Real estate partner received 2017 Legislative Leadership award at annual installation gala

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that Steven J. Wernick has received the 2017 Joseph G. Goldstein Legislative Leadership award from The Builders Association of South Florida (BASF). Wernick, a Miami partner in the Real Estate Practice Group, was honored during the prominent trade association’s annual Installation Gala on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at the EAST Miami hotel.

Wernick was also installed as a new member of the BASF Board of Directors during the gala. BASF leaders cited Wernick’s leadership and commitment to pivotal legislative issues impacting the region’s construction and related industries.

“Local legislation is the foundation behind healthy and sustainable development. I am passionate about issues affecting South Florida, including transportation and housing, and policies supporting mixed-use development around existing transit and the growth and investment in local arts and cultural districts, including Wynwood. It was an honor to be recognized by BASF for my work in this arena,” said Wernick. “I look forward to continuing to work with BASF as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Established in 1944, BASF has a reputation for excellence in government affairs. It represents South Florida’s building industry in maintaining high standards in building through service to its membership and the general public.

Wernick was part of a distinguished group of honorees, including developer Tibor Hollo, who received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award; Lennar’s Carlos Gonzalez, the 2017 Builder of the Year; and City National Bank’s Marianna Perez, the 2017 Associate of the Year.

A creative and innovative land use attorney, Wernick guides developers, property owners and operators through complex land use regulations, state and local government law, and the development approval process. His work includes pre-acquisition due diligence, entitlement strategy, platting/subdivision, and handling a wide array of zoning/development approvals from public hearing applications to administrative approvals.

Wernick also has significant experience drafting master plans and land use development regulations, including the City of Miami’s first Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD) for Wynwood. He and Akerman were part of a group honored for the Wynwood NRD with the American Planning Association’s National Planning Achievement Award in May 2017 in New York City.

About Akerman LLP

Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 650 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 24 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The American Lawyer(2016). Akerman also is ranked among the top 60 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2016).

Akerman's Real Estate Practice Group offers comprehensive and fully integrated project counsel services to clients across the United States and Latin America. With substantial industry experience and local market insights, the firm represents clients in complex real estate transactions and financings, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives and litigation. Recognized as a national tier one law firm for real estate law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers, the group advises investors, developers, builders, lenders, retailers, owners and corporate end users, often in high profile matters.

More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.