TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, Shutts & Bowen appointed Ben Gibson as Managing Partner of the Tallahassee office. Gibson is a senior member of the firm’s Governmental Law Practice Group. The move comes after Jason Gonzalez departed the firm on January 13.
Gibson, who joined Shutts in 2018, represents clients facing high-stakes legal issues at the intersection of business, politics, and government. His statewide practice focuses on representing corporate, political, and government clients in appellate, litigation, and administrative matters, as well as government affairs.
TESTED LEADER
“Ben has been one of the firm’s most trusted partners, and he will bring a skilled and steady hand to his role as managing partner of the Tallahassee office,” said Firmwide Managing Partner Jack C. McElroy. “Shutts will benefit from Ben’s incredible judgment and highest-level legal experience. He is a tested leader, and just the person to succeed Jason as we look forward to the opportunities our Tallahassee office has in the coming years.”
Gibson served as general counsel to Florida Governor-elect Ron DeSantis’ Transition Team, where he advised the new administration on legal issues and Governor DeSantis’ appointment of three Florida Supreme Court Justices. Additionally, for the past several election cycles, Gibson has served as chief counsel to the Republican Party of Florida.
BROAD POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Gibson most recently served as counsel to Governor Ron DeSantis’ successful re-election campaign for Governor in addition to serving as legal counsel to numerous political committees and presidential and statewide campaigns in Florida. Gibson’s experience also includes representing numerous state agencies, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee, all in various high-profile state and federal litigation.
"I am very grateful for Jason’s leadership of the Tallahassee office, and I appreciate the guidance and support he has given to me and his colleagues," said Gibson. "I am honored to be asked to serve the firm in this new role. Thanks to strong leadership, there is no state in the nation better positioned for opportunity and growth than Florida.”
“Shutts’ Tallahassee office will continue to help our clients meet their legal needs by leveraging the resources of one of Florida’s largest statewide law firms with our own appellate, litigation, state government, and political expertise. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to serve our great clients and work with my outstanding Shutts colleagues throughout the state,” Gibson added.
