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Who We Are

Williams Parker was founded in 1925 by J. J. Williams Jr., who stressed the importance of commitment to clients, service to community, and devotion to excellence in the practice of law—guiding principles that have defined our firm for 100 years. He understood that the attorney-client relationship is both personal and professional. Adhering to his philosophy, we are dedicated to representing and advising our clients on legal matters with careful consideration for their personal concerns.

The firm exists to help our clients implement their visions for their businesses and their families. Our clients appreciate our attentiveness, discretion, and judgment. We practice in the legal disciplines that align with our client base. In those disciplines, we have built national-caliber capabilities, offering one of Florida’s largest and most sophisticated trusts and estates practices, as well as top-tier real estate, business, tax, employment, litigation, healthcare, and intellectual property practices. Through the years we have expanded our ranks to meet our clients’ growing and complex needs, while working to maintain our hallmark collegiality.

Community

Natural beauty, rich culture, and a luxurious lifestyle make our community an extraordinary place to call home. Sarasota has a rich tradition of strong civic organizations and community engagement especially regarding community foundations and arts, cultural, and human services organizations. We are proud of the central roles played by our attorneys and staff forging some of the area’s most enduring and iconic institutions and leading organizations and initiatives responsible for the area’s good fortune and character. Our volunteerism generates long-term prosperity for the area, and we are proud to call Sarasota home.

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Global

Williams Parker has international reach as a member of Ally Law, an international alliance of law firms with a membership of 70 firms that include more than 2,800 lawyers in 100 business centers throughout 45 countries. 

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News

Williams Parker Announces the Winner of the 2025 Holiday Card Design Contest

Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce Daniella Barone as the winner of the 2025 Holiday Card Design Contest in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design. This marks the eighth year of collaboration between the law firm and the college in seeking creative designs from...

Budgeting Employee Pay for 2026

As budgets for 2026 are finalized and/or implemented, businesses should keep in mind the minimum wage increase that goes into effect on September 30, 2026.

Meet the Innovators and Professionals Shaping Our AI Ecosystem

A diverse and steadily growing group of innovators—from architecture and education to law and venture building—are immersed in the region’s emerging AI world.

Volunteer Spotlight – Zachary B. Buffington

For this week’s attorney spotlight, we are recognizing Zachary Buffington, who recently participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in support of the Alzheimer’s Association®. Zach’s commitment to service extends far beyond this event. Throughout the year, he actively gives back to the community, including supporting the Lakewood Ranch Business...

Legacy

For a century, Williams Parker has helped guide the growth and prosperity of Sarasota’s skyline and neighborhoods, its banks, schools, public hospital, thriving airport, and many of the enduring and iconic institutions responsible for the area’s good fortune and character. Navigating through the Great Depression and into the post-WWII boom, the firm added young, military-veteran attorneys Parker, Harrison, Dietz, and Getzen, assisting real estate titans in turning southwest Florida into some of the most coveted property in the world. Through the 1960s, Williams Parker helped develop Bird, Lido, and Longboat Keys. Booms and expansion occurred again in the 1990s, 2000s, and today—the firm expanding and diversifying each time to meet its clients’ growing and complex needs—offering sophisticated trusts and estates, corporate, tax, employment, real estate, intellectual property, and litigation practices—while always staying true to its commitment to clients, service to community, and excellence in the practice of law.

1925

JJ Williams Jr. moves to Sarasota and opens the Firm

JJ Williams Jr. arrived with his wife, Money, and their three children in Sarasota in 1925. He was a 38-year-old, well-experienced attorney from Memphis looking for a new start. The 1922–1926 Great Florida Land Boom was at its height, and Sarasota had rapidly developed from a sleepy fishing village to...

1968

Firm Establishes Name As Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

Firm establishes name as Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen; JJ Williams Jr. dies age 82

1973

1550 Ringling Boulevard Under Construction

Almost as soon as the Firm relocates to State Street, it is in need of additional space. By August 1972, the Firm completes its purchase of three adjoining parcels south of Ringling Boulevard and west of Orange Avenue. A new building is constructed and opened for business in 1973.

2023

Waterside Place

In 2023, the Firm opens a second office at the master-planned community Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch.  

2025

Firm Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Williams Parker has been a cornerstone of the community for a century, providing exceptional legal services and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the community.

Governance Our Leadership

Our firm is governed by a management committee of three partners. Each member of the management committee is elected by the partnership to three-year staggered terms. There are no term limits. The management committee is responsible for overseeing all firm operations and administration. 

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By the Numbers

45

Attorneys

27

Martindale-Hubbell AV-Ratings

20

Board Certifications

23

Advanced Degrees in Accounting or Business

14

Leadership Sarasota Graduates

8

Sarasota County Bar Association Presidents

3

CPAs

Accolades

30% Board Certified Digital Badge