Jeffrey Weinstock is a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP in Fort Lauderdale. As national vice-chair of the Securities & Corporate Finance Practice and a member of the Corporate Practice Group, Weinstock brings almost 30 years of experience advising businesses, lenders, private equity firms, and health care providers in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, taxation, and complex transactions. He previously served as in-house counsel to a publicly traded company.
What aspects of the curriculum or faculty had the most significant impact on your legal education and career trajectory?
Miami Law distinguishes itself from other institutions with its excellent faculty. I had so many professors who influenced my path and career that I can’t mention them all. Early in my career, I would think back to specific faculty members who influenced me and apply the lessons that I learned from them. Several of my professors had significant experience in major law firms and not only taught us about the academic aspects of practicing business law, but also the practical and interpersonal aspects of surviving as a business attorney. In particular, professors [Frances] Hill and [Elliott] Manning greatly influenced my career path and also my decision to come back to Miami to get a tax LL.M. after practicing for six years. Their mentorship also transcended academics and prepared me for the demands of practicing corporate law.
How did your education at the University of Miami School of Law prepare you for your career?
Coming into my J.D. program from undergrad, I was met quickly with high expectations and an introduction to the Socratic method. While this was an adjustment, it helped train me to think critically and gave me the tools to analyze complex legal issues under pressure, a skill that I’ve used almost every day of practice. Practical experience gained in moot court competitions and clinical placements through the litigation skills program helped me to gain the real-world experience necessary to hit the ground quickly as an associate attorney. The school’s diverse student body and international perspective also taught me to approach issues thoughtfully and creatively.
What opportunities or connections did you gain at the law school, and how did they influence your career?
Although many law schools boast about their diversified legal education, Miami Law truly has it all! From the practical experiences available to students to the excellent alumni network to the proximity to the vibrant business hubs of South Florida. You also can’t beat the connections to South Florida’s legal and business communities. These connections opened doors for me that developed into long-term professional relationships. After practicing for almost 30 years, the majority of which have been in South Florida, I still regularly consult and socialize with friends and colleagues from Miami Law. These relationships, combined with the top-notch legal education I received at Miami and its collaborative environment, strengthened my professional network and have proven time and again how lucky I am to be a Miami law alum!
