Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt adds two attorneys to firm

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt announced attorney Anthony “Tony” Rao, III has joined the firm’s Divorce, Marital & Family Law Department in Naples and Philip Maiorca has joined the firm’s Bonita Springs office.

Rao brings experience in high-stakes family law litigation and a reputation for strategic, results-driven advocacy. He focuses his practice on divorce and custody matters, including cases involving business interests, financial concerns, and parenting plans. He also assists clients with premarital and postnuptial agreements, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities under Florida law.

“We’re pleased to welcome Tony to our family law team,” said Christina O’Brien, Chair of Henderson Franklin’s Divorce, Marital & Family Law Department. “He brings a client-centered focus to navigating complex and often emotional matters. We’re excited to have him on board.”

Before joining Henderson Franklin, Rao worked at a boutique family law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he was involved in a range of family law matters, including high-conflict disputes and financial evaluations. His experience includes collaborating with professionals such as accountants and mental health experts to support clients navigating complex personal and legal decisions.

“I’m honored to join Henderson Franklin’s respected family law team,” said Rao. “This work is deeply personal for clients, and I take pride in bringing strength, clarity, and practical solutions to the table, whether in court or through negotiation.”

Rao earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from New York University and received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Florida and Georgia, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the Georgia Court of Appeals.

An active contributor to the legal community, Rao served as a contributor of the Library of Georgia Family Law Forms, 5th Edition, and regularly guest lectured on family law trial advocacy at Emory Law.

With more than three decades of experience, Maiorca focuses his legal practice on real estate transactions, probate administration, and estate planning throughout Southwest Florida.

“Philip is a tremendous addition to our Bonita Springs team,” said Attorney John Spear. “I have known and worked with Philip on real estate transactions, and he manages to balance the expectations of his clients while recognizing that the goal is to get a sale or purchase closed, not ‘win.’ He brings a calm, practical perspective that clients trust. His decades of experience and collaborative approach will strengthen our real estate and estate planning services in Southwest Florida.”

As a Bonita Springs real estate attorney, Maiorca assists residential buyers and sellers, investors, brokers, and families with a broad range of property-related legal issues. He provides guidance on title issues, easements, zoning concerns, contract negotiation, and closings. Maiorca also advises on probate and trust administration, helping clients efficiently transfer property and navigate complex legal processes with clarity.

Maiorca shared, “I’ve always believed in doing the hard work up front to avoid surprises at closing or during probate. Clients deserve clarity, timely communication, and solutions that truly reflect their needs. I’m excited to continue that approach with a firm so deeply rooted in the Southwest Florida community.”

Before joining Henderson Franklin, Maiorca founded and led his own law firm and title agency, overseeing hundreds of closings annually. His career includes more than 15 years as general counsel to a Southwest Florida title company and experience managing national real estate assets for AT&T. He also began his legal career serving the community as a housing attorney with Florida Rural Legal Services.

Maiorca is admitted to practice in Florida, California, Georgia, and Ohio. He is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, the Lee and Collier County Bar Associations, and serves on the Advisory Council of the Bonita Estero Board of Realtors. Maiorca has also contributed to the Board’s Grievance Committee and Strategic Planning Taskforce.

Maiorca earned his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University.