Practice Divisions – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman https://www.wsh-law.com At the Crossroads of Business, Government & the Law Fri, 01 May 2026 13:31:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 WSHC+B Welcomes Shana H. Bridgeman as Partner in Boca Raton https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-welcomes-shana-h-bridgeman-as-partner-in-boca-raton/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 01 May 2026 13:29:09 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=13190 Seasoned labor, employment, and workplace investigation attorney joins premier South Florida law firm WSHC+B welcomes Shana H. Bridgeman as Partner in the firm’s Boca Raton office and as a member of its Labor and Employment Division. Shana has more than 22 years of legal experience, including 19 years representing management, businesses, and municipal clients in […]

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Seasoned labor, employment, and workplace investigation attorney joins premier South Florida law firm

WSHC+B welcomes Shana H. Bridgeman as Partner in the firm’s Boca Raton office and as a member of its Labor and Employment Division.

Shana has more than 22 years of legal experience, including 19 years representing management, businesses, and municipal clients in labor and employment matters throughout Florida. She handles a broad range of labor and employment law issues, including collective bargaining, employee discipline, grievances, policy development, employment agreements, and overall risk management.

Her practice encompasses matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Florida Civil Rights Act. Shana represents employers before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, Florida Commission on Human Relations, Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, and in arbitration proceedings.

Shana also conducts workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and ethics and policy violations. She holds an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH) designation.

“Shana’s breadth of experience in labor and employment law and workplace investigations makes her an exceptional addition to our team,” said Brett J. Schneider, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Division. “I have known Shana for many years, and I believe her significant experience and interpersonal skills, combined with her deep roots in South Florida, positions her to deliver immediate value to our clients throughout the region.”

Shana began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, where she served as first-chair trial counsel in approximately 50 trials. She subsequently spent over 15 years practicing labor and employment law at a full-service law firm representing municipal and private clients across Florida.

Most recently, Shana founded and operated her own law firm, providing management-side legal counsel, investigation services, and compliance consulting to businesses, local government entities, and HR directors throughout Florida.

Shana earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida. She has been admitted to practice law in Florida since 2005 and is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

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WSHC+B Welcomes Mariela Malfeld as Partner in Miami https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-welcomes-mariela-malfeld-as-partner-in-miami/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:31:48 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=13123 Board Certified construction litigator joins premier South Florida law firm WSHC+B welcomes Mariela Malfeld as Partner in the firm’s Miami office, where she will practice within the firm’s Litigation Division with a focus on construction law. Mariela is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar. She represents contractors, owners, designers, and sureties in […]

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Board Certified construction litigator joins premier South Florida law firm

WSHC+B welcomes Mariela Malfeld as Partner in the firm’s Miami office, where she will practice within the firm’s Litigation Division with a focus on construction law.

Mariela is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar. She represents contractors, owners, designers, and sureties in complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts, and domestic and international arbitrations. Having taken multiple cases to final hearing in arbitration and trial, she brings deep experience across all phases of litigation, including risk assessment, motion practice, and complex electronically stored information discovery.

A seasoned litigator, Mariela advises clients on contract review and helps them anticipate and resolve disputes efficiently in high-stakes matters. Her practice spans construction defect claims, insurance coverage disputes, and other complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on mitigating risk and protecting client interests in both courtroom and arbitration settings.

Mariela has held leadership roles in bar and industry committees focused on construction and international law, including serving as Co-Vice Chair of the Insurance and Surety Committee of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. She has also contributed to publications on construction law, dispute resolution, and international arbitration practices, and presented at national industry conferences, including the Associated General Contractors of America Construction Risk Conference and Southern Surety and Fidelity Claims Conference.

“Mariela brings a level of technical depth and courtroom experience that will be an immediate asset to our clients and litigation team,” said Chad S. Friedman, Chairman of WSHC+B. “Her track record in complex commercial disputes and international arbitration makes her an exceptional addition to the firm.”

Mariela is fluent in Spanish and conversational in French and German. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and her Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Miami, with minors in German language studies and Business Law. She has been admitted to practice law in Florida since 2008.

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WSHC+B and Partners Eduardo Soto, Fabio Giallanza, and Maria Currais Ranked in Legal 500 Miami Elite–Real Estate https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/practice-divisions/property/wshcb-and-partners-eduardo-soto-fabio-giallanza-and-maria-currais-ranked-in-legal-500-miami-elite-real-estate/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:24:43 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=13114 WSHC+B is proud to be ranked in the 2026 Legal 500 United States guide, earning a Miami Elite ranking in Real Estate. Congratulations to partners Eduardo M. Soto, Fabio Giallanza, and Maria Victoria Currais on their individual recognition, reflecting their leadership and outstanding work in Real Estate. Ed, Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice […]

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WSHC+B is proud to be ranked in the 2026 Legal 500 United States guide, earning a Miami Elite ranking in Real Estate.

Congratulations to partners Eduardo M. Soto, Fabio Giallanza, and Maria Victoria Currais on their individual recognition, reflecting their leadership and outstanding work in Real Estate.

Ed, Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, practices in the area of commercial real estate, commercial lending, and transactional matters. He regularly represents developers and investors in the purchase, sale, and development of real property.

Fabio is a corporate and real estate attorney and is Board Certified in International Law by the Florida Bar. He specializes in cross-border transactions involving clients based in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

Maria handles real estate, banking, and public finance matters with an emphasis on municipal and commercial real estate transactions and public financing for multi-family developments, and condominium housing and urban development filings.

Rankings are determined through an annual research process that includes law firm submissions, interviews with leading practitioners, and market analysis.

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WSHC+B Partner Marlon Hill Interviewed by Law.com on Legal Issues Surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-partner-marlon-hill-interviewed-by-law-com-on-legal-issues-surrounding-the-2026-fifa-world-cup/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:21:29 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=13000 WSHC+B partner Marlon A. Hill was interviewed by Law.com about key legal issues affecting businesses as Miami prepares to host fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the tournament’s 16 North American host cities. Marlon discussed a broad range of legal issues that many will have to consider in advance of the World […]

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WSHC+B partner Marlon A. Hill was interviewed by Law.com about key legal issues affecting businesses as Miami prepares to host fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the tournament’s 16 North American host cities.

Marlon discussed a broad range of legal issues that many will have to consider in advance of the World Cup, including trademark issues, Miami’s legal obligations, travel to the United States, workforce demands, licensing requirements for public watch parties, and more.

Marlon represents businesses, entrepreneurs, and local and international governments in corporate, intellectual property, and government matters, and is a key member of the firm’s Road to the World Cup group.

Click here to view the article.

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WSHC+B Promotes Daniela Cimo to Partner https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-promotes-daniela-cimo-to-partner/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:24:30 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12996 WSHC+B announces the promotion of Daniela Cimo to Partner in the firm’s Government Division. Daniela is based in the law firm’s Miami office. Daniela represents local governments and nonprofit organizations on governance and public trust matters, guiding clients through operational and policy decisions that directly impact their communities. Her cross-sector practice gives her practical insight […]

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WSHC+B announces the promotion of Daniela Cimo to Partner in the firm’s Government Division. Daniela is based in the law firm’s Miami office.

Daniela represents local governments and nonprofit organizations on governance and public trust matters, guiding clients through operational and policy decisions that directly impact their communities. Her cross-sector practice gives her practical insight into the ways public entities and nonprofit organizations operate and collaborate within complex regulatory frameworks.

A trusted advisor, Daniela counsels municipalities on day-to-day government functions while also advising on high-profile and strategic initiatives. Her experience includes public property matters, procurement and contracting, ethics and sunshine law compliance, legislative drafting, public-private partnerships, and community development projects. She helps public entities mitigate risk, maintain transparency, and implement policies that support sustainable growth.

Daniela also represents 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and advises private and disadvantaged business entities navigating public procurement and contracting processes, giving her a comprehensive understanding of both the public and private perspectives in government-related matters.

Prior to joining WSHC+B, Daniela served as a staff attorney in the Community Economic Development Unit at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., where she represented nonprofit and small business clients on a broad range of issues and advised on general governance, commercial, and compliance matters.

“Daniela has earned the confidence of clients and colleagues alike through her thoughtful counsel, deep understanding of government operations, and unwavering commitment to the public interest,” said Chad S. Friedman, Chairman of WSHC+B. “Her promotion to Partner reflects not only her exceptional legal skills, but also her leadership within the firm and the value she delivers to the public and nonprofit institutions we serve.”

Daniela is fluent in Spanish. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from The George Washington University, where she majored in Political Communication and minored in Spanish & Latin American Languages. She is admitted to practice law in Florida and Washington, D.C.

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WSHC+B Attorney Tania Varela Named Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade Bar Civil Litigation Committee https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorney-tania-varela-named-vice-chair-of-the-miami-dade-bar-civil-litigation-committee/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:05:48 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12952 WSHC+B is proud to announce that attorney Tania Varela has been named Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Bar Civil Litigation Committee. In this role, Tania will help lead initiatives that promote engagement and strengthen connections within our legal community. The Miami-Dade Bar’s mission is to be the voice of Miami-Dade County’s legal profession, serving the public […]

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WSHC+B is proud to announce that attorney Tania Varela has been named Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Bar Civil Litigation Committee.

In this role, Tania will help lead initiatives that promote engagement and strengthen connections within our legal community. The Miami-Dade Bar’s mission is to be the voice of Miami-Dade County’s legal profession, serving the public and the bar by promoting equal justice, professionalism and civility, and excellence and respect for the law.

Tania has more than 16 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation cases throughout the state of Florida. She currently handles various civil trial and appellate matters for her clients, including complex commercial disputes, civil rights claims, and torts.

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Marlon Hill Named to FWC26Miami’s “26 Voices” Ahead of the World Cup https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/marlon-hill-named-to-fwc26miamis-26-voices-ahead-of-the-world-cup/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:12:36 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12692 WSHC+B partner Marlon A. Hill has been named one of FWC26Miami’s “26 Voices” ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In this series, Marlon shares insights on the vibrant cultures, communities, and cuisines that visitors can explore in Miami during this global event. Through his work representing businesses, entrepreneurs, and local and international governments in corporate, […]

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WSHC+B partner Marlon A. Hill has been named one of FWC26Miami’s “26 Voices” ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In this series, Marlon shares insights on the vibrant cultures, communities, and cuisines that visitors can explore in Miami during this global event.

Through his work representing businesses, entrepreneurs, and local and international governments in corporate, intellectual property, and government matters—with a focus on creative entrepreneurs, non-profits, family-owned businesses, and small-to-mid-market companies—Marlon gains a front-row perspective on the diverse cultural influences and cross-border relationships that define Miami.

The “26 Voices” series spotlights influential community leaders who are putting their cities on the world stage ahead of the tournament.

Watch the episode here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fifa-world-cup-2026-miami_26voices-wearemiami-fwc26-activity-7414395361714290688-FhcB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACOxC5QBbH04Zm8w1zqiOzGGJnoX5riSDjY&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

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Client Alert: Fraudulent Letters Targeting Municipal Planning and Zoning Applicants https://www.wsh-law.com/blog/client-alert-fraudulent-letters-targeting-municipal-planning-and-zoning-applicants/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:25:49 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12575 We have recently been made aware of a scam targeting municipalities, particularly smaller communities, and applicants with items scheduled for upcoming Planning, Zoning, or Board (PZB) agendas. Applicants have reported receiving fraudulent letters and invoices sent on what appears to be official municipal letterhead, demanding payment of additional fees before their applications can be heard. […]

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We have recently been made aware of a scam targeting municipalities, particularly smaller communities, and applicants with items scheduled for upcoming Planning, Zoning, or Board (PZB) agendas.

Applicants have reported receiving fraudulent letters and invoices sent on what appears to be official municipal letterhead, demanding payment of additional fees before their applications can be heard. These letters have looked highly convincing and, in some cases, directed recipients to wire funds to an unauthorized account. Unfortunately, some applicants have made substantial payments in response.

We strongly advise all municipalities to remain vigilant and remind applicants that any request for payment or documentation should always be verified directly with the municipality through official contact channels.

If your municipality becomes aware of similar correspondence or suspects fraudulent activity, please notify our office or law enforcement immediately.

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Jamie Cole Recognized in Florida Trend’s 2025 Florida 500 List https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/jamie-cole-recognized-in-florida-trends-2025-florida-500-list/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:00:53 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12538 WSHC+B partner and Managing Director of the Fort Lauderdale office, Jamie A. Cole was recognized in Florida Trend’s 2025 Florida 500 list as one of the state’s most influential business leaders in law. This marks Jamie’s fifth year on the Florida 500 list. Jamie was recognized for his leadership at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + […]

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WSHC+B partner and Managing Director of the Fort Lauderdale office, Jamie A. Cole was recognized in Florida Trend’s 2025 Florida 500 list as one of the state’s most influential business leaders in law. This marks Jamie’s fifth year on the Florida 500 list.

Jamie was recognized for his leadership at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman since 1999, helping guide the firm—known for being “at the crossroads of business, government, and law”—in representing governments, individuals, and private entities across Florida. As Chair of the Broward County Bar Association’s Law Firm Committee, he also spearheaded the development of a special magistrate program aimed at enhancing professionalism and civility among attorneys in Broward County.

Florida 500 is a special annual publication that highlights executives across various economic sectors in Florida. Florida Trend editors pick the state’s most influential business leaders after a year-long research initiative.

To view Jamie’s full profile in the Florida 500, please click here.

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Elizabeth Coppolecchia Featured in The Real Deal on Navigating Execution Risks in Miami’s Construction Market https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/elizabeth-coppolecchia-featured-in-the-real-deal-on-navigating-execution-risks-in-miamis-construction-market/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:55:09 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12518 WSHC+B partner Elizabeth Coppolecchia was recently featured in the The Real Deal on navigating execution risks in Miami’s construction market. Liz highlighted challenges as activity ramps up, including aggressive timelines and staffing constraints: “I think contractors would probably worry that developers are biting off more than they can chew,” she said, adding that some schedules […]

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WSHC+B partner Elizabeth Coppolecchia was recently featured in the The Real Deal on navigating execution risks in Miami’s construction market.

Liz highlighted challenges as activity ramps up, including aggressive timelines and staffing constraints: “I think contractors would probably worry that developers are biting off more than they can chew,” she said, adding that some schedules “are a little tough to meet and may not necessarily reap the benefits that they’re expecting.”

Liz represents private and governmental entities in various construction-related transactions and construction defect litigation. Her practice involves primarily representing owners and developers as they negotiate with architects, contractors, and other entities concerning their construction projects.

Read more here: https://therealdeal.com/magazine/october-2025/miami-top-construction-firms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

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