Bernice S. Saxon

Bernice S. Saxon, managing partner and co-founder of Saxon | Gilmore, practiced law for more than 35 years, specializing in corporate and business transactions, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, real estate law, public affordable and workforce housing, mixed-finance real estate transactions, tax credits, and estate planning/trusts and estates. Her legacy and work continues today at DarrowEverett LLP through the exceptional colleagues she leaves behind following her passing on January 28, 2026.

Ms. Saxon received both her law degree and her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of Toledo in Ohio, where she later taught at the College of Law. She was a member of the University of Toledo Law Review. While in Toledo, Ms. Saxon served as a member of the Toledo City Council. After admission to the Ohio Bar in 1973, Ms. Saxon practiced in Toledo until her move to Florida in 1982, where she entered private practice in the Tampa area. Ms. Saxon was admitted to practice in Florida and Ohio.

Ms. Saxon had extensive experience in the formation of entities, including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and general and limited partnerships, as well as in real estate development, including affordable housing and planned development projects requiring negotiation and drafting of complex financial and restructuring documents for the acquisition and disposition of real property and examination and issuance of title insurance. She worked with developers of large scale real estate projects and represented housing authorities which formed partnerships with private developers in order to construct and redevelop affordable housing for low and moderate income households. The financing related to these projects is highly technical since it often involves a combination of tax credits, tax exempt bonds, State of Florida loan program funds, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants.

Ms. Saxon also assisted clients with their estate planning needs as well as with probate administration.