Swope Rodante and Newsome Law merge into new litigation firm

Swope, Rodante P.A. said it merged its practice with Newsome Law effective Aug. 17, 2026, and renamed the firm Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg. The move expands the Tampa-based firm’s trial, product liability and appellate capabilities for high-stakes injury cases.

Why it matters: - The combined firm is designed to handle high-stakes injury and product liability cases as a single coordinated team. - The merger pairs trial experience, product liability depth and appellate capability under one name. - The firm says the expanded platform should help it address legal, factual and strategic issues that develop across a case from investigation through collection.

What happened: - Swope, Rodante P.A. announced that, effective Aug. 17, 2026, it will operate as Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg. - The new firm reflects the combination of Swope, Rodante P.A. and Newsome Law. - The name change also elevates Brent Steinberg to named partner. - The firm is based in Tampa, Florida.

The details: - Swope, Rodante P.A. has focused on significant injury cases, including the legal and insurance issues that can shape case outcomes. - Newsome Law has built a national reputation in product liability litigation. - Both practices had longstanding relationships with attorneys who seek outside experience, resources or support on important cases. - Dale Swope said bringing the practices together allows the firm to offer clients a more complete litigation team. - Newsome brings more than three decades of experience representing individuals and families in product liability and catastrophic injury litigation. - As a named partner, Rich Newsome will continue to try and litigate product liability cases and work with referring attorneys nationwide. - Newsome’s practice adds to the firm’s existing trial and insurance experience. - Steinberg’s elevation recognizes his role in building the firm’s appellate team and integrating appellate analysis into high-stakes litigation. - Brent Steinberg is a Florida Bar Board Certified Appellate Lawyer. - Steinberg has appellate experience that includes matters before the Florida Supreme Court.

Between the lines: - The merger appears aimed at competing for complex matters where trial, appellate and subject-matter expertise all matter at once. - The firm is signaling that its value proposition is not just size, but a broader mix of capabilities for co-counsel and clients. - Angela Rodante said the firm’s values and approach have not changed, but the depth of experience and perspective now available to each case has expanded. - Rich Newsome said the combination should bring more experience and resources while preserving a collaborative model. - Steinberg said complex cases do not develop in separate stages or practice areas, underscoring the firm’s integrated approach.

What's next: - Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg will continue handling cases from initial investigation through trial, appeal and collection. - The firm says it will lead some cases and work alongside co-counsel on others. - Newsome will remain active in product liability litigation under the new firm structure. - Steinberg’s appellate work will remain part of the firm’s litigation strategy.

The bottom line: - The merger creates a Tampa litigation firm built to combine trial, product liability and appellate strengths for high-stakes cases.