Commercial litigators join amid rising demand across a booming development market
National law firm Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has added a five-person commercial litigation team led by partners Peter Lenart and Audrey Smith, significantly expanding the Firm’s construction litigation capabilities in Florida as demand for legal services continues to grow alongside the state’s development boom.
Based in Tampa, the team’s arrival further enhances Dinsmore’s ability to serve developers, contractors, design professionals, insurers and businesses navigating Florida’s evolving legal and regulatory landscape. Additionally, labor and employment associate Steffi Baer joined the office, coinciding with the commercial litigation group’s arrival.
“Construction activity remains robust across Florida, creating opportunities as well as challenges for businesses operating in the market,” said Robert Sickles, managing partner of Dinsmore’s Tampa office. “Peter, Audrey and their team strengthen our ability to support clients throughout the state while expanding the depth of services we provide nationally.”
The team joins Dinsmore’s nationally recognized Commercial Litigation practice and strengthens the Firm’s position in one of the country’s most active construction and real estate markets. The addition builds on Dinsmore’s continued investment in Florida following the launch of its Tampa office in 2020 and its recent merger with boutique law firm Shankman Leone.
With more than 20 years of experience, Peter represents clients across the construction and design industries in construction defect, product liability and complex commercial disputes. He advises business owners, contractors and Fortune 500 companies on risk management, contract strategy and dispute avoidance.
“The construction industry in Florida has seen a significant increase in litigation over the last five to seven years, with more parties finding themselves involved in disputes than ever before,” Peter, who is also licensed in Massachusetts, said. “We saw an opportunity to join a firm with the depth, resources and national platform necessary to meet clients’ evolving needs and capitalize on the tremendous growth occurring throughout the state.”
Audrey focuses her practice on representing general contractors, developers and other construction professionals in construction defect and personal injury claims across Florida. She also advises homeowners and community associations on matters involving HOA covenant enforcement. An experienced trial lawyer, Audrey has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict and regularly serves as lead counsel in multimillion-dollar disputes.
“Florida continues to offer tremendous opportunity for our clients and the construction industry,” Audrey said. “We wanted to join a firm that has a strong construction practice and also shares our collaborative approach to client service. Dinsmore gives us the platform, national reach and resources to keep growing with our clients and handle increasingly complex matters.”
Joining Peter and Audrey are associate Robert White, paralegal Jorge Trelles and legal administrative assistant Shayla Sloan. The move aligns the group with one of the nation’s leading construction law practices. Earlier this year, Dinsmore was recognized by Construction Executive as one of the Top 50 Construction Law Firms in the United States for the sixth consecutive year.
Peter earned his J.D. from the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, while Audrey’s J.D. comes from Stetson University College of Law.