Governor Scott's Former Deputy General Counsel joins Shutts & Bowen as Partner

"We couldn't be more excited that Ben is joining the firm," said Micky Grindstaff, Shutts' managing partner. "He brings a wealth of Florida executive, legislative and political experience to Shutts. I am proud of our firm's ability to recruit some of the best and most connected legal talent to our Tallahassee office in recent years. We look forward to Ben's contributions as a key member of our government and business litigation teams with his focus on election law."

Gibson, who served as Deputy General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel to Governor Rick Scott for nearly five years, helped advise the Governor on the appointment of more than 120 judges to Florida's county, circuit, DCA and Supreme Courts. He oversaw legal issues relating to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Department of Management Services, the Department of State, the Agency for State Technology, the Department of Lottery, and the Department of Education, among others. Following his time in the Governor's office, Gibson founded his own law firm focusing on government, corporate, and political clients, which quickly achieved success serving as outside counsel to clients such as the Republican Party of Florida, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, and Enterprise Florida, Inc.

"This is an incredible opportunity to be part of such a talented statewide team of lawyers," said Gibson. "Shutts has a strong commitment of service to our state and its clients, and I could not be more excited to help continue to build the firm's growing Tallahassee presence."

Gibson's work with government agencies includes serving as outside general counsel and advising on public records, the Sunshine Law, and ethics issues to representing clients before state courts and administrative agencies. His political practice includes advising candidates, party organizations, and political committees including representing clients in compliance and enforcement matters.

"Ben works strategically and decisively on behalf of his clients," said Jason Gonzalez, managing partner of the Tallahassee office. "His character and talents made it an easy and natural decision to join forces, and we're thrilled this has come to fruition."

Gibson is a member of the State Board of Education, which oversees K-12 public education, and the State College System. He has served as an elected member on The Board of Governors for The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division since 2012. Gibson is a graduate of the University of Florida and Florida State Law School and is a member of The Florida Bar.

About
Established in 1910, Shutts & Bowen is a full-service business law firm with more than 280 lawyers with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach.  Learn more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.

SOURCE Shutts & Bowen LLP