Adam Hapner, Michael Becker and Andrew Fairbanks bring strong litigation backgrounds to law firm
Gainesville, Fla. — Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) expanded its Gainesville office with the addition of Partner Adam M. Hapner, Of Counsel Michael L. Becker and Associate Andrew Fairbanks. The three attorneys have substantial litigation experience.
Hapner is a former federal prosecutor who represents municipalities and employers in complex litigation in state and federal court. Prior to joining WSHC+B, Hapner served as a judicial law clerk in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal. A graduate cum laude of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, he was also an editor of the Florida Law Review and has published multiple legal articles, some of which have been cited in appellate opinions and by Bryan Garner, a renowned legal scholar and editor of Black’s Law Dictionary.
Becker leverages more than two decades of experience as an Assistant State Attorney to help clients navigate complex litigation disputes and the intricacies of the court system. Before WSHC+B, Becker focused on Firearm Offenses at the State Attorney’s Office, Eighth Circuit. His prior duties included nine years as the Drug Task Force liaison, 11 years handling civil commitments of sexually violent predators and eight years of wiretap investigations.
Before starting his law career, Becker served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for six years. The University of Florida Levin College of Law graduate previously assisted in training new and future lawyers at his alma mater and continues to teach at the Santa Fe College Police Academy.
Fairbanks counsels clients in complex governmental litigation matters. He was previously Assistant State Attorney for the State Attorney’s Office, Eighth Circuit. Fairbanks also graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, receiving a certification in environmental and land use law and serving as a research assistant for the University of Florida Criminological Research Lab.
“It is exciting to welcome three talented litigators to our Gainesville office,” said David M. Delaney, Partner and Chair of WSHC+B’s Education Practice Group. “Adam, Michael and Andrew complement our education attorneys practicing in Gainesville. We continue to seek opportunities to strategically grow the office.”
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, Boca Raton, Tampa and Gainesville. For more information, visit www.wsh-law.com.
