Miami, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) is making a big splash in Florida’s insurance law arena. The law firm welcomes accomplished industry leading attorney Diana C. Weller as a Partner in WSHC+B’s Miami office and Jarrod H. Etengoff and Michael H. Park as experienced Of Counsel attorneys. The three attorneys previously worked together in the Miami office of a global law firm and will continue to represent insurers and clients with insurance needs at WSHC+B.
WSHC+B also hired several new non-attorney staff members to support the Weller-led team, which will work closely with attorney Jonathan C. Brown, a Partner in the firm’s Boca Raton office.
“These are tremendous additions that create a formidable insurance practice at our law firm,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “Diana and her team bring a vibrant existing client roster and will leverage our firm’s strong relationships across related practice areas to quickly expand their client reach and depth of service. It is no secret that Florida businesses of all sizes are navigating a challenging – and constantly changing – insurance environment.”
Weller has more than a decade of experience in insurance representing insurers, companies and individuals, both domestically and in the London markets. Her practice is focused predominantly on litigating insurance coverage issues related to property and casualty, general liability, marine, bad faith, and breach of contract claims in state and federal courts. Weller’s practice also focuses on the rapidly growing gig economy sector, including representing in personal injury lawsuits independent contractors affiliated with some of the largest gig economy companies.
A strategic partner for her clients, Weller advises them on potential liability and provides legal recommendations through extensive litigation reports and coverage opinions. In 2019, she spent six months on secondment in London with a Lloyd’s syndicate learning about the intricacies of the London market and advising claims adjusters and underwriters on U.S. law, including policy wording, coverage issues and regulatory matters.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new professional chapter with my colleagues Jarrod and Michael,” Weller said. “WSHC+B has earned an outstanding reputation over the past three-plus decades of its existence. We collectively see an opportunity to position WSHC+B as a go-to for representing insurers, along with companies and individuals that have claims and coverage issues.”
Weller is admitted to practice in Florida, California and the U.S. District Court’s Central, Northern and Southern Districts of California, and Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. As an undergraduate, she was valedictorian of her class and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida. Weller went on to graduate cum laude from the University of California Hastings College of Law.
Etengoff is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law.
Park is also admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude from Lewis University and graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law.
