News & Insights
Berger Singerman Announces Gavin C. Gaukroger as Hiring Partner as Part of Long-Planned Leadership Transition
Gaukroger succeeds Paul Steven Singerman; Nicolette Corso Vilmos named Deputy Hiring Partner
September 1, 2026
Berger Singerman, Florida’s business law firm, announced today that Gavin C. Gaukroger has been named the Firm’s Hiring Partner, succeeding Paul Steven Singerman, who is stepping down from the role leading the Firm’s recruiting efforts.
The transition marks the latest step in a deliberate, long-term succession strategy established by Berger Singerman’s founders to develop the Firm’s next generation of leaders while preserving the culture and values that have shaped the Firm since its founding over 40 years ago.
For the past four years, Gaukroger, resident in the Firm’s Fort Lauderdale office, has worked closely with Singerman on the Firm’s recruiting initiatives, gaining firsthand experience with Berger Singerman’s approach to identifying, attracting and developing and retaining attorneys who align with the Firm’s culture and commitment to passionate client service. The extended transition was designed to provide continuity while allowing Gaukroger to gradually assume greater responsibility for the Firm’s recruiting efforts.
Nicolette Corso Vilmos will serve as Deputy Hiring Partner, working alongside Gaukroger as part of the Firm’s continued succession planning and recruiting efforts. Vilmos, resident in the Firm’s Orlando office, joined Berger Singerman in 2023 and is a partner on the Firm’s Dispute Resolution and Business Reorganization Teams. Her practice focuses on complex business litigation, including bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, intellectual property, banking and lender liability, shareholder and business disputes, and related commercial matters.
“Developing the next generation of leaders has always been central to our vision for Berger Singerman,” said Singerman. “We have been intentional about succession planning for many years because we believe the Firm is strongest when leadership transitions are thoughtful, collaborative and grounded in our culture. Gavin has spent the past four years deeply engaged in our recruiting efforts, and I have tremendous confidence in his ability to carry this important work forward. I am proud of what we have built and grateful to everyone who has contributed to our recruiting successes over the years.”
Gaukroger has been with Berger Singerman since 2009, and he is a partner on the Firm’s Dispute Resolution Team. He represents clients in complex business disputes and advises entrepreneurs and companies across a range of industries. Throughout his career, Gaukroger has also been active in professional and community leadership, including serving as president of the Federal Bar Association’s Broward County Chapter and board chair of 2-1-1 Broward.
“Paul has devoted extraordinary time and energy to building a recruiting program that reflects who we are as a Firm,” said Gaukroger. “Working alongside him has deepened my appreciation for the care involved in bringing the right people to Berger Singerman. I am grateful for his mentorship and trust, and I look forward to building on his foundation, developing relationships with the next generation of attorneys and strengthening the culture that distinguishes our Firm.”
The transition is part of a broader leadership succession plan initiated 12 years ago by the Firm’s founders to position Berger Singerman for long-term success. Through that process, the Firm has intentionally created opportunities for emerging leaders to work alongside experienced Firm leaders, allowing institutional knowledge, relationships and responsibilities to transition over time.
“Succession of ownership and leadership in a midsize law firm is both challenging and meaningful. It does not happen at a single moment; it is something you prepare for over time,” Singerman said. “Seeing leaders like Gavin and Nicolette step forward to lead the Firm’s mission-critical recruiting efforts is exactly what we envisioned when we began this process.”
