Joseph Serota was recognized as a 2022 Best Mentor. One of the firm’s founding members and the firm’s first managing director, Joe’s leadership over the past three decades has helped to grow WSHC+B into a leading Florida law firm for business and government clients. In addition to his full-time legal work and other professional and community endeavors, Joe carves out time to be a resource and mentor for new attorneys at his firm, inspiring and informing our next generation of legal professionals in South Florida.

John Quick was also recognized as a 2022 Unsung Hero. John’s work positively impacts Miami-Dade County’s community relations, public safety, and quality of life through his robust law practice and vast community involvement. As one of only a few attorneys in Florida to serve as a civilian oversight practitioner, John is recognized as a Certified Practitioner of Oversight by the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. He serves as Independent Counsel to the City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel, Chair of the Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board, and President of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade.

Last but not least, the firm’s real estate department, led by Joe Hernandez, was recognized in the Real Estate Transactions category for its work on deals totaling more than $2.5 billion. These projects include a ground lease for the Bahia Mar Marina and mixed-use development in Fort Lauderdale, a joint-venture agreement for the E11even Residences development in downtown Miami, and a pending ground lease in the City of Miami. 

Joe, John, and the firm’s real estate team will be honored at the publication’s Florida Legal Awards event on May 19.

To view the full list of honorees, click here.

The post WSHC+B recognized by DBR Florida Legal Awards in Three Categories appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

As South Florida’s industry sectors become increasingly diversified, the legal landscape has become more complex, with clients demanding a high level of service and sophistication in all practice areas. SFBW understands how much the region’s success depends on top-flight attorneys and are celebrating their accomplishments, acumen, and dedication with the Legal Awards.

John will be officially recognized as the Social Impact Honoree, during the in-person joint Awards Ceremony and Legal Guide Release Party on November 4th, 2021, at the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Click here for more information about the event.

The post WSHC+B Partner Recognized as Social Impact Honoree for the South Florida Business & Wealth 2021 Legal Awards appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

“We need to make sure people aren’t surprised by what they can and can’t do.” John stated that business owners and the property owners also need to be aware of the regulations.

Police in Miami Beach are working to make sure the streets remain safe during Memorial Day Weekend. They have a plan in place to avoid the chaos seen in the area during spring break. The city announced steps like restricting access to residential neighborhoods and suspending rentals of scooters and other specialized vehicles, like golf carts, scooters and the like.

Additionally, some of the high impact measures include no alcohol and setting capacity limits on beaches. Police will also be using license plate readers on main corridors coming into the city.

Click here to watch the full video.

The post John Quick Comments on Officials’ Plan to Keep Miami Beach Under Control During Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Citizen Advisory Initiatives, such as investigatory boards, enable local governments to provide residents a means with which to independently participate in and make recommendations regarding law enforcement practice and procedure.  Panels are often responsible for making recommendations regarding complaints about police conduct, though the community boards do not have authority to impose discipline.  Municipalities also may grant such panels authority to review and provide non-binding input regarding policies and procedures.  The boards afford municipalities an additional forum for community involvement and buy-in.

There are numerous legal issues regarding the formation and implementation of these board and the scope of their authority.  Municipalities that are interested in exploring the creation of a board must carefully assess these issues, including the limitations imposed by the Florida Police Officers’ Bill of Rights contained in Chapter 112, Florida Statutes.  For example, in D’Agastino v. City of Miami, 220 So. 3d 410 (Fla. 2017), the Florida Supreme Court held that the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights did not preempt the City from creating its Citizen Investigation Panel because that panel was carefully formed to avoid impinging responsibilities delegated exclusively to law enforcement agencies.

If your agency is interested in exploring the creation of a Community Oversight Board or you have any questions related thereto, please feel free to reach out to us to discuss.

The post Understanding Law Enforcement Citizen Review Panels appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Please click here to watch a recap of the discussion on Telemundo 51.

The post Firm Partner John Quick Convened Roundtable Discussion on Recent Miramar Shooting appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

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