A Milestone Worth Celebrating
For 50 years, Clark Partington has been the firm Northwest Florida trusts. Watch to see where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Celebrating 50 Years of
Trusted Counsel
Honoring a legacy built on service, leadership, and quiet confidence.
For fifty years, Clark Partington has served as a trusted partner to individuals, businesses, and institutions across Northwest Florida. Our story is rooted in strong values, deep community commitment, and a shared belief that excellent legal work creates stronger futures. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the people, cases, and moments that shaped us, and we look ahead with the same steady focus that defined our beginning.
Rooted in Trust. Ready for Tomorrow.
our founders
The Founders Who Set the Standard
William H. Clark
Donald H. Partington
Robert D. Hart, Jr.
W. Christopher Hart
Other foundational attorneys who played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s culture and defining its client service philosophy included Dennis K. Larry, William E. Bond Jr., and Harry B. Stackhouse.
our journey
A Journey of Leadership, Growth, and Impact
These milestones represent key moments that helped shape Clark Partington into the regional firm it is today.
The merger of Clark and Partington with Hart and Hart formed a new organization described by one observer as creating “overnight, the best law firm in Pensacola.” The firm opened at 21 South Tarragona Street before relocating to 715 South Palafox Street later that year.
The founders immediately began building focused practice areas. Bill Clark and Don Partington expanded litigation, Bob Hart advanced corporate and tax law, and Chris Hart led real estate. Matters were referred to the attorney most capable of handling the issue, establishing a collaborative culture from the beginning.
Clark Partington became the first firm in the community to implement computerized billing and adopt early computer and fax technologies, marking the start of a long-standing commitment to innovation.
After outgrowing its Palafox office, the firm moved to One Pensacola Plaza and adopted the name Clark, Partington, Hart, Larry, Bond & Stackhouse to reflect additional partners.
The firm participated in forming the Florida Law Network to improve client service statewide through collaboration and referrals.
Recognizing regional growth, the firm opened a full-time Destin office. Founding partner Chris Hart relocated to lead the expansion.
Under the leadership of Keith Bell, the firm opened a Tallahassee office, expanding its regional presence.
The firm opened a Santa Rosa Beach office.
The firm relocated to 125 East Intendencia Street in 2018. Throughout the fifth decade, Clark Partington navigated major events such as hurricanes, remote work transitions, and emerging technology shifts including AI in legal practice.
The Values That Defined the Early Years
The Spirit of Collaboration
A Focus on Innovation
Character & Craftsmanship
Community leadership
A Legacy of Community Leadership
Expanding Access to Justice
Civic and Cultural Leadership
Firm members have served on local, regional, and state boards, including leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, the State Elections Commission, the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board, the Pensacola Symphony, the Pensacola Opera, and the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival.
Support for Arts and Education
The founders and early partners played meaningful roles in strengthening local arts, cultural programming, and educational institutions. Their contributions helped shape cornerstone organizations across Pensacola.
Commitment to Philanthropy
The firm has always emphasized the importance of giving back. Attorneys and staff dedicate significant time, talent, and resources to causes that uplift the community.
Caring for Our Internal Community
During challenging events such as Hurricane Ivan, the firm ensured that every staff member was supported, cared for, and financially secure. This commitment to people remains central to the firm’s culture.
Leaders Who Carry The Legacy Forward
At Clark Partington, our attorneys are more than legal experts. They’re trusted advisors, community leaders, and active voices in shaping the legal profession through leadership roles within organizations like The Florida Bar and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Each brings a distinct area of focus and a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity.
The Florida Bar:
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee, Appellate Practice Section
Secretary, Appellate Court Rules Committee
Co-Chair, Practicing Before the Supreme Court of Florida CLE, a joint APS-Government Lawyers Section seminar
The Florida Bar:
Executive Council, Real Property Probate and Trust Law (RPPTL) Section
Past Chair, Estate and Trust Tax Planning Committee, RPPTL Section
Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar,
YLD Board
Looking Forward
to the Next 50 Years
The future of Clark Partington is shaped by the same principles that guided its founders: integrity, collaboration, and service.
The firm will continue to invest in its people, expand its capabilities, embrace emerging technologies, and strengthen the communities it serves. With a growing team and a forward focused vision, the next fifty years will be guided by the same dedication that defines the firm today.