Holland & Knight Legal Podcast

Cyber incidents can derail deals, expose sensitive data and create significant legal risk long before a transaction reaches the finish line. Real estate attorney Kyla Baker joins data privacy and cybersecurity attorneys Matthew Welling and Neda Shaheen to examine why real estate companies and automotive dealerships remain prime targets for cyber threats and how organizations can prepare for and respond to incidents. Drawing on their experience advising clients through cyber events, they walk through the life cycle of an incident, the importance of practical response planning and tabletop exercises, and the critical role lawyers play in helping organizations manage risk before and after an attack.

As demand for aesthetic services continues to rise, medical spas face growing scrutiny over patient safety, clinical oversight and regulatory compliance. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," host Morgan Ribeiro speaks with healthcare attorneys Brett Elliott and Kim Rai, as well as New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics Founder and CEO Rachel Fidino, ARNP, DNP, about the rapid expansion of the medical spa industry and the legal and operational challenges accompanying that growth. Bringing both legal and clinical perspectives, the speakers examine how scope-of-practice laws, supervision requirements and enforcement trends are shaping the industry while highlighting why strong compliance programs, active clinical leadership and accountability remain essential for managing risk, protecting patients and supporting sustainable growth.

The best compliance strategy is not waiting for enforcement to arrive; it's preparing for it before regulators ask questions. In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," Anthony DiResta interviews his colleague Benjamin Genn of Holland & Knight's Consumer Protection Defense and Compliance Team about the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed personalized pricing policy statement and its potential impact on consumer-facing businesses. Mr. Genn explains the FTC's disclosure-based approach to personalized pricing (also known as surveillance pricing), outlines the deception and unfairness theories underlying the agency's enforcement framework, and distinguishes lawful dynamic pricing based on broader market conditions from the individualized pricing practices targeted by the government's proposed enforcement focus. He also highlights the practical steps companies should take now, including auditing pricing algorithms, evaluating data use disclosures and assessing risks tied to vulnerability-based pricing practices before the September 18, 2026, comment deadline.

The strongest defense when the government asks questions is knowing your answers beforehand. In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," Anthony DiResta interviews his colleague Benjamin Genn of the Firm's Consumer Protection Defense and Compliance Team about the increasing scrutiny of surveillance pricing and how it differs from lawful dynamic pricing. After explaining the distinction between these two pricing models, Mr. Genn highlights a major airline's response to a congressional inquiry regarding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in flight pricing. When three senators demanded answers about the airline's plans to expand AI use in flight pricing, the airline addressed lawmakers' concerns by producing documentation showing its systems use aggregate demand signals rather than individualized personal data. This example underscores the importance of understanding and documenting pricing algorithms and loyalty program data flows before inquiries arise from Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or state attorneys general.

Major real estate growth depends on more than new construction; it requires coordinated investment, governance and long-term planning. Land use and zoning attorney Leila Batties speaks with Emeka Moneme, president and CEO of the Navy Yard BID, about how the Business Improvement District (BID) helps shape one of Washington, D.C.,'s fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhoods. Mr. Moneme explains how the BID operates as a public-private partnership, highlights the role of infrastructure investments and sports venues in driving redevelopment, and discusses how zoning, housing policy and future waterfront improvements continue to position Navy Yard as a key engine of economic development.

A successful career in thoroughbred racing comes with risks whose effects can extend far beyond the finish line. On this episode of "The Tack Room," Holland & Knight Equine Industry Team Leader Kayla Pragid sits down with jockey Ramón Domínguez, a National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inductee, and University of South Carolina Professor Gabrielle Kuenzli to examine jockey welfare, career transitions and the realities of life before and after racing. Drawing on Domínguez's journey from a young aspiring rider in Venezuela to one of racing's most accomplished jockeys, the conversation explores the financial uncertainty, injury risks and identity challenges many jockeys face throughout their careers. The guests also discuss the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation and efforts to create educational opportunities that help riders prepare for life beyond the saddle, offering a thoughtful look at the people who power the sport and the support systems that sustain them on and off the track.

Healthcare organizations can no longer rely on paperwork alone to prove compliance: Regulators increasingly expect concrete proof that governance structures operate in practice as described in the abstract. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," healthcare attorney Shalyn Watkins and Camino Strategy Group CEO Phoebe Gutierrez examine how California's Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine is shaping healthcare transactions, digital health platforms and investor-backed healthcare organizations. Using the recent Carbon Health settlement, ongoing litigation and broader enforcement trends as examples, they explain why regulators are looking beyond contract language to scrutinize operational decision-making, physician independence and management company control, while offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to structure and expand healthcare businesses in California's increasingly active regulatory environment.

Regulatory changes do not eliminate compliance risk. In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta interviews financial services regulatory attorney Dimitri Nionakis about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) final rule amending Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which pertains to disparate impact claims. Using a practical lending example, Mr. Nionakis explains how a facially neutral policy can create disparate impact concerns and emphasizes that banks and non-bank lenders still face exposure under the Fair Housing Act and state lending discrimination laws, even as the CFPB deprioritizes enforcement of Regulation B and pursuit of ECOA violators and executive orders portend broader policy priority shifts. He outlines why institutions should maintain existing compliance controls, review policies and procedures, train staff and continue auditing fair lending practices to mitigate liability potential.

Not every startup is built to become a unicorn, and forcing founders into that mold can undermine the business they are actually building. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll and Partner Danielle Price sit down with Aurelia Edwards, co-founder and general partner of Edin Capital, to discuss her journey from founder and operator to emerging venture capital fund manager. Ms. Edwards shares how her experience raising capital and building startups influenced Edin Capital's founder-first investment philosophy. She reflects on watching founders relocate to Miami in search of venture funding, only to feel pressure to reshape their businesses to fit a Silicon Valley venture capital model that did not align with their goals, markets or long-term potential. She also discusses the importance of understanding regional markets, supporting founders beyond capital and building investment strategies that generate both financial returns and community impact.

Leasing to the federal government can offer stable income, but landlords who overlook the rules may face costly surprises. Real Estate attorney Jeff Calk and GSA Leasing & Federal Real Estate Team Leader Gordon Griffin explain the fundamentals of federal real estate leases and highlight the unique requirements that distinguish government tenants from traditional commercial occupants. Drawing on Mr. Griffin's experience advising landlords, developers and real estate investment trusts, they outline six key principles ranging from mandatory government lease forms to SAM.gov registration and termination rights, underscoring the realities of working with a tenant that cannot be evicted. The conversation offers a road map for landlords, investors and real estate professionals seeking to understand the risks, requirements and advantages of doing business with the federal government.

Miami's office market rewards tenants who understand both the opportunity and the risks behind the region's growth. In this episode of "Real Estate Law Unlocked," Real Estate attorney Alexa Duarte speaks with Savills Associate Natalie Valdez about the forces driving office leasing activity across South Florida and the strategies tenants can use to secure favorable lease terms. Drawing on examples from Brickell, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Doral and Wynwood, they explain how market dynamics, parking costs, operating expenses and lease negotiations can significantly affect long-term occupancy. This discussion emphasizes that in a fast-moving leasing market, tenants who engage experienced brokers and counsel early, maintain focus on the full context behind occupancy and negotiate strategically are best positioned to secure long-term value and avoid costly surprises.

In maritime decarbonization, the winning technology is often the one that asks customers to change the least. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll and Partner Tim Poydenis talk with Carbon Ridge founder and CEO Chase Dwyer about decarbonizing global shipping. Carbon Ridge uses modular onboard carbon capture technology to reduce a vessel's carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95 percent while allowing ships to keep operating with existing fuel and infrastructure. Mr. Dwyer shares how Carbon Ridge identified an opportunity in one of the world's hardest-to-abate industries, why building trust matters in a relationship-driven market with long sales cycles, and how execution, iteration and mission-aligned investors are critical to scaling a deep tech company through shifting market and regulatory conditions.

Venezuela's expanding investment opportunities reward companies that pair optimism with disciplined preparation. In this episode of "Global Markets, Policy & Power," Holland & Knight cross-border transactions attorney Jose Sirven speaks with attorneys Margarita Escudero Leon and Maria Veronica Espina Molina at Venezuela-based Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez about reforms opening the country's hydrocarbon, mining and electricity sectors to greater private participation while strengthening access to international arbitration. Ms. Escudero Leon and Ms. Espina Molina offer listeners an "on-the-ground" look at the situation in Caracas, comparing the current investment environment to the outlook a year ago. They emphasize that successful investors begin with legal and regulatory assessments, counterparty diligence and operational planning before selecting an entity, joint venture or other structure for market entry. This episode was recorded on June 24, shortly before the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. As we share this discussion, our thoughts are with all those affected and with the many individuals working to support recovery efforts.

A single Supreme Court decision can reshape the regulatory landscape overnight. In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta examines the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Slaughter, a ruling that eliminates long-standing removal protections for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners and other independent agency leaders. The decision reversed Humphrey's Executor by allowing President Donald Trump to remove former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Mr. DiResta outlines how this outcome may influence future federal agency activity and highlights practical steps companies should take to evaluate regulatory exposure, compliance programs and enforcement risk. He explains how the court's decision marks a fundamental shift in the relationship between the president and executive agencies, signaling a more fluid regulatory environment in which enforcement priorities, rulemaking and oversight may change more quickly than at any point in the past nine decades.

On Capitol Hill, the conversation around healthcare transparency is heating up. Since the Trump Administration took office in early 2025, there has been a push to combat healthcare fraud, waste and abuse, while providing patients, employers, payers, regulators and policymakers greater visibility into areas that have historically lacked transparency. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Senior Public Affairs Advisor Jordan Brossi, Congressional Investigations Team Co-Leader Christopher Armstrong and Healthcare Transactions attorney John Saran discuss the following topics: 1. transparency in healthcare ownership structures, particularly those involving private equity firms and corporate investors 2. Congress' efforts to ensure that nonprofit hospitals are meeting the requirements for tax-exempt status 3. the anticipated increase in congressional investigations targeting healthcare organizations

Strategic seed capital works best when investors help founders see what their technology can become - not just what it does today. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll and Partner Bradley Van Buren speak with Dr. Gopal Chopra, founding partner of Validare Capital, about how his background as a neurosurgeon, entrepreneur and investor informs the firm's approach to early-stage investing.  Dr. Chopra explains how Validare targets companies that can be built quickly and efficiently with lean teams, emphasizing technologies that address critical market needs across life sciences and data analytics. By investing at the seed stage, Validare provides both capital and strategic insight, helping companies navigate early growth and attract additional investment in later funding rounds.

Healthcare real estate rewards lawyers who understand the business strategy behind the asset, not just the documents that close the deal. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Morgan Ribeiro, a director in Holland & Knight's Healthcare Section, speaks with John Bryant, the recently retired general counsel of Healthcare Realty Trust, about the evolution of outpatient care, risk management in large-scale growth and what in-house teams need from outside counsel. Mr. Bryant traces Healthcare Realty Trust's growth from a medical office pioneer to a $10 billion enterprise, explaining why practical legal advice, disciplined deal underwriting and strong client communication matter most when healthcare, real estate and regulation converge.

Major cities have been competing for residents, investment and talent by pairing bold planning with predictable rules, and the District of Columbia is no exception. Land use attorney Kyrus Freeman and Washington, D.C., Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert discuss how the District is working to revitalize downtown, expand housing production and use public-sector tools to attract residents, companies and investors. Ms. Albert points to D.C.'s goal of adding 15,000 downtown residents by 2028, Mayor Muriel Bowser's affordable housing investments and the Gallery Place Chinatown Task Force as examples of how targeted planning, coordinated agencies and focused regulatory reform can help transform downtown into a more active mixed-use center for housing, entertainment and economic growth.

La devolución del impuesto al valor agregado (IVA) por la compra de vehículos híbridos y eléctricos puede marcar una diferencia económica relevante, pero exige un trámite técnico y bien sustentado. Edwin Cortés, socio, y María Alejandra Pedraza, abogada de derecho tributario, conversan sobre el origen y funcionamiento de este beneficio tributario, que fue establecido dentro de la política de transición energética de la Ley 1715 de 2014. Los abogados exponen cómo el proceso comienza con una certificación de la Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética (UPME) antes de entregar una solicitud a la Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN), respaldada por documentos como la factura del vehículo y una declaración sobre la ausencia de otros beneficios tributarios por la misma inversión. El episodio deja una lección clara para abogados y otros profesionales legales: aún cuando un beneficio existe desde hace años, su efectividad depende de conocer el procedimiento, cumplir los requisitos y buscar asesoría jurídica para reducir el riesgo de rechazo.

Companies waiting for the U.S. tariff landscape to settle are misreading the moment. The better move is to engage now, while comment windows and negotiations remain open. In this episode of "Global Markets Policy & Power," International Trade attorney Molly O'Casey hosts trade policy and litigation attorneys Ashley Akers and Patrick Childress and Senior Policy Advisors Peter Tabor and Liz Cordova as they make their way through a midyear roadmap covering the post-International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff regimes, pending Section 301 and 232 investigations, and the status of United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), China, India and European Union (EU) trade negotiations. With Section 122 tariffs set to expire July 24, 2026, and Section 301 emerging as the administration's tariff tool of choice, the panel explains the differences between these two measures and flags opportunities for stakeholders to weigh in before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) concludes its investigations. They then present observations on USMCA review, noting that the U.S. and Mexico are largely renegotiating core trade provisions bilaterally — while Canada sits outside the room. On the compliance front, Ms. Akers warns that U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Justice are now in full enforcement mode, pressing importers on classification, valuation and country of origin and expecting proactive diligence well before goods are ever detained. The lightning round-style conversations offers a look into where trade policy stands now and where companies should focus advocacy and compliance efforts.

For companies eyeing Venezuela, the loudest signal from Washington is not the lifting of sanctions but the deliberate pace at which it is happening. In this episode of "Global Markets Policy & Power," Senior Policy Advisor Beth Viola and Partners Jim Noe and Ambassador Nathan Sales discuss how the White House and U.S. Departments of the Treasury, State and Energy are coordinating policy toward Venezuela and what Congress is watching. They explain that the administration is rolling out a three-phase recovery process, featuring tailored Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) general licenses and positioning the White House and its Energy Dominance Council as the central front door for industry. They also caution that the clearest green light for capital will come only when Venezuela schedules elections, advising private sector investors and oil and gas companies that though the executive branch will support efforts to engage Venezuela, the transition in Caracas is not yet complete.

Clinical independence is not a checkbox; it is the foundation that determines whether a healthcare platform can grow sustainably while adhering to the mandate to serve patients. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Healthcare Transactions attorney John Saran and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Robert "Bobby" McNeill discuss the increasing focus on the intersection of private equity investment and independent clinical judgment amid accelerated industry consolidation and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Dr. McNeill brings a distinct perspective combining professional medical and dental experience, an MBA in healthcare management, service on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and current law school studies. With this background, he emphasizes that even though private capital brings critical infrastructure, technology and operational support, its value is durable only when clinicians retain true authority over patient care, not only in legal documents but also in day-to-day practice, where metrics, financial incentives and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) can subtly shape decisions. Throughout the conversation, both speakers reiterate that when clinical independence is not meaningfully preserved in practice, it can affect patient trust, regulatory exposure and overall platform stability.

Los inversionistas y desarrolladores latinoamericanos buscan la seguridad legal para acompañar las oportunidades de negocio. En este conversación, Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz, socia y sublíder de la Práctica Inmobiliaria con sede en Miami, y Esteban García-Jiméno, abogado inmobiliario con sede en Colombia, comparten sus experiencias asesorando a clientes internacionales en relación con su entrada en el mercado inmobiliario estadounidense. Explican cómo definir la estructura de inversión, negociar el letter of intent (LOI) y el contrato final, y planificar la debida diligencia de manera efectiva. Asimismo, destacan la importancia de los plazos, la financiación y el title insurance, y analizan los principales riesgos a mitigar para ayudar a los clientes a ejecutar sus planes de inversión con mayor claridad y seguridad.

El ataque del 11 de septiembre de 2001 en la ciudad de Nueva York cambió las vidas de muchas personas, especialmente para las familias de las víctimas. Tras la tragedia, surgieron consideraciones y preguntas éticas en torno al proceso de tasación de perjuicios para compensar a estas familias. En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", Edwin Cortés, socio, y Anna Catalina Pérez, abogada corporativa, analizan la película ¿Cuánto vale la vida? (Worth), que aborda la práctica legal de tasar perjuicios, en parte vinculada a los ingresos de las víctimas. Hablan del personaje Charles Wolf y de cómo cuestiona el mecanismo utilizado para determinar el valor financiero de una vida.

California's housing reforms have given developers new leverage, but they have not eliminated the legal and economic barriers to building homes. In this episode of "Real Estate Law Unlocked," West Coast Land Use and Environment attorney Kevin Ashe speaks with his fellow land use lawyers Daniel Golub and Ryan Leaderman about how state laws such as the Housing Accountability Act (HAA), Housing Element Law, State Density Bonus Law and builder's remedy have reshaped the entitlement landscape. They discuss the shift from years of discretionary local approvals and "creative groveling" to a more enforceable system, while noting that fees, construction costs, replacement housing requirements and continued opposition to ministerial approvals still slow production.

A successful business improvement district (BID) requires more than a strong vision; it needs the right mix of market conditions, political support and community trust. Land use attorney Kyrus Freeman and Soul of the City BID Founder Monica Ray discuss the formation of Washington, D.C.'s, 13th BID, which serves the Congress Heights, Washington Highlands and Bellevue neighborhoods in Ward 8. Ms. Ray traces the evolution of the BID from initial efforts in 2014 through growth into what it is now, plus how it received the name "Soul of the City." In doing so, she highlights the practical challenges of BID formation, including property ownership patterns, boundary decisions, petition requirements and the sustained outreach needed to persuade owners to invest in the future of their neighborhoods. This episode provides an insider perspective on community reinvestment and economic development.

¿Es posible borrar su huella digital sin que el internet la converse? Edwin Cortés, socio, y Anna Catalina Pérez, abogada de derecho comercial, conversan sobre el llamado "derecho al olvido" y sus implicaciones legales en el entorno digital, explorando este aspecto del marco normativo colombiano que permite que los consumidores soliciten la eliminación o desindexación de contenidos en motores de búsqueda y páginas web cuando afectan la reputación o la privacidad de una persona. A lo largo de la conversación, explican cómo este concepto opera, detallan su desarrollo en otras jurisdicciones como la Unión Europea bajo el General Data Protection Regulation o GDPR, y comentan qué herramientas podrían existir en Colombia bajo la Ley 1581 para solicitar la eliminación o desindexación de ciertos contenidos.

What does it take to scale a founder-led business without losing focus, culture or momentum? In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll is joined by Partner Cliff DeGroot and Allie Persitz, an entrepreneur, operator and investor, for a candid conversation on building and scaling founder-led businesses. Drawing on her experience growing Dynamic Events and founding Hubb, Ms. Persitz describes how entrepreneurs can find product-market fit, hire for values alignment, delegate effectively and use data to guide growth and pivot strategy. The conversation also explores resilience through failure, the importance of adaptability during major market shifts and why strong legal and financial partners are critical to long-term success.

Sanctions relief in Venezuela may create new opportunities, but it does not lessen the cost of compliance failures. In this episode of "Global Markets, Policy and Power," Partners Stephanie Connor and Andres Fernandez examine how the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) 2026 Venezuela general licenses are operating in practice for companies and financial institutions, with a focus on due diligence, bank risk tolerance and the limits of what the authorizations permit. They underscore that even when transactions are authorized, institutions still need detailed documentation, updated risk assessments and a clear record of reasonable reliance. Sanctions remain in place, Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designations still apply and enforcement exposure can escalate quickly.

Tax structure at acquisition can determine whether a global family's U.S. real estate investment preserves value or creates avoidable exposure for years to come. Real Estate attorney Shawn Amuial joins Private Wealth Services and Tax attorneys Sean Tevel and Logan Gans to discuss how global families should structure U.S. real estate investments before closing. They stress that investors who buy first and seek tax advice later often find themselves facing costly – yet preventable – issues such as estate tax and Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) exposure coupled with state tax noncompliance. Proper planning, they add, turns on core facts such as residency, intended use, holding period and home jurisdiction treatment. For real estate lawyers, early coordination between transactional and tax counsel remains critical to protecting clients' assets and avoiding mistakes that are difficult to unwind.

Los protocolos de familia son mucho más que un documento: Son una herramienta preventiva y estratégica para orientar la relación entre la familia y su empresa, anticiparse a tensiones y proteger el legado a largo plazo. Edwin Cortés, socio, y Diana Serrano, abogada corporativa, explican de manera clara y práctica la estructura típica de un protocolo, incluyendo órganos como la asamblea de familia, el consejo de familia, la oficina familiar y los fondos familiares, y cómo estos habilitan una sólida gobernanza. Además, abordan cláusulas menos comunes — pero cada vez más solicitadas — que contemplan planes de acción ante situaciones críticas como secuestros, robos u otras calamidades, reflejando un enfoque moderno, realista y accionable para las familias empresarias.

Venezuela's evolving geopolitical landscape presents both risks and opportunities for investors, but how can companies effectively assess them? In the debut episode of the "Global Markets, Policy and Power" podcast, Holland & Knight Chief International Officer George Mencio, Senior Policy Advisor Beth Viola and Partner Ambassador Nathan Sales examine the country's shifting political and economic environment following Nicolás Maduro's removal. The discussion explores what has materially changed, what remains uncertain and how U.S. policy, sanctions relief and diplomatic engagement are shaping Venezuela's next chapter. From energy and mining reforms to political transition and investment risk, the episode offers a practical, big-picture perspective on the developments businesses and investors should be watching closely.

Florida's startup ecosystem depends on more than capital; it needs angel investors who can move quickly, share experience and help founders avoid mistakes early. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll and Partner Edward Sarnowski speak with Timothy Cartwright about Tamiami Angel Funds, its member-led investment model and the role organized syndicates play in strengthening early-stage companies across the Sunshine State. Mr. Cartwright also details his career path from building and selling businesses in Chicago to moving to Florida, joining and leading the Gulf Coast Venture Forum, turning a volunteer network into what became Tamiami Angel Funds and co-founding Fifth Avenue Family Office.

Growth initiatives throughout California municipalities demonstrate how local housing policy can change a city's map while also running up against statewide legislation. In this episode of "Real Estate Law Unlocked," Los Angeles land use attorney Ryan Leaderman speaks with West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman about housing density, housing affordability, transit expansion and the tension between state mandates and local planning. Heilman points to West Hollywood's early rent control ordinance, inclusionary housing programs and support for affordable housing development as ways the city focused on opportunity from its founding, then explains how the upcoming K line extension and Senate Bill (SB) 79 could reconfigure where new development goes. He also describes how California's density bonus law and Housing Accountability Act introduce beneficial tools for local governments while also resulting in unintended roadblocks. This conversation highlights how local leaders manage growth while balancing competing interests.

Successful cross-border business now turns on compliance as much as commerce. In this episode of "Legal Bites," Partners Jessica Brown, Alejandro A. Sánchez Mújica and Oscar Alejandro Quiroz-Chávez examine how recent U.S. cartel designations are changing the legal landscape for American companies operating or investing in Mexico, especially in the agricultural sector. Citing examples from avocado production in Michoacán and recent enforcement actions involving Mexican financial institutions and public officials, they show how even organizations that already have robust compliance controls can face scrutiny, disrupted payments and serious legal exposure when cartel activity touches a supply chain, transaction or business partner. The attorneys emphasize that companies can still pursue opportunity in Mexico, but they must do so with stronger due diligence, updated compliance measures and a clear understanding of how quickly risk can move across national boundaries.

False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement in healthcare is accelerating, and providers cannot afford to wait to react until after the government comes calling. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," litigation attorneys Meredith Auten and Jessica Sievert discuss the U.S. Department of Justice's new National Fraud Enforcement Division, record enforcement recoveries and the sectors drawing the sharpest scrutiny. They point to concrete examples already shaping the landscape involving Medicare Advantage, drug pricing, medical necessity, wound care, speaker programs and digital health. Ms. Auten and Ms. Siever also talk about the government's expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to identify fraud patterns and drive cases.

El arbitraje ejecutivo ofrece varias ventajas, pero también genera inquietudes. En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", Edwin Cortés, socio, y María Paula Zarco, abogada de litigios, destacan los beneficios de este mecanismo, tales como su mayor rapidez frente al trámite ejecutivo en la jurisdicción ordinaria y la calidad profesional que aportan los árbitros durante el proceso. También abordan algunas desventajas, incluido su carácter oneroso y los costos que implica para las partes. Además, los abogados explican términos nuevos introducidos por la Ley de Arbitraje Ejecutivo de Colombia — el "pacto abierto" y el "pacto cerrado"— así como identifica el momento en que la norma entró en vigor.

Real reform begins when lawyers model the values they want the justice system to protect. In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small concludes his discussion of pro bono work in Uzbekistan and reflects on a decade spent helping lawyers and judges advance rule-of-law reforms. He highlights the country's shift from a judge-driven, Soviet-style system to one that embraced constitutional protections such as the presumption of innocence, right to effective counsel and ability to confront witnesses. Mr. Small signs off by emphasizing that trial lawyers have a responsibility to respect the system, strengthen it and remember that others may look to them as a model of justice.

Cross-examination is a key part of the U.S. adversarial system, giving defense counsel one of their most important tools to find the truth and challenge the government. But during litigation attorney Dan Small's pro bono work in Uzbekistan, he encountered lawyers with little to no experience with cross-examination at all. In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," Mr. Small explains that defense lawyers in Uzbekistan at the time had so little power that they could do little more than hold their clients' hands as they were sent to jail. Having the chance to cross-examine a government witness — even in a mock trial — brought one Uzbek lawyer to tears. Listen to the full episode for more on this powerful reminder not to take these rights for granted.

Telehealth innovation succeeds only when compliance discipline matches the pace of growth. In this episode of Counsel That Cares, Holland & Knight healthcare regulatory attorney Shalyn Watkins and Receptive CEO Amber Gill examine how modern telehealth platforms scale nationwide while navigating fragmented regulations that can differ drastically from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Ms. Gill explains how Receptive reduces friction for patients by separating platform infrastructure from clinical decision-making, while Ms. Watkins details how corporate practice of medicine rules, data privacy laws and controlled substance regulations require careful state-by-state analysis. The discussion delivers a clear takeaway for telehealth providers and the legal professionals advising them: In healthcare disputes and enforcement actions, licensure privacy and regulatory design often determine whether innovative care models withstand scrutiny.

Strong startup ecosystems do not happen by accident. They grow when investors, founders and advisers build trust, share expertise and create clear paths to capital. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll and Partner Chauncey Lane talk with Trey Bowles, founder of Park Cities Angel Network (PCAN), about his entrepreneurial background, launching PCAN and why early-stage investing works best when it is rooted in community, supported by disciplined deal flow and focused on practical guidance for founders. Mr. Bowles points to PCAN's organic growth, its partnerships with institutions such as Southern Methodist University and Holland & Knight, and its commitment to giving entrepreneurs candid feedback and early legal guidance as the kind of infrastructure that helps companies avoid costly mistakes and gives local innovation a better chance to scale.

When government offices shut down and need material or economic assistance after a natural disaster, a provision in Florida law can help developers protect project schedules. Real estate attorneys Erica Adams and Alessandria San Roman break down Florida Statute 252.363, a powerful but often overlooked tool that can assist developers when hurricanes, floods and other declared states of emergency disrupt permitting and construction. They explain what qualifies as a development order that can be extended under the statute and list the approval and permits that may be eligible, from certain building and environmental permits to buildout dates for developments of regional impact. They also point out key exclusions that can block an extension and highlight the practical mechanics of tolling and extensions, including how to calculate the paused time and how overlapping emergencies are handled. Ms. Adams and Ms. San Roman conclude by identifying common compliance pitfalls and advising developers to maintain calendar deadlines, review agency-specific requirements and file proactively to keep projects on track. ​

Para registrar una marca, es necesario que esta cumpla con determinados requisitos, entre ellos, que sea lo suficientemente distintiva. Sin embargo, como siempre, existen excepciones. En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", el socio Edwin Cortés y Ana María Rodríguez, abogada de propiedad intelectual (PI), explican una de las más importantes: la distintividad adquirida. Destacan que una de las principales razones por las que la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) de Colombia suele negar el registro de una marca es la falta de distintividad. No obstante, cuando una empresa demuestra que ha usado su marca, por ejemplo, por un largo periodo y que se ha vuelto ampliamente reconocida en el mercado, puede probar ante la SIC que el signo ha dejado de percibirse en su significado original y ahora se asocia directamente con el signo empresarial.

The fastest way to destroy a witness' credibility is to let the jury think something is being hidden. Litigation attorney Dan Small draws on the mock trial case State v. Faulkner, used for his pro bono work in Uzbekistan, as well as lessons from the Appling County corruption case, to demonstrate this idea in his latest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook." Mr. Small explores why credibility is won not by pretending a witness is spotless, but by confronting weaknesses head on. From prior convictions and shady pasts to the prosecutor's old rule of BOBS — Bring Out the Bad Stuff — the discussion shows how honesty can defuse cross-examination, build trust with a jury and turn even a deeply flawed witness into a believable one. Along the way, it also highlights the striking cultural differences that emerged as Uzbek lawyers wrestled with the framework of an adversarial trial system and discovered that, in court, honesty is truly the best policy.

In today's regulatory environment, one weak link in your compliance strategy can expose your business to serious legal, financial and reputational risk. In his latest podcast, consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta delivers a clear, executive-level look at what it takes to build a compliance management system (CMS) that meets the expectations of regulators including the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He provides practical insight into the essential prongs of a CMS: board and management oversight, written policies and procedures, effective training, ongoing monitoring and audit, consumer complaint response, risk assessment and third-party oversight. With a strong emphasis on leadership, accountability and culture, this episode shows why compliance is not simply a legal obligation, but a core business function that protects the organization, strengthens decision-making and drives long-term success in the marketplace.

When launching a cybersecurity startup, it is essential that your product can both solve a problem consumers currently face and deliver future value beyond that initial fix. In this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," Patrick Driscoll is joined by Partner Jeff Seul and ReversingLabs Co-Founder and CEO Mario Vuksan to discuss Mr. Vuksan's journey through the cybersecurity space and how he identified market gaps and leveraged them to build a leading platform. Mr. Vuksan highlights widespread confusion about software supply chain security, noting that it is often treated as a compliance checklist rather than an actionable remedy. He also advises companies to prioritize critical resilience, as attacks will likely occur at some point in any organization's lifetime and the ability to function the day after an incident can be vital for customers. Looking to the future of cybersecurity, Mr. Vuksan believes the "cat and mouse" dynamic between attackers and defenders will persist and that emerging solutions will be temporary, focused on speed and cost-effectiveness rather than sweeping regulatory overhauls. He also expects artificial intelligence to prove equally useful for offensive and defensive purposes. On the whole, the conversation showcases the importance of truly understanding one's audience and market to identify scalable areas of opportunity, building based on conviction, not trends, and focusing on staying power over perfection.

Order in the courtroom determines whether justice can move forward. In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small examines the essential role judges play in the adversarial system through his pro bono work in Uzbekistan and the mock case State v. Faulkner. Drawing parallels to the Farmers Export and Rendle cases, Mr. Small shows how trial lawyers must balance forceful advocacy with respect for judicial authority. He recounts how an Uzbek judge, unfamiliar with the referee role, struggled to manage competing advocates until a makeshift gavel helped establish control. Mr. Small concludes that a fair adversarial system depends not only on skilled advocates but also on judges who can enforce rules and maintain fair, balanced proceedings.

While Miami-Dade County development and South Florida's growing economy dominate headlines, just 40 minutes north lies another hotspot seeing a similar amount of success: Palm Beach County. In this podcast episode, Real Estate attorney Herman Lipkis sits down with Jordan Bargas, Executive Vice President of Development at Related Ross, for a forward-looking conversation on how Palm Beach is evolving from a lifestyle destination to a nationally watched growth market. After Mr. Bargas traces his path from Boca Raton to New York's Hudson Yards and back to Florida, he and Mr. Lipkis explore what "transformational development" looks like in practice: building an interconnected ecosystem of education, healthcare, mobility and entertainment that attracts employers, retains talent and propels long-term economic momentum. From investments in local schools and the Related Ross Foundation's community impact to the rise of technology and innovation hubs to the buzz around next-generation transportation such as air taxis, this episode offers an insightful lens not only on the forces reshaping West Palm Beach, but also the next wave of opportunity across Palm Beach County real estate.

Online commerce may not be a new concept, but the laws governing it continue to evolve. In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta examines the history of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) enforcement in the e-commerce space, with a particular focus on negative option billing practices. A negative option is a billing arrangement in which silence or inaction is treated as acceptance of an offer. The FTC drafted a formal amendment to the Negative Option Rule, but it was struck down in July 2025. Despite that setback, the agency has continued to pursue enforcement actions involving false advertising, failure to disclose membership enrollment terms and unnecessarily difficult cancellation processes, all while signaling plans to revisit the rulemaking process. The agency has also emphasized that any platform providing enrollment options must also provide cancellation options that are equally easy to access and use. Mr. DiResta advises that consumers who wish to report fraud, scams or deceptive business practices can do so at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

¿Están empleadores y trabajadores para enfrentar un proceso disciplinario laboral bajo las reglas renovadas de 2025? Edwin Cortés, socio, y Flora Emilia Feijoó, abogada de derecho laboral y seguridad social, destacan los elementos esenciales del nuevo procedimiento, la citación y el traslado de pruebas hasta la diligencia de descargos, explicando por qué cada etapa es crucial para garantizar derechos y asegurar la validez del trámite. Con una perspectiva práctica y consejos puntuales para quienes gestionan equipos, este intercambio se convierte en una guía imprescindible para comprender un tema que influye directamente en la dinámica interna de cualquier organización.