Gregory C. Yadley

Partner, Shumaker, Tampa

Shumaker was founded in 1925, and Yadley joined the firm 30 years ago. The firm provides legal counsel to individuals, small businesses, health care providers, nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies, and international corporations. As past Chair of The Florida Bar Business Law Section and longtime chair of its Long-Range Planning Committee, Yadley has led an effort to enhance professionalism by promoting active involvement in continuing legal education, pro bono efforts, access to justice and civility in the practice of law.

EDUCATION: Dartmouth College (BA), George Washington University Law School (JD)

MENTOR: Justin Klein was my branch chief at the Securities and Exchange Commission. He taught me how to be an effective lawyer, to build a file, to best present myself at a meeting, even what suit to wear. He said that my reputation would be my most valuable attribute, that integrity was non-negotiable.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: My father, who came to Tampa as a soldier during World War II. He became a successful businessman, was president of his Rotary Club and his synagogue, and was on the development board of St. Joseph’s Hospital. He never criticized others, was unfailingly polite, and generous.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Define what success means. It’s not a home run or a minimum requirement; it’s an aggressive, but realistic, goal. Next, stay focused and don’t get discouraged. Savor the achievement and move on. There is another opportunity for success tomorrow.