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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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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Super Lawyers recognizes distinguished attorneys who have undergone a rigorous screening process and who are ultimately selected for inclusion in their annual list of exceptional legal professionals. Published by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers is a rating service of attorneys from more than 70 practice areas and determines its rankings through independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Only the top 5 percent of outstanding lawyers in Florida are rated by Super Lawyers, while no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers under 40 years old or who have practiced for fewer than 10 years are selected as Rising Stars.

The Firm’s recognized attorneys are listed below.

Miami

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Mitchell A. Bierman
• Alan K. Fertel
• Edward G. Guedes
• Joseph H. Serota

Recognized as Rising Star

• Justin D. Luger
• Richard Rosengarten

Fort Lauderdale

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Mitchell J. Burnstein
• Jamie A. Cole
• Susan Trevarthen
• Peter D. Waldman

Recognized as Rising Stars

• Candice Balmori
• Anne Reilly Flanigan
• Alicia Gonzalez
• Chanae L. Wood

Boca Raton

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Howard D. DuBosar
• Alen H. Hsu
• Brett J. Schneider

Recognized as Rising Stars

• Harrison R. DuBosar

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Miami and Tampa, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) named Marlon Hill and Sarah Johnston new partners in the law firm’s Miami and Tampa offices, respectively. Both attorneys previously served as Of Counsel at WSHC+B before earning the promotions.

Based in the firm’s Miami office, Hill advises business owners on all aspects of starting and structuring their businesses and not-for-profit organizations, from drafting contracts to securing intellectual property, especially across the tourism, hospitality, media and entertainment industries.

A civic and community leader who has served in many roles across South Florida, especially within the African-American and Caribbean-American communities, Hill is currently a board member of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Parking Authority, Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation and BMe Community and is an active member of the Orange Bowl Committee. He recently served as a member of the board of directors for The Miami Foundation and Miami Book Fair International.

Hill is a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association and one of the Inaugural Fellows in the Miami Foundation’s Miami Fellows Initiative, a signature local leadership development program.

Based in the firm’s Tampa office, Johnston has extensive experience representing municipalities in procurement, land use and zoning, public finance, public utilities, real estate, Public/Private Partnerships (P3), Community Redevelopment Agencies and legislative matters, among others. Johnston’s unique and varied experience allows her to have an understanding of public sector needs, which is evident in her collaborative approach to working with clients.

In addition to serving as County Attorney for Hardee County and as Village Attorney for Miami Shores Village, Johnston was appointed in October 2022 to serve as Town Attorney for the Town of Kenneth City. She provides counsel to the Mayor, Town Council and staff for the Town, which is located in southern Pinellas County.

“Marlon and Sarah are talented attorneys who represent our law firm in the best possible fashion on behalf of our clients and in their community leadership,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “Both joined us within the past few years and quickly made a tremendous impact on the firm. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success as WSHC+B partners.”

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“Our growth this year was quite organic actually. At the beginning of the year, we never set out to add a certain number of attorneys or create new practice areas,” Mitch said. “We’re just busy in our core areas, and we needed to add lawyers.”

One example Mitch gave was how Florida’s legislation around education has kept the firm’s newly expanded education practice active. Additionally, the firm’s disaster relief practice expanded with work related to Hurricane Irma even before Hurricane Ian hit Florida’s west coast.

The firm added 11 lawyers to its Florida offices in 2022.

Read the full article here: https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2022/12/30/as-big-law-moved-in-which-law-firms-had-the-most-growth-in-south-florida/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Miami, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) recently completed the build-out of two new office spaces in South Florida. In Miami, WSHC+B moved its office a few blocks to a highly efficient and modernized space. WSHC+B also expanded its Boca Raton office by moving to a larger space in a new location to accommodate its growing team in Palm Beach County. 

The new Miami office is located on the 12th floor of 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables.  It totals 14,200 square feet, and boasts an innovative design that embraces technology and collaborative spaces. Forty attorneys are based in this location. 

WSHC+B’s new Boca Raton office is located at One Boca Place, 2255 Glades Road, Suite 200E and totals 12,138 square feet. This office more than doubles the size of the firm’s previous office in the city. Currently, 22 attorneys are based in this location with plans for continued expansion. A grand opening cocktail reception is slated for Sept. 22, 2022.

“We are proud of our firm’s growth amid a challenging hiring environment over the past few years, particularly our success in attracting tremendous diverse talent,” said Mitch Burnstein, Partner and Firm Managing Director at WSHC+B. “Combining talented professionals with modern and efficient new offices affords us opportunities to maximize convenience and work/life balance for our team members.”  

Established in 1991, WSHC+B is the product of innovative thinking that focuses its representation of private and public sector clients in practice areas at the crossroads of business, government, and related fields of the law. From three attorneys in one location in Miami in 1991, the firm has grown to its current roster of 90 attorneys across a multitude of practice areas in five locations throughout Florida. Its new offices represent the firm’s leading-edge approach to servicing its clients and providing its lawyers, staff and guests with a modern place to conduct business.  

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The firm’s attorneys included in the guide are listed below.

Top Lawyers

Mitchell A. Bierman – Government Relations, Litigation

Mitchell J. Burnstein – Eminent Domain

Jamie A. Cole – Government Litigation, Corporate And Business Litigation

Andrew Demers – Banking and Financial Institutions

Alan K. Fertel – Entertainment And Sports, Civil Litigation

Chad S. Friedman – Land Use, Zoning and Environmental Law

Edward G. Guedes – Appellate Law

Alen H. Hsu – Business and Real Estate Litigation

Michael J. Kurzman – Construction Law

John Quick – Litigation

Anthony L. Recio – Real Estate – Land Use And Zoning

Brett J. Schneider – Employment Law

Clifford A. Schulman – Environmental, Real Estate – Land Use And Zoning

Joseph H. Serota – Corporate And Business Litigation, Government Litigation

Marc I. Solomon – Business Organizations, Acquisitions and Conveyances

Richard J. Weiss – Government

Rana M. Gorzeck – Banking or Commercial Real Estate

Lewis R. Cohen – Banking or Commercial Real Estate

Top Up and Comers

Alicia Gonzalez – Real Estate, Eminent Domain

Justin D. Luger – Litigation

Edward O. Martos – Land Use And Zoning

Click here to view the full 2022 South Florida Legal Guide.

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Miami, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman’s (WSHC+B) continues to expand its roster of talented attorneys throughout South Florida. The firm recently welcomed six new attorneys, including five associates and one of counsel.

• Daniela Cimo is based out of the firm’s Miami office and part of the firm’s Government Division, where she focuses her practice on representing governmental entities in land use, zoning, real estate, affordable housing and general governance matters. Prior to joining the firm, Cimo served as a staff attorney in the Community Economic Development Unit at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. There, she represented nonprofit and small business clients on a broad range of issues and provide guidance on general governance, commercial, and compliance matters. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law.
• Fabio Giallanza is a corporate and real estate attorney in the firm’s Miami office. He represents businesses and investors in the acquisition and financing of property, along with business transactions and corporate matters. Giallanza specializes in cross-border transactions involving clients based in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Prior to joining the firm, he practiced at a South Florida law firm, where he assisted foreign investors and entities with structuring inbound U.S. investments. He also represented purchasers and sellers of commercial and residential property, advising them as to complex FIRPTA questions and providing assistance with title issues and corporate documentation for foreign clients. Giallanza earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center.
• Erica Hausdorff, based out of the firm’s Boca Raton office, is an associate in the Litigation Division and focuses her practice on the representation of public and private entities in connection with employment matters. Prior to joining the firm, Hausdorff practiced at a law firm in South Florida where she focused on litigation matters, such as first-party property litigation and insurance defense. She received her J.D. from Florida International University College of Law.
• Amelia Jadoo is Of Counsel in the firm’s Government Division. She is located in its Boca Raton office and has more than 15 years of experience in business and government practice. Jadoo advises and counsels government entities and organizations on a variety of issues relating to Sunshine laws, Public Records Act, ethics, code enforcement, contracts, land use, zoning, landlord/tenant disputes, among other subjects. Prior to joining the firm, Jadoo was Assistant County Attorney for Dakota County in Minnesota, where she advised the County and its various departments and employees on a wide variety of legal issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, corrections, employment, eminent domain/condemnation, collections, contracts, risk management, law enforcement, jails, firearms, and juveniles. Jadoo received her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law
• Scott Mullin joined the firm as a litigator in its Boca Raton office. Prior to joining WSHC+B, he worked as a litigation attorney and clerk at two Florida firms, where he drafted motions, pleadings, discovery and assisted with client communications. Mullin also assisted in preparation for trials and key hearings, depositions, mediations and arbitrations. While in law school, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the New York Real Property Law Journal. Mullin earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.
• Markenson Pierre is based out of the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office and is an associate in the Litigation Division. His practice encompasses a broad range of experience, including defending class and collective action, representing employers in employment and labor disputes, complex commercial litigation and representing local governments in federal civil rights actions. He has also represented state and federal court-appointed receivers in government enforcement actions brought by the SEC, CFTC and FTC based on securities and commodities fraud and related asset recovery litigation. Prior to graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law, Pierre was a Logistics Officer in the United States Army for six years and completed a combat tour in Iraq, for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

“We’re thrilled to welcome such a talented group of attorneys to the firm,” said Mitch Burnstein, Partner and Firm Managing Director at WSHC+B. “These six attorneys will enhance many practice areas across our offices in South Florida. We are delighted to provide new opportunities for attorneys now and as we continue to grow.”

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Miami and Gainesville, Fla. – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman expanded its education law practice and geographic footprint with the addition of Gainesville-based law firm Dell Graham. Attorneys David M. Delaney and Natasha S. Mickens join Weiss Serota as new partners, with Ayanna Hypolite on board as an associate.

The three attorneys will continue to represent clients throughout the State, specializing in litigating matters on behalf of public schools and advising them in all aspects of education law. The boutique firm fits seamlessly with Weiss Serota’s education practice, as the South Florida-based firm also represents numerous school boards and educational institutions.

“David, Natasha and Ayanna are highly regarded and dynamic attorneys,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “Their arrival creates strong statewide synergies with their education law colleagues here in South Florida. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Weiss Serota family.”

Delaney serves as both general counsel and litigation counsel for public schools. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Attorney in Education Law, he is skilled at providing a clear understanding of modern education challenges. Delaney’s past experience also includes representing insurance companies and self-insured entities in the areas of governmental liability and personal injury defense, and defending health care providers against medical malpractice claims. Delaney also taught Public School Law to educational leadership graduate students at the University of Florida.

An active supporter of public education, Delaney is a mentor for children represented by Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving, low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our law firm to join forces with a mid-size firm that has an impeccable track record and outstanding reputation,” Delaney said. “Our practice focus and mission align well with Weiss Serota’s. We are so excited for our future together.”

Mickens is an Education Law specialist, also being Board Certified in this area.  She focuses on employment claims  and insurance defense. She practices both in state and federal courts. Mickens previously represented employers and insurance carriers in the litigation of workers’ compensation claims, along with her insurance defense work  litigating first-party property coverage, arson and fraud.  Weiss Serota is now one of the few firms in the state with multiple Board Certified Education Law attorneys.

Hypolite is a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator who focuses her practice on alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation. Prior to joining Dell Graham, she practiced family law, estate planning, and probate law. She also represented the State of Florida’s Department of Revenue in child support enforcement cases.

During and after law school, Hypolite worked in higher education for a total of 10 years.

Delaney earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Mickens graduated from Stetson University College of Law with a J.D. and Certificate of Concentration in Advocacy. Hypolite earned her J.D. with honors from Barry University School of Law.

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Mitch explained that simultaneously promoting professional development, flexibility and firm culture takes effort and empathy. WSHC+B is leading the way in balancing these elements.

Click here to read more.

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