Smith Hulsey & Busey has been named a “Florida powerhouse” by Law360’s 2024 Regional Powerhouses award program, which recognizes law firms that are contributing to the success of their clients, industries and communities.
The award recognizes firms across 11 states that are handling some of the biggest deals, most high-profile and consequential matters, and leaving a lasting impact on state and local law.
The Jacksonville-based business law firm was highlighted for its work across multiple practice areas over the past 12 months, including its instrumental role in investigating the biggest fraud case in Jacksonville history, closing more than $587 million in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, and helping combine the services of two major healthcare facilities in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.
Businesses of all stages and forms of ownership rely on Smith Hulsey & Busey to handle their most multifaceted matters, nationally and internationally. With a history dating back more than 100 years, the firm holds a unique position of trust in the communit y and is a leader in its field.
“Florida has been our home since 1917, and it’s thanks to the continued trust and support of our clients and community that we remain here today,” chairman Stephen D. Busey said. “It’s an honor to be part of Florida’s past and future successes, and it is meaningful to be recognized among the state’s leading firms.”
As special counsel to the Jacksonville City Council investigatory committee that exposed corruption at the top of Florida’s largest community-owned utility company, Smith Hulsey & Busey helped uncover crucial evidence that led to a federal jury finding JEA’s former CEO Aaron Zahn guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud on March 15, 2024. The case was the biggest of its kind in Florida, affecting millions of residents and involving hundreds of millions of dollars.
In addition, the firm’s M&A group’s decades of experience handling complex transactions allowed it to guide buyers, sellers and investors around the world in 45 major deals totaling $831.7 million between May 2023 and May 2024 – despite rapid interest rate rises, geopolitical tensions and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Smith Hulsey & Busey has also been at the forefront of some of the nation’s most significant and sensitive healthcare matters over the past year, including serving as interim general counsel to Flagler Health+ as it integrated with the University of Florida’s academic health center, UF Health, from July to September 2023. The firm helped finalize the deal, change the health system’s ownership, oversaw all real estate, litigation, compliance and considerations, and guided leadership through the transition of services, patient consent processes, malpractice coverage and other insurance, executive retention, and employment matters.
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