Today, as the co-founder of Heritage Consulting by B+R LLC, a minority women-owned business advisory firm, Reid continues to drive impact by helping hotel and healthcare business owners optimize operations by driving organizational change through talent and culture transformation. 

Beyond her professional success, Reid is deeply committed to uplifting the next generation. She serves as a Director on the Board of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, where she mentors and advocates for programs that inspire young girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Previously, she played a key role in launching Girls Inc. of Chicago and has long supported initiatives focused on education, leadership, and community empowerment.

Join us in celebrating Angella’s inspiring story. 

The post Black History Month Client Highlight: Angella Reid appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

During the hearing, attorneys for the Clevelander hotel accused the city of delaying compliance with the ruling. Ed countered that Miami Beach is taking steps to comply while also pursuing an appeal. “The city has received proposals from contractors for the repainting and other work that would be required to comply,” he explained, pushing back against assertions that Miami Beach is avoiding the court’s order. 

Ed is Board Certified in Appellate Practice by the Florida Bar and is chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. He has litigated dozens of appeals before the Florida Supreme Court, Florida’s district courts of appeal, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals in a wide variety of matters, including medical malpractice, premises liability, probate, First Amendment and constitutional litigation, family law, state and federal administrative rule-making and regulation, home rule authority and preemption, election law, civil rights, land use and zoning, intellectual property, and labor and employment issues.

Read the full article here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article299774564.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Beyond finance, Rodriguez has made a significant impact in media as the co-owner of Island TV, a Miami-based television network under the Fatima Group umbrella. With over 25 years of broadcasting experience, Island TV reaches millions through streaming, over-the-air broadcasts, and is available in 15 island markets via cable networks. With its multilingual programming, Island TV serves as a vital bridge for the Haitian and Caribbean communities, providing essential news, cultural insights, and civic education. The network fosters engagement by delivering accessible and relevant content that empowers viewers, amplifies Caribbean voices, and promotes informed discussions on political, social, and economic issues that shape their lives.

Her work in media has earned her an EMMY award for Caribbean Cookout, a culinary series showcasing the richness of Caribbean cuisine and culture. In addition to her professional success, Rodriguez is deeply committed to philanthropy. She serves on multiple boards and leads initiatives that support education, economic empowerment, and healthcare access using her platform to drive meaningful change.

It’s an honor to recognize Tamara for her outstanding leadership and contributions, which reflect the spirit of excellence and resilience at the heart of Black History Month. We are privileged to work with clients like Tamara and proud of the diverse and dynamic network of professionals we support.

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Section 3 of the EO, titled “Terminating Illegal Discrimination in the Federal Government,” specifically addresses the federal contracting process and revokes several previous executive orders and memoranda, including Executive Order 11246 (“EO 11246”). Originally established in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, EO 11246 prohibited employment discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. EO 11246 also required covered contractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment. President Trump’s EO now bars federal contractors from considering race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin in their employment, procurement or contracting practices “in ways that violate the Nation’s civil rights laws.” The EO ultimately eliminates affirmative action plan obligations for federal contractors.

Section 4 of the EO, titled “Encouraging the Private Sector to End Illegal DEI Discrimination and Preferences” directs federal agencies, in coordination with the attorney general, to take necessary actions to implement the EO’s principles. Within 120 days, the attorney general, in consultation with agency heads, is required to submit a report with recommendations for enforcing federal civil rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI. This report must outline key areas of concern within each agency’s jurisdiction, identify the most egregious DEI practices, propose specific measures to deter illegal discrimination, suggest strategies for private sector engagement, and indicate potential litigation and regulatory actions.

It is crucial to note that President Trump’s EO does not alter existing anti-discrimination laws (like Title VII or the Florida Civil Rights Act) or their judicial interpretations. However, we strongly encourage employers, particularly federal contractors, to evaluate their current DEI initiatives and/or programs to ensure potential compliance with the EO.

We will continue to monitor developments regarding this executive order. If you have any questions or concerns about it or other employment-related executive orders, please feel free to reach out to us.

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On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, temporarily halting the enforcement of the CTA and its beneficial ownership reporting obligations. The court also suspended all related compliance deadlines.

Then, on December 23, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the injunction, ordering that reporting companies must once again submit their beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Companies were given a new, extended deadline of January 13, 2025, to file their reports.

This development was short-lived. On December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit vacated its order to stay the injunction, meaning companies were no longer required to submit beneficial ownership reports while the Court continued to consider the merits of the case.

In a further reversal, on January 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened, issuing a stay on the injunction (24A653 McHenry v. Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. (01/23/2025).

However, on January 7, 2025, a separate nationwide injunction was issued in the case of Smith v. United States Department of the Treasury, also pending in the Eastern District of Texas, further blocking the enforcement of the CTA’s beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements. This means that, despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, the BOI reporting obligations remain unenforceable for now. FinCEN has clarified on its website that “[r]eporting companies […] are not subject to liability if they fail to file [beneficial ownership] information while the Smith order remains in force.”

We continue to monitor the ongoing litigation closely. For the time being, the filing of BOI reports remains voluntary.

The post Client Alert: Corporate Transparency Act Update – BOI Filing Remains Voluntary appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

CABA is a non-profit voluntary bar association founded in 1974 by lawyers of Cuban descent. CABA’s members include judges, lawyers, and law students of all backgrounds interested in issues affecting the Cuban community and broader legal and human rights issues impacting minority communities. 

As a partner in WSHC+B’s Government Division and Municipal Land Use Practice Group, Haydee represents municipalities on a broad range of issues such as contracts, elections, ethics, public records, procurement, and sunshine law compliance. In that capacity, Haydee drafts and reviews proposed legislation, resolutions, and agreements on a variety of matters, always with an understanding of the broader implications of her clients’ interests. Haydee also provides counsel to elected officials on legal matters, including compliance with state and local ethics laws. She has served on CABA’s Board of Directors since 2018 and as co-vice president. 

As the daughter and granddaughter of Cuban political exiles, Candice has a unique appreciation for the critical nexus between democratic institutions and community engagement. Candice counsels municipalities on a broad array of matters impacting local governments, including counseling on contracts, compliance with public records, sunshine, and ethics laws. She regularly drafts government contracts and resolutions, tracks legislation, and assists with the preparation and implementation of various municipal regulations. She has been a member of CABA since 2013 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2019. 

Learn more here: https://cabaonline.com/caba/overview/board-of-directors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The post Haydee Sera and Candice Balmori Named Vice President and Secretary of the Cuban American Bar Association appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

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The post WSHC+B included in South Florida Law Firms List published by the South Florida Business Journal appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

In Miami, attorneys Emma Rodgers and Katharine Rodriguez-Wilson joined WSHC+B’s Real Estate practice, and Pooja Patel joined the firm’s Labor and Employment practice. Rodgers and Rodriguez-Wilson are graduates of the University of Miami School of Law. Patel earned her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law.

Rodgers, a former clerk at WSHC+B, is versed in business and commercial real estate transactions, drafting land use documents for local municipalities, and negotiating entertainment service contracts. Rodriguez-Wilson’s practice focuses on real estate transactions and public financing for multifamily developments. Patel works with public and private sector employers to analyze their compliance with labor and employment laws and to help mitigate potential future legal problems.

In Fort Lauderdale, attorney Michael Weitzner brings experience in business transactions and litigation. Before joining WSHC+B, Weitzner worked for a community association law firm specializing in transactional and litigation services. While there, the University of Miami School of Law graduate litigated various cases for plaintiffs and defendants, including property damage, premises liability, breach of contract, and enforcement actions.

WSHC+B also welcomed the arrival of Human Resources Consultant Sharon Kelley at its Boca Raton office.

Kelley has vast public and private sector experience in labor relations and human resources. She has worked with local governments, federal agencies, and educational institutions in the public sector. On the private side, Kelley has worked in various industries, such as transportation, manufacturing, insurance defense, and corrections/detention industries. Throughout her career, Kelley has proven herself a skilled negotiator, successfully handling collective bargaining agreements, arbitrations, and settlements.

“We are fortunate to close out the year with the arrival of these talented attorneys and professionals,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “Emma, Katharine, Pooja and Michael bolster multiple practice areas of our firm, and we are eager to leverage Sharon’s wisdom, experience and abilities in this newly created role.”

The post WSHC+B Makes Several Key Additions Across South Florida appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Pou is a member of WSHC+B’s Government practice and represents municipalities on a broad range of matters, including drafting contracts and legislation. He was instrumental in the creation of the firm’s Disaster Recovery practice, in which WSHC+B provides legal guidance to ensure that governments and eligible nonprofit entities have FEMA-compliant disaster response contracts before being stricken by a severe weather event or natural disaster.

A graduate of the Florida International University College of Law, Pou is very involved with the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) and completed its Leadership, Education, and Development (L.E.A.D.) program in 2024.

Saiz is part of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice, representing management of municipal government agencies. Her previous experience includes a decade of serving as staff counsel at Florida’s largest police union, counseling employees in all aspects of arbitration hearings, disciplinary appeals, collective bargaining grievances and administrative investigations. Saiz also has experience in dependency law.

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Saiz was inducted into the Society of Bar and Gavel and founded the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund organization.

Wood, specializing in land use, zoning, and general government matters, represents developers and governmental entities, guiding them through complex legal landscapes to achieve their goals. She has extensive experience advising municipal clients on public records compliance, sunshine law, ethics, comprehensive planning, procurement, utilities, administrative, and constitutional law. Additionally, she works closely with private property owners and developers to navigate the intricacies of the development review process, including securing approvals for affordable housing developments.

A frequent speaker on land use and affordable housing, Wood is passionate about addressing housing challenges and helping her clients bring transformative projects to life. She is widely recognized for her strategic insights and unwavering commitment to supporting developers and entrepreneurs as they shape thriving communities. In addition to her legal practice, Wood is a strong advocate for wellness in the professional space, emphasizing the importance of fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, and inspiring those around her to prioritize holistic well-being.

A graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, Wood’s professional and community involvement includes her current role as the 2026 President-Elect of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County.

“These three attorneys stand out as talented practitioners and emerging leaders in the legal industry and community,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “We congratulate Roger, Caroline and Chanae on their well-deserved promotions to Partner and will enthusiastically support them in this new role.”

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The Miami Beach Bar Association is a voluntary bar organization of attorney and non-attorney associate members living and working in Miami Beach, Florida. The organization believes in giving back to the community through acts of service.

Blayne represents private and public sector clients in litigation across various practice areas, including complex commercial litigation and governmental actions and defense.

Learn more here: https://mbba.wildapricot.org/event-5916151?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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