Greenberg Traurig’s Kerri L. Barsh, Ralph B. Bekkevold, Mark D. Bloom, and David A. Coulson Named ‘Most Effective Lawyers’ Finalists by Daily Business Review
Miami, FL (PRWEB) December 09, 2013 -- Greenberg Traurig shareholders Kerri L. Barsh, Ralph B. Bekkevold, Mark D. Bloom and David A. Coulson were named finalists for the “Most Effective Lawyers” recognition by the Daily Business Review. The newspaper’s editors selected the attorneys from a pool of nominees throughout South Florida who secured the biggest jury verdicts and settlements or achieved significant decisions affecting public policy or business in 2013. The attorneys were recognized along with other honorees at an event today at the JW Marriott Miami.
Barsh, Co-Chair of the firm’s National Environmental Practice Group, was selected as a finalist in the “Appellate Category” for her work securing a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of the petitioner in Fane Lozman v. City of Riviera Beach, FL, (No. 11-626). The petitioner, Fane Lozman, argued that his floating home should not be treated as a vessel for purposes of federal admiralty jurisdiction and the city of Riviera Beach had gone too far in using maritime law to seize and destroy his floating home. The court ruled 7-2 that an indefinitely moored floating structure that receives power and other utilities from shore and is not intended for maritime transportation or commerce does not constitute a “vessel” and thus should not trigger federal maritime jurisdiction. This pivotal case has major national implications for the growing number of owners of floating homes as well as floating casinos, restaurants, and hotels in South Florida and throughout the United States.
Bekkevold, a shareholder in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, and Bloom, Co-Chair of the firm’s National Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring Practice Group, were selected as finalists in the “Distressed Asset Category” for their representation of VM South Beach LLC in its high-profile purchase of Casa Casuarina, the famous South Beach landmark better known as the former “Gianni Versace mansion.” This transaction received national attention due to the prominent nature of the property, the parties involved and the significant impacts on the market. Bekkevold and Bloom are noted for using their knowledge and creativity to overcome major obstacles and push forward this complex deal in an expedited time frame.
Coulson, Chair of the firm’s Miami Litigation Practice Group, was selected as a finalist in the “Business and Complex Litigation Category” for his work in 100079 Canada, Inc. v. Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. and Charles Stiefel (No. 11-22389-Civ-SCOLA). Coulson took the lead in defending Stiefel Labs and its former Chairman and CEO Charles Stiefel in federal district court in the Southern District of Florida in a $50 million claim for alleged fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. For the defendants, Coulson defeated a high-damages claim and did so in a way that should deter future lawsuits.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 1750 attorneys serving clients from 36 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Greenberg Traurig is among the Top 10 law firms on The National Law Journal's 2013 NLJ 350, an annual ranking of the largest firms in the U.S. For additional information, please visit http://www.gtlaw.com.
Dawn Moynihan, Greenberg Traurig LLP, +1 (212) 801-6780, [email protected]
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