Moritt Hock & Hamroff Doubles Down on Florida Amid Legal Market Boom
- 8% increase: Florida's 100 largest law firms reported an average 8% growth in attorney headcount last year.
- 2 new hires: Moritt Hock & Hamroff added David A. Blansky (Counsel) and Justin Beardsley (Associate) to its Florida team.
- Office expansion: The firm is doubling its main regional office in Plantation, Florida.
Experts would likely conclude that Moritt Hock & Hamroff's strategic expansion in Florida reflects a broader trend of mid-sized law firms capitalizing on the state's economic growth and demand for specialized legal services, particularly in commercial real estate, banking, and litigation.
Moritt Hock & Hamroff Doubles Down on Florida Amid Legal Market Boom
PLANTATION, Fla. – April 22, 2026 – Moritt Hock & Hamroff, a New York-headquartered commercial law firm, has announced a significant expansion of its Florida operations, doubling the size of its main regional office in Plantation and adding two specialized attorneys to its roster. The move is a clear indicator of the firm's confidence in the South Florida market and reflects a broader trend of mid-sized law firms strategically capitalizing on the state's vibrant economic growth.
The firm will expand its footprint at 8151 Peters Road in Plantation while also adding David A. Blansky as Counsel and Justin Beardsley as an Associate. This expansion is not just about physical space; it represents a deepening of the firm's commitment to core practice areas that are in high demand across the region.
“We are thrilled with our first three years in the market,” said Michael Cardello III, Managing Partner of Moritt Hock & Hamroff, in a statement. “The addition of David and Justin reflects the measured expansion of our team, and their experience aligns directly with our core practice areas in the region. Their expertise deepens our bench to address our clients’ quickly evolving legal and business needs.”
Florida's Legal Gold Rush
Moritt Hock & Hamroff's expansion is not happening in a vacuum. It is a strategic move within one of the nation's most dynamic and competitive legal landscapes. South Florida has become a magnet for businesses and capital, attracting a wave of private equity firms, tech startups, and financial institutions relocating or expanding their operations. This corporate migration, fueled by a favorable tax climate and a growing population, has created a surge in demand for sophisticated legal services.
While the initial headlines were dominated by the arrival of “Big Law” giants, the sustained growth is now being driven by mid-sized firms that see a unique opportunity. These firms are finding fertile ground by offering a compelling alternative to their larger counterparts. The Florida legal market is seeing robust growth across the board, with the state's 100 largest firms reporting an average increase of 8% in attorney headcount last year. This competitive environment has made the strategic acquisition of talent and a clear market focus more critical than ever.
Demand is particularly strong in the practice areas that form the backbone of Moritt Hock & Hamroff's expansion: commercial real estate, banking and finance, and litigation. The state's thriving real estate sector continues to generate a high volume of transactional and litigation work, while the influx of new businesses has amplified the need for legal counsel in corporate finance and lending.
A Focused Strategy for the Middle Market
Amidst this heated competition, Moritt Hock & Hamroff is differentiating itself by focusing intently on the middle market. This segment, comprising small to medium-sized businesses, financial institutions, and real estate developers, often seeks a different kind of legal partner—one that combines deep expertise with a more personal, responsive, and cost-effective approach.
Marc Hamroff, the firm's Chairman, emphasized this client-centric philosophy. “Doubling our office space in Florida underscores both our momentum and commitment to investing in our people and our clients,” he stated. “Our growth is driven by our banking, finance and commercial real estate clients. These clients, both existing and newly developed, appreciate the hands-on approach a mid-size regional law firm provides to the middle market.”
This hands-on approach is a key advantage for mid-sized firms. They are often more agile and less bureaucratic, allowing for direct partner involvement and a practical, business-oriented perspective that middle-market clients value. By avoiding the higher overhead costs associated with global mega-firms, they can provide specialized counsel without the premium price tag, fostering stronger, trust-based relationships.
The firm's strategy in Florida has been one of deliberate, steady growth. It previously expanded its team in early 2025 and established a Fort Lauderdale office in 2023, consistently targeting its core strengths to meet the specific needs of the region's mid-market economy.
The Talent Advantage: Adding Specialized Expertise
A successful expansion hinges on acquiring the right talent, and the firm’s two new hires bring expertise that directly addresses the market's most pressing needs. Both attorneys are licensed to practice in New York and Florida, providing a valuable bridge for clients operating in both economic hubs.
David A. Blansky joins as Counsel in the Litigation and Creditors' Rights, Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice Groups. His practice is concentrated on insolvency, commercial litigation, and bankruptcy, where he represents a wide array of clients including trustees, creditors, and debtors. His background is particularly relevant as economic cycles shift, potentially increasing the demand for restructuring and bankruptcy counsel. Blansky is also a Supreme Court of Florida Qualified Arbitrator and a New York Qualified Part 36 Receiver, adding valuable alternative dispute resolution and fiduciary capabilities to the firm's Florida practice.
Justin Beardsley joins as an Associate in the Secured Lending and Finance Group from an AmLaw 50 firm in Miami. His move to Moritt Hock & Hamroff highlights the appeal of mid-sized firms for ambitious attorneys. Beardsley’s experience covers a broad spectrum of secured lending matters, including bilateral and syndicated credit facilities, construction loans, and asset-based financings. He has represented both institutional lenders and borrowers in complex transactions involving office, retail, and industrial properties, aligning perfectly with the firm’s focus on commercial real estate and finance clients.
Navigating a Crowded Field
Moritt Hock & Hamroff is one of many firms betting on Florida's future. Competitors ranging from regional powerhouses to other national firms like Hinckley Allen and Cohn & Dussi have also recently announced expansions in the state, all vying for market share and top legal talent. This has created a highly active lateral market for attorneys and a landscape where firms must clearly articulate their value proposition.
By doubling its Plantation office and making targeted hires, Moritt Hock & Hamroff is solidifying its position. The firm is not attempting to be everything to everyone; instead, it is executing a measured and focused strategy aimed at becoming the go-to firm for middle-market businesses in its key practice areas. This latest expansion is a confident step forward, demonstrating the firm's commitment to growing with its clients and deepening its expertise in one of the country's most promising economic regions.
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