Roger C. Pou – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman https://www.wsh-law.com At the Crossroads of Business, Government & the Law Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:17:13 +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-2/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:17:13 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=13400 Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.  Forty-five attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers, and thirteen were recognized as Ones to Watch across twenty-five distinct practice areas. One of our attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” honors. Fort […]

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]]> Congratulations to all our attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. 

Forty-five attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers, and thirteen were recognized as Ones to Watch across twenty-five distinct practice areas.

One of our attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” honors. Fort Lauderdale Office Managing Partner Jamie A. Cole was recognized for his work in Government Relations Practice.

Best Lawyers has employed the same transparent methodology for more than 40 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 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 Names Several New Partners https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-names-several-new-partners/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:59:19 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11630 Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) elevated attorneys Roger Pou, Caroline Saiz and Chanae Wood to Partner. Pou and Saiz are based in the law firm’s Miami office, while Wood is based in its Fort Lauderdale office. Pou is a member of WSHC+B’s Government practice and represents municipalities […]

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]]> Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) elevated attorneys Roger Pou, Caroline Saiz and Chanae Wood to Partner. Pou and Saiz are based in the law firm’s Miami office, while Wood is based in its Fort Lauderdale office.

Pou is a member of WSHC+B’s Government practice and represents municipalities on a broad range of matters, including drafting contracts and legislation. He was instrumental in the creation of the firm’s Disaster Recovery practice, in which WSHC+B provides legal guidance to ensure that governments and eligible nonprofit entities have FEMA-compliant disaster response contracts before being stricken by a severe weather event or natural disaster.

A graduate of the Florida International University College of Law, Pou is very involved with the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) and completed its Leadership, Education, and Development (L.E.A.D.) program in 2024.

Saiz is part of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice, representing management of municipal government agencies. Her previous experience includes a decade of serving as staff counsel at Florida’s largest police union, counseling employees in all aspects of arbitration hearings, disciplinary appeals, collective bargaining grievances and administrative investigations. Saiz also has experience in dependency law.

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Saiz was inducted into the Society of Bar and Gavel and founded the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund organization.

Wood, specializing in land use, zoning, and general government matters, represents developers and governmental entities, guiding them through complex legal landscapes to achieve their goals. She has extensive experience advising municipal clients on public records compliance, sunshine law, ethics, comprehensive planning, procurement, utilities, administrative, and constitutional law. Additionally, she works closely with private property owners and developers to navigate the intricacies of the development review process, including securing approvals for affordable housing developments.

A frequent speaker on land use and affordable housing, Wood is passionate about addressing housing challenges and helping her clients bring transformative projects to life. She is widely recognized for her strategic insights and unwavering commitment to supporting developers and entrepreneurs as they shape thriving communities. In addition to her legal practice, Wood is a strong advocate for wellness in the professional space, emphasizing the importance of fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, and inspiring those around her to prioritize holistic well-being.

A graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, Wood’s professional and community involvement includes her current role as the 2026 President-Elect of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County.

“These three attorneys stand out as talented practitioners and emerging leaders in the legal industry and community,” Firm Managing Director Mitch Burnstein said. “We congratulate Roger, Caroline and Chanae on their well-deserved promotions to Partner and will enthusiastically support them in this new role.”

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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 attorney Roger Pou Selected for the Cuban American Bar Association’s ‘L.E.A.D. with CABA’ program https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-attorney-roger-pou-selected-for-the-cuban-american-bar-associations-l-e-a-d-with-caba-program/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:20:28 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=11046 WSHC+B attorney Roger Pou was recently selected for the Cuban American Bar Association’s ‘L.E.A.D. with CABA’ program. The prestigious program welcomes esteemed CABA members dedicated to honing leadership skills and effecting positive change in the community. CABA selectively recruits from varied sectors, law firm sizes, practice domains, backgrounds, and geographic regions, ensuring a rich and […]

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]]> WSHC+B attorney Roger Pou was recently selected for the Cuban American Bar Association’s ‘L.E.A.D. with CABA’ program.

The prestigious program welcomes esteemed CABA members dedicated to honing leadership skills and effecting positive change in the community. CABA selectively recruits from varied sectors, law firm sizes, practice domains, backgrounds, and geographic regions, ensuring a rich and inclusive cohort. This initiative empowers future legal leaders with the skills and tools to make a difference in CABA, The Florida Bar, and their communities.

Roger is a member of the Firm’s Government Division and focuses his practice on counseling municipalities and representing private entities seeking to do business with state and local government entities.

Click here to learn more about the program.

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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.

]]> WSHC+B recognized by DBR Florida Legal Awards https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/wshcb-recognized-by-dbr-florida-legal-awards/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:04:05 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=10309 The Daily Business Review recognized three firm lawyers and the firm’s Litigation Division for achievements of distinction. Mitchell A. Bierman, Justin D. Luger and Roger C. Pou were recognized as “Innovators” for their Disaster Recovery Work. They are being honored for launching a dedicated practice area to guide government and nonprofit clients through all aspects […]

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]]> The Daily Business Review recognized three firm lawyers and the firm’s Litigation Division for achievements of distinction.

Mitchell A. Bierman, Justin D. Luger and Roger C. Pou were recognized as “Innovators” for their Disaster Recovery Work. They are being honored for launching a dedicated practice area to guide government and nonprofit clients through all aspects of pre-disaster preparation and post-disaster response, inspired by a $1.5 million ruling secured in September 2022 against FEMA on behalf of the Village of Pinecrest. Mitch, Justin and Roger successfully navigated a new federal arbitration process to obtain reimbursements for damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The firm’s Litigation Division was also recognized as a 2023 Litigation Department of the Year for its unmatched ingenuity, diversity of matters, innovation and positive results achieved by its attorneys on behalf of government entities and Fortune 500 companies.

Mitch, Justin, Roger and the firm’s Litigation Division will be honored at the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards event on May 17, 2023

To view the full list of honorees, click here.

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]]> Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman Secures $1.5 Million Arbitration Ruling Against FEMA https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/weiss-serota-helfman-cole-bierman-secures-1-5-million-arbitration-ruling-against-fema/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:51:55 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=9944 Firm’s Mitch Bierman, Justin Luger and Roger Pou successfully represent the Village of Pinecrest in obtaining Hurricane Irma damage reimbursements Miami, Fla. – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) successfully navigated a new federal arbitration process to win a $1.5 million ruling against FEMA on behalf of the Village of Pinecrest. Mitch Bierman, Justin […]

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]]> Firm’s Mitch Bierman, Justin Luger and Roger Pou successfully represent the Village of Pinecrest in obtaining Hurricane Irma damage reimbursements

Miami, Fla. – Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman (WSHC+B) successfully navigated a new federal arbitration process to win a $1.5 million ruling against FEMA on behalf of the Village of Pinecrest. Mitch Bierman, Justin Luger and Roger Pou represented the Village in obtaining reimbursements for damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

This ruling and form of arbitration are expected to have significant impacts going forward as claims related to Hurricane Ian are filed and evaluated. 

A U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals panel ruled that the Village was wrongfully denied virtually all public assistance funding requests from FEMA. The Village’s claims revolved around various categories of debris clearance and removal activities performed between October and December 2017, in response to damage caused by Hurricane Irma on Sept. 10, 2017.

Federal arbitration can now be sought through this Board as a last resort for claims of at least $500,000 in densely populated areas and at least $100,000 in certain areas with a population of under 200,000. 

“We are thrilled to secure an appropriate outcome for the Village of Pinecrest through this new arbitration procedure,” said Luger. “The Village’s well-documented claims were disregarded by FEMA at every turn. It is heartening to know that there is now an impartial avenue to pursue justified and documented disaster relief reimbursements.”

Bierman, Partner and Miami Office Managing Director at WSHC+B, is Village Attorney for the Village of Pinecrest.

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]]> Justin D. Luger and Roger C. Pou discuss their recent win against FEMA which secured a reimbursement of more than $1.5 million in damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 https://www.wsh-law.com/news-updates/justin-d-luger-and-roger-c-pou-discuss-their-recent-win-against-fema-which-secured-a-reimbursement-of-more-than-1-5-million-in-damages-caused-by-hurricane-irma-in-2017/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:30:16 +0000 https://www.wsh-law.com/?p=9931 WSHC+B attorneys Justin Luger and Roger Pou were featured in an article by the Daily Business Review in which they discussed their recent win against FEMA. Justin and Roger secured a reimbursement of more than $1.5 million in damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 for the Village of Pinecrest. After Pinecrest was repeatedly denied […]

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]]> WSHC+B attorneys Justin Luger and Roger Pou were featured in an article by the Daily Business Review in which they discussed their recent win against FEMA.

Justin and Roger secured a reimbursement of more than $1.5 million in damages caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 for the Village of Pinecrest.

After Pinecrest was repeatedly denied reimbursement for damages, Justin and Roger used a fairly new arbitration process to win the case. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, these same strategies may be beneficial for the claims that are likely to ensue in the near future.

“Even if you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, they are looking for every little thing and any reason whatsoever to deny any amount of money,” Justin said. Roger suggests for municipalities to “take a very long look and prepare for these hurricanes and other natural events, because that’s the time to make your case, and if you make it now and if you need to arbitrate, you’ll be putting your best foot forward.”

Justin and Roger both work closely with government entities. Justin handles complex commercial, business and municipal/government litigation. Roger focuses his practice on representing municipalities on general matters, including drafting contracts and legislation.

Read the full article in the Daily Business Review here.

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