As Chair of the firm’s Litigation Division, Matt Mandel is a strategic thinker whose municipal and private clients entrust him with their most important matters.
In municipal litigation, Matt has successfully represented Florida cities in discrimination claims under the Fair Housing Amendments Act and Americans with Disabilities Act; federal and state civil rights claims for false arrest, excessive force and malicious prosecution; actions relating to the deprivation of procedural and substantive due process rights; claims under the Florida Whistleblower Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act; First Amendment challenges to municipal sign codes and adult use regulations; construction disputes relating to municipal structures; municipal annexation disputes; the prosecution and defense of municipal finance issues; and the defense of personal injury claims.
In the private sector, Matt’s successes include representing a worldwide computer software company in matters relating to contractual disputes, and representing land owners in a constitutional challenge to an illegal county funding mechanism. He has also represented financial institutions in large commercial foreclosure matters, businesses and individuals in commercial and contractual disagreements, and purchasers in the cancellation of condominium contracts.
Matt also has extensive appellate experience in state and federal courts and has numerous published decisions to his credit relating to municipal zoning, police liability, First Amendment and Whistleblower claims.
Matt lectures frequently on issues including First Amendment challenges to municipal sign codes and land use challenges under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Professional & Community Involvement
- Broward County League of Cities – Leadership Development Committee, Chair, 2010-2016; Committee Member, 2008-2016
- Federal Bar Association – Broward Chapter, President, 2013-2014; President-elect 2012-2013; Vice President, 2011-2012; Secretary, 2009-2011; Board Member, 2008-present
Awards & Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2022 – present
- Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyer,” 2020
- Florida Super Lawyers, 2015-2021
- Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2009-2013
- Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2017
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Daily Business Review, Finalist – Most Effective Lawyers, 2014
- South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyer, 2012-2016
- South Florida Legal Guide, Top Up and Comer, 2008-2010