Presidential election years in the office - particularly, it seems, a law office - can be like Thanksgiving with your crazy drunk uncle every Monday through Friday. Remember the days when we would hover around the proverbial water cooler and talk about sports and the Kardashians? Suddenly, we’re all experts on the 25th Amendment, or foreign policy, or the pros and cons of an executive order to build more wind farms. Even Taylor Swift has gotten in on the action, and I’m like hey - it’s 7am… are you okay? #youneedtocalmdown
As we careen toward November, we wonder - what is the role of politics in the office? A few years ago, I read about Basecamp, a California based company that I admire, banning discussions of politics at work. In 2021, they justified it as such: “Sensitivities are at 11, and every discussion remotely related to politics, advocacy, or society at large quickly spins away from pleasant.” A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reminds us - in case you are living under a rock - that “it’s getting harder for companies to keep politics out of the workplace.”
But for companies (and law firms) that pride themselves on giving individuals room to breathe, it seems like a no-brainer: let it rip and let the chips fall where they may. But imagine coming into the office every day with a sense of dread because you know your boss is going to cross-examine you on your politics?
So after quite a bit of hand-wringing, here’s where MM&H has landed, for what it’s worth.
First, assume that everyone’s intentions are good. This should be easy, because you really shouldn’t be working with people whose intentions are evil. Second, assume that not everyone agrees with you. This is harder of course, because anyone who disagrees with you is definitionally ignorant. But try.Third, if you are in a position of authority, don’t initiate political discussions. If your colleagues aren’t opening the door to discuss politics with you, it’s because they don’t want to talk to you about it, not because they are staying quiet desperately waiting for you to engage with them. Finally, hug it out. Or high-five it out. Or handshake it out. Whatever - just remember that at the end of the conversation, we’re all in this together. Even those people who obviously have no idea what they are talking about.
2024 MM&H Ranks Band 1 in Commercial Litigation
Etan Mark: "It is hard to believe that our firm has 15 attorneys and has been around for just seven years, but we are in the company of the best litigation firms in Florida some of which have been around for (literally) more than a century. This is truly a collective achievement, earned by every employee of our firm. We are overflowing with gratitude to those who support us in the community, our families and of course, our clients."
Meet Victor Sanabria
If you want your attorney to be a fighter, then look no further. Crossfit freak, nationally ranked gamer (before he had kids), all-state athlete. Victor is a terrifying competitor, and frankly we’re all a little bit scared...
Daija embodies that rare combination of Maine-raised, soft-spoken, firearms aficionado who devours complex legal issues like a bowl of cilantro-less guacamole.
"For years, lawyers have paid lip service to the advantages of AFAs, yet they’ve clung to the outdated billable hour as their safety net. Even when they propose a capped fee, it’s merely a repackaged hourly rate calculation—multiplying the estimated hours by their going rate. This isn't innovation; it's a sleight of hand. A true AFA model should break free from the shackles of the billable hour, focusing instead on the mutual value for the client and lawyer. It's about shared success, not clock-watching." — Jose Ferrer
Ever since we launched MM&H seven years ago, AFAs have been fundamental to our approach. Read Jose's compelling article on Harnessing Technology for Cutting-Edge Alternative Fee Arrangementson LinkedIn
'Melting Clocks' Image credit: Salvador Dali, 1931.
Transparency Deadline
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Compliance Deadline - December 31, 2024
If your business was formed before January 1, 2024, this is a reminder that you may need to file a beneficial ownership information report under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) by December 31, 2024. The law, which went into effect this year, requires most companies to report their beneficial ownership information unless they qualify for an exemption.
To ensure your business stays compliant, it’s important to check whether this requirement applies to any entities you own or control, like corporations, LLCs, partnerships, certain trusts, and similar organizations.
If you have any questions about how the CTA impacts your business or need help with the filing process, please feel free to reach out to Yaniv Adar, who is happy to assist you!
Top Five Litigation Efficiency Tips We Practice Everyday
Every move should be part of a plan that drives the case toward resolution. Winning isn’t about who can file the most motions or who can outlast the other side—it’s about making every action count.
🕑
Stop the Inefficiencies Before They Start.
Avoid unnecessary battles. Efficiency starts with asking: Does this move the needle? If not, skip it. Every motion, every deposition, and every conference has to be laser-focused on advancing the case.
🕒
Employ a Balanced Approach.
Contingent and Hybrid fee arrangements raise the stakes. In AFAs, there’s no room for inefficiency. When both sides have real skin in the game—the process has to be tight.
🕓
Make each Decision Count.
Smart litigation isn’t about rushing, but it’s also not about dragging your feet. It is about making the right moves at the right time. Your time and energy should only go to decisions that actually matter.
🕔
Create Momentum—Keep the Upper Hand.
Efficiency isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating momentum. When the case is moving forward, it keeps the other side on their toes and forces them to react. The minute you lose momentum, you lose leverage.
"In the end, efficient litigation comes down to one simple thing: Does this move the case forward? If it doesn’t, you’re wasting time. And in litigation, time is the most expensive thing you’ve got. Efficiency is about making decisions that serve a purpose, avoid distractions, and focus on winning." —Jose Ferrer
Communities
"You can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."
John Lennon
All together now! MM&H at the Lexus Charity Run [Read more]
Ashley, Christina, Mish, Desiree and Vivi volunteering for Voices For Children Foundation [Read more]
Jose Ferrer appointed to serve on the Florida Bar International Litigation and Arbitration Certification Board [...]
Maia Aron speaks on panel about "Suing Terrorists and Their Supporters." [Read more]
Desiree Fernandez, is on the Branches' strategic planning committee working with a consultant developing a 5-year strategy.
Maia Aron and Daija Page Lifshitz meet their University of Miami School of Law mentees [Read more]
Michelle Pelaez, The Florida Bar - Citizens Advisory Committee (Term 2026) & Advertising Committee (Term 2027)
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