Haydee is a partner in the firm’s Government Division, where she serves as lead City Attorney for Miami Springs and North Bay Village. She also represents private developers on land use and zoning matters. She has been deeply involved with CABA for over a decade, previously serving as Vice President, Secretary, Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers and Judicial Committees, and Co-Chair of the Art in the Tropics annual fundraiser supporting CABA’s Pro Bono Legal Services.

Candice represents municipalities on a broad range of issues, including contracts and compliance with public records, sunshine, and ethics laws. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, and applies her alternative dispute resolution training to her practice. A CABA member since 2013, Candice has previously served two terms as CABA’s Secretary, has Co-Chaired the CABA on Cuba Committee for seven years, and provides pro bono representation for Cuban political prisoners before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Together, Haydee and Candice were involved in CABA’s efforts to name Miami-Dade County’s new civil courthouse the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center, honoring the late civil rights advocate and past CABA president. Candice also helped secure significant artwork for the courthouse’s jury room, a testament to the collaborative efforts that brought this project to life.

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Thirty-eight lawyers were recognized across nineteen distinct practice areas, and eleven attorneys were recognized as Ones to Watch.

Two of our attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” honors. Miami Office Managing Director Mitchell A. Bierman was recognized for his work in Administrative / Regulatory Law in Miami, and Partner Michael J. Kurzman was recognized for Litigation – Construction in Fort Lauderdale.

Best Lawyers has employed the same transparent methodology for more than 35 years, based entirely on peer review. 

The following includes all Firm attorneys named and areas in which they are recognized:

Miami, FL

• Lillian Arango (Real Estate Law)
• Mitchell A. Bierman (Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Contracts)
• Daniela Cimo (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Maria Victoria Currais (Real Estate Law)
• Jeffrey Decarlo (Commercial Litigation, Public Finance Law)
• Kelsie M. Elmer (Ones to Watch: Real Estate Law)
• Alan K. Fertel (Sports Law)
• Chad S. Friedman (Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law)
• Jessika Arce Graham (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law)
• Edward G. Guedes (Appellate Practice)
• Stephen J. Helfman (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Stephanie Herbello (Ones to Watch: Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Judelande Jeune (Ones to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Juan P. Loumiet (Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law)
• Justin Luger (Commercial Litigation)
• Edward O. Martos (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Pooja Patel (Ones to Watch: Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• Roger C. Pou (Ones to Watch: Municipal Law)
• Anthony L. Recio (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Katharine Rodriguez-Wilson (Ones to Watch: Real Estate Law)
• Paul Ryder (Employment Law – Management)
• Joseph H. Serota (Commercial Litigation)
• Eduardo M. Soto (Real Estate Law)
• Richard Jay Weiss (Government Relations Practice)
• Laura K. Wendell (Appellate Practice)
• David M. Wolpin (Employment Law – Management, Government Relations Practice)

Fort Lauderdale, FL

• Daniel L. Abbott (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning)
• Candice Balmori (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Mitchell J. Burnstein (Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Jamie A. Cole (Commercial Litigation, Government Relations Practice, Municipal Law)
• Anne R. Flanigan (Commercial Litigation)
• Alicia Gonzalez (Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Real Estate Law)
• Michael J. Kurzman (Construction Law, Litigation – Construction)
• Matthew H. Mandel (Commercial Litigation)
• Matthew J. Pearl (Community Association Law)
• Bryan C. Siddique (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation) 
• Lori Smith-Lalla (Municipal Law)
• Eric L. Stettin (Commercial Litigation)
• Susan L. Trevarthen (Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law)
• Peter D. Waldman (Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law)
• Michael A. Weitzner (Ones to Watch: Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Boca Raton, FL

• Howard D. Dubosar (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• Rana M. Gorzeck (Real Estate Law)
• Erica Hausdorff (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Andrew S. Maurodis (Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law)
• Debra Reese (Land Use and Zoning Law)
• Jeremy S. Rosner (Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation)
• Brett J. Schneider (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Union, Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• David N. Tolces (Municipal Law, Real Estate Law)

The post WSHC+B Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

CABA is a non-profit voluntary bar association founded in 1974 by lawyers of Cuban descent. CABA’s members include judges, lawyers, and law students of all backgrounds interested in issues affecting the Cuban community and broader legal and human rights issues impacting minority communities. 

As a partner in WSHC+B’s Government Division and Municipal Land Use Practice Group, Haydee represents municipalities on a broad range of issues such as contracts, elections, ethics, public records, procurement, and sunshine law compliance. In that capacity, Haydee drafts and reviews proposed legislation, resolutions, and agreements on a variety of matters, always with an understanding of the broader implications of her clients’ interests. Haydee also provides counsel to elected officials on legal matters, including compliance with state and local ethics laws. She has served on CABA’s Board of Directors since 2018 and as co-vice president. 

As the daughter and granddaughter of Cuban political exiles, Candice has a unique appreciation for the critical nexus between democratic institutions and community engagement. Candice counsels municipalities on a broad array of matters impacting local governments, including counseling on contracts, compliance with public records, sunshine, and ethics laws. She regularly drafts government contracts and resolutions, tracks legislation, and assists with the preparation and implementation of various municipal regulations. She has been a member of CABA since 2013 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2019. 

Learn more here: https://cabaonline.com/caba/overview/board-of-directors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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CABA is a non-profit voluntary bar association founded in 1974 by lawyers of Cuban descent. CABA’s members include judges, lawyers, and law students of all backgrounds interested in issues affecting the Cuban community and broader legal and human rights issues impacting minority communities. 

Haydee is a partner in WSHC+B’s Government Division and Municipal Land Use Practice Group, where she provides general representation to municipalities on a broad range of issues such as elections, ethics, procurement, public records, and land use and zoning. Haydee has served on CABA’s Board of Directors since 2018 and currently serves as Co-Vice President.

Candice represents municipalities on a broad range of issues, including counseling on contracts and compliance with public records, sunshine, and ethics law requirements. She also assists in advising community redevelopment agencies, drafting government contracts and resolutions, tracking legislation, and developing litigation strategies across various matters. She has been a member of CABA since 2013 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2019. She currently serves as the organization’s Secretary.

Learn more here: https://cabaonline.com/caba/overview/board-of-directors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Candice reflected on her time as a young girl listening to her father recite the poem “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” by Cuban poet, political philosopher, and national hero José Martí, about a little girl who wore pink shoes to the seaside and ultimately gave them to another who was less fortunate.

In the piece, she recalled how her grandparents shared poems and other written works by Martí with her father as a little boy, who then, in turn, recited them to her. She now shares them with her children, continuing a long-lasting tradition within her family.

For Candice, a proud Cuban-American, Hispanic Heritage Month reminds her of the importance of upholding Cuban culture and finding ways to build upon that important cultural foundation.

Candice counsels municipalities on a broad array of matters impacting local governments. As the daughter and granddaughter of Cuban political exiles, Candice has a unique appreciation for the critical nexus between democratic institutions and community engagement. Candice is currently the Secretary and has served on the Board of Directors for the Cuban American Bar Association for the last five years. Along with several other attorneys, Candice has also volunteered her time to represent 52 political prisoners in the filing of a petition on CABA’s behalf, which is currently pending before the InterAmerican Commission for Human Rights.

Read Candice’s article “Reflections During Hispanic Heritage Month: Bedtime Stories and Little Pink Shoes” here: https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2024/10/04/reflections-during-hispanic-heritage-month-bedtime-stories-and-little-pink-shoes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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There are approximately 110 women political prisoners in Cuba, who were detained following mass anti-government peaceful protests and demonstrations on July 11, 2021. Many are mothers or primary caregivers for their families. The Cuban American Bar Association is representing 52 individuals (8 of whom are women) who were imprisoned during the July 11 protests, enduring harsh conditions and denied due process. CABA has filed a petition on behalf of the prisoners to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an organization within the Organization of American States.

Candice counsels municipalities on a broad array of matters impacting local governments. As the daughter and granddaughter of Cuban political exiles, Candice has a unique appreciation for the critical nexus between democratic institutions and community engagement. Candice has served on the Board of Directors for the Cuban American Bar Association for the last five years. Along with several other attorneys, Candice has also volunteered her time to represent 52 political prisoners (8 of whom are women) in the filing of a petition on CABA’s behalf, which is currently pending before the InterAmerican Commission for Human Rights.

Read the full coverage here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/in-miami-top-us-officials-call-for-the-release-of-women-political-prisoners-in-cuba/ar-BB1l5DoZ?ocid=socialshare&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

Additional networks have covered the story including: 

https://evclay.coveragebook.com/b/d1dfbf81689dab98?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

https://www.telemundo51.com/noticias/local/lanzan-llamado-para-liberar-a-presas-politicas-en-cuba/2526390/?amp=1&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v31q1HZ6GvI&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

https://www.msn.com/es-us/noticias/Miami/funcionarios-de-eeuu-piden-en-miami-la-liberaci%C3%B3n-de-las-presas-pol%C3%ADticas-en-cuba/ar-BB1l5HWH?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

https://www.citybiz.co/article/543936/the-cuban-american-bar-association-and-u-s-state-department-host-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Super Lawyers recognizes distinguished attorneys who have undergone a rigorous screening process and who are ultimately selected for inclusion in their annual list of exceptional legal professionals. Published by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers is a rating service of attorneys from more than 70 practice areas and determines its rankings through independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Only the top 5 percent of outstanding lawyers in Florida are rated by Super Lawyers, while no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers under 40 years old or who have practiced for fewer than 10 years are selected as Rising Stars.

The Firm’s recognized attorneys are listed below.

Miami

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Mitchell A. Bierman
• Alan K. Fertel
• Edward G. Guedes
• Joseph H. Serota

Recognized as Rising Star

• Justin D. Luger
• Richard Rosengarten

Fort Lauderdale

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Mitchell J. Burnstein
• Jamie A. Cole
• Susan Trevarthen
• Peter D. Waldman

Recognized as Rising Stars

• Candice Balmori
• Anne Reilly Flanigan
• Alicia Gonzalez
• Chanae L. Wood

Boca Raton

Recognized as Super Lawyers

• Howard D. DuBosar
• Alen H. Hsu
• Brett J. Schneider

Recognized as Rising Stars

• Harrison R. DuBosar

The post WSHC+B ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED AS 2023 SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

This March’s celebration of Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to reflect upon some practical lessons from our female forebears. There are a number of local women whose work and efforts on behalf of the community are worthy of praise, but for today, the focus will be upon the “Mother of Miami”: Julia DeForest Tuttle. Tuttle was perhaps one of the most persistent, dedicated, and visionary women of her time. As far as lessons from history go, did you know that one of her most noteworthy historical achievements also represents an underrated case study in effective grant writing?

So driven was Tuttle to lead the movement to start a new city along the Miami River that after writing numerous letters to Henry Flagler, she personally made the trip to St. Augustine to discuss the matter of extending his railroad further southward. Her vision to attract development to South Florida depended upon ensuring efficient access to the area—and in the 1800s that required a train. Allegedly, her effort in St. Augustine proved fruitless. But as one story goes, after The Great Freeze of 1894-1895, wherein the majority of Florida’s citrus groves were devastated, the clever Tuttle sent Flagler flowering orange blossoms from her own yard beside Biscayne Bay—a demonstration of the area’s “freeze proof” potential. Offering her own “local match,” in effect, by granting Flagler significant tracts of her own land for the construction of the railway, Tuttle deftly capitalized on a collaborating interest to propel her vision forward. Ultimately, Flagler accepted, and the rest is Miami history, folklore or not.

More than a century after Tuttle’s land grant, grant sources and similar opportunities have expanded and diversified. Like Tuttle’s grant, which in her contribution of land both addressed an issue plaguing the citrus industry as well as foresightedly sought a means to her vision, grants today are about making impact investments with benefits exceeding their costs. To be sure, the federal government, states, counties, cities, foundations, nonprofit entities, and even for-profit corporations offer opportunities for grants and are motivated to find worthy projects to meet their funding mandates. But efficient allocation of funding resources requires more than availability of funding. Applicants, for their part, must effectively communicate the merits of their prospective projects.

To this end, grant writers and specialized consultants spend countless hours fine-tuning technical information to transform grant applications to perfection. Their help is usually invaluable. But for those humbly trying to build their own visions into reality (and for whom clippings of foliage may not be sufficient), Tuttle’s example outlines some core concepts critical for effective grant writing.

Thoughtfully Assemble Your Team
To bring her vision of developing a city along the Miami River to reality, not only did Tuttle reach out to Flagler for the construction of a railroad, but she also collaborated with Mary Brickell and her husband William Brickell, who agreed to grant a large tract of their land for the benefit of railroad construction.

Research shows that group decision-making is more effective than working in a silo because it has the advantage of leveraging multiple perspectives and areas of expertise. It also has the benefit of leading to more creative thinking. Those value-adds are well-established preconditions for success in grant writing. As with the coalition that Tuttle built to see her vision through, consider assembling a grant-writing team with a complimentary diversity of backgrounds and strengths to bolster the request being made. A grant application should inspire confidence in the knowledge base of the applicant, but also should be easily understood by those who are not necessarily experts in a particular field.

Know Your Audience
Tuttle ultimately, and creatively, addressed hardship brought on after The Great Freeze to gain Flagler’s attention. She sent clippings of fragrant orange blossoms from her region of interest that had been unscathed after the freeze that befell the rest of the state. Tuttle knew that Flagler needed an attractive place to lay tracks and induce ridership and that both were interested in catalyzing economic development. Indeed, the merits of extending the railroad southward may never have smelled sweeter, or more of citrus.

Funding agencies are invested in educating prospective applicants on their funding criteria because they are motivated to match funding to worthy projects that solve the kinds of problems that their agencies are institutionally mission-driven to resolve. To avoid wasting valuable time in a review of applicants that miss the mark, funding agencies are usually available to discuss their opportunities. In many cases, it is the individual who ultimately will review and score applications that initiates such informational sessions. Too many applicants incorrectly discount such opportunities as a waste of time. But applicants should seek out informational sessions on grant opportunities, or arrange for separate question and answer appointments with grant administrators.

Understanding the background, goals, and values of the funding agency can provide an informative framework within which a grant writer may be able to more strategically craft a grant application.

Know Your Parameters
Tuttle began her endeavor by writing letters to Flagler, but they were to no avail. By all accounts her initial letters went unanswered.

These days, it is not quite as difficult to know where to start in seeking assistance for grant funding. Grant opportunities come with small print. As to federal grants, for instance, these are known as “Notices of Funding Opportunity” or “NOFOs,” which—themselves—may be accompanied by yet additional guidance from departments administering funding. It is vital to carefully follow a grant’s submission guidelines to avoid excluding your project on a technicality and ensure that your subject matter meets the eligibility criteria from the onset.

Communicate Clearly and Succinctly
Clarity and brevity are fundamental to persuasive argument. Tuttle’s initial letter writing campaign to Flagler seemed to have been in vain, but the simplicity and directness of citrus blossoms wrapped in damp cotton apparently hit the mark.

Compelling hooks, themes, road maps, headers, and demonstratives can position grant applications to be more consumable. Word limits are not suggestions, and there should be no reservations about using less than that allotted. Grant readers are tasked with thousands of pages to evaluate during grant seasons and need applicants to get to the point quickly.

At its very minimal essence, a grant application has three core elements: the identification of a problem or inefficiency or deficiency; a novel proposal to address that problem or inefficiency or deficiency; and a plan of action for executing that proposal that is effective and for which its benefits outweigh its costs. Not losing sight of that framework through all of the sophisticated and idiosyncratic analyses that often accompany an application—even when the formal criteria does not explicitly list these elements—is key to clear communication. And substance is as important as form. Organization, a professional appearance, proofreading, timeliness of submission, and following format guidelines all help to underscore the competence of the submission as well.

Zealously Advocate
Tuttle wrote. She traveled the length of the state. She offered her own landholdings, and banded together with her neighbors, the Brickells. To say that she was persistent, dedicated, and tenacious would be an understatement.

A grant reader can discern the zeal with which an applicant believes in a project. Supported heartfelt responses will always score higher than boilerplate or formulaic submissions.

Conclusory statements and baseless speculation carry little weight for grant applications. For any proposition to be persuasive, applicants should take care to provide support in the form of data or reliable authorities. As with any compelling story, showing is more effective than telling.

For instance, in demonstrating a plan of action for executing a proposal, highlight specific examples of the applicant’s ability to effectively and efficiently administer the grant funding (i.e. partnerships, resources, and experiences in similar endeavors). Sharing this information helps the grantor gain confidence that the grant will be a sound investment.

We enjoy a vibrant South Florida today in large part because Tuttle was an adept grant writer. As the only woman to found a major American city (and having done so even before women were afforded the right to vote), her progressive vision and relentless advocacy are worth more than just passive celebration during this March’s Women’s History Month: Julia DeForest Tuttle is worth learning from.

Candice Balmori is an attorney at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman where she represents municipalities on a broad range of issues, including counseling on contracts, compliance with public records, sunshine and ethics laws.

Read the original article published in the Daily Business Review here.

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“Adding this important practice area expands our firm’s profile and services. I could not be prouder to launch this practice with a group of highly talented WSHC+B attorneys,” said Fort Lauderdale office managing director, Jamie Cole.

Read the full article here: https://www.law360.com/articles/1547289?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 

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Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) announced the addition of a Mediation Services Practice Group to its roster of practice areas. This practice group will provide Florida Supreme Court certified circuit and/or county mediators for cases that involve local government, commercial litigation, construction litigation, eminent domain, property rights and education.

The firm’s certified mediators will work to assist parties find amicable resolutions to their disputes by ensuring fair and unbiased mediation services in situations where courts order mediation or when parties involved in litigation independently want to pursue a settlement. 

“Adding this important practice area expands our firm’s profile and services,” said Jamie Cole, partner and Fort Lauderdale office managing director. “I could not be prouder to launch this practice with a group of highly talented WSHC+B attorneys who have been certified by the Florida Supreme Court.”

With the firm’s comprehensive understanding of different types of disputes, WSHC+B’s certified mediators are uniquely equipped to increase the odds of a successful resolution.

The firm’s team of Supreme Court certified mediators includes:

• Jamie Cole – Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
  Areas of focus: Local Government, Commercial Litigation
• Howard DuBosar – Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
  Area of focus: Commercial Litigation
• Ronald Nisonson – Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
  Area of focus: Construction Litigation
• Pete Waldman – Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
  Areas of focus: Eminent Domain, Property Rights
• Candice Balmori – Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator
  Area of focus: Local Government
• Ayanna Hypolite – Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator
  Area of focus: Education

In addition to this new practice area, the firm has had exceptional growth this year through its acquisition of a boutique law firm in Gainesville, expanding its office in Boca Raton and hiring 16 lawyers and 13 staff in 2022.

For more information on the firm’s new practice group, please visit: https://www.wsh-law.com/practices/litigation/supreme-court-certified-mediation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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