Janette Smith – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman https://www.wsh-law.com At the Crossroads of Business, Government & the Law Fri, 09 May 2025 17:24:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 WSHC+B Launches Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Practice https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-launches-artificial-intelligence-and-emerging-technology-practice/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 02 May 2025 15:35:43 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12055 Emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, are changing how organizations function and creating new legal considerations for the public and private sector. Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) is positioning itself to be a leader in providing strategic legal counsel for individuals and entities through its newly launched Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology practice. […]

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]]> Emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, are changing how organizations function and creating new legal considerations for the public and private sector. Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) is positioning itself to be a leader in providing strategic legal counsel for individuals and entities through its newly launched Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology practice.

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

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]]> Client Alert: Updated List of Prohibited Applications on Government Devices https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/client-alert-updated-list-of-prohibited-applications-on-government-devices/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:44:25 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11770 On January 29, 2025, the Department of Management Services released the attached updated list of applications prohibited under Section 112.22, Florida Statutes. The section, entitled “Use of applications from foreign countries of concern prohibited,” outlines several key points regarding the restrictions and procedures related to the use of certain internet applications by public employers and […]

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]]> On January 29, 2025, the Department of Management Services released the attached updated list of applications prohibited under Section 112.22, Florida Statutes. The section, entitled “Use of applications from foreign countries of concern prohibited,” outlines several key points regarding the restrictions and procedures related to the use of certain internet applications by public employers and employees. The statute defines key terms such as “Department,” referring to the Department of Management Services, and “Foreign country of concern,” which includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, as well as agencies or entities under their control. Public employers are required to block prohibited applications from accessing their networks and devices, and employees are prohibited from downloading or accessing these applications on government-issued devices. The statute provides certain exceptions for law enforcement officers if the use of a prohibited application is necessary for public safety, and public employers can request waivers for designated employees to use these applications. Employees must remove any prohibited applications from government-issued devices within 15 days of an updated list being published by the Department. The Department is responsible for compiling and updating a list of prohibited applications, establishing procedures for granting waivers, and adopting emergency rules to implement the section.

Blocking and Restricting Access:

  • CIO/CTO/IT Professionals: Take note to block all prohibited applications from public access (i.e., WI-FI) on any network and virtual private network that the agency owns, operates, or maintains.

For more information, please contact your WSHC+B legal counsel. 

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