Akerman lawyers Neisen Kasdin and Grasford Smith are recognized among Florida Trend’s 2024 Florida 500, which lists the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state. 

Neisen, who serves as Miami Office Co-Managing Partner, is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group and well respected in Miami, having served as mayor of Miami Beach and as a leader in the revitalization of South Beach. He has also served as vice chair of the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority and was responsible for leading the creation of Miami’s Downtown Master Plan. Many of his clients’ projects – from Brickell City Centre to Miami’s Design District and the Faena District – have been groundbreaking, transforming Miami’s urban spaces with a blend of retail, office, and residential properties. In addition to large-scale projects, Neisen has represented clients in developments in emerging Miami neighborhoods such as Little Haiti and Wynwood. He is recognized by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 as a leading land use and zoning lawyer in Florida.

Grasford is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group, serving as co-lead of the Litigation Group for the firm's West Palm Beach office. He focuses his work on complex commercial litigation and is certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Circuit Civil Mediator. Grasford’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and athletic leagues. Grasford currently serves on the Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors and the Florida Bar Board of Governors. He recently concluded terms as president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, chair of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, and Chair of the American Heart Association of Palm Beach County.  He is recognized by Lawdragon among the 500 Leading Lawyers in America.