In Florida, life tends to unfold in beautiful, vivid chapters. A long-awaited move to the coast. The purchase of a dream home. The launch of a family business. Retirement plans years in the making. Each milestone carries excitement, joy, and often, a large amount of paperwork.
For many, navigating those moments becomes much easier with a steady legal partner. Enter Najmy Thompson Attorneys at Law: not simply as a law firm, but as a trusted presence entering into the everyday lives of the people it serves.
A History Grounded in Relationships
Najmy Thompson’s story is one of thoughtful growth. “Our firm started in early February 2009. The founding law partners of our firm are myself, my brother, Louis Najmy, Stephen Thompson and Rick Weller.” said Joe Najmy.
Over the years, the firm has evolved into a multi-practice legal team serving clients across Florida, while holding firmly to the values that shaped its foundation. Initially, Najmy Thompson worked out of two offices - one in Bradenton and the other in Lakewood Ranch. They also employed two associate attorneys and an additional ten staff members in various capacities.
According to Najmy, “We started our firm at a time when our local economy and our national economy (and certainly the worldwide economy) were at a very low point. Nevertheless, we were all then confident and seasoned lawyers----each of us having a very active client base that needed our legal services.”
Najmy Thompson has continued to build and grow in Florida. Their experience is evident in the day-to-day practice and the results they obtain.
“Now, over 18 years later, we have a total of 18 lawyers in our firm, and, including paralegals and legal assistants, we have a total (firmwide) of 50 employees. From the standpoint of our office locations, in addition to our original Lakewood Ranch and downtown Bradenton office sites, we have added an office in St. Petersburg”, said Najmy.
Najmy started his professional career as a practicing CPA in Sarasota in 1983. Since graduating Florida State law school in 1989, Najmy has practiced estate and trust law exclusively for over 35 years---with the last 25 of those years working full-time from the firm’s current Lakewood Ranch office – – dating back to some of the most earliest days of doing professional business in Lakewood Ranch.
More Than Just Business - It’s Family
At its heart, the Najmy Thompson law firm is guided by a philosophy that feels deeply personal. Beyond case files and legal strategies, the firm recognizes that every decision - from estate planning to business structuring - ultimately affects the people clients care about most.
According to Najmy, “We also place great emphasis on family values. We believe family values are very much a part of the estate planning process and very much a part of the culture of our firm. My son and nephew, Justin Najmy and Bill Najmy, come from large national law firms from Tampa and are now practicing with me in our estate and trust group. Michael Smith, our transactional and corporate and succession planning expert has been practicing at our firm since its inception.”
The Estate and Trust Group and Other Practice Areas of the Firm
One of the firm’s defining strengths is the range of its practice areas, carefully aligned with the decisions and transitions many face.
Estate and Trust Planning for the future is deeply personal, yet it’s a task many delay. Najmy Thompson’s attorneys help clients move beyond hesitation, guiding them through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives with patience and clarity.
Nearly all of the firm's estate planning and estate and trust administration work is carried out at its Lakewood Ranch office. In addition to Najmy, the firm has 7 LLM (advanced law degree educated) tax, estate planning, and elder care specialized lawyers. From a client service standpoint, the Lakewood Ranch estate planning and estate and trust administration group is as active as any in the Manatee and Sarasota county area.
According to Najmy, “Our bandwidth is broad. We work with clients that would view themselves as ordinary residents of our local area. At the same time, we typically perform some of the most sophisticated planning techniques for those clients that need specialized services.“
Business and Corporate Law
Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. The firm works with businesses at every stage, from formation and structuring to contracts, compliance, and succession planning. For many owners, the relationship becomes ongoing, built on trust and familiarity.
Real Estate Law
In a state where property is both an investment and a lifestyle choice, real estate transactions can quickly become complex. From residential purchases to commercial matters, the firm assists clients in understanding contracts, protecting assets, and avoiding costly missteps.
Condominium and Homeowner Association Law
The firm also maintains a dedicated community association law practice that provides comprehensive legal counsel to condominium associations, homeowners associations, developers, and individual owners, specializing in governance, bylaw amendments, assessment collections, covenant enforcement, dispute resolution, and litigation under applicable state statutes.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
When conflicts arise, clients benefit from measured, strategic representation focused on resolution rather than unnecessary escalation.
More Than a Law Firm
“In addition to providing highly competent and exemplary legal services, our firm places great emphasis on client communication and accountability. For example, no client call to our firm is ever answered by a voicemail response message” says Najmy.
Legal representation supports the life clients are working so hard to build. It protects dreams, provides safety for families, and creates structure for the future.
Through its history, wide-ranging services, and people-first philosophy, Najmy Thompson Attorneys at Law continues to demonstrate that law doesn’t have to feel cold or overwhelming. It can feel collaborative, and reassuring.