Business of Law

Commentary

World Mental Health Day: Focusing on Young Adults

Lauren Fallick | October 05, 2018

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day (WMH Day), and this year’s theme is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.” Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, WMH Day is officially observed, worldwide.

News

Veteran M&A Lawyer Jumps to Holland & Knight From Reed Smith

Lizzy McLellan | October 02, 2018

Howard Shecter, a Reed Smith lawyer and a longtime practice leader at multiple firms, is the latest hire for fast-growing Holland & Knight.

Commentary

Three Reasons Why Integrated Marketing for Law Firms is Money in the Bank

Josh Merkin | September 27, 2018

It's safe to say that law firm marketing and communications has a reputation for being a bit behind the times and slow to adapt to new ideas and concepts. There are a lot of reasons for this, but some of the most common are usually budget constraints and personalities that are generally just more risk adverse, especially when it comes to investing in marketing.

Commentary

What Can the Law Profession Do to Prevent Mental Health Issues?

Brian L. Tannebaum | September 21, 2018

I read with interest Joe Ankus’ important article on lawyers and mental health where he tells the story of the seemingly happy and relaxed lunch delivery guy, bringing him his sandwich while he toiled away at his Big Law associate desk.

Commentary

Under the Influence: How Social Media Can Make You the Go-To Authority

Julie Talenfeld | September 20, 2018

Seasoned professionals know their industry. They may even qualify as experts in their field. Then again, so can their competition. If you’re a seasoned pro, how do you set yourself apart? Making the leap from industry expert to influencer can make the difference between attorney and rainmaker.

News

Troutman to Host Auction of Titanic Artifact Collection

Meredith Hobbs | September 19, 2018

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy auction is not for the casual souvenir hunter. Bidding will start at $21.5 million, and bids must be qualified in advance.

Commentary

How Can We Help Women Lawyers Achieve Long-Term Careers?

Elizabeth S. Baker | September 14, 2018

At the ABA annual meeting in Chicago meeting this August, an ABA panel discussed data compiled by an initiative led by Miami’s own Hilarie Bass as ABA president. The initiative title is "Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law."

News

Embezzlement Trial Over Defunct Atlanta Firm Will Hinge on Intent

Meredith Hobbs | September 13, 2018

Prosecutors say they'll show Nathan Hardwick siphoned funds from now-bankrupt Morris Hardwick Schneider to fuel his "lavish spending," including more than $16 million on charter jets, gambling and women.

News

For Benefits, Compensation, Midlevel Associates in Miami Give a Big Thumbs Up

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | September 12, 2018

Three Florida-based firms are among the 102 firms ranked in The American Lawyer's annual Midlevel Associate Survey.

Commentary

Substantial Compliance? Strict Compliance?—How to Tell Opposing Counsel You’ll Be Seeking Fees

Eduardo Ayala Maura | September 12, 2018

In the United States, the default is you pay your own attorney fees. Unless there is a statute or a contract the default applies. Litigators in Florida are not shy to seek fees from the other side.

Commentary

Attorneys and Mental Health First Aid—an Introduction

Joseph Ankus | September 11, 2018

As a legal recruiter for over 25 years in South Florida, I have worked with thousands of attorneys and have noticed a steadily increasing need for basic mental health education.

News

Berger Singerman Lands Health Care Guru From K&L Gates to Build Practice

Meredith Hobbs | September 11, 2018

Michael Levinson, who is also an M.D., joined the Florida business law firm to lead its health care practice, saying the midsize business law firm can "take a more integrated approach" to health care law, which is siloed at giant firms.

News

Holland & Knight Adds 5 More Reed Smith Partners

Lizzy McLellan | September 04, 2018

The handful of lawyers specializing in cybersecurity and labor and employment work are located in Philadelphia, New York and California. They join more than two dozen colleagues who have left Reed Smith for Holland & Knight.

News

Entertainment Litigator, Nightclub Owner Jumps to Carlton Fields

Xiumei Dong | August 30, 2018

Steven Weisburd, a former partner at Dechert and Munger, Tolles & Olson, has joined the Florida-based firm in Los Angeles, where he co-owns a trendy new cocktail bar.

Gunster Grabs Ex-Florida Bar President Schifino, 8 Others in Burr & Forman Raid

Catherine Wilson | August 30, 2018

William Schifino Jr. takes over as the Tampa managing partner and is thinking about expanding with new hiring and more space.

Commentary

The Science to Networking and Building Your Law Practice

Julie Talenfeld | August 20, 2018

For some people, networking comes easy. They love to meet new people, talk about their business and press the flesh. But are they building the business, or just talking about themselves?

Commentary

Litigation Jobs Dominate in South Florida

Debra Frank Montero | August 13, 2018

Throughout the remainder of 2018, litigation should yield the greatest legal job prospects. More than half (52 percent) of U.S.-based lawyers surveyed by Robert Half Legal expect the litigation practice area to be the top driver of job growth at their law firms or companies in the second half of 2018, followed by general business or commercial law (12 percent) and real estate (9 percent).

News

Team of 23 Lawyers Mobilized, Helping Hurricane Victims in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | July 26, 2018

About 200 lawyers applied for 23 positions as fellows working at legal aid organizations assisting victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Commentary

Get In It to Win It. How to Make Social Media Work for You

Julie Talenfeld | July 26, 2018

Social media in the digital realm began a decade ago as a few websites that connected friends and families. Today, it is an indispensable tool to drive business, nurture client relationships, and elevate brands to the next level.

News

Greenberg Traurig Adds 2 Corporate Lawyers in Dallas

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | July 24, 2018

The lateral hires in Dallas add to Greenberg Traurig's strength in private equity and investment management practices.

Commentary

Could Your Business Avoid an ADA Drive-By Lawsuit?

Stephanie N. Moot and Carol C. Lumpkin | July 11, 2018

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the goods and services offered by a place of public accommodation.

News

Nelson Mullins to Merge With Florida's Broad and Cassel, Creating 725-Lawyer Firm

Meredith Hobbs | June 11, 2018

Nelson Mullins, with its center of gravity in Atlanta and the Carolinas, adds Florida to its footprint and forecasts health care, real estate and litigation opportunities in its merger with Broad and Cassel.

News

It's Old-Home Day at Akerman With Houston Lateral Hires

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | June 07, 2018

David Clark and Kristen McDanald, new partners at Akerman in Houston, have reunited with former co-workers from now-defunct Beirne, Maynard & Parsons.

News

Holland & Knight Alums Ditch Big Law to Start New Boutique

Xiumei Dong | May 14, 2018

Holland & Knight land use partner Amanda Monchamp and former firm associate Joanna "Joey" Meldrum have co-founded Monchamp Meldrum in San Francisco.

News

In Wake of Merger, Gardere Loses Another Partner to Akerman

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | April 13, 2018

Litigator Matthew Schroeder had spent his career at Gardere before the Foley-Gardere merger prompted his departure.

News

Holland & Knight Gets $34.5M Malpractice Verdict Overturned

Scott Flaherty | April 04, 2018

Holland & Knight convinced the Second District Court of Appeal to reverse a $34.5 million verdict in a case accusing the firm of furthering a real estate investment fraud.

Commentary

Quinn Emanuel Partner Suffers From Depression and He Wants Everyone to Know

Joseph Milowic III | March 28, 2018

Struggling to find meaning in your work? Lacking motivation? Thinking about quitting? Please read this first.

News

International Trade Group Leaves Gardere for Akerman

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | February 20, 2018

Three lawyers who do international trade work left Gardere Wynne Sewell in mid-January to join Akerman in Dallas.

News

FordHarrison Founder Passes Baton to New Leadership

Meredith Hobbs | January 09, 2018

After growing his firm from 14 lawyers to nearly 200 over the course of four decades, Lash Harrison is stepping down to make way for a new leader based in Florida.

News

Fake South Florida Foreclosure Law Firm Operators Sentenced to 5 Years

Samantha Joseph | December 04, 2017

Prosecutors charged the federal defendants operated companies that billed themselves as law firms and legal referral firms in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.

Commentary

New Lease Accounting Standards—What You Need to Know

Steven A. Moses | December 04, 2017

Leasing is an integral part of the everyday activity of most businesses. A business may lease its premises consisting of offices, factories and warehouses. Additionally businesses often lease other assets including vehicles, office equipment and almost anything else that could be bought or purchased.

On the Move

Suzanne Tullo | December 01, 2017

South Florida attorneys on the move.

News

Why Aren't Florida Law Firms Attracting More Millennials?

Monika Mesa | November 30, 2017

Less than one-third of the lawyers at large and midsize firms in cities across the state are millennials.

News

Greenspoon Marder Continues to Expand, Opens Office in Phoenix

Monika Mesa | November 29, 2017

The firm continues its strategy of finding lawyers with experience in legal work for the cannabis industry in a particular state and then building out other compatible practices.

News

Tripp Scott Adds 6-Lawyer May Meacham Law Firm

Monika Mesa | November 27, 2017

May, Meacham & Davell will combine with Fort Lauderdale-based Tripp Scott on Dec. 1.

Commentary

Diversity’s Paradigm Shift Makes for Better Law Firms

Amanda McGovern | November 22, 2017

Diversity encourages creative and novel strategies, and it should be adopted by law firms to improve their results, writes attorney Amanda McGovern.

News

Litigation Funding Changes Legal Landscape for Boutique and Small Firms

Monika Mesa | November 20, 2017

The growth of third-party litigation funding has been a boon to small firms, but boutique firms are taking a hit.

News

Andrea Tromberg Buys Gladstone Law Group, Rebrands It Tromberg Law Group

Monika Mesa | November 20, 2017

Tromberg plans to expand the midsize firm.

News

Florida Law Firm Leaders Bullish on 2018

Monika Mesa | November 20, 2017

Law firm leaders expect growth in attorney headcounts and several practice areas as they look ahead to 2018.

News

CABA Announces President-Elect, New Board of Directors

Monika Mesa | November 17, 2017

Current President-Elect Jorge Piedra of Piedra & Associates in Coral Gables will take the helm as president of the organization when the officers and board of directors are installed Jan. 27 at the 44th Annual CABA Gala.

News

Florida Company Sues Baker McKenzie for Malpractice

Monika Mesa | November 17, 2017

Baker McKenzie has filed a motion to dismiss the case and released a statement Friday stating that the suit had no merit. The firm declined to comment further.

News

Holland & Knight, Alston & Bird Advise on Bank Sale

Monika Mesa | November 14, 2017

Seacoast National Bank purchased Palm Beach Community Bank for about $71.6 million in cash and stock.

News

Holland & Knight Partner Resigns, Will Run for Vacant Seat in Florida House

Monika Mesa | November 14, 2017

Javier Fernandez has resigned from Holland & Knight to run for the Florida House of Representatives District 114 seat vacated by Daisy Baez.

News

Increased FCPA Enforcement, Awareness Has Meant More Work For Lawyers

Monika Mesa | November 10, 2017

An FBI agent and an Akerman partner discuss enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act at the fifth annual ALM-Akerman U.S. Latin America Legal Summit in Miami.

News

Former Appellate Judge Joins Crabtree & Auslander

Monika Mesa | November 07, 2017

Retired Judge Linda Ann Wells will work on appeals and assist other lawyers in preparing effective appellate arguments.

News

Lure of Bar Ownership Prompts Law Firm Split

Monika Mesa | November 06, 2017

Lawyer Adam Gersten is giving up his law practice to focus on hospitality industry projects, and his former firm is expanding into litigation.

News

Cole Schotz Expanding in Boca Raton, Hires Litigator

Monika Mesa | November 02, 2017

The firm expects to hire more lawyers in Boca Raton next year.

News

Greenspoon Hires Three Lawyers From Dissolved New York Firm

Monika Mesa | November 01, 2017

The three started at Greenspoon on Wednesday after their former firm, New York-based Wormser Kiely Galef & Jacobs, dissolved. Other lawyers from Wormser have been hired by several New York firms.

News

Amid Russia Row, Miami Boutique Affiliates With Moscow Firm

Monika Mesa | October 30, 2017

Diaz, Reus & Targ will have a new outpost in the Russian Federation after aligning with LegaLife.

News

State Representative Carlos Trujillo Nominated OAS Ambassador

Monika Mesa | October 27, 2017

If confirmed by the Senate, he will have to resign his post and give up his powerful seat as House budget chairman.