Charles J. Bartlett

Charles Bartlett, a senior shareholder with Icard Merrill since 1984, has more than 40 years of experience handling a wide and diverse range of complex business and commercial litigation matters, with an emphasis on the representation of small to medium sized businesses.  Charlie’s litigation practice extends to real estate and landlord-tenant disputes, trusts and estates controversies, contract disputes, and condominium and community association matters. He has substantial experience in construction matters, representing owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals on matters ranging from contract and claims negotiations to lien and litigation concerns.

As a complement to his commercial litigation practice, Charlie provides experienced counsel regarding a comprehensive scope of corporate law matters, including formation of business entities, business sales and acquisitions, banking and corporate finance, and lending and commercial transactions. His practice also includes real estate transactions, having handled hundreds of real estate closings, purchase and sale agreements, and title insurance matters.

Respected by his peers as a highly effective litigator, Charlie has a reputation for aggressive and ethical representation.  He served as president of Icard Merrill from 1987 to 1998, and as treasurer of the firm from 1999-2019.  He has received the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating™ from Martindale-Hubbell® and named by his peers in The Best Lawyers in America®.  He has also been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers and has been designated as one of Florida Trend magazine’s “Florida Legal Elite.”

As a long-time resident of Sarasota, Charlie is committed to giving back to the community and has served as a member of numerous community, religious, and social associations as well as on the boards of several civic and non-profit organizations. He has also been actively involved in both the Florida Bar and the Sarasota County Bar Association and currently serves as a member of the Executive Council of the Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar.

• Elite Top Attorneys, Sarasota Magazine, 2020, 2021, 2022
• AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
• The Best Lawyers in America, 2009 to present
• The Best Lawyers in America, Sarasota Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Litigation (2020), Construction Litigation (2018, 2022)
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2011-2021
• Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine, 2010-2017
• Bronze Award, Legal Aid of Manasota (recognized for 20 to 49 hours of pro bono legal services), 2011

• America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators
• Founding Director and Chairman of the Board, Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida
• The Florida Bar: Member; Business Law Section; Trial Lawyers Section, Executive Council (2009 to 2013); Young Lawyers Section, Board of Governors (1983 to 1989)
• American Bar Association: Member
• Sarasota County Bar Association: Member; President (1993 to 1994); Board of Directors (1987 to 1995); Young Lawyers Section (1982 to 1986), President (1985 to 1986), Board of Directors (1982 to 1986)
• Twelfth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee (1985 to 1988)
• Served on numerous Florida Bar and Sarasota County Bar Association committees
• Sarasota Chamber of Commerce: Former Trustee
• Served on the board or as an officer of several civic and non-profit organizations

• Securities Fraud: Rule 10(b)5 Does Not Require Fairness Where Full Disclosure Is Made, 29 UNIV. FLA. L. R. 761