Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) announces the addition of four new attorneys to the law firm’s litigation roster. Kevin Fertel is based in WSHC+B’s Miami office, Amanda Pulido joins the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office, and Meredith Hammer and Mikayla Taylor are based in the Boca Raton office.

Fertel focuses his practice on commercial and municipal litigation, family law, criminal defense, and sports and entertainment law. Before joining WSHC+B, Kevin served as an Assistant State Attorney at the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, where he oversaw DUI prosecutions and served as a felony prosecutor. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from St. Thomas University College of Law and his B.S. in Business Management from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Pulido represents clients in civil rights and tort matters, complex commercial disputes, appellate proceedings, constitutional challenges, and governmental actions. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Beth Bloom of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and worked as a Central Staff Attorney for Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal. Amanda earned her J.D., cum laude, from Florida International University College of Law and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida.

Hammer represents public and private entities in employment litigation, risk management, business transactions, and appellate matters. Prior to joining the firm, Meredith served as a judicial law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt of the Southern District of Florida and Judge Mark W. Klingensmith of Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal. She earned her J.D. from the University of Florida and graduated summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University.

Taylor focuses her practice on insurance defense, representing businesses and individuals in civil litigation, including auto negligence, wrongful death, product liability and medical malpractice matters. Before joining WSHC+B, Mikayla gained experience at both plaintiff and defense firms. She holds both her B.S. in Criminology and J.D. from Florida State University, where she engaged in leadership roles and competed on the trial team.

“We are excited to welcome these four talented litigators to WSHC+B,” said Matthew H. Mandel, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Litigation Division. “Each brings distinctive experience, strong legal skills and a commitment to client service that enhances our firm’s ability to deliver exceptional results.”

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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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Founded in 1995 by Stephanie and Jules Trump, The Foundation’s Miami chapter is a non-profit dedicated to motivating and empowering children from low-income communities to achieve their educational and career goals. Through long-term mentoring, tutoring, enrichment programs, and tuition assistance, the Foundation provides students with the tools and support needed to pursue higher education.

The Miami chapter adopted the entire second-grade class at Charles R. Drew School in Liberty City—97 Dreamers in total. Of those students, 95 advanced to twelfth grade, 83 graduated on time in 2005, 54 earned college degrees, and several others are currently pursuing higher education. In a community where the average income is $11,000, one in four children faces arrest by age 16, teenage pregnancy is common, and graduation rates fall below 25%, the “I Have a Dream” Miami program has helped defy the odds. These Dreamers have shown that opportunity can transform outcomes, regardless of one’s circumstances.

Building on this impact, the Miami chapter has expanded its work to support students at Fulford Elementary in North Miami Beach. The “I Have a Dream” Foundation remains the only U.S. nonprofit offering continuous, year-round support to lower-income children throughout their entire educational journey.

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The “Best Law Firms” list recognizes firms for their professional excellence and consistently compelling ratings from clients and peers. In order to rank in the list, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, which acknowledges the top five percent of practicing U.S. attorneys. Earlier this year, the firm had 51 lawyers selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (click here for the full list).

Firms are ranked by tiers on a national and metropolitan basis. The firm received the following rankings:

National Tier 1

• Land Use & Zoning Law

National Tier 2

• Appellate Practice
• Litigation – Real Estate
• Sports Law

Regional Rankings Tier 1

Fort Lauderdale

• Commercial Litigation
• Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
• Labor Law – Union
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Litigation – Construction
• Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
• Real Estate Law

Miami

• Administrative / Regulatory Law
• Appellate Practice
• Commercial Litigation
• Employment Law – Management
• Government Relations Practice
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Real Estate Law
• Sports Law

Regional Rankings Tier 2

Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton

• Construction Law
• Employment Law – Management

Miami

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Litigation – Real Estate

Regional Rankings Tier 3

Miami

• Public Finance Law

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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 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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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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Hosted by partner Chanae L. Wood, the series brings together the legal minds of WSHC+B alongside leaders from business, government, and the community. Through candid conversations, The Intersection offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, projects, and power dynamics shaping South Florida as a global hub to live, work, play, and invest.

From the AI revolution to the housing crisis and high-stakes real estate, the podcast examines how law, government, and business intersect. Each episode features bold, insightful conversations with policymakers and decision-makers driving change in our cities—designed to inform, influence, and spark change.

The Intersection is designed for anyone who wants to stay informed on the legal, political, and commercial trends impacting the future of our communities and economies.

Episodes are available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 

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• Milton R. Collins (Labor & Employment, Employee Benefits)
• Michael Kantor (Labor & Employment Litigation)
• Caroline G. Saiz (Labor & Employment, Government Agencies)
• Brett J. Schneider (Labor & Employment, Litigation, Collective Bargaining)
• Alison F. Smith (Labor & Employment, Litigation, Collective Bargaining)

According to Lawdragon, this annual guide recognizes “the nation’s best advisors on the world of employment and labor law – from employee benefits and executive compensation; to traditional labor matters; immigration; and, of course, all matter of litigation and arbitration – from wage and hour class actions, to discrimination, trade secrets and non-compete agreements.”

Honorees are selected through a proprietary process, combining journalistic research and vetting, as well as submissions from peers, competitors and firms. This is the 19th edition of the guide to the nation’s best advisors on the world of employment and labor law – from employee benefits and executive compensation; to traditional labor matters; immigration; and, of course, all matter of litigation and arbitration – from wage and hour class actions, to discrimination, trade secrets and non-compete agreements.

View the full guide here.

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Miami, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) welcomed two new attorneys to the growing law firm: Jessica Goodman and Philip Schuss. Goodman joins the firm’s Boca Raton office, while Schuss is based in its Miami office.

Goodman is part of WSHC+B’s Litigation Practice Division, focusing on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts, including trade secret disputes and directors’ and officers’ liability. She also has experience prosecuting and defending governmental claims in the public sector.

Prior to joining WSHC+B, Goodman worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable William D. Matthewman in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Goodman obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

In WSHC+B’s Miami office, Schuss focuses on real estate and business transactions, banking, and representation of financial institutions. Before joining the firm, he interned in the financial services sector and in a New York law firm’s real estate group. During his internships, he analyzed commercial agreements and conducted legal research of securities regulations.

Schuss earned his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.

“Jessica and Philip are talented attorneys who strengthen multiple practices at our firm,” said Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein. “We look forward to helping them grow as professionals and as leaders within the community.”

About Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L.:

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L. is a prominent Florida law firm serving corporate, governmental and individual clients with an integrated array of professional services including commercial litigation, land-use and real estate law, construction law, telecommunications law, labor and employment law, government law and governmental relations. The firm has offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.wsh-law.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

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