Firm History

The History and Transformation of Holland & Knight

Founded in 1889 in Tampa, Florida, Holland & Knight has grown into one of the largest and most respected law firms in the world, with well over 2,000 lawyers and other professionals serving clients in 34 offices in the United States and around the globe. 

Our founder, Peter O. Knight, was a prominent trial and corporate lawyer who immersed himself in the local business community and greatly contributed to the region's growth into a center of industry and commerce, including helping to organize and procure the charter for Exchange National Bank of Tampa, helping found Tampa Electric Company and serving the public as Hillsborough County's state attorney. Our other founder, Spessard Holland, significantly impacted the growth of business in inland Florida, going on to serve as the state's governor and as a U.S. senator for nearly three decades, particularly in the phosphate and citrus industries. That unwavering commitment to our clients and communities continues nearly 140 years later, even as we have transformed into one of the nation's preeminent firms. The Firm assumed its present name in 1968. 

Today, Holland & Knight is known throughout the U.S. and internationally for its sophisticated, innovative legal counsel to middle-market companies, as well as many of the world's largest corporations, in a number of key areas – from commercial litigation, finance, mergers, acquisitions and cross-border transactions to healthcare, real estate, regulatory matters and government advocacy. We provide seamless client-centric service across seven strategic industry sectors: Energy & Natural Resources, Finance & Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences, National Security & Defense, Real Estate & Hospitality, Technology & Telecommunications, and Transportation & Infrastructure. 

Building on a Firm Foundation 

From our earliest roots, the hallmark of Holland & Knight's success has always been and continues to be legal work of the highest quality, performed by well-prepared lawyers who revere their profession and are devoted to their clients. Long known for a collaborative and collegial culture both internally and with our clients, our growth has been built on the foundational belief that local offices should not operate as individual profit centers but will match the lawyers with the best skills for a particular client need, regardless of geography.

Holland & Knight's growth is due in large part to the success of our clients. We are honored to be able to contribute to achieving their goals across the United States, Latin America and around the world. Since our beginning, Holland & Knight attorneys have delivered focused, responsive and personalized service while remaining dedicated to developing and maintaining lasting relationships with our clients.

A Tradition of Service

The heritage of business and civic leadership begun by the founders of Holland & Knight also continues. Partners and senior professionals of the Firm have included governors, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state legislators, state supreme court justices, state and federal appellate and trial judges, as well as presidents and chairs of national, state and local bar associations and bar-related organizations. Today, many of our lawyers continue to serve their communities in leadership roles in civic, charitable and social organizations.

The Firm has a strong focus on providing excellent service to clients, practical legal advice, public service and pro bono work. Each day in every practice, in every office, Holland & Knight's commitment to our clients, our communities and our profession continues to be validated by our dedicated lawyers and professionals.