GrayRobinson Enhances Real Estate and Land Use Practice with Hiring of Dynamic Attorney Trio Specializing in Local Government, Education, and Commercial Litigation

November 4, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – GrayRobinson is pleased to announce a dynamic attorney trio specializing in local government, education, and commercial litigation has joined the firm's Real Estate and Land Use practice. Shareholders Nikki Day, B.C.S., and Jeffrey W. Gibson and Attorney Zoila Lahera are located in our Tampa office.

"We are thrilled to welcome Nikki Day, Jeff Gibson, and Zoila Lahera to our Real Estate and Land Use practice," said Real Estate and Land Use Section Chair Julia Mandell. "Altogether, they offer more than 40 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of local government and labor and employment law. Their dedication to client service and passion for delivering results make them a tremendous resource to our practice and strengthen our ability to provide exceptional legal counsel to our clients." 

Nikki Day, B.C.S., Shareholder

“I’m excited to join GrayRobinson,” said Day. “Not only does the firm have a strong foundation of serving Florida’s local governments, but it has grown in its service by expanding into innovative and advanced practice areas. I have had the honor of helping Florida’s local governments solve their most difficult legal issues. I look forward to being able to serve them in a specialized capacity.”

Day is board certified in City, County, and Local Government Law by the Florida Bar. She has more than a decade of experience in representing local government entities in a wide array of legal matters. Day provides invaluable counsel on all things local government, including sunshine laws, ethics, capital projects, public private partnerships, procurement, contracts, land use, and litigation. She has served as both general and special counsel to local governments across Florida, guiding them through high-stakes legal challenges with precision and skill.

Day received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Central Florida. She is admitted to practice in Florida and before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She is conversationally fluent in American Sign Language. 

Jeffrey W. Gibson, Shareholder

"Coming to GrayRobinson was a no-brainer for Zoila and me," said Gibson. "GrayRobinson has so much talent and resources to offer, and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of such a supportive culture. We look forward to working alongside our new colleagues to enhance our service offerings and increase our value to clients." 

Gibson, a trusted advisor and advocate for individuals, businesses, and local governments, brings more than two decades of experience in local government matters, education matters, real estate and land use, labor and employment issues, public records law, and government affairs. He is also recognized for his impressive track record in complex civil litigation. 

Gibson received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tampa. He is admitted to practice in Florida and before the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Gibson is actively involved with the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar Association, Leadership Tampa, the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County Arts Council Board of Directors, and the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts Board of Directors.

Zoila Lahera, Senior Associate

Lahera is a senior associate who specializes in advising and defending clients in corporate and partnership disputes, as well as various business torts, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, non-compete matters, and deceptive practices. She also provides comprehensive legal services, adroitly handling commercial landlord/tenant disputes, real property ownership and use rights, and breach of contract cases.

Lahera received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of South Florida. She is admitted to practice in Florida and before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District. Lahera is an active member of The Florida Bar and Hispanic National Bar Association. She is fluent in Spanish. 

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About GrayRobinson

GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants recognized as one of the most influential firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 15 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com.

CONTACT

Kristen Bridges, kristen.bridges@gray-robinson.com, 850.545.1917