Eric is widely recognized for his work in complex litigation, particularly in software disputes, data privacy, and cybersecurity. He advises clients on matters such as the implementation of software systems, the protection of proprietary code, and the aftermath of cyberattacks, including breaches, phishing incidents, and malware. Eric, who serves on The Florida Bar’s Special Committee on AI Tools & Resources, played a key role in launching the firm’s Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology practice. Additionally, Eric serves as the firm’s Information Technology Partner, overseeing practice management systems, data security protocols, and technology strategy.

The 2025 Lawdragon 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors guide recognizes professionals shaping the legal tech landscape through practice, innovation, and leadership. Their selection process involves rigorous research, including submissions from peers and analysis by Lawdragon’s editorial team. Honorees include top advisors from law firms, legal tech companies, academia, and enterprise, as well as founders of leading AI companies transforming the profession.

To view the full guide, click here.

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Through this practice, WSHC+B helps clients adapt to these innovations while ensuring compliance with state, federal and international laws. The firm advises on data privacy and security, intellectual property protection, AI compliance, technology transactions, litigation, and government affairs. Its experience and relationships in tech, business transactions and local government position WSHC+B to provide legal services across a wide range of tech and AI areas.

“AI and new technologies are rapidly evolving ahead of developing regulations,” said WSHC+B Partner Eric Hockman, who serves on The Florida Bar’s Special Committee on AI Tools & Resources. “Businesses and public entities must take a proactive approach to compliance, risk mitigation and addressing future legal challenges. We are uniquely suited to guide our clients through this new world.”

The arrival of Of Counsel Janette Smith further strengthens the practice. Smith is a skilled attorney with a strong background in technology law, public sector representation, and complex contract negotiations. She has substantial experience advising clients on regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence governance, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

Smith has served as general counsel for various government entities and has advised municipalities, school boards, and regulatory agencies on technology procurement, legislative compliance, and risk management. She has successfully structured and negotiated technology contracts to remain compliant with evolving regulations while optimizing efficiency for public and private sector clients. Smith’s extensive professional involvement includes serving on The Florida Bar’s Commission on Technology and Broward County Bar Association’s Technology Committee.

“I am eager to leverage my experience for the benefit of WSHC+B’s public and private sector clients,” Smith said. “This is the ideal time to join the firm given its new Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology practice and overall commitment to being a leader in this developing area of the law.” For more information about the practice, visit https://www.wsh-law.com/practices/business-transactions/artificial-intelligence-and-emerging-technology?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

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

• https://www.law360.com/pulse/articles/2335442?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Partner Eric Hockman, the lead litigator in this case, and Anthony have worked on behalf of the city to ensure the restaurant honors the terms of their lease as new tenants are set to occupy the location starting November 1st. Quoted in the article, Anthony states, “The city has been successful with the hearings we’ve had thus far, we’ve won every single one.”

Anthony provides counsel to local governments, businesses, and community associations. He serves as City Attorney for the City of Deerfield Beach and Parkland, and Assistant City Attorney for Weston. He has served as counsel on charter review committees, municipal code reviews, and business tax advisory boards and has drafted government contracts, legislative items, and administrative policies.

Eric’s practice focuses on complex and technical litigation matters involving business, government, and individuals. He handles challenging code enforcement matters on behalf of municipalities and has successfully litigated dozens of cases in creative ways.

Read more: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/09/13/restaurant-spars-with-deerfield-beach-over-popular-beachfront-spot-heres-the-latest/?share=lbetleetsnh0lite3epi&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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The Special Committee on AI Tools & Resources advises the Board of Governors on adopting and effectively using AI in legal practice. It examines how AI tools interact with current bar rules, how they may change legal practice, and how they can improve access to justice. The committee also identifies AI tools for lawyers and provides education, communication, and resources to ensure that lawyers understand the benefits of AI while maintaining their duty of independent judgment.

“Being appointed to The Florida Bar’s AI Tools & Resources Special Committee is an incredible honor. AI represents the cutting edge of technology and its potential to revolutionize the legal profession is immense,” said Eric Hockman. “I am thrilled to help lead this new frontier, ensuring that we harness AI’s capabilities to enhance the legal practice while upholding the profession’s core values and ethical standards.”

Eric’s practice focuses on complex and technical litigation matters involving business, government, and individuals. He is also the firm’s Information Technology Partner, responsible for all of the firm’s practice management applications, data storage needs, and data security.

Learn more about the Special Committee on AI Tools & Resources here: https://www.floridabar.org/about/cmtes/cmtes-me/special-committee-on-ai-tools-resources/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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“It is possible for a labor contract at an air carrier to pay employees, such as flight attendants, for all their work, including tasks performed before ‘flight time’ begins. But the contracts have not developed this way because there is no 9 to 5 schedule for flight crews and no reasonable way to create a ‘shift,’” Eric explained. 

A former pilot and 12-year veteran of the airline industry, Eric elaborated stating, “Flight crews simply can’t work an 8-hour, continuous shift (except on long, overseas flights), and they don’t ‘punch a clock’… they are paid for flight hours, the same way pilots are paid, because it’s a verifiable period and easy for airlines to track.”

Eric is a commercial litigator with deep knowledge about the aviation industry. His experience working as a pilot, a certified flight instructor with instrument endorsement, a certified airframe & powerplant technician, and a heavy maintenance manager, gives him a unique perspective when practicing aviation law.  

Read more: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/flight-attendants-are-unfairly-compensated-for-their-time-080122.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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The firm is incredibly proud of WSHC+B partners Lily Arango, the Surfside Town Attorney, and Tony Recio, who heads the firm’s private land use and zoning practice, who both dedicated countless hours working with officials on a plan of action in the days, weeks, and months after the catastrophe. And when the impending litigation arose, WSHC+B litigators Eric Hockman and Joe Serota stepped in as part of the team of attorneys who negotiated the nearly $1 billion in settlements, a result that presiding Judge Michael Hanzman called “beyond extraordinary.”

Eric spoke with several media outlets about the stunning settlement result. He told Law360 that Judge Michael Hanzman “was pushing everybody really, really hard. He really did a tremendous job. This case belonged in front of him.”

Judge Hanzman, who had no advanced warning that the victims’ attorneys would announce the resolution of their claims against dozens of entities for $997 million, was “at a loss for words.” But then he added, “The result that has been achieved in this case and the speed with which it has been achieved is beyond extraordinary. If the right people were not running this case, this could have turned into a decade-long slog.”

Eric elaborated to Law360, “This is one of those cases where the last thing in the world you want to happen is to have a jury decide that your client is at fault for this terrible tragedy. It’s far better to buy your peace and deny liability than have a jury say you caused this. For a lot of insurers, keeping their clients’ exposure down within policy limits is a good, strategic choice.”

Once the settlements are approved, the parties’ investigations into the cause of the collapse will cease, although Eric said Surfside will continue its contract with structural engineer and collapse expert, Allyn Kilsheimer. Despite objections from some of the participants, Judge Hanzman concluded that Surfside was entitled to continue its investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Our hearts go out to the families of the victims as we approach the painful anniversary of this tragedy.

Click here to read the full Law360 article.

Click here to read the Miami Herald article.

Click here to see CBS Miami’s coverage of the news.

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Eric and Mitch predicted a future in which NFTs and the platforms on which they are sold will be regulated similar to existing commodities markets. This could mean the marketplaces would be subject to trade and anti-money laundering regulations, and issues would arise regarding which jurisdiction’s laws will govern, given that purchasing an NFT in many cases requires only an internet connection to facilitate the purchase with a credit card or Bitcoin.

“The problem for courts and people, in general is it is an unregulated industry,” Eric said. “Most lawyers don’t have any idea how this works, but a lot of this stuff dates back to current law. NFTs are purely electronic creations, and there should be a way to buy and sell those things to people who want to collect them.”

Click here to read the full article.

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Officers will be officially installed in their positions at the 104^th Installation Gala tentatively scheduled to take place on August 29, 2020, at the Mandarin Oriental Miami.

About the DCBA
The Dade County Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in Florida and the voice for Miami-Dade County’s diverse legal community. The DCBA, with its 33 sections, committees and divisions, provides its members with education and tools to expand and enrich their practices. Click here to learn more about the DCBA.

Click here for more from Attorney At Law Magazine.

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Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman was happy to sponsor and attend the “4^th Annual CABA Night with the Marlins.”  The event held at Marlins Park benefited the CABA Pro Bono Project.  Firm member Lilly Arango, firm partners Eric Hockman and Dan Espino, and firm attorney and CABA Board Member Haydee Sera all attended the event.

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