As a top 100 U.S. law firm and the dominant firm in Florida, Akerman was featured in Law360's largest law firms report, "Fla. Firms See Sunny Future as Cuba Relations Thaw." Akerman Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian provided Law360 with a view of Florida's dynamic and increasingly vital market for U.S. and global businesses. Growing client demand, particularly within the real estate and financial services sectors, indicate emerging trends and new investment opportunities in the region. Smulian also indicated that Akerman has experienced considerable interest from clients in the travel, telecommunications, software and construction spaces since the opening of U.S.-Cuba relations.

Florida's Rise as U.S. Financial Services Center:
Law360 wrote, "Smulian pointed out that more and more people in the financial sector, such as hedge fund managers and other key players, are setting up shop in Florida to take advantage of the state's favorable tax structure and bringing their legal business to the Sunshine State.

'We've always talked about Miami being a source of flight capital from Latin America, but now I think you're really seeing wealthy people move here and the operators of those assets running that capital out of here to a greater extent,' Smulian said.'"

Momentum Continues for Florida's Real Estate Market:
Law360 wrote, "While the growth in the Miami market is expected to slow down, real estate will continue to be strong there, particularly on the hotel and commercial side, according to Smulian. And beyond South Florida in other parts of the state, where the real estate recovery has been slower, the market is on the upswing, particularly on the residential side, he said.

'In the big picture as a whole, we're seeing it spread north to Orlando and now we're seeing it in Jacksonville,' Smulian said.

Cuba's Opening to U.S. Markets:
Law360 wrote, "[Smulian] said the firm has thus far seen considerable interest from clients in the travel, financial services, telecommunications and technology spaces that will have authorization to do limited work in Cuba. Smulian also anticipates that the firm's construction clients will have lots of work on the island, given its infrastructure needs."