Chad S. Friedman – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman https://www.wsh-law.com At the Crossroads of Business, Government & the Law Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:12:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 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 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 Partners Recognized in Florida Trend’s 2025 Notable Real Estate / Land Use Attorneys https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-partners-recognized-in-florida-trends-2025-notable-real-estate-land-use-attorneys/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:46:00 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12410 Congratulations to WSHC+B partners Chad S. Friedman, Fabio Giallanza, Anthony L. Recio, and Susan Trevarthen on being recognized as Florida Trend Legal Elite Notable Real Estate / Land Use Attorneys. Their inclusion will be featured in the September issue of Florida Trend. Florida Trend Media Company’s editorial review team vetted and selected individual attorneys who […]

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]]> Congratulations to WSHC+B partners Chad S. Friedman, Fabio Giallanza, Anthony L. Recio, and Susan Trevarthen on being recognized as Florida Trend Legal Elite Notable Real Estate / Land Use Attorneys. Their inclusion will be featured in the September issue of Florida Trend.

Florida Trend Media Company’s editorial review team vetted and selected individual attorneys who qualified for inclusion by meeting and exceeding specific methodology and criteria parameters that were put in place for its nomination process. To qualify for the list, lawyers must have been nominated by peers and business associates for their experience and impact on their field of law, as well as their influence within the community while demonstrating strong leadership in professional organizations and civic/community service initiatives. The state’s most influential attorneys were selected after a year-long research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend.

Representing WSHC+B’s real estate and land use practices, these attorneys play a key role in advancing the firm’s work throughout South Florida. Their commitment and leadership has earned them recognition in the profession, while they continue to mentor within their teams and advocate for their communities.

To view all of the Notable Real Estate / Land Use Attorneys, please click here.

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]]> WSHC+B Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorneys-selected-for-inclusion-in-the-best-lawyers-in-america/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:21:00 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12391 Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.  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 […]

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]]> Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. 

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Boca Raton, FL

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]]> Client Alert: Florida Legislature Retroactively Prohibits Any More Restrictive Regulations on Development from 2024 to 2027 and Beyond https://www.wsh-law.com/blog/client-alert-florida-legislature-retroactively-prohibits-any-more-restrictive-regulations-on-development-from-2024-to-2027-and-beyond/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Mon, 12 May 2025 20:44:23 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12083 In a sweeping attack on the home rule authority of every city and county in the state of Florida, the Florida Legislature has adopted Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) with a last-minute amendment that prohibits all local government initiated ordinances that impose more restrictive or burdensome comprehensive plan amendments, land development regulations, or procedures concerning […]

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]]> In a sweeping attack on the home rule authority of every city and county in the state of Florida, the Florida Legislature has adopted Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) with a last-minute amendment that prohibits all local government initiated ordinances that impose more restrictive or burdensome comprehensive plan amendments, land development regulations, or procedures concerning review, approval, or issuance of site plans, development permits, or development orders for the period commencing August 1, 2024, through October 1, 2027. SB 180 also bans local moratoria on construction, reconstruction, or redevelopment of property damaged by a hurricane during the same timeframe. Critically, the amended law applies retroactively, declaring such ordinances null and void ab initio.

To enforce compliance, SB 180 empowers residents and businesses to bring civil actions against local governments to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief, along with recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs, if a local government fails to announce its intent to repeal such ordinance within 14 days of receiving written demand, and proceeds to repeal such ordinance within 30 days.

Although the amendment appears to be limited in its impact and apply only to counties identified in Federal Disaster Declarations for Hurricanes Debby (DR-4806), Helene (DR-4828), and Milton (DR-4834), those declarations collectively cover every county and municipality in Florida.

SB 180 is currently pending presentation to the Governor. Local governments should immediately review all ordinances adopted since August 1, 2024, and assess whether any fall within the scope of this sweeping state preemption. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us to discuss: Jamie A. Cole (jcole@wsh-law.com); Susan Trevarthen (strevarthen@wsh-law.com); Chad S. Friedman (cfriedman@wsh-law.com); or Roger C. Pou (rpou@wsh-law.com).

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]]> WSHC+B Named Among Florida Trend’s “Biggest Law Firms In Florida” https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-named-among-florida-trends-biggest-law-firms-in-florida/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 07 May 2025 19:24:24 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12061 WSHC+B is proud to announce that our firm has been named among Florida Trend’s “Biggest Law Firms in Florida” for 2025. Top Florida executives recognized from the firm include Mitchell Burnstein, Jamie A. Cole, Mitchell A. Bierman, Brett J. Schneider, and Chad S. Friedman. The annual list recognizes national and international firms based in Florida […]

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]]> WSHC+B is proud to announce that our firm has been named among Florida Trend’s “Biggest Law Firms in Florida” for 2025. Top Florida executives recognized from the firm include Mitchell Burnstein, Jamie A. Cole, Mitchell A. Bierman, Brett J. Schneider, and Chad S. Friedman.

The annual list recognizes national and international firms based in Florida with between 75 and 500 employed attorneys, highlighting their significant size, reach, and impact across the state.

View the full list here.

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]]> Gov. DeSantis announces Florida’s New Government Efficiency Task Force: What It Means for Governmental Agencies and Government-Funded Entities https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/gov-desantis-announces-floridas-new-government-efficiency-task-force-what-it-means-for-governmental-agencies/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:05:15 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11756 On February 24, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order launching the Florida DOGE Task Force, a state-level initiative aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and reducing costs across governmental agencies and potentially government-funded private entities, vendors, partners, and contractors. This task force will operate for one year, using artificial intelligence to conduct audits and recommend budget cuts. These […]

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On February 24, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order launching the Florida DOGE Task Force, a state-level initiative aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and reducing costs across governmental agencies and potentially government-funded private entities, vendors, partners, and contractors. This task force will operate for one year, using artificial intelligence to conduct audits and recommend budget cuts.

These entities will likely face increased scrutiny and be required to comply with audit findings and implement recommended changes.  WSHC+B advises local governments and government-funded entities undergoing government investigations and audits, providing guidance to navigate compliance requirements and regulatory reviews. Our team has extensive experience advising public sector clients on audit response strategies and risk management.

Related Attorneys:

Click here to read the official statement and here to read a New York Times article about the Florida DOGE Task Force.

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]]> WSHC+B Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2025 https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorneys-selected-for-inclusion-in-the-best-lawyers-in-america-2025/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:21:06 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11292 Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.  Of the 47 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 14 attorneys were recognized as Ones to Watch.  Best Lawyers has employed the […]

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]]> Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. 

Of the 47 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 14 attorneys were recognized as Ones to Watch. 

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

Fort Lauderdale

Boca Raton

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]]> WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group interviewed by DBR Florida https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcbs-road-to-the-world-cup-2026-focus-group-interviewed-by-dbr-florida/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:39:24 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11034 WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group was recently interviewed by the Daily Business Review for their recognition as 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalists in the Innovators category. “We are thrilled to be selected by the DBR as a 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalist in the Innovators category. Our well-rounded RTWC2026 Focus Group […]

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]]> WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group was recently interviewed by the Daily Business Review for their recognition as 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalists in the Innovators category.

“We are thrilled to be selected by the DBR as a 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalist in the Innovators category. Our well-rounded RTWC2026 Focus Group is at the forefront of helping businesses and governments take advantage of the exciting opportunities offered by the 2026 FIFA World Cup games being hosted in South Florida,” says Marlon Hill, WSHC+B Partner and member of the RTWC2026 Focus Group.

Our RTWC2026 Focus Group, composed of Alan K. Fertel, Chad S. Friedman, Fabio Giallanza, Marlon A. Hill, Mitchell A. Bierman, and Nelson Slosbergas, will be at the forefront of the Firm’s efforts in assisting clients with their World Cup-related business activities. 

The firm’s RTWC2026 Focus Group will be honored at the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards event on April 4, 2024. 

Read more here: https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2024/03/10/innovators-weiss-serota-helfman-cole-bierman/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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]]> WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group recognized by DBR Florida Legal Awards https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcbs-road-to-the-world-cup-2026-focus-group-recognized-by-dbr-florida-legal-awards/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:09:13 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10911 Congratulations to WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group for being recognized as a Daily Business Review 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalist in the Innovators category.  Our Road to the World Cup Focus Group – RTWC2026 Focus Group, composed of Alan K. Fertel, Chad S. Friedman, Fabio Giallanza, Marlon A. Hill, Mitchell A. […]

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]]> Congratulations to WSHC+B’s Road to the World Cup 2026 Focus Group for being recognized as a Daily Business Review 2024 Florida Legal Awards finalist in the Innovators category. 

Our Road to the World Cup Focus Group – RTWC2026 Focus Group, composed of Alan K. Fertel, Chad S. Friedman, Fabio Giallanza, Marlon A. Hill, Mitchell A. Bierman, and Nelson Slosbergas, was recognized for its innovative approach to providing professional assistance to clients preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

The RTWC2026 Focus Group will be at the forefront of the Firm’s efforts in assisting clients with their World Cup-related business activities. With its multilingual and multicultural team, the RTWC2026 Focus Group is well versed in serving domestic as well as international businesses and organizations in French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish and Hebrew.

The firm’s RTWC2026 Focus Group will be honored at the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards event on April 4, 2024. 

To view the full list of honorees and finalists, click here.

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