Of the 47 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 14 attorneys were recognized as Ones to Watch. 

Best Lawyers has employed the same transparent methodology for more than 35 years, based entirely on peer review. 

The following includes all Firm attorneys named and areas in which they are recognized:

Miami

• Mitchell A. Bierman (Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Contracts, Government Relations Practice)
• Lillian Arango (Real Estate Law)
• Maria Victoria Currais (Real Estate Law)
• Jeffrey Decarlo (Commercial Litigation, Public Finance Law)
• Alan K. Fertel (Sports Law)
• Chad S. Friedman (Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law)
• Jessika Arce Graham (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law)
• Edward G. Guedes (Appellate Practice)
• Stephen J. Helfman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Juan P. Loumiet (Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law)
• Justin Luger (Commercial Litigation)
• Anthony L. Recio (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Paul Ryder (Employment Law – Management)
• Clifford A. Schulman (Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Joseph H. Serota (Commercial Litigation)
• Eduardo M. Soto (Real Estate Law)
• Richard Jay Weiss (Government Relations Practice)
• Laura K. Wendell (Appellate Practice)
• David M. Wolpin (Employment Law – Management, Government Relations Practice)
• Daniela Cimo (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Kelsie Elmer (Ones to Watch: Real Estate Law)
• Roger C. Pou (Ones to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Samantha W. Soto (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• Alejandro Uribe (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)

Fort Lauderdale

• Daniel L. Abbott (Litigation – Land Use and Zoning)
• Mitchell J. Burnstein (Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Jamie A. Cole (Commercial Litigation)
• Alicia Gonzalez (Real Estate Law)
• Paul Gougelman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Michael J. Kurzman (Construction Law, Litigation – Construction)
• Matthew H. Mandel (Commercial Litigation)
• Eric L. Stettin (Commercial Litigation)
• Susan L. Trevarthen (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Peter D. Waldman (Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Isabella Falcon (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Anne Reilly Flanigan (Ones to Watch: Appellate Practice, Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation)
• Narinah Jean-Baptiste (Ones to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Bryan C. Siddique (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Alison F. Smith (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management)
• Blayne Yudis (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)

Boca Raton

• Howard D. Dubosar (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• Andrew S. Maurodis (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Brett J. Schneider (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Union, Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• David N. Tolces (Real Estate Law)
• Ethan Goldstein (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Ryan Hudak (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management)
• Jeremy S. Rosner (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)

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Alison has mobilized support through WSHC+B, donating $5,000 to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The donation was presented at the well-attended annual Independence church service hosted under the patronage of Consul General Oliver Mair in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Marlon, for his part, partnered with organizations such as the American Friends of Jamaica and the Global Empowerment Mission to gather vital relief supplies, including first aid kits, tarps, and canned goods. “Whether it was only one parish or the entire island, our people need us to organize and mobilize funds and resources to help them recover, heal, and rebuild their lives and their livelihoods,” Marlon said.

Both Alison and Marlon grew up in Jamaica and maintain strong ties to the island. WSHC+B is proud to support Marlon and Alison’s efforts. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the spirit of our firm and our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and beyond.

Read more here: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/08/05/two-florida-based-sisters-open-hearts-hurricane-battered-hometown-st-elizabeth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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The Florida Bar is the organization of all lawyers licensed by the Supreme Court of Florida to practice law in the state. The 52-member Board of Governors has exclusive authority to formulate and adopt matters of policy concerning the activities of the Bar, subject to limitations imposed by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

Alison focuses her practice on labor & employment, municipal, and administrative and regulatory matters. Alison regularly represents public and private entities in connection with lawsuits brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and many other labor and employment laws. Alison previously served as President of the Broward County Bar Association and Caribbean Bar Association. 

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Miami, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) Partner Alison Smith is taking on another important role to advance Florida’s legal industry. Smith was elected to serve on The Florida Bar Board of Governors for a two-year term.

The Board of Governors has exclusive authority to formulate and adopt matters of policy concerning the activities of The Florida Bar, subject to limitations imposed by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, and selects its executive director.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Smith said. “I take the responsibility ofA serving the legal profession and the public very seriously and will approach my role on The Florida Bar Board of Governors with that in mind. I greatly appreciate the support of my WSHC+B colleagues and industry peers.”

Based in WSHC+B’s Fort Lauderdale office, Smith focuses her practice on labor and employment, municipal, appellate, administrative and regulatory matters. She regularly represents public and private entities in connection with lawsuits brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and many other labor and employment laws. Smith also acts as outside counsel to several municipalities, assisting them in navigating matters relating to the complex and rapidly evolving labor and employment law landscape.

Smith’s lengthy track record of industry involvement culminated with her 2021 appointment as President-Elect of the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA). The following year, she became the first woman of color to serve as president of the nearly century-old organization.  

Other examples of Smith’s involvement include her currently serving on the membership committee for the Board of Governors of the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University. Smith was appointed to the Southern District’s Ad Hoc Committee on Attorney Admissions, Peer Review, and Attorney Grievance in 2022 by Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga.  Smith continues to sit on that committee, which is responsible for reviewing applications of attorney admission and investigating allegations of attorney misconduct referred by the court.  She is also a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association and past chair of the Board of Directors for Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast-to-Coast Legal Aid. 

Smith graduated magna cum laude from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law and earned a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies from Nova Southeastern University.

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Of the 41 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 12 attorneys were recognized as Ones to Watch. 

Best Lawyers has employed the same transparent methodology for more than 35 years, based entirely on peer review. 

The following includes all Firm attorneys named and areas in which they are recognized:

Miami

• Mitchell A. Bierman (Administrative / Regulatory Law; Government Contracts; Government Relations Practice)
• Lewis R. Cohen (Banking and Finance Law; Real Estate Law)
• Jeffrey Decarlo (Commercial Litigation)
• Ignacio G. Del Valle (Real Estate Law)
• Alan K. Fertel (Sports Law)
• Chad S. Friedman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Edward G. Guedes (Appellate Practice) 
• Stephen J. Helfman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Juan P. Loumiet (Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law)
• Justin Luger (Commercial Litigation)
• Paul Ryder (Employment Law Management)
• Clifford A. Schulman (Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Joseph H. Serota (Commercial Litigation)
• Eduardo M. Soto (Real Estate Law)
• Richard Jay Weiss (Government Relations Practice) 
• Laura Wendell (Appellate Practice)
• David M. Wolpin (Employment Law – Management; Government Relations Practice)
• Jake Bland (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Construction)
• Daniela Cimo (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Roger C. Pou (Pnes to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Caroline G. Saiz (Ones to Watch: Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• Samantha W. Soto (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• Alejandro Uribe (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)

Fort Lauderdale

• Mitchell J. Burnstein (Commercial Litigation; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Jamie A. Cole (Commercial Litigation)
• Paul R. Gougelman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Michael J. Kurzman (Construction Law; Litigation – Construction)
• Matthew H. Mandel (Commercial Litigation)
• Eric L. Stettin (Commercial Litigation)
• Susan L. Trevarthen (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Peter D. Waldman (Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Anne R. Flanigan (Ones to Watch: Appellate Practice; Civil Right Law; Commercial Litigation)
• Narinah Jean-Baptiste (Ones to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Scott Mullin (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Alison F. Smith (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Boca Raton

• Howard D. DuBosar (Commercial Litigation)
• Andrew S. Maurodis (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Brett J. Schneider (Litigation – Labor and Employment, Employment Law – Management)
• Harrison R. DuBosar (Ones to Watch: Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation) 
• Ryan Hudak (Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Tampa, FL

• Sarah L. Johnston (Government Relations Practice)

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AMCHAM Jamaica was established in May 1986 in Kingston with the goals of promoting Jamaican exports and trade opportunities, providing a forum for businesses to advocate public policies that will enhance the business climate between the US and Jamaica, and maintaining a climate of cordiality between the public and private sectors of both countries.

Marlon represents businesses, entrepreneurs, and local and international governments in corporate, intellectual property, business immigration, and government matters. Alison focuses her practice on labor & employment, municipal, appellate, and administrative and regulatory matters.

The post WSHC+B becomes the sole U.S.-based law firm to serve as a member of AMCHAM Jamaica appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

The National Diversity Council is the first non-profit organization to bring together the private, public and non-profit sectors to discuss the many dimensions and benefits of a multicultural environment. It is currently made up of state and regional councils, the National Women’s Council and the Healthcare Diversity Council.

Alison focuses her practice on labor & employment, municipal, administrative and regulatory matters. Alison regularly represents public and private entities in connection with lawsuits brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and many other labor and employment laws.

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Alison and the Broward County Bar Association volunteers came together to help those affected by Hurricane Ian by filling truckloads of much-needed supplies and basic necessities.

In the article, Alison said, “It’s wonderful to see everybody just jumping in, chipping in and participating in this.”

Alison is the first Black woman and first Caribbean-American to be president of the BCBA. She focuses her practice on labor & employment, municipal, appellate, and administrative and regulatory matters. 

To read the original article by WSVN – Channel 7 News, click here.

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Both attorneys shared some of their fondest memories as children living in Jamaica.

“Though my maternal and paternal roots were grounded in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Lucea, Hanover and Montego Bay, my childhood memories were rooted in the streets of Kingston and St. Andrew. I was born at Andrews Hospital on Hope Road, hence my middle name. My grandmother had been a primary school teacher for many years and my early years were spent as one of her first grade students at New Providence Primary School, nestled between the contrasting communities of Standpipe and Hope Pastures in Liguanea,” Marlon recalled.

Alison regaled, “My grandmother was extremely permissive and one of my absolute favorite memories is as a child, being allowed to write on the walls of our house (outside) with crayons. We thought it was an everlasting blackboard and pretended to be in school! We never got in trouble for doing that either! My childhood under Grammie’s watchful eye and support was very fun and safe and happy.”

Read their full interviews here:

Jamaica, Land We Love: Marlon Hill

Jamaica, Land We Love: Alison F. Smith

The post WSHC+B Attorneys Alison F. Smith and Marlon A. Hill featured in “Jamaica, Land We Love” series by South Florida Caribbean News appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

“We are so proud of our Jamaicans who continue to excel globally.” Mair said. “Today we extend our heartiest congratulations to Alison Smith for her stellar achievement. She has proven once again that wi lickle but wi tallawah!” The common Jamaican saying translates to “we’re a small nation but we can do anything.”

Click here to read The Jamaica Observer’s Feature.

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