ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Bringing a practical, business-minded approach to complex transactions, Andrew "Drew" F. Ford has joined Shumaker's Real Estate, Construction & Development Service Line as a partner. He represents owners, operators, developers, and investment firms in all facets of commercial real estate, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, and financing.
As Shumaker continues to invest in the St. Petersburg market, Drew's arrival marks another strategic step in supporting the city's dynamic growth and positioning the firm to meet the expanding needs of the region's business community.
Drew is known for guiding clients through intricate deals with strategic insight and efficiency. His addition further strengthens Shumaker's depth in handling sophisticated real estate matters across diverse asset classes and market sectors.
"Drew's legal and business acumen, especially in high-stakes transactions, makes him a tremendous asset to our clients and our team," said Mindi Richter, Managing Partner of Shumaker's St. Petersburg Office.
Beyond his transactional work, Drew serves as outside general counsel to closely held entities. He advises clients on entity formation, prepares organizational and governance documents, and negotiates shareholder agreements—offering a comprehensive legal perspective to help businesses grow and operate with confidence.
Drew began his legal career in the real estate group of an international law firm based in Atlanta, where he represented a major multinational telecommunications company in real estate negotiations. That experience helped lay the foundation for his current practice, which blends legal precision with a deep understanding of business needs.
"I'm thrilled to join Shumaker and contribute to a firm that prioritizes client success and cross-disciplinary collaboration," said Drew. "I look forward to building on that legacy and helping clients close deals that move their businesses forward."