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Founded 1865 · Civil & Criminal Defense — Florida's Oldest Firm

The Bedell Firm

101 East Adams Street · Jacksonville, FL 32202 · (904) 353-0211

Criminal DefenseComplex LitigationCivil Defense White CollarFederal CrimesBusiness LitigationFamily LawAppeals

Founded in 1865 — making it the oldest law firm in continuous existence in Florida — the Bedell Firm is the name people in trouble call when the stakes are highest. Its attorneys include Florida Bar Board Certified criminal trial lawyers, former federal prosecutors, and a past president of The Florida Bar. The firm's clients have included public officials, prominent athletes, doctors, and business leaders facing the most serious civil and criminal exposure. Listed every year in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Florida Super Lawyers. Not a high-volume firm — a fortress firm.

Florida's Oldest Law Firm in Continuous Existence (1865)Best Lawyers in America — Multiple Practice AreasChambers USA ListedPast President of The Florida Bar
Request Free Consultation (904) 353-0211
4.9
★★★★★
85+ verified client reviews
Overall
4.9
Results
5.0
Communication
4.7
Value
4.6
Editorial Verdict

Why Choose The Bedell Firm?

Founded in 1865 — making it the oldest law firm in continuous existence in Florida — the Bedell Firm is the name people in trouble call when the stakes are highest. Its attorneys include Florida Bar Board Certified criminal trial lawyers, former federal prosecutors, and a past president of The Florida Bar. The firm's clients have included public officials, prominent athletes, doctors, and business leaders facing the most serious civil and criminal exposure. Listed every year in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Florida Super Lawyers. Not a high-volume firm — a fortress firm.

Practice Areas

Situations They Handle

Criminal Defense (State & Federal) White Collar Defense Complex Civil Litigation Appeals Business Litigation Family Law (High-Net-Worth) Professional Discipline Government Investigations
Fees & Pricing

What You'll Pay

The Bedell Firm bills primarily on an hourly basis with a retainer. Hourly rates reflect the seniority and expertise of board-certified trial counsel — typically among the highest in Jacksonville for criminal and complex civil work. The firm provides written engagement letters and detailed monthly billing. For high-stakes criminal matters, flat-fee arrangements are sometimes available. Initial consultations are available by appointment.

Hourly
with retainer
By Appt.
consultation
The Team

Key Attorneys

Henry Coxe III, Partner

Henry Coxe III

Partner
Past President of The Florida Bar. Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. White-collar and complex criminal defense.
John A. DeVault III, Partner

John A. DeVault III

Partner
Former US Attorney. Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company and Commercial Litigation. Decades of complex civil trial experience.
Charles P. Pillans III, Partner

Charles P. Pillans III

Partner
Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. Commercial litigation, professional liability defense, and complex business disputes.
Client Experiences

What Clients Say

Client
Robert H.
Federal Investigation · Jacksonville
★★★★★
“I was the target of a federal grand jury investigation. The team kept the case from ever being indicted. Worth every dollar — there is no second chance on a federal indictment.”
Client
Catherine M.
Business Litigation · Jacksonville
★★★★★
“Bet-the-company commercial dispute. The Bedell partners are first-chair lawyers — not associates pretending. They tried it and won. The cost was justified by the result.”
Client
Mike R.
Professional Defense · Duval
★★★★★
“Facing a Bar complaint that could have ended my career. Henry was direct, fast, and brought the matter to a sane resolution. The firm earned every part of its reputation.”
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FAQ

Common Questions About This Firm

How much does it cost to hire The Bedell Firm?
The firm bills primarily hourly with a retainer. Rates are higher than the Jacksonville median because the work is partner-led and board-certified. Some criminal matters can be handled on a flat-fee or hybrid basis. You'll have a written engagement letter setting expectations.
Do you handle DUI cases?
Yes — but the firm is selective. The Bedell Firm focuses on serious criminal matters where stakes are high (felony DUIs, DUI manslaughter, DUIs with professional license consequences). For a standard first-offense DUI, a higher-volume DUI firm may be a better fit on cost.
Can The Bedell Firm represent me in federal court?
Yes. Federal criminal defense — including grand jury, white-collar, healthcare fraud, securities, and tax — is a core practice. Several attorneys are former federal prosecutors and routinely appear in the Middle District of Florida and the Eleventh Circuit.
Do you handle divorce?
The firm handles family law matters for high-net-worth clients where complexity (business interests, trusts, professional practices) requires litigation-grade lawyering. Standard uncontested divorce is generally not the firm's focus.
Why is the firm so well-known?
160 years of continuous practice, repeated representation of high-profile public, professional, and business clients, and a deep bench of board-certified trial lawyers. Reputation alone often shapes how the other side approaches a case.

Quick Facts

Founded1865 (160 yrs)
Firm SizeBoutique · Elite Litigation
Fee StructureHourly · Retainer
Free ConsultationYes
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Virtual AvailableYes
Service AreaFlorida & Federal
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Main Office

101 East Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 353-0211

Recognition

  • ✓ Florida's Oldest Law Firm in Continuous Existence (1865)
  • ✓ Best Lawyers in America — Multiple Practice Areas
  • ✓ Chambers USA Listed
  • ✓ Past President of The Florida Bar