Nicholas J. Grimaudo

Experience 

Nicholas J. Grimaudo is a partner at Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, who focuses his practice on trusts and estates, tax planning, business transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents individuals, families, and business owners in structuring estate plans, preserving wealth, and navigating complex transactions.

Nicholas approaches his practice with a focus on relationships. Estate planning and business succession matters often require a deep understanding of a client’s personal and financial circumstances. He takes the time to understand those dynamics and works closely with clients to develop plans that reflect their goals while addressing tax and legal considerations. Clients appreciate his approachable style and the level of trust that develops through that process.

His practice frequently involves working with business owners and professionals, including physicians, attorneys, accountants, dentists, and other closely held businesses. He assists clients both before and after significant transactions, including preparing for the sale of a business or clinic and implementing post-transaction planning strategies.

Nicholas has been involved in a wide range of transactions, including the sale of assets of a Florida healthcare facility that required careful analysis of fiduciary duties in a nonprofit context and coordination with related parties. He has also assisted in taking a company public and has been involved in more than seventy-five merger and acquisition transactions, including several with values in the hundreds of millions.

His interest in estate planning developed during law school at the University of Florida, where he studied under Professor Lee-ford Tritt and became drawn to the client focused nature of the practice. He went on to earn his LL M in Taxation and has built his practice around areas where tax, business planning, and estate planning intersect.

Nicholas is part of a collaborative team within the firm’s tax and estate planning group, where attorneys work closely together to address complex issues and deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.

Representative Matters

• Complex Healthcare Transaction Involving Nonprofit Governance. Advised on the sale of assets of a Florida healthcare facility owned by a nonprofit organization to a for profit entity, requiring analysis of fiduciary duties and conflicts involving affiliated parties.

• Public Company Transaction Support. Assisted in transactions related to taking a company public, working as part of a broader team to structure and execute the deal.

• High Value Mergers and Acquisitions. Participated in more than seventy-five business transactions, including several with values in the hundreds of millions, involving both asset and equity sales.

• Business Succession and Estate Planning. Advises business owners on succession strategies that align estate planning goals with long term business continuity.

Awards & Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch”, 2021 – 2026
• Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2023

Community & Professional Organizations

• Admitted to The Florida Bar in 2009
• Clearwater Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
  • President, 2014 – 2015
  • President Elect, 2013 – 2014
  • Board of Directors Member, 2012 – 2013
• Clearwater Bar Association
  • Board of Directors Member, 2013 – 2014
• Clearwater Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Member
• Pinellas County Estate Planning Council
  • Member
• Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Former General Council

Education 

• University of Florida, B.A., Anthropology and Criminology, cum laude, 2005
• University of Florida Warrington College of Business, M.S., Management, 2006
• University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2009
• University of Florida, Levin College of Law, LL.M., in Taxation, cum laude, 2010

When He’s Not Working Hard for Clients 

Outside of his practice, Nicholas enjoys spending time with his family and staying active. He regularly works out, enjoys water activities, and spends time deep-sea fishing. He also has a strong interest in animal rescue and cares for three rescued dogs and three rescued cats.