Quinn Emanuel spreads net in Miami, catches its high-profile Mayor as counsel

Quinn Emanuel spreads net in Miami, catches its high-profile Mayor as counsel

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez joins from Greenspoon Marder, which makes up for his loss by signing up his father and former Miami Mayor Xavier L. Suarez as counsel

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sulivan has got a big catch for its new office in Miami by netting Miami's high-profile mayor Francis Suarez as counsel. Miami is the third destination where the law firm has set up the office this year following Austin and Atlanta.

Suarez has moved to Quinn Emanuel from Greenspoon Marder along with Partner Olga Vieira, whose trial experience focuses on commercial litigation and product liability.

Quinn Emanuel, a business litigation specialist, has also signed up Partners John O'Sullivan and Jason Sternberg from Hogan Lovells, besides associates Joshua Fordin and David Nabors from the same firm.

In an interesting retaliation to Surez's loss, Greenspoon Marder has made up for the loss by signing up Suarez's father and former Miami mayor Xavier L. Suarez as counsel.

Quinn Emanuel's Miami office will initially be staffed by 10 lawyers. The Miami office will be co-led by John O'Sullivan, a courtroom business disputes advocate.

Suarez, a Republican, was elected Miami's mayor in 2017. He has won international acclaim for his efforts to promote Miami as the next Silicon Valley and the world's cryptocurrency capital.

"It's no secret that I have made it a top priority to attract the top companies and investors here; given Miami's staggering growth, it is the perfect setting for a world-class litigation firm like Quinn Emanuel," Suarez said.

Associate Thalia Lamping is joining from UK Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance's New York office to complete the large scale lateral movement to set up Quinn Emanuel's Miami office.

Quinn Emanuel's three Partners, Samuel Williamson, Alex Spiro and David Orta are relocating to Miami.

Williamson is moving from New York to co-head the Miami office. He is also co-head of the firm's investigation, government enforcement and white-collar defence practice. Spiro is relocating to Miami from New York, while its homecoming for Miami native Orta, who is chair of the firm's US international arbitration practice and the Latin America international arbitration practice.

"We have big plans for Miami. Under Mayor Suarez's leadership, it has become a magnet for businesses, entrepreneurs and investment talent," John Quinn, the law firm's founder said.