A New Chapter: Osborne & Francis to Merge With Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm

Osborne & Francis is excited to announce a major step forward for our firm and the communities we serve. Beginning January 1, 2026, we will officially merge with the respected team at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm. 

After the merger becomes effective, our combined practice will move forward under a new name: Osborne, Francis & Pettis.

While our name will expand, our mission remains the same: to deliver tough and exceptional legal representation to those who need it most, and this merger gives us even greater resources to fight for them.

“This merger brings together two firms that share a dedication to fighting for justice for those that have been harmed by others and are committed to making a difference in our communities. We’re also gaining more resources for our valued clients, while maintaining the relationships that define us.”

- Gene Pettis | Attorney at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm

What This Merger Means for Our Clients

This merger brings together two of Florida’s most trusted and accomplished law firms, both known for taking on powerful institutions and standing up for everyday people. 

Osborne & Francis and Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm have long shared the same vision: using the law to protect those who have been harmed and to advance fairness in our communities.

By uniting these aligned teams under one firm, we are expanding our reach, strengthening our resources, and increasing our ability to deliver justice for clients across the state. Our combined team will offer:

• Five offices across Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Lakeland
• A larger team of 17 accomplished attorneys
• Expanded resources for complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases
• The same client-centered approach our firm is known for

Although our footprint is growing, clients can still expect the personal attention and respect they’ve always received from Osborne & Francis.

Welcoming Gene Pettis and His Acclaimed Legal Team

One of the most exciting parts of this merger is the addition of Eugene “Gene” Pettis, a highly respected trial attorney with 40 years of experience. Osborne himself has said, “I’ve known Gene for many years here in South Florida and watched him become one of Florida’s best attorneys.  It will be a pleasure to work alongside him and his team as we grow our new practice and provide outstanding legal representation to our clients.”

Mr. Pettis made history as the first African American President of the Florida Bar and serves as a Regent for the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the most distinguished honors in the field. He and his team have earned national recognition in medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases, securing more than $160 million in verdicts and settlements in just the last five years.

Alongside Mr. Pettis, partners Ken Miller, Debbie Klauber, and Trish Widowfield will also join our new firm. Their Fort Lauderdale office will remain open and continue serving clients as part of the expanded Osborne, Francis & Pettis team.

Uniting Leaders in Justice and Legal Excellence

Both Osborne & Francis and Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm were founded by attorneys who had already proven themselves at top firms, and then took the bold step to build their own practices, shaping them around integrity, courage, and client-first advocacy.

This is more than a merger — it is a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a dedication to standing up for justice, allowing these firms to: 

• Navigate highly complex medical and product liability cases
• Take on powerful corporations and hold them accountable
• Advocate for victims of discrimination, negligence, and civil rights violations
• Give a voice to those who have been overlooked or marginalized

Together, Osborne & Francis and Pettis’ team are poised to make an even greater impact, delivering powerful advocacy and meaningful results for Floridians who need it most.

If you or a loved one needs help moving forward following an injury, get in touch with our team today online or by calling (561) 293-2600.

Strengthening Our Leadership Team

This merger also unites three attorneys whose careers are filled with major accomplishments.

Joe Osborne

With more than 35 years of experience, Joe has led national lawsuits involving defective medical devices such as hip implants, transvaginal mesh, IVC filters, and more. His work includes serving on multiple plaintiff steering committees in large, nationwide product liability cases.

Greg Francis

Greg’s work as co-lead counsel in the historic $1.2 billion Black Farmers Settlement remains the largest civil rights settlement in U.S. history. He later secured an additional $170 million for minority farmers and recently obtained a $60 million financial fraud settlement. Greg is known nationally for his commitment to delivering justice to underserved communities.

Gene Pettis

Gene brings decades of trial experience and a history of leadership in the legal profession. His experience in medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases complements the firm’s strengths and reinforces our shared mission of advocating for clients across Florida and beyond.

Osborne, Francis & Pettis: Expanding Our Reach, Keeping Our Promise

Although we will soon operate as Osborne, Francis & Pettis, our clients can expect the same reliable service they’ve always received from Osborne & Francis. This merger simply makes us stronger, allowing us to take on more complex cases and help more people.

We look forward to continuing our work — protecting your rights, telling your story, and standing with you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, medical malpractice, or dangerous products, our expanded team is here to help. You can reach out to us online or by calling (561) 293-2600.