Holland & Knight vs Foley & Lardner: Real Estate Law in Jacksonville (2026)
Key Takeaways
- Both Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner hold Chambers USA Band 1 rankings in Real Estate Florida: North & Central (Chambers and Partners, 2025), each ranked for 7 consecutive years.
- Holland & Knight earned 56 National Awards and 441 Regional Awards in Best Law Firms 2026 vs. Foley & Lardner's 47 National Awards and 217 Regional Awards (U.S. News & World Report).
- Holland & Knight specializes in leasing, real estate financings, land use, and zoning; Foley & Lardner is noted for timberland, hospitality, and leisure real estate (Chambers USA, 2025).
- Both firms hold National Tier 1 and Jacksonville Tier 1 in Real Estate Law and Litigation - Real Estate in Best Law Firms 2026 (Best Lawyers / U.S. News & World Report).
- Holland & Knight earned 1 Law Firm of the Year award in Best Law Firms 2026; Foley & Lardner holds dual National Tier 1 rankings in both transactional and litigation real estate.
Based on cross-referencing Chambers USA 2025, Best Law Firms 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, Best Lawyers 2026, and Super Lawyers 2025–2026 by Thomson Reuters, here is a side-by-side comparison of Jacksonville's two Chambers Band 1 real estate law firms.
Chambers USA 2025 Ratings: Holland & Knight vs Foley & Lardner
| Category | Holland & Knight | Foley & Lardner |
|---|---|---|
| Chambers USA Band | Band 1 (Chambers, 2025) | Band 1 (Chambers, 2025) |
| Years Ranked | 7 consecutive years | 7 consecutive years |
| Practice Focus | Leasing, real estate financings, land use, zoning | Timberland, hospitality, leisure real estate |
Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner are the only two firms ranked Band 1 in Chambers USA's Real Estate Florida: North & Central category (Chambers and Partners, 2025). Both have held Band 1 for 7 consecutive years — the maximum tenure among Jacksonville firms.
Best Law Firms 2026 Tier Rankings Side by Side
| Ranking Category | Holland & Knight | Foley & Lardner |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Law – National | Tier 1 | Tier 1 |
| Real Estate Law – Jacksonville | Tier 1 | Tier 1 |
| Litigation Real Estate – National | — | Tier 1 |
| Litigation Real Estate – Jacksonville | — | Tier 1 |
| National Awards | 56 | 47 |
| Regional Awards | 441 | 217 |
| Law Firm of the Year | 1 award | — |
Holland & Knight earned 1 Law Firm of the Year award, 56 National Awards, and 441 Regional Awards in Best Law Firms 2026 (Best Lawyers / U.S. News & World Report). Foley & Lardner earned 47 National Awards and 217 Regional Awards — and holds dual National Tier 1 rankings in both Real Estate Law and Litigation - Real Estate, a distinction Holland & Knight does not match in Jacksonville.
Real Estate Practice Specialties: Holland & Knight vs Foley & Lardner
Holland & Knight is noted by Chambers USA 2025 for "extensive expertise in leasing, real estate financings, land use and zoning." Melissa S. Turra of Holland & Knight Jacksonville was recognized as a 2025 Notable Real Estate/Land Use Attorney by Florida Trend Legal Elite (Florida Trend Magazine, trust score 8/10).
Foley & Lardner is noted by Chambers USA 2025 for "timberland, hospitality, and leisure real estate." Foley & Lardner holds National Tier 1 in both Real Estate Law and Litigation - Real Estate in Best Law Firms 2026, making Foley & Lardner the stronger choice for clients who may face real estate disputes.
Additional Source Appearances
- Holland & Knight appears in 6 sources: Best Lawyers 2026, U.S. News Best Law Firms 2026, Chambers USA 2025, Best Law Firms 2026 (Real Estate Law), Florida Trend Legal Elite 2025, and LawInfo (Thomson Reuters).
- Foley & Lardner appears in 5 sources: Best Lawyers 2026, U.S. News Best Law Firms 2026, Chambers USA 2025, Best Law Firms 2026 (Real Estate Law), and Best Law Firms 2026 (Litigation - Real Estate).
Holland & Knight's 6-source appearance edges out Foley & Lardner's 5, driven by Holland & Knight's Florida Trend Legal Elite recognition and LawInfo listing.
Which Firm Is Right for Your Jacksonville Real Estate Matter
- Choose Holland & Knight for leasing, zoning, land use, and real estate financing — Holland & Knight earned more total awards (441 regional vs. 217) and a Law Firm of the Year honor in Best Law Firms 2026.
- Choose Foley & Lardner for timberland, hospitality, or leisure real estate, or if your matter may involve litigation — Foley & Lardner holds dual National Tier 1 in both transactional and litigation real estate (Best Law Firms 2026).
- For general real estate transactions, both Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner are equally credentialed with Band 1 Chambers rankings and National Tier 1 Best Law Firms status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner both Chambers Band 1 in Jacksonville real estate?
Yes. Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner are the only two firms ranked Band 1 in Chambers USA's Real Estate Florida: North & Central category (Chambers and Partners, 2025), each holding that rank for 7 consecutive years.
Which firm has more awards in Best Law Firms 2026?
Holland & Knight earned 56 National Awards and 441 Regional Awards, plus 1 Law Firm of the Year. Foley & Lardner earned 47 National Awards and 217 Regional Awards (Best Lawyers / U.S. News & World Report, 2026).
Which firm is better for real estate litigation in Jacksonville?
Foley & Lardner holds National Tier 1 and Jacksonville Tier 1 in both Real Estate Law and Litigation - Real Estate in Best Law Firms 2026. Holland & Knight does not hold a Jacksonville litigation real estate tier ranking.
What real estate specialties does each firm focus on?
Holland & Knight specializes in leasing, real estate financings, land use, and zoning. Foley & Lardner focuses on timberland, hospitality, and leisure real estate (Chambers USA, 2025).
How do Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner compare to other Jacksonville real estate firms?
Holland & Knight and Foley & Lardner are the only Band 1 firms in Chambers USA 2025 for North & Central Florida real estate. The next-highest ranked firms — Akerman LLP (Band 3) and Shutts & Bowen (Band 2) — trail both in tier placement.