Arielle focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and construction claims and defense. 

Before joining the firm, Arielle was an associate in the mass litigation practice of an AmLaw 200 firm where she represented a leading insurance provider in complex litigation matters, managing thousands of cases and leading the mediation division. She has advised insurers on coverage, case defensibility, and potential exposure. 

Arielle has defended developers, contractors, and subcontractors in multi-party disputes involving alleged construction defect, general liability, and premises liability claims with significant financial exposure. She has coordinated and led on-site inspections, and handled all aspects of litigation through trial preparation for multi-million dollar construction matters. 

Arielle earned her Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law, where she obtained an environmental law certificate and served as Senior Staff Editor of the FSU Law Review and Secretary of the Student Bar Association. During law school, she was a law clerk for the Office of the General Counsel of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Arielle received her Bachelor of Arts in political science and sustainability studies, cum laude, from the University of Florida.

Awards & Recognition

• Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2025 

Florida, 2020

Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 2020 

• Environmental Law Certificate 

University of Florida, B.A., cum laude, 2017 

• Certificate in International Relations 

Jaimie focuses her practice on land use, zoning, and litigation. She represents clients before local zoning boards, historic preservation boards, and city commissions throughout South Florida. Jaimie also handles litigation matters, assisting with motion practice, discovery, and strategy in complex disputes.

Before joining the firm, Jaimie practiced at a boutique land use firm in Miami and gained experience through roles in the public and private sectors. She served as a judicial intern to U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Jaimie earned her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and her B.S. in finance from Florida State University.

Professional & Community Involvement

• ULI

Publications

• Rising Sea Levels, King Tides and Stormwater Flooding Could Be Our New Norm, Daily Business Review, 2024
• A Summer as a Judicial Intern in Judge Beth Bloom’s Chambers, Federal Bar Association, 2021

Florida

Southern District of Florida

• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, J.D., 2023

• ---

  Florida State University, B.S., 2019

• Federal Bar Association South Florida Chapter

Publications

• Comment, Who, What, Where, and When? Why Courts Should at Least Consider the Third Circuit’s Heightened Ascertainability Requirement as a Prerequisite to Class Certification, FIU Law Review, 2021

Florida, 2021

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2021

• Florida International University College of Law, J.D., 2021
  • Honors: Dean’s List; Medal of Distinction in Pro Bono Service
  • Board of Appellate Advocates, Member
  • FIU Law Review, Staff Member; Executive Articles Editor

• Nova Southeastern University, B.A., 2017
  • Honors: Dean’s List
  • Razor’s Edge Scholars Leadership Program
  • Student Government Association, Inter-Organizational Council Chair; Vice-President of Judicial Affairs

• Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar Association, Member, 2024-Present
• Annual Luncheon for a Cure for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Committee Member, 2025-Present

Florida

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2022

University of Florida, Heavener School of Business, B.A., cum laude, 2019

Janette 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.

Janette 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.

Janette has also served as a city attorney and held senior legal roles at multiple county and municipal agencies, where she provided guidance on public records, cybersecurity policies, and legislative affairs. Her unique practice makes her a trusted advisor in navigating the intersection of law and emerging technologies.

Professional & Community Involvement

• Florida Bar, 2006-present
  • City, County Local Government, Chair, 2022-2023; Executive Council, 2008-present
  • Commission on Technology, 2017-2019
  • Governmental and Public Policy Advocacy, 2017-2019
• Broward County Bar Association, 2007-present
  • Technology Committee, 2017-2020
  • Legislative Committee, 2016-2018
• Broward County Board of County Commissioners, 2010-2012
  • Resource Recovery Board, 2010-2012
  • Consolidated Communications Committee (4-C), 2011-2012
  • Public Safety 911 Center Task Force, 2010-2011
• Broward League of Cities, 2007-present
  • Fiscal Stewardship Committee, 2011-2012
• Broward County Municipal Clerks Association (BCCMA), 2007-2012
  • Nomination Committee, 2011
  • By-Laws Committee, 2009-2011
  • Scholarship Committee, 2009
• Florida Association of County Attorneys (FACA), 2015-present
• Florida School Board Attorneys Association (FSBAA), 2016-2018
• Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (FMAA), 2007-present
• Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC), 2013-2015
  • Technology Subcommittee, 2013-2015
  • Legal Subcommittee, 2013-2015
  • Public Records and Court Records Best Practices Committee, Chair, 2014-2015
  • Evidence Best Practices Committee, Co-Chair, 2014-2015
• Florida League of Cities (FLC), 2007-2015
• Florida City and County Managers Association (FCCMA)
• Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association (FPAA), 2012-2013
• International City County Managers Association (ICMA), 2007-2014
  • Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee, 2011-2014
• Lee County Bar Association, 2012-2017
  • Membership Committee Chair, 2013-2016
• Town of Davie, Florida, 2010-2012
  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Vice-Chair, 2010-2012
  • Police Athletic League Advisory Board, 2011-2012
  • Urban Farming Initiative Task Force, Chair, 2010

Awards

• City, County and Local Government Law (CCLGL) Section, The H. Hamilton “Chip” Rice, Jr. Award, 2024

Presentations

• Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Education, Florida School Boards Association, May 9, 2025
• Artificial Intelligence, City, County and Local Government Law (CCLGL) Section’s 48th Annual Conference, April 18, 2025
• Navigating AI Policy in K-12 Education: Essential Questions for School Board Members, Florida School Boards Association, May 2025
• Navigating the Intersection of Florida Public Records Law, Privacy, Ethics, and Social Media, Florida Bar Association, March 2023
• Current Issues: Trials and Tribulations, Florida Bar Association, April 2023
• Practicing Better with the Technologies of Today and Beyond, The Florida Bar Podcast, June 27, 2019
• Law Practice Management and Technology for Today and Beyond, Florida Bar Annual Convention, June 26, 2019

Publications

• Dissertation Publication: Information Governance: A Study of Technological Advancements and its Effect on Open Government and Public Records in Florida, Florida State University (FSU)

Florida, 2006

• Nova Southeastern University, J.D., 2005

• ---

  Nova Southeastern University, M.B.A., 1999

• ---

  Nova Southeastern University, B.S., 1998

Austin North’s practice involves pre- and post-litigation matters related to insurance coverage disputes with experience representing both domestic and international insurers, including those in the London markets. His practice is focused predominantly on litigating insurance coverage issues related to property and casualty, bad faith, and breach of contract claims in state and federal courts. Prior to joining the firm, Austin worked with multi-state law firms in South Florida, where he gained extensive experience litigating hundreds of cases.

Austin holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Boston University. He also served as a congressional intern for the late Congressman John Lewis, where he attended congressional hearings and prepared briefings for staff.

Professional & Community Involvement

• Coral Gables Bar Association, Member, 2017

Reported Cases

• Big League Ventures, LLC v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94944 (S.D. Fl. May 31, 2020)

Florida, 2014

S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2018

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 2018

University of Miami School of Law, J.D.

Boston University, B.A., 2011

English

Kristin Ottinger’s diverse practice focuses on litigation, education and local government law. Her civil litigation practice involves defending businesses and government entities in lawsuits and achieving successful outcomes through strategic litigation and settlement approaches. Kristin maintains a role as general counsel in local government and serving as legal counsel for the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Counsel, Flagler-Volusia Planning Organization, Space Coast Planning Organization and the School Board of Hernando County.

Before joining the firm, Kristin defended the City of Tampa in liability cases, handling property damage and bodily injury lawsuits, contract disputes, and acting as the City’s municipal prosecutor in pursuit of ordinance violations. She previously served as in-house counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., where she managed all phases of litigation and provided legal advice and representation for the company in both property and bodily injury coverage disputes.

Kristin is adept in both civil and criminal law, having managed her own practice for four years, following her tenure as criminal prosecutor with the State of Florida. With over two decades of experience as an attorney, Kristin has successfully participated in over 80 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials.

Kristin graduated from the Stetson University College of Law, where she was a Legal Writing Honor Society member, a Client Counseling competitive team member, and was awarded the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award.

Florida, 2000

U.S. Supreme Court, 2018

Stetson University College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2000

University of Florida, B.S. Psychology,1997

Cesar Francia represents artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs in immigration, intellectual property, corporate, and government matters.

With a decade of experience in corporate law, Francia has handled complex commercial litigation matters, internal and government investigations, as well as white-collar, money laundering, and anti-corruption matters. Born in Venezuela, Francia focuses at WSHC+B on filing business and family immigration visa petitions for investor entrepreneurs, specialty occupation professionals, talent, and multi-national executive transferees.

An artist in his own right, Francia counsels entertainers, media professionals, and music executives in intellectual property matters, registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, contractual agreements, and immigration visas based on extraordinary ability.

In the non-profit space, Francia worked as a consulting attorney at UNICEF handling a wide range of investigations and has focused his pro-bono practice on efforts to achieve marriage equality in Latin America, while serving as Board Member of LGBTQ+ rights organization Somos Familia.

Francia graduated from New York University (NYU) with a bachelor’s in international politics and worked as Aide to the Chambers of Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the Supreme Court of the U.S. before attending NYU School of Law.

Professional & Community Involvement

• Council on Foreign Relations, Term Member, 2020-2022
• International Bar Association, Human Rights Law Committee, Latin American Officer, 2018-2020
• New York Bar Association, Inter-American Affairs Committee, 2016-2017

Press Mentions

• April 1, 2025 on the Move, The Florida Bar, March 18, 2025
• WSHC+B Strengthens Miami Office With Arrival of New Attorneys, CityBiz, February 21, 2025
• #NBCLatino20: Exporter of Equality, Cesar Francia, NBC News, October 11, 2017

Awards & Recognition

• World Economic Forum, Global Shaper, 2014-2018
• Morrison Foerster, Pro Bono Star, 2018
• Arent Fox, Pro Bono Award, 2016, 2017
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
• American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Opportunity Scholarship

New York, 2015

New Jersey, 2015

Washington, D.C., 2016

New York University School of Law, J.D., 2014

New York University, B.A., 2010

Aaron Graubert is an associate in the firm’s Litigation Division, where he represents clients in a wide variety of matters with an emphasis on municipal litigation.

Prior to joining the firm, Aaron honed his appellate and litigation support skills at two Miami-based firms. His responsibilities included conducting in-depth legal research, drafting dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, motions to vacate defaults, and other responsive motions, as well as providing other substantive litigation support.

Aaron worked as a legislative assistant in Washington, D.C., where he tracked and summarized legislation, wrote memoranda for Congressional hearings, advised clients on COVID-19 relief disbursements, and made appropriations requests for community funding projects.

As a law student, in 2019, the B’nai B’rith Justice Unit #2507 selected him as a Maurice Berkowitz Summer Fellow. During his fellowship, he worked with legal aid providers in Broward County, including the Legal Aid Service of Broward County and the Coast-to-Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. In this role, he worked closely with clients and attorneys on immigration issues.

While studying at the University Miami School of Law, he was a Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board Member and competed in the 70th Annual National Moot Court Competition, reaching the playoff rounds. Aaron earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and his Bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Florida.

Press Mentions

• April 1, 2025 on the Move, The Florida Bar, March 18, 2025
• WSHC+B Strengthens Miami Office With Arrival of New Attorneys, CityBiz, February 21, 2025
• University of Miami law student Aaron Graubert selected as the 2019 Fellow, Legal Aid Service of Broward County, June 25, 2019

Florida, 2021
Washington, D.C. Bar, 2022 (inactive)
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2022

The University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2020

University of Florida, B.A., cum laude, 2017

Emma Rodgers focuses her practice on real estate law. Before joining WSHC+B as an attorney, she clerked for the firm, gaining hands-on experience working alongside WSHC+B partners on business and commercial real estate transactions, drafting land use documents for local municipalities, and negotiating entertainment service contracts.

In 2023, she graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with her Juris Doctor and LL.M. in Real Property Development. Emma also graduated with two Bachelor of Science degrees in sociology and criminal justice from Clemson University Honors College.

In addition to her legal work, Emma co-founded Lauren-Elizabeth Jewels, a nonprofit that supports oppressed women and children asylum seekers.

Awards & Recognition

• Dean’s Merit Scholarship, University of Miami School of Law, 2020-2023

Professional & Community Involvement

• Co-founder, Lauren-Elizabeth Jewels

Press Mentions

• February 1. 2025 On The Move, Florida Bar News, January 31, 2025
• WSHC+B Makes Several Key Additions Across South Florida, Citybiz, December 11, 2024

Florida, 2023

University of Miami School of Law, LL.M. in Real Property Development, 2023

University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2023

Clemson University Honors College, B.S., 2020