The following article is from the June-August 2011 BABM.
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Approachable and friendly on the one hand, yet tough and aggressive on the other, the firm of Yesner & Boss, P.L. has earned a reputation as a group of young, dynamic attorneys on the rise. You can imagine yourself having a beer with them at a local hangout, but something tells you that you wouldn’t want to oppose them in a lawsuit.
Founded in 2007, the growing firm currently consists of 10 attorneys and 40 staff members, providing a full service legal practice in four offices in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota and Boynton Beach.
Leading the team are partners Shawn Yesner and Chris Boss. Yesner, who holds a law degree from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law, is introspective and creative, while Boss, who graduated from Stetson University College of Law, is quick-witted and gregarious. These seemingly opposite personalities share a vision to help people who find themselves in hard times through no fault of their own.
When Yesner opened his law firm in 2004, the economy was growing and real estate was booming. At the time Boss started his own practice in 2007, the market was already beginning to turn.
“Rather than compete for the same business, we decided to join forces,” said Boss. “We’re like-minded and communicate easily,” Yesner added. “When we disagree, we have enough respect for each other’s position that we can come to an effective compromise that is, in most cases, the best result whether it be for the client’s case or the growth of the firm.”
While providing a range of general practice services, not surprisingly Yesner & Boss is in high demand today from clients seeking financial relief through short sales, loan modifications and bankruptcies. With a background working for one of Florida's largest foreclosure firms and an undergraduate degree in accounting, Yesner was a natural ''go-to" guy for clients seeking help in navigating these difficult times. Boss, with experience in negotiation and wealth preservation strategies, provided knowledgeable support to the extensive caseload.
Although Yesner & Boss is heavily sought after for its specialized expertise in distressed properties, the firm also has a diverse practice in the area of litigation, including personal injury and product liability, with a broad range of cases from automobile accidents to sinkholes. It also offers a range of experience in corporate law and business transactions, family law, estate planning, tax law, as well as traditional real estate services such as residential and commercial purchases, dispositions and closings.
Recognizing that the foreclosure crisis is not going to last forever, the partners have created a strategic plan for the future. "We are reinvesting in diversifying our business and growing our company," said Boss. That includes hiring likeminded attorneys who expand and broaden their areas of proficiency, and opening offices in key areas throughout the state.
After sharing a cup of coffee with Shawn Yesner and Chris Boss and listening to what makes them proud to walk through the doors of Yesner & Boss each morning, it became readily apparent that these two professionals are genuinely committed to setting themselves apart by taking the extra time to understand their clients' situations, and then leading them through the best legal options available.
"We're very proud of the feedback we get after an initial meeting with a client," shared Yesner. “It is very rewarding to hear the client say, 'After leaving your office I felt better,' or, 'I understand the plan we have laid out and I finally feel better about how to get out of this."'
The majority of the firm's business comes from referrals by satisfied clients. “From the very start of the process, our clients have access to their lead attorney," said Boss. “Even at the initial meeting, you sit down with an attorney, not a paralegal." Another advantage to clients is their focus on a team approach. Lawyers from different practice areas work together to offer comprehensive legal advice. For example, a client going through a divorce may also need tax or real estate advice. Having a team in your corner who understands the overall picture, as well as each specific aspect of the case, is a clear benefit and provides the value you expect and deserve through personalized attention and a hands-on approach.
Yesner & Boss represents a broad range of clients from all walks of life, from high-profile athletes to struggling hourly employees to former Fortune 500 executives who find themselves in a financial situation they have never faced before. Cases have included helping a Florida businessman acquire and restructure an international manufacturing facility, protecting consumers in high-profile product liability suits, and designing short-sale programs for large real estate companies.
Yesner & Boss is headquartered in St. Petersburg, in a comfortable and unintimidating setting - a far cry from the icy ivory towers you might expect from these highly regarded attorneys. "We're not about the pomp and circumstance," said Yesner. "We're about results."
Yesner, Boss and members of their team are in high demand to speak before business groups, community organizations and the media to educate the public on a variety of legal matters. They have spoken before Realtor associations, chambers of commerce and mortgage brokers, and have been hired by a national firm to conduct legal education seminars for other lawyers. They invest heavily in their website, writing a large amount of content to educate the public on a variety of legal topics.
You may also hear them on the radio, where they educate commercial and residential property owners about their options in a difficult real estate market. "Florida was one of the states hardest hit by foreclosures, short sales and bankruptcies and we know there is a lot of misinformation out there about the right way to deal with these situations," said Boss.
In an effort to help counter all of the misinformation, Boss has been taking calls from listeners once a month on the "Duncan Duo Real Estate Show," which airs on Newsradio 970 WFLA-AM - one of the most listened to radio stations in the area, according to Arbitron ratings. You can also follow Yesner & Boss on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or the blog on their very informative website at www.YesnerBoss.com.
Working closely with real estate firms is an additional strength as they spend considerable time handling residential and commercial closings, doing title work, and educating real estate professionals on everything from potential scams to limiting liability.
Yesner, a percussionist since childhood, still loves to play music in his free time. He and wife, Melanie, look forward to welcoming their first child this fall. Boss, always the competitor, attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida, on a NCAA Division I tennis scholarship. He enjoys spending time in St. Petersburg with his wife, Christine, and their faithful golden retriever.
It is easy to see why Yesner & Boss, P.L was a finalist for the Business of the Year awards from the St. Petersburg and Clearwater chambers of commerce in 2010, for the numerous ways they strive to make a difference in both the lives of their clients and staff. The firm hosts regular team building events everything from training on both legal matters and systems to happy hours and after-hour get-togethers. Community support is also an important part of the mix of this well-rounded firm that takes pride in giving back. Boss is heavily involved in Martinis for Moffitt supporting cancer research. Yesner is active in a high-school magnet program that pairs high school students with volunteer law firms, to begin the training of the next generation of attorneys.