There are so many great parts of being a summer associate. In fact there are probably too many to name! But, one of the best parts is the amazing events that are planned for us that we all look forward to each week. As someone who loves to dress up, I was excited to see that one of the events on our summer calendar was Bilzin Sumberg’s annual firm dinner party.

This year, Jessica Buchsbaum selected an amazing and unique location: The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. Located in Wynwood, this warehouse contains some of Martin Margulies’ phenomenal art collection. This location provided the perfect setting for the night as we all had the opportunity to socialize with our fellow colleagues and their guests, and enjoy amazing food and drinks while surrounded by an amazing collection of art. While all of the art was fabulous, one installation was definitely the highlight of the night: superheroes years after their adventures, such as superman using a walker!

Upon arrival at cocktail hour, we were greeted by not only the friendly faces of our colleagues, but this outstanding art collection. As we all walked around observing the art collection, we had the opportunity to try many different hors d’oeuvres, such as chicken skewers and tuna crispy rice. Since we have only been at Bilzin Sumberg for a few weeks, us summer associates enjoyed using the cocktail hour as an opportunity to meet the attorneys that we had not yet met.

Following cocktail hour, we all took our seats and were greeted by Managing Partner Al Dotson. Al gave a fantastic toast, celebrating all of Bilzin Sumberg’s accomplishments over the last year, recognizing the hardworking committees, and of course cracking funny jokes along the way. Al congratulated all the new attorneys who had joined the firm, along with those who achieved the amazing accomplishment of becoming partners and equity partners. Al also recognized us summer associates as new additions to the firm, giving us all the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the room! While using a microphone in a large room is nerve-wracking, it was nice to see so many familiar faces and to feel the excitement surrounding our presence. Al highlighted many of the amazing awards dedicated to Bilzin Sumberg attorneys over the past year such as the AJC honoring Judge Michael Hanzman with the Learned Hand award and Sara Herald receiving a Women of Influence Mentor Award and also recognized Marty Schwartz for his dedication to mentorship.

Following an amazing dinner full of lively conversation, we were led into another room with a dessert bar. While the food selection did not disappoint the entire night, the churros with a selection of dipping sauces were absolutely a fan favorite.

It is truly a special experience to get to spend a Saturday night with the people you work with and to observe how happy everyone is to be there. As we embark on our fourth week at Bilzin Sumberg, I know we are all excited to continue connecting with and learning from those at Bilzin Sumberg and enjoying the amazing events that the firm works so hard to plan for us!

L to R: Jessica Buchsbaum, Sofia Seigel, Ethan Schwab, Isabella Durand, Crystal Singh, Spencer Peek & Melissa Pallett-Vasquez

Brickell, Miami’s bustling financial district, isn’t just about suits and skyscrapers! It’s also a culinary hotspot, offering a plethora of lunch spots that cater to every palate. From trendy cafes to upscale eateries, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving the best deal, delectable sushi, or vibrant atmospheres, Brickell has something to offer for every palate. Let’s dive into some of what I think are the top lunch spots!

Best Deal: Mare

Nestled in the heart of Brickell in Hotel AKA, Mare by Adrift is a hidden gem for those seeking incredible food, and a great deal. Their menu boasts a two-for-$25 lunch deal, which allows you to pick an appetizer and any entrée! The chimichurri steak and a Mediterranean salad, plus some of their almost-famous French fries … incredible! With generous portions and prices that won’t break the bank, Mare is perfect for a satisfying lunch without emptying your wallet.

Best Sushi: PaperFish

For sushi aficionados, PaperFish is a must-visit destination in Brickell. Renowned for its innovative rolls and its beautiful décor, PaperFish offers a diverse selection of fresh seafood delicacies at lunchtime. While they offer their traditional menu, complete with nigiri and signature rolls bursting with flavor, PaperFish also caters to the lunch crowd, with four styles of sushi bento boxes, allowing you to try a bit of everything! With an inviting ambiance and impeccable service, it’s the ideal spot to indulge in sushi during lunchtime.

Best Vibes: Moxies

When it comes to ambiance and vibes, few places in Brickell rival the energy of Moxies. This lively spot in Mary Brickell Village combines a chic yet casual atmosphere with an extensive menu featuring American classics, as well as some international cuisine. Whether you’re dining indoors or soaking up the sunshine on the outdoor patio, Moxies exudes a vibrant and welcoming ambiance that’s perfect for lunchtime gatherings with friends or colleagues.

For a Healthy Bite: Pura Vida

Tucked away in the heart of Brickell, Pura Vida is a haven for health-conscious foodies. At lunch, you can’t go wrong with one of Pura Vida’s signature bowls. The Acai Bowl is a favorite, and if you’re in the mood for something savory, I love the Quinoa bowl! Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just craving a hearty-yet-healthy meal, Pura Vida has something for everyone, making it a must-visit lunch spot in Brickell.

For the Mems: Sexy Fish

This last restaurant entails a shout-out to Lucas – without you, we would have never known Sexy Fish had a $30 lunch special! If you’re in the mood for fine dining, this sleek and stylish restaurant is the place to be. The service is impeccable, and the lunch special boasts a detox shot, miso soup, and two courses – personally, I think the Crispy Tofu salad and Sea Bass are a must!

In conclusion, Brickell offers a plethora of lunch options catering to various tastes and preferences. No matter who you are dining with or what you are in the mood for, you’ll find it all within the vibrant streets of this dynamic neighborhood. So, the next time you’re in Brickell for lunch, be sure to explore some of these top-notch spots for a memorable culinary experience!

The summer associates of Bilzin Sumberg, along with our illustrious alumni, recently gathered at Two-Chefs restaurant for an evening of culinary escapades. This event wasn’t just about eating great food—it was about making it. Under the watchful eyes of professional chefs, we donned our aprons, picked up our utensils, and embarked on a delightful journey of cooking, camaraderie, and a few culinary misadventures.

Each of us was assigned a specific dish to prepare, adding a touch of personal flair to the evening’s menu. My task was to create crab-filled egg rolls. Easier said than done, as it turned out. The egg roll wrappers had other plans—they disintegrated as soon as they were filled. With a quick pivot and some expert guidance from the chef, my crab-filled egg rolls transformed into delicious crab cakes. Crisis averted.

Spencer Peek was up next, tasked with cutting the beef into steaks. He was instructed to measure each steak using two fingers. Unfortunately, Spencer’s fingers must have been a different size than the chef’s, as his steaks were deemed a bit undersized. It is no wonder why the “finger” method has yet to replace either the metric or imperial systems of measurement.

Eric Singer took charge of searing salmon, bringing a touch of elegance to our meal. Meanwhile, Isabella Durand, Sofia Siegel, and Joe Beguiristain teamed up to make flatbreads. Their teamwork and creativity resulted in an array of delectable flatbreads that were a hit with everyone.

David Jessup, Jr. and Kayla Hernandez deserve a special mention for their perseverance and skill in making soufflés. They labored for hours, producing chocolate soufflés that were not only delicious but, as Lucas Pizzutti aptly described, “toasty.” Their dedication was a testament to the rewards of hard work and patience.

Carlos Markovich displayed impressive knife skills as he diced garlic and herbs for the steaks. His precision and efficiency were on full display, much to the admiration of all present. Other hit dishes included a tuna tartare, couscous, a nice salad, and more.

The evening culminated in a feast of our collective efforts. We gathered around the table, enjoying the fruits of our labor, sharing laughs, and appreciating the unique contributions each person brought to the meal. It was a night that beautifully blended learning and laughter, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and flexibility—qualities that are just as essential in the legal profession as they are in the kitchen.

As we continue our summer at Bilzin Sumberg, events like this remind us that while we may face challenges, whether in cooking or in law, we always have the support of our colleagues to help us through. Here’s to more memorable experiences, delicious food, and the enduring bonds of friendship and teamwork. Cheers!

L to R: Sofia Siegel, Isabella Durand, Spencer Peek, Jessica Buchsbaum, Melissa Pallett-Vasquez, Ethan Schwab

The Summer Associates’ first few weeks here at Bilzin Sumberg have been incredible. Between trainings, welcome events, and getting started on our first assignments, we even found some time to get out of the office and see the tangible results of the incredible work that Bilzin does. On May 16th, Isabella Durand, Sophia Siegel, and I had the pleasure of joining Marty Schwartz, Dan Bumm, Hannah Lidicker, and Brittany Chung for a tour of the recently completed Paramount Tower in Miami Worldcenter.

We began by taking the Metromover to downtown, which was a refreshing change of pace and helped us to avoid the heat on our commute. Once we arrived, we stopped in at Sagrado Café on Biscayne for a quick lunch and some insightful stories from Marty, Dan, Hannah, and Brittany.

After lunch, we made our way over to the Worldcenter and were greeted by the impressive facade of the Paramount Tower, a testament to modern architectural innovation. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by the luxurious atmosphere and attention to detail. From the lobby to the state-of-the-art amenities, every aspect of the building exudes sophistication and style.

Our tour guide led us through the sprawling complex, showcasing its myriad offerings. The six-acre amenity deck was a particular highlight, boasting a broad array of recreational facilities including a boxing ring, movie theatre, and multiple event spaces. We were also fascinated to learn that the Paramount built several single-family homes on the seventh-floor deck, something I personally had never seen in a multi-housing development.

We were even fortunate enough to tour one of the Paramount’s furnished penthouses. We couldn’t help but be impressed by the breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the interiors with natural light and created a sense of openness. It was easy to envision oneself living in such a spectacular setting, enjoying the best that Miami has to offer.

Our visit to the Paramount Tower was not only informative but also inspiring. It served as a reminder of integral role that Bilzin Sumberg plays in shaping our urban landscape. As we headed back to the office, we were filled with a sense of enthusiasm and appreciation for the work that we get to do this summer. Isa, Sophia, and I are so grateful to Marty, Dan, Hannah, and Brittany for bringing us along, it was a truly great trip. We even made it to the hub as the picture of the day.

L to R: Dan Bumm, Brittany Chung, Isabella Durand, Sofia Siegel & Spencer Peek

I’m a South Florida native, but trust me when I say that don’t mean I’m from Miami. I was born in Pembroke Pines, went to high school in Coral Springs, and have family spread out all over Davie, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation. In other words, I’m from Broward County, not Miami-Dade.

As someone who identifies as a ‘Broward Girl’, I have always been reluctant to make the move to Miami. I didn’t like the idea of daily traffic, endless construction, and being further away from my family. It was because of this reluctance that I chose to live in Fort Lauderdale during my 1L summer at Bilzin Sumberg last year. Instead of getting a parking pass for the office building, Bilzin Sumberg provided me with a Brightline pass, and I used it along with the free people-mover in Miami to make my commute.

This summer is looking a lot different. This summer, I caved. I said goodbye to my rent-free lifestyle and am now subleasing an apartment in South Miami. Therefore, as someone who has gotten to do both, I wanted to share my take on the differences between living in Miami and choosing to live elsewhere, specifically from the perspective of someone who is working in the Brickell area.

PROS of Living in Miami

  • Convenience: the #1 best part about living in Miami is the convenience. It is much more convenient to be 5-30 minutes from the office compared to 1-2 hours. While the Brightline train system allows for other cities to be more convenient, what living in Miami does is keep home close. Whether you feel sick, need to walk the dog, are running late for work, or forgot your lunch, living closer makes it easy to quickly get home, which is sometimes the only selling point one needs.
  • Networking: Miami has really become the hub for young and new professionals to network and meet likeminded individuals. Whether you’re looking to expand your business portfolio or simply make new friends, there’s really no other city in South Florida that can turn a happy hour into an unexpectedly amazing social opportunity like Miami. This is especially important for those who are not locals and are looking to quickly build new friendships.
  • Lifestyle: it goes without saying that there is a lot to do in Miami. Catch an NBA Miami Heat game, go to South Beach, visit all the fancy restaurants you see online, etc. With all these options, it’s hard to ever be bored. Does it get expensive?….Yes. But boy does it make for some awesome memories and photo ops.

CONS of Living in Miami

  • Traffic: the problem with Miami being labeled as the “dream” place to be is that traffic is inevitable. Morning traffic. Lunch hour traffic. Evening traffic. Event Traffic. Weekend Night traffic. There are a lot of people in Miami and everyone always seems to have somewhere that they need to be. Therefore, be ready to accept the you may still need to account for traffic delays even if you technically live only a couple miles from the office.
  • Isolation: being in Miami makes getting to places near Miami easy, but what about all the places outside of that bubble? Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, to name a few. Being in Miami makes getting to these cities much more of a hassle, and sometimes this can discourage you to venture elsewhere, which would be a shame since South Florida as a whole has so much to offer!
  • Price: I tell people that South Florida is an awesome place to live, but only if you can afford it, and that is especially true for Miami. Not only is Miami one of the most, if not the most, expensive cities in the country to live in considering rent alone, but with so many financial temptations at one’s fingertips, it can make it hard to live a budget-friendly lifestyle.

PROS of Not Living in Miami

  • Accessibility: just as living in Miami can make it more difficult to explore cities outside of its bubble, living outside of Miami can allow you to more easily take that drive and see what else South Florida has to offer. While cities like Doral, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and Dania Beach may not be everyone’s first choice for a night out, one would be surprised about how great those cities can be, especially if you want a break from the Miami hustle and bustle.
  • Housing Options: opting to live outside of Miami does provide more diverse and affordable housing options. Whether you’re looking to spend less on rent or are in need of a house with a backyard rather than an apartment, looking outside of Miami will definitely give you more options to choose from, and can assist you in finding a home that will fit you’re lifestyle rather than you having to fit your lifestyle to Miami.
  • Peace & Quiet: one problem that a lot of people have with Miami is that it’s very busy and congested. If you are someone who prefers peace and quiet, living outside of Miami may be the perfect option. This is because a lot of the neighboring cities in Broward County or even out West in Miami-Dade county are more geared towards older individuals or families. Nonetheless, almost every city in South Florida has some kind of young population and normally you’re never too far from the night life.

CONS of Not Living in Miami

  • Inconvenience: living outside of Miami is completely inconvenient. The drive to work is most likely minimum an hour instead of otherwise, and getting home if needed is not as easy of an action. As mentioned above, the Brightline can help, but it will never be as easy as living down the street. Not to mention the gas money that you’ll need to spend if you find yourself having to go into the office often.
  • Separation: if you’re not from South Florida, living in a city that is not as known for it’s social atmosphere can easily make one feel like they’re missing out on the Miami action, especially if everyone you know lives in Miami. This is less of a problem if you already have connections or family elsewhere, but for some who moves to Miami completely solo, it may make being further away from social scene more difficult.
  • Price: no matter where you live in South Florida, it most likely won’t be cheap. Therefore, some find it hard to justify the amount of rent required to be in a city that is far away from the office. To a lot of people, the fact that they’ll be spending a lot of money anyways makes Miami’s extra price tags worth it.

Although 2L year was a blast, I must admit that I was counting down the days until I was back at Bilzin Sumberg for the summer! On the second day of my second summer at Bilzin, we kicked off the summer season with a Welcome Event. We embraced the soaring temperatures (by staying inside!), gathering in our beautiful sunlit conference room. The event was complete with incredible wine and cheese and the most welcoming atmosphere.

Partway through the evening, Melissa Pallett-Vasquez invited the summer associates to the front of the room to introduce (and for Crystal Singh and I, re-introduce) ourselves to the firm. Although standing in the front of a room full of attorneys can be daunting, even on your best day, it was refreshing to look around and see nothing but smiles and friendly faces. The entire evening was a refreshing departure from the formalities of typical legal introductions, allowing us to connect on a more personal level and discover some of the diverse interests that make the Bilzin family truly exceptional. In a profession often characterized by intensity and rigor, this lighthearted gathering served as a reminder that balance and camaraderie are essential ingredients for success.

The welcome event marked the beginning of our summer at Bilzin, where we can look forward to nurturing and developing our individual interests in the law, from diving into legal research with the litigation team, to drafting opinion letters and operating agreements on the transactional side. Here at Bilzin Sumberg, the summer associates are not just observers—we really are made to feel like integral members of the team, who are lucky enough to be mentored by seasoned attorneys and supported by a tight-knit community. And of course, we can look forward to Jessica Buchsbaum’s fabulous events, exciting tag-alongs, and the daily lunch adventures!

As we get back into the swing of the summer and reflect on our first week at Bilzin, I have to say, we really are Proud to be Judged by the Company We Keep, and I think I speak for all the summer associates when I say we are so excited to dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Melissa Pallet-Vasquez introducing the summer associates.
L to R: Hannah Lidicker, Kayla Hernandez, Daniel Bumm, Spencer Peek, Sofia Siegel, Isabella Durand, Melissa Pallet-Vasquez, Ethan Schwab, Matthew Tieman, Crystal Singh
L to R: Joseph A. Beguiristain & Ethan Schwab
L to R: Mark Meroney, Spencer Peek & Daniel Bumm
L to R: Alani Fraga, Brittany Chung, Crystal Singh, Saron Musa & Nellie Estefania Barcia
L to R: Sofia Siegel, Spencer Peek, Isabella Durand, Ethan Schwab, & Crystal Singh

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Bilzin Sumberg’s 2024 summer associates. As contributors to our blog, they’ll share their unique insights, experiences, and maybe even some humor along the way.

So, get ready to hear from the newest members of our team as they dive into their summer experience. Whether they’re tackling complex legal issues or sharing their favorite lunch spots, we are excited to share their perspectives.

Welcome to Ethan, Spencer, and Sofia and welcome back to Isa and Crystal! Here’s to a summer filled with growth, learning, and probably too much food!

Dear Bilzin Sumberg,

And just like that, our 9 weeks are over. 9 weeks of hand shaking, Westlaw researching, happy hour attending, memo writing, and last minute lunch planning have come to an end, and all we can say to you is thank you. Thank you for giving us this amazing opportunity to not only grow as law students, but as people. Your kindness was noticed from the first day we arrived and it has only been followed with support and guidance. Yes, assignments were difficult. Yes, days were stressful, but getting the chance to work on real matters and be a part of real cases made it all worth it. We all truly believe that there is no firm built like Bilzin, and we intend to carry that message forward to anyone who asks “How was your summer?”

Thank you for showing us that Big Law does not have to mean working until midnight every day, fearing our superiors, and having no time for family, but instead can be about enjoying work-life balance, admiring those we work for, and having the freedom to live out all our future aspirations. You have given us a new perspective on what it means to work at a firm, and we will forever be grateful.

With all that being said, we thought it would only be appropriate to present to you the 2023 Summer Associates’ Attorney Awards. This is our way of celebrating all the big and small moments. This is our way of saying we will miss you all. This is our way of saying Thank You to everyone at Bilzin Sumberg.

Most Likely To Join the Summer Associates for Happy Hour: Adrian Felix

Most Likely to Get Roasted by Al Dotson: Javier Aviñó

Most Likely to Tell You Where They Went to Law School: David Seifer (University of Florida)

Best Dressed: Shalia Sakona

Most Likely to Heavily Redline Your Memo but Still Tell You That You Did a Great Job: Adam Lustig

Most Likely to Stop by Your Office and Say Hi: Phil Stein

Least Likely to Say No to Lunch: Sara Herald

Honorary Summer Associate: Daniel Bumm

Best,

The 2023 Summer Associates

Closing the doors on nine remarkable weeks, the end of our summer associate journey at Bilzin Sumberg was met with a magical evening at Melissa’s home. The closing event was far from a simple farewell gathering. It was a testament to our shared experiences, a reflection on lessons learned, and a beacon illuminating the path to our professional futures. Amid the inviting scent of sushi and sake, our smiles shone brighter, our laughter rang louder, and the bonds forged over the summer seemed even stronger. This was not just an evening of dining, but a night for reminiscing. We recollected victories and learnings, trials and triumphs, and the bonds forged over this summer.

As the evening dimmed into the night, we toasted to our milestones, our perseverance, and the bright futures awaiting us. The joy in the room was palpable, a snapshot of the collective spirit of Bilzin Sumberg. A heartfelt thank you to Melissa for her generous hospitality, Jessica and Betsi for their unwavering mentorship, and everyone at Bilzin Sumberg for shaping our summer into an unforgettable journey.

The lessons and experience I’ve gathered this summer go beyond research projects, drafting documents, and tag-alongs. It’s the laughter shared, the challenges faced, the mentorship received, and the friendships formed that will be etched in my memory. These experiences have not just sculpted my understanding of the law but have enriched my personal growth and perspective.

To Bilzin Sumberg, our mentors, my fellow summer associates, and the spectacular summer we spent together – a toast to you all. As we stride towards the future, these memories will serve as a guiding light, reminding us why we are “Proud to be Judged by the Company We Keep.”

Here’s to the knowledge gained, the connections made, and the journey that awaits!

Last Thursday the Tax/Trusts & Estates Group hosted the final practice group-specific event of the summer—a wine tasting at Vinya. As a relative newcomer into the wine scene, this was an event that I was particularly looking forward to, and upon reflection, the experience shared many similarities with the summer associate journey.

Coming into the wine tasting I had a general idea about the types of wines I like, but I really had not dedicated much time—if at all—to think through and identify the specific flavors and characteristics that I enjoy in a wine. Hence, much like with the summer associate experience, I figured a lot of this event would be about embracing the unknown and putting forth an honest best effort.

You can imagine I was glad to hear when the event started that we would not be “put on the spot” to identify the different flavor profiles of each wine—because then I truly would have been navigating rather blindly. We instead worked together as a group to decipher where the wines we were tasting came from: the “old world”—think Europe—or the “new”—think the Americas. Each Pinot Noir had a very distinct flavor profile, which I thought presented a great platform to learn how differences temperature and location might change the taste and appearance of wines, even when dealing with wines in the same category.

Throughout the tasting I found that expressing my initial gut feeling on taste, no matter how crazy, at the very least sparked a conversation, but on a deeper level also allowed me to adjust the way I was thinking about each flavor profile. The sommelier constantly corrected my attempts at describing the wines with “wine-lingo” that more accurately described what I was trying to express, an experience that reminded me of my learning process with corporate drafting this summer.

Ultimately, as with the work I have been doing at Bilzin this summer, I found that by giving an honest best effort, asking questions, and listening to the experts, I was able to learn much more than I had originally expected. Some of my first attempts at deciphering the subtle notes and nuances in the wines might not have been on point—and some people even considered them silly (though I would never single them out), but in the end I truly felt like I learned something valuable throughout the wine tasting—and the same can be said of my experience at Bilzin this summer!