Philip Hammersley, John Compton, Christopher Fowler, J. Derrick Maginness, Peter Skokos, Jared Coldiron, Alexandra Glauser and Kirsten Guerin.
The transaction reflects a broader consolidation trend in the legal industry as firms seek larger geographic footprints, deeper benches of specialized attorneys and greater resources to serve clients across multiple Florida markets.
