FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - January 28, 2011) - Becker & Poliakoff, a diversified commercial law firm with more than 125 attorneys in 13 Florida offices, New York City, New Jersey, Nassau (Bahamas) and Prague, today announced that Nelson D. Diaz and Neil M. Schiller have been elected as shareholders of the firm. Both Mr. Diaz and Mr. Schiller are attorneys in the firm's Government Law & Lobbying practice.
Mr. Diaz, former Chief of Staff to former State Representative and now U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, focuses his practice on legislative lobbying in Tallahassee and Washington, D. C. He is based in the firm's Coral Gables office. Mr. Diaz began his political career as a volunteer in the 1996 Presidential race in Florida where he and many other young leaders, including Marco Rubio and many now-elected officials, worked hard to build a strong Republican party base in South Florida. His experience as a Legislative Aide gives him an insider's knowledge of the legislative process, familiarity with committee procedures and rules, and strong ties to members of the leadership of both Chambers and their respective staff.
Mr. Schiller practices in the firm's Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach offices. The former head of a political consulting firm, Mr. Schiller has run many successful political campaigns at all levels of government in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties. He concentrates in local government law including land use, zoning, public sector procurement and local lobbying. He helps clients promote and advance their objectives before governmental entities at the local, regional, and state levels of government.
"Nelson and Neil are two rising stars in Florida's political scene," said Bernie Friedman, Chair of Becker & Poliakoff's Government Law & Lobbying Practice. "Each of them has demonstrated leadership in their respective spheres and commitment to their clients' successes. We are proud to have them on our team and look forward to their continued success at our firm."
A graduate of the University of Florida Law School and a member of the Levin College of Law Alumni Council, Mr. Diaz has successfully represented local governments, businesses, trade associations and other corporate clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government. He has been successful in helping pass significant legislation for clients such as Isle of Capri Casinos, City of Cape Coral, and The Florida Bar Family Law Section, which awarded him the Legislative Merit Award each year he represented them. He also represents the Kristi House, a non profit organization focused on preventing child abuse in Miami Dade County, pro bono, and serves as Vice President of their Board of Directors.
Mr. Schiller has successfully represented a wide variety of clients before their respective County and City Commissions ranging from corporate clients such as T-Mobile, Inc. and the Oracle Corporation to non-profit corporations such as Norton Park Place Condominium Association and the Las Olas Beach Club Condominium Association. He served on the Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board and is the 2009 recipient of the firm's "Rising Star" award.
Mr. Schiller is active in community organizations and serves on the Boards of the Anti-Defamation League of Palm Beach County, the South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation, Young Adult Division and the Stranahan House. He is a graduate of the University of Miami College of Law.
About Becker & Poliakoff
Becker & Poliakoff is a diverse commercial law firm with more than 125 attorneys in 13 Florida offices, New York City, New Jersey, Nassau (Bahamas), Prague and affiliated international offices. Celebrating its thirty-eighth (38th) year of serving clients, the firm has seven primary areas of practice: Real Estate, Construction, Community Association, Customs & International Trade, Business Litigation, Corporate & Securities, and Government Law & Lobbying. For more information, visit: www.becker-poliakoff.com.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Alan Penchansky
The Pen Group Communications
Tel: (305) 529-1944
email: alan@thepengroup.com
