Chantal Pillay, Partner in Charge, Tampa Adams and Reese, Tampa Office

July 2026 — Adams & Reese has expanded in Tampa Bay as population growth, real estate investment, and financial activity continue accelerating across the region. For Partner in Charge Chantal Pillay, the firm’s momentum is rooted in its client-centric culture and collaborative, multi-office model. “We maintain a diverse practice, but cross-collaboration is really what sets us apart,” said Pillay, in an interview with Invest:.

What changes have most influenced Adams & Reese over the past year?

We have grown significantly as a firm. Adams & Reese is an AM Law 200 national law firm with a large Southeast presence, but many of our attorneys are licensed across the country, from California and Washington, D.C., to New York and Michigan. That footprint allows us to take a fully client-centric approach. Our goal is to serve clients wherever their needs arise, and our growth reflects that commitment. The Tampa office has expanded as part of that strategy, and it has positioned us well to meet increased demand in this market.

How are you engaging with the Tampa Bay real estate sector amid strong commercial and residential momentum?

Tampa Bay has experienced tremendous population and business growth since COVID, and it hasn’t slowed down. With that comes a sustained need for real estate legal services, large loan work, transactional support, and litigation. We’ve seen that firsthand in our office. Our construction practice expanded in 2022 when we added a nationally ranked group led by Trent Cotney. The team integrated seamlessly and now includes around 10 board-certified construction law attorneys. On the financial services side, we see continued demand tied to Tampa’s development — everything from permitting and zoning to the litigation that naturally accompanies a fast-growing market. 

How are you supporting banking and financial services clients as the region expands?

We maintain a diverse practice, but cross-collaboration is really what sets us apart. Our Tampa office is the largest in Florida and one of the largest across the firm, yet we work seamlessly with attorneys in other offices who support clients in this market. My practice focuses on consumer protection litigation, representing financial servicers and fintech companies across a wide range of matters. We also support major loan transactions, both large, multimillion-dollar deals and smaller loans. Because real estate, finance and litigation overlap so frequently, our ability to work across practice groups is a major advantage.

How is the Tampa office approaching talent attraction, retention, and workforce development?

Our culture is our biggest strength. We work hard to create an environment where attorneys and staff can thrive in a national firm while still feeling deeply connected to the local market. Tampa has a handful of strong local firms, and we bring that same local understanding while also offering the resources of a national platform. That combination helps us meet client needs while supporting meaningful professional growth. We have attorneys who have been with the firm their entire careers — 25 years or more — and that speaks to the culture we’ve built.

What market trends are shaping client needs in Tampa Bay?

Real estate continues to be the most influential trend, and it feeds into construction and financial services. As those sectors grow, the need for sophisticated legal counsel grows with them. That is where we see the most demand, and where our national capabilities and local presence align well.

How is the firm integrating AI and digital technologies into legal service delivery?

Technology and AI are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities we’re seeing. We are very much in the early stages of what AI will become, but we’ve taken a proactive approach. Adams & Reese uses tools like Everlaw, a cloud-based e-discovery platform that allows us to analyze hundreds of thousands of documents efficiently while reducing client costs.

We also recently added Harvey, an AI-based model that supports tasks such as document summarization, research assistance, drafting and client alerts. It doesn’t replace our legal analysis, but it enhances efficiency. Walking through the office and seeing multiple attorneys using Harvey in different ways is a great indication of where the profession is heading. AI will be in everyone’s hands, just like smartphones. Firms need to adapt now, and I think we’re doing that well.

We embraced AI early because our clients embraced it. Staying aligned with them means staying ahead of the technology curve.

What challenges and opportunities do you see emerging for legal services in Tampa Bay?

The biggest challenge is the rapid evolution of technology, especially AI. It’s also the biggest opportunity. We expect to see more firms building out AI practice groups and tackling issues like compliance and regulation. Even law schools now offer AI-related courses. As the industry evolves, those who adapt quickly will be the ones who stay competitive.

How does the firm approach civic engagement in the Tampa Bay community?

Community involvement is a major priority for us. Many of our attorneys serve in leadership roles across professional and philanthropic organizations, from the Hillsborough County Bar Association and the St. Pete Bar Association to the Young Lawyers Division. I previously served as president of the South Asian Bar Association’s Florida chapter and remain very involved.

We also participate in local charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs and Metropolitan Ministries. 

Firmwide, our community service program is called HUGS: Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support. It encourages all 550 employees to give back through service, not just financial contributions. In Tampa alone, our 38 attorneys serve on 35 professional and philanthropic boards. The breadth of involvement reflects how committed we are to the communities we serve.

Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for the next two to three years?

Growth, but growth with intention. In just a couple of years, our Tampa office expanded from roughly 20 attorneys to 38. We plan to continue that trajectory, both firmwide and locally, to match our national footprint.

We’re focused on attracting top talent in the sectors driving Tampa’s economy: construction, financial services and real estate. At the same time, we want to continue showcasing the culture that makes attorneys stay here for decades. It’s an exciting time for Adams & Reese, and the future looks very bright.