Shumaker law firm grows to keep up with demand

As single-home prices hit a new record last month and demand in wealth planning has increased, a regional law firm is expanding its Sarasota office to keep up with the need for legal services. 

That firm, Shumaker, recently added Ashley Hodson as a partner in the wealth strategies service line.

“With more people choosing to retire in Sarasota, there is a greater demand for wealth planning,” says Cheryl Gordon, partner and wealth strategies regional service line leader, in a news release. “Ashley has stood out as a top attorney in this field, and we are honored to have her join the firm as partner. Shumaker is dedicated and committed to having women reach the highest levels of leadership to create stronger, more diverse teams.”

Hodson has an extensive background in her years of experience that spans complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, homestead issues, and preparation of federal estate and gift tax returns, just to name a few areas of her expertise. 

Shumaker also announced Alicia Lewis as a new senior attorney in the real estate and development service line in the Sarasota office. In addition to Sarasota, the firm has offices in Tampa, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. 

“We are pleased to welcome Alicia to our growing team to provide the depth of a land use and zoning practice,” says partner and real estate and development regional service line leader Jan Pitchford. “Alicia works with a wide range of clients seeking to do business both in the private and public sectors and counsel clients on the proper strategies for successful interactions with city and county government agencies and officials.” 

Pitchford adds in the release that Lewis represents clients through a variety of issues before city and county entities. “We are thrilled to add Alicia’s experience to our robust real estate practice.”