Area law firm names new president after 23 years

Telese Zuberer joined Icard Merrill as a shareholder in 2017.

By Business Observer Staff
| 3:47 p.m. January 18, 2022
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Courtesy. Telese Zuberer recently stepped into the president role at Icard Merrill.

Manatee-Sarasota

SARASOTA — After 23 years, Sarasota-based law firm Icard Merrill has announced a change in leadership.

Telese Zuberer succeeds Robert Lyons as the firm's new president, according to a statement. Lyons joined the firm in 1986 before becoming president in 1999. The press release states he will continue his mediation and arbitration practice at the firm’s headquarters.

Courtesy. Robert Lyons began his career at Icard Merrill in 1986. He would go on to become president in 1999.

“This is a special opportunity to hand over the role to someone who possesses the same vision and values that have served as our firm’s foundation for almost seven decades,” says Lyons in the statement. “Finding the right people to lead your organization is critical to future success. I’m confident in Telese’s ability to undertake this challenge and take us to the next level.”

Prior to joining Icard Merrill in 2017 as a shareholder, Zuberer co-founded and operated McKay Law Firm, P.A., for 13 years.

“As we move into our 70th year, I am excited to use my leadership and work experience to facilitate the firm’s continued growth along all business lines,” says Zuberer in the release. “We have an outstanding team that is unified in their vision for the future. We are dedicated to caring for our staff, providing a first-class experience for our clients, and continuing our notable legacy of community service.”

Zuberer represents nonprofit community associations in her practice.

Icard Merrill is a full-service law firm based in Sarasota where it opened its first office in 1953. The firm also has offices in Lakewood Ranch, Punta Gorda, and St. Petersburg.