Peter D. Waldman – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman https://www.wsh-law.com At the Crossroads of Business, Government & the Law Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:12:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 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 thirteen 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 thirteen 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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]]> WSHC+B Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorneys-recognized-as-2025-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:02:44 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=12217 WSHC+B is pleased to announce that 12 of our attorneys have been named to the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list, with two additional attorneys recognized as Rising Stars. Super Lawyers recognizes distinguished attorneys who have undergone a rigorous screening process and are ultimately selected for inclusion in their annual list of exceptional legal professionals. Published […]

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]]> WSHC+B is pleased to announce that 12 of our attorneys have been named to the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list, with two additional attorneys recognized as Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers recognizes distinguished attorneys who have undergone a rigorous screening process and 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

Fort Lauderdale

Recognized as Super Lawyers

Recognized as Rising Stars

Boca Raton

Recognized as Super Lawyers

Recognized as Rising Stars

● Jeremey Rosner

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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

The post WSHC+B Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2025 appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

]]> Pete Waldman authors a blog with the IRWA about the importance of understanding ownership interests of a road and the “across the fence method” used for valuation https://www.wsh-law.com/blog/pete-waldman-authors-a-blog-with-the-irwa-about-the-importance-of-understanding-ownership-interests-of-a-road-and-the-across-the-fence-method-used-for-valuation/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:56:58 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10894 This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in January 2024 and was written by Peter D. Waldman. There are times when you determine that what appears to be a public road is actually under private ownership. This private ownership can either be full fee over a […]

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]]> This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in January 2024 and was written by Peter D. Waldman.

There are times when you determine that what appears to be a public road is actually under private ownership. This private ownership can either be full fee over a particular area of the road, or ownership that may be subject to an easement. How do you value that road when you need to acquire it pursuant to a right of way project?

Although it may seem that the obvious way to value the road would be the construction value of the road, that methodology is not the proper way of determining the value of a road  for acquisition purposes.  Whereas, the accepted way of valuing a road is to utilize the “across the fence method,” which is based on using the fee value of the land that adjoins the road. This valuation methodology assumes that the market value per square foot of the road is equal to the value of adjacent or adjoining land.

In using this method, it is also important to consider whether the road section may be encumbered by an existing right of way easement. If that is the case then the value of the encumbered road is not the full fee value, but the value as encumbered.  It is important to remember that not all roads are actually what they appear to be. If you fail to clearly understand the ownership interests in a road and how the road should be valued, it could delay your project.

In my next Blog, I will be discussing a way of obtaining ownership in a road without the need to pay for that interest.

To read the original blog post in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida, click here.

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]]> WSHC+B Attorneys Selected For Inclusion In The Best Lawyers In America 2024 https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorneys-selected-for-inclusion-in-the-best-lawyers-in-america-2024/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:02:12 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10645 Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.  Of the 41 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 12 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 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. 

Of the 41 lawyers recognized, 12 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized for the very first time and 12 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

Tampa, FL

The post WSHC+B Attorneys Selected For Inclusion In The Best Lawyers In America 2024 appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

]]> Peter D. Waldman authors a blog with the IRWA on choosing the correct unit of measurement in valuing property in eminent domain https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/peter-d-waldman-authors-a-blog-with-the-irwa-on-choosing-the-correct-unit-of-measurement-in-valuing-property-in-eminent-domain/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:14:48 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10639 This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in August 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman. When appraising the land to be acquired pursuant to the potential acquisition of property for right-of-way projects it is important to utilize the correct unit of value. If the […]

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]]> This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in August 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman.

When appraising the land to be acquired pursuant to the potential acquisition of property for right-of-way projects it is important to utilize the correct unit of value. If the correct unit of value is not utilized it can result in the property being undervalued, which could lead to a too low initial offer to the property owner. A too low initial offer can result in higher fees and costs for the condemning authority seeking to acquire property for a particular project.

I have seen too often where the a per square foot value of land was used in an appraisal when that was not the correct way to value the land for a particular property. For instance, a property that has a highest and best use for residential development should not be valued in that way, as the most likely purchaser of that type of property is a developer who is going to value the property based on how many units they can develop. Another example, is the valuation of a property improved with a retail gasoline facility, where the value is mostly in the land and not the improvements. That type of property should not be the value based on improvements including the land, but the value of the land including the improvements.

It is important that the correct unit of value is utilized in order to ensure that an appraisal contains the correct valuation of the property. To fail to do this can have serious ramifications for the acquisition of parcels for a right-of-way project. Incorrectly appraising property for a right-of-way project can result in budgetary issues for the acquisition program, which can result in shortfalls for acquiring all of the parcels needed for a particular project.

To read the original blog post in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida, click here.

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]]> Peter D. Waldman authors a blog with the IRWA about the rising cost of insurance for residential real estate and its impact on right of way projects https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/peter-d-waldman-authors-a-blog-with-the-irwa-about-the-rising-cost-of-insurance-for-residential-real-estate-and-its-impact-on-right-of-way-projects/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:10:30 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10586 This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in July 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman. What do you consider to be the most important issue today in regard to the valuation of residential real estate as relates to acquisition of property for right of […]

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]]> This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in July 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman.

What do you consider to be the most important issue today in regard to the valuation of residential real estate as relates to acquisition of property for right of way projects?
In answering this question it would be easy to say that rising interest rates, and the pressure that interest rates place on demand, which impacts value, is the most important issue today impacting the valuation of residential real estate, but I think the issue that is going to have the most long term impact on residential real estate values in Florida is the cost of insurance. Anything that impacts the cost of residential real estate will have an impact on value, and long term I think the greatest rise in cost impacting residential real estate is insurance.

The cost of residential property insurance continues to rise as a result of various issues including some of the storms that have hit Florida over the last several years, the aging of residential condominium stock, and the increase in flooding in various coastal areas within the state. In some places residential insurance is potentially so expensive that it is not in line with the value of the housing stock in those areas. It is important to note that if you have a mortgage on your property insurance is going to be required.

As the cost of insurance becomes more and more expensive the number of potential buyers decreases. When demand decreases there is typically a downward pressure on price. If we are not able to remedy the ever increasing cost of residential property insurance it will most likely have an impact on the affordability of residential real estate, which can also have an impact on local tax revenue, some of which is needed for right of way projects.

To read the original blog post in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida, click here.

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]]> WSHC+B ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED AS 2023 SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorneys-recognized-as-2023-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:13:53 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10567 The Firm is proud to announce that 11 attorneys have been named to the 2023 Super Lawyers list, while 7 attorneys have been recognized as 2023 Rising Stars. 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. […]

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]]> The Firm is proud to announce that 11 attorneys have been named to the 2023 Super Lawyers list, while 7 attorneys have been recognized as 2023 Rising Stars.

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

Recognized as Rising Star

Fort Lauderdale

Recognized as Super Lawyers

Recognized as Rising Stars

Boca Raton

Recognized as Super Lawyers

Recognized as Rising Stars

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]]> Daniela Cimo Published in the ABA Business Law Section https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/daniela-cimo-published-in-the-aba-business-law-section/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:37:52 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10386 WSHC+B attorney Daniela Cimo was recently published in the ABA Business Law Section’s “Business Law Today.” Her article highlights a volunteer opportunity set for the section’s Spring Meeting in Seattle with Reading Partners, a national nonprofit committed to developing children’s reading skills. The initiative aligns with this year’s law day theme of civics, civility and […]

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]]> WSHC+B attorney Daniela Cimo was recently published in the ABA Business Law Section’s “Business Law Today.” Her article highlights a volunteer opportunity set for the section’s Spring Meeting in Seattle with Reading Partners, a national nonprofit committed to developing children’s reading skills. The initiative aligns with this year’s law day theme of civics, civility and collaboration. Daniela discusses the importance of each of these themes and how lawyers can uphold the rule of law. 

At the upcoming Spring Meeting, Daniela will be a panelist in a CLE program titled: “Legal Ethics in the Emerald City: What The Rules of Professional Conduct Say About Brains, Heart, and Courage.” This panel will be a discussion on these and other ethical obligations. 

Daniela will also be moderating the Pro Bono Committee’s breakfast at the Spring Meeting on April 28th at 7:30 am. The event will feature two distinguished volunteer attorneys from Communities Rise and an inspiring pro bono manager from Legal Counsel for Youth and Children.

Daniela focuses her practice on representing governmental entities in land use, zoning, real estate, affordable housing, and general governance matters.

To read the article, click here: https://businesslawtoday.org/2023/04/how-civic-education-pro-bono-professional-integrity-strengthen-rule-of-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss



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]]> Pete Waldman discusses the potential impacts of harmonization on adjoining properties https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/pete-waldman-discusses-the-potential-impacts-of-harmonization-on-adjoining-properties/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:40:14 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10317 This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in March 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman. As part of many road widening projects there is a change in grade, as the crown of the road is raised as part of necessary drainage modifications pursuant to […]

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]]> This article originally appeared in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida in March 2023 and was written by Peter D. Waldman.

As part of many road widening projects there is a change in grade, as the crown of the road is raised as part of necessary drainage modifications pursuant to the proposed widening and expansion of travel lanes.  This elevation of the road will often have a corresponding impact on the grade differential of the travel lanes and properties adjoining those travel lanes.  As a result of these changes in grade differential between the travel lanes and adjoining properties, access to those properties can be impacted pursuant to the creation of a non-functional grade differential to the adjoining properties.    

As has been discussed in previous Blogs, not all properties are the same, which holds true when you are considering acceptable grade differentials to a specific property.  A property that primarily experiences  passenger vehicle traffic typically requires different driveway grade differentials then properties that primarily experience delivery vehicle traffic, which can differ depending on the type of delivery vehicle that primarily utilizes a particular property.  When you are planning the design and potential parcels needed for a project it is important to analyze these differences.

In most cases grade differentials are resolved by harmonizing the new lanes into the adjoining properties until a functional grade differential is achieved.  Although this sounds like a low impact  process, that is not always the case.  Depending on the grade differential that needs to be harmonized it may be necessary to go several yards into the property that is being harmonized, which could cause impacts both temporary (landscaping and use of property areas) and permanent (internal circulation and loss of parking) in nature.  Once again failure to consider these potential impacts early on in the project planning and design process can result in project delays and increased acquisition costs.  Just as you shouldn’t overlook other impacts that may result from a particular project you shouldn’t fail to consider the potential impacts of necessary harmonization to specific properties as part of your projects.

To read the original blog post in the International Right of Way Association Sunshine Chapter No. 26 Florida, click here.



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