
Ernest Zachary Rans, General Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on General, Probate, and Real Estate
PartneratShutts & Bowen LLP
Tampa, FL
Practicing general in Tampa since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ernest Zachary Rans?
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Quick answer
Ernest Zachary Rans is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Probate, and Real Estate. Ernest has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- General · Probate · Real Estate
- Handles General, Probate, and Real Estate matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Ernest Zachary Rans: Ernest Zachary Rans is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Probate, and Real Estate. Ernest has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Ernest Zachary Rans
Ernest concentrates on general, probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ernest handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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General cases in Tampa, Florida
Ernest takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Tampa, Florida
Ernest takes probate matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Tampa, Florida
Ernest takes real estate matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Tampa, Florida
Ernest takes trusts matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Ernest Zachary Rans — Over 29 years of Florida general experience
Ernest Zachary Rans is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Probate, and Real Estate. Ernest has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.
Ernest Zachary Rans is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, construction, real estate and 1 other area of law. Ernest received a B.A. degree from Purdue University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Ernest practices at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Tampa, FL.
Working with Ernest on a general matter
Ernest Zachary Rans is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, construction, real estate and 1 other area of law. Ernest received a B.A. degree from Purdue University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Ernest practices at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Tampa, FL.
Clients Ernest works with
Ernest reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, probate, and real estate matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Ernest Zachary Rans's legal education and bar admissions
Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington
J.D. · 1996
Purdue University
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Ernest's state bar admissions
Florida U.S. Court o
2000 · ACTIVE
Indiana
1997 · ACTIVE
Ernest studied at J.D. in Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington and B.A. in Purdue University.
Law school and academic background
Ernest completed J.D. in Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington and B.A. in Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ernest runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Ernest's professional memberships and bar associations
The Florida Bar Sarasota County, Lee County, Collier County, Indiana State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Ernest Zachary Rans's office in Tampa
Ernest's primary office is at 4301 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 300, Tampa, FL, 33607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ernest Zachary Rans
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Ernest Zachary Rans — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ernest usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ernest charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ernest will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ernest
Ernest discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ernest confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ernest's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ernest Zachary Rans
How much does it cost to hire Ernest for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ernest walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ernest offer a free consultation?
Ernest charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Ernest's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Florida typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ernest gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ernest take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Ernest is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ernest will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ernest?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ernest will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ernest accepting new general clients right now?
Ernest's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Ernest handles general matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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