Akerman successfully represented international beverage distributor United Brands in a 12-day jury trial against global beverage maker Diageo and its subsidiaries. Led by partner Francisco A. Rodriguez, the Akerman team secured a $4.6 million verdict in the plaintiff’s favor, after the jury found all the Diageo defendants liable for terminating the relationship with United Brands in bad faith. Latin America and The Caribbean Practice Chair Luis A. Perez and Andrew J. Dominguez litigated the case alongside Rodriguez. Coverage of the dispute appeared in Law.com, among others.

Overseen by the complex business litigation division of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami, the case further cements the city’s lure as an international litigation and arbitration center. In fact, the dispute took place in Miami-Dade County due to a Miami forum selection clause contained in the parties’ underlying agreement.

“This case sends a message to international companies that are considering or are bound by forum selection clauses that, even if you’re a foreign company, you have a fair trial in the courts of Miami,” Rodriguez told media.