Doug Szabo

For over 38 years, Doug has handled complex business litigation on behalf of entities and individuals, along with “bet the company” litigation. His practice has included breach of contract disputes, partnership and real estate disputes, complex fraud and breach of fiduciary duty litigation, and trade secret and other restrictive covenant litigation. Additionally, Doug has defended media companies against First Amendment issues, and he has represented creditors in bankruptcy court. He has successfully tried cases in jury and non-jury actions, he has represented clients in many arbitrations and mediations, and he has handled several appeals. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.

Prior to joining BAPM, Doug practiced at the largest local law firm in Southwest Florida, where he served as the Managing Partner, as a member of the Executive Committee, and as Chair of the Business Litigation Department. His leadership as Managing Partner helped with the smooth and successful transition after Covid, and he guided the firm through Hurricane Ian. Doug’s experience in leading through this crisis was the subject of a Passle CMO Series Podcast on how to respond to crises and the role of law firm leaders.

Doug has been very active in the Southwest Florida community, both inside and outside the legal profession. In the broader community, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and the City of Palms Classic. Over the years, Doug held leadership positions for the Lee County YMCA Board of Directors (President); the YMCA Youth Sustaining Funds Drive (Chair); the City of Palms Basketball Alumni Association (Co-Chair); and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Board of Directors (President). He is a graduate of Leadership Lee County and previously served two terms as Chair of its Steering Committee. He is also a former little league baseball, basketball, and soccer coach.

In the legal profession, Doug is a past president of the Federal Bar Association, Southwest Florida Chapter; a past president of the Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association; a former barrister of the Calusa Chapter of the America Inns of Court; and a prior member of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. He also recently served on the Lee County Bar Association’s Executive Council.

Doug has been honored by Best Lawyers in America since 2023. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers since 2018 and as a “Top Lawyer” by Naples Magazine for his work in business and commercial litigation. He also enjoys the highest rating by Martindale Hubbell, AV Preeminent.

Doug has two sons, Doug Jr., who works as an attorney for Lowe’s in Mooresville, NC, and Christopher, who works for FRM Lighting & Controls in Tampa. He is proud to be “Super G” to his four grandchildren, who help keep him young, and he is also dog dad to his three dogs. In his spare time, Doug enjoys traveling, skiing, and Ohio State Buckeyes football. Doug is excited to join the BAPM team, where he has reunited with several former partners and colleagues from his prior firm.