A Foundation of Precision
Lan White’s career is built on a foundation of tactical precision. Long before navigating complex legal landscapes, he developed his disciplined approach to problem-solving during his early service as a Captain in the U.S. Army. During his army service he commanded an Engineer platoon , an intelligence collection detachment in Viet Name, and an infantry rifle company stateside. Since joining the Florida Bar in 1981, Lan has applied that same structured focus to a legal legacy that bridges the technical complexities of the courtroom with the high-stakes strategy of the corporate boardroom.
A lifelong adventurer, Lan once crossed rugged terrains and open roads on two wheels, tackling the Alaska Highway, Blue Ridge Parkway, Andes and the American Southwest as an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Today, he and his wife explore the globe with a different kind of precision, trading the motorcycle seat for international air travel and world-class cruising vessels.
The Insider’s Blueprint
Lan does not just study construction and real estate law; he lived it. Having served as a principal, Vice President, and General Counsel for four distinct real estate development companies, a mechanical subcontractor, and a general contractor, he brings a rare “insider’s” viewpoint to the firm. He knows firsthand the operational friction, financial risks, and regulatory hurdles that builders face every day.
This deep commercial background is backed by elite credentials. Lan has been a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law since 2008—a distinction held by a highly selective group of vetted legal experts. His peer-recognized leadership also earned him a position as a Fellow and Barrister in the elite Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA).
Maintaining the Ground Rules
Beyond the job site, Lan is a highly sought-after neutral voice in dispute resolution. He commanded respect on the bench as a Special Magistrate for the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, conducting quasi-judicial hearings to keep the industry compliant and fair.
When corporate disputes peak, Lan steps in as a seasoned arbitrator for both the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), systematically untangling intricate construction, commercial, financial, and securities issues.
Forging the Next Generation
Lan brought his signature operational focus back to academia early in his career. After earning his Juris Doctor with honors from Stetson University College of Law in 1981, Lan eventually returned to his alma mater as an Adjunct Professor of Law to masterfully teach the next generation of attorneys the finer details of secured transactions.