The article explores the ongoing efforts to preserve the old courthouse’s complex history as judges transition into the newer modern facility.

Joe, who helped lead the renovation efforts, discussed the importance of acknowledging the courthouse’s full history and explained decisions to preserve features such as a Jim Crow–era water fountain.The plaque over the fountain was dedicated for Black History Month along with another one across the hall marking the election of Barack Obama in 2008. 

“I mean, that’s really history,” Serota said. “That was our justice system, and if that wasn’t hypocrisy, I don’t know what is.”

Joe recently made his first legal argument in the new, modern courthouse, describing the building in one word: “utilitarian.” Even so, he remains optimistic that the old courthouse will continue to be valued and he is hopeful that a new owner will preserve its unique architectural and historical features in an adapted space that honors its legacy for generations to come.

Joe is a founding partner of WSHC+B and serves as the firm’s General Counsel. He has long been a leader in Miami’s legal community and remains deeply connected to the history and evolution of the Miami-Dade court system.

Click here to view the article.

The post WSHC+B Founding Partner Joseph H. Serota Comments on Miami-Dade County Courthouse Relocation in Miami Herald Article appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, temporarily halting the enforcement of the CTA and its beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The court also stayed all deadlines for compliance.

On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order staying the injunction. As a result, reporting companies were once again required to submit beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Most companies were required to file by a new, extended deadline of January 13, 2025.

The renewed reporting requirement was short-lived, though, because in yet another turn of events, on December 26, 2024, the same appellate court vacated its stay of the injunction. Accordingly, reporting companies under the CTA are no longer required to file a BOI report while the Court debates the merits of the case. 

Given this continued uncertainty, reporting companies should make a determination as to whether to submit their BOI report voluntarily or await an appellate decision on the injunction. For those companies that decide to wait, completing the analysis to identify their beneficial owners under the CTA may facilitate filing in the event enforcement of the law is reinstated. This is an extremely fluid situation. If you decide not to file, you need to make sure that you are closely following the decisions rendered in the Texas Top Cop Shop case.

For those reporting companies that choose to file voluntarily or need assistance in determining their beneficial owners, our Firm remains ready to assist them in navigating the process and ensuring compliance with the requirements.

The post Client Alert: Key Updates on the CTA appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Specifically, a former Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) for Hillsborough County brought suit against the County after the County suspended him for testing positive for marijuana in a random drug test. The Court determined that the County violated the Florida Civil Rights Act by failing to accommodate the EMT’s legal use of medical marijuana outside of work hours despite the fact that the State’s medical marijuana statute does not require an employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana. The EMT had provided a valid Medical Marijuana Card issued by the Florida Department of Health, confirming his prescription for treating anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. The Court emphasized that Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution allows qualified patients to use medical marijuana off-site and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for such use.

This trial court decision, while noteworthy, holds no precedential value and does not affect other courts throughout the state of Florida. Employers may still wish to consider whether to adopt policy changes in light of the issues raised by this ruling. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding this matter, please feel free to reach out to us.

The post Client Alert: Hillsborough County Drug Test Lawsuit appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.