History of the Firm

Alan C. Sheppard, Al G. Condon, Jr, and Patrick G. Emmanuel

Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, one of the oldest and largest law firms in northwest Florida, has been engaged in legal practice for over 90 years. In 1913, Leroy V. Holsberry began a one-man law firm in West Virginia. Four years later, Leroy moved his practice to the small town of Pensacola, a town he would call home for the duration of his life. Leroy's son, J. Edwin Holsberry, shared his father's passion for law, and in 1929 the one-man firm became a father-son business. Holsberry and Holsberry began to thrive and grow along with the constantly changing backdrop of Pensacola. Edwin became and remained active in his community, serving in the Florida Legislature and as the area's State Attorney responsible for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. At that time there was not a State Attorney's Office, so Edwin fulfilled his obligations behind the walls of his own firm.

In 1946, the firm added a World War II veteran and graduate of University of Florida College of Law, Patrick G. Emmanuel. One year later, the firm became Holsberry, Holsberry, and Emmanuel. For more than 50 years, Patrick has been one of the most active members in The Florida Bar, serving in many capacities including presidency from 1985-1986. Patrick is the only lawyer from northwest Florida to be elected to the highest ranking office of The Florida Bar. He also served on The Florida Bar's Board of Governors for over a decade. Early in his career, he began representing Sacred Heart Hospital which has remained a loyal client for more than 40 years.

Alan C. Sheppard joined the firm in 1952. Alan's study of law did not travel the traditional path. His studies began while employed with a local law firm. However, his employment at that firm was interrupted during WWII by a tour of duty with the United States Army Air Corps. Being overseas did not discourage his love of law and Alan utilized every spare moment to continue his legal studies. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he made his way back to Pensacola, passed The Florida Bar exam and by the late 1950's the law firm became Holsberry, Emmanuel, and Sheppard.

In the early sixties, after practicing for several years in Tampa, Alphonse G. Condon, Jr. a Pensacola native, returned to his hometown and began a general litigation practice with Holsberry, Emmanuel, and Sheppard in 1965. As an aggressive, professional young attorney, Condon became a household name as the firm changed its name to Holsberry, Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon in the 1970's.

By 1979, Holsberry, Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon had evolved into what the southeastern United States knows as Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon. The firm has continued practicing with the same morals, integrity and professionalism upon which it was built over 90 years ago.

Each new member to the Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon team has been chosen carefully. The firm now includes attorneys who have served as leaders of bar organizations and have distinguished themselves in community and charitable activities. Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon will continue to grow and change in order to provide the best counsel available to its clients.