Spotlight On: Scott Brandman, Managing Partner – Miami & New York, Baker McKenzie

Spotlight On: Scott Brandman, Managing Partner – Miami & New York, Baker McKenzie

2022-12-28T15:19:38-05:00November 29th, 2022|Legal Services, Miami, Professional Services, Spotlight On|

2 min read November 2022 In an interview with Invest:, Scott Brandman, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s Miami and New York offices, discussed how the legal sector is helping to ensure responsible growth as the population expands, what sets the firm apart from other players in the market, key client concerns and advice for lawyers coming into the industry. 

Considering the influx of people coming into South Florida, what is the legal sector’s role in ensuring responsible growth?

One thing I’ve heard from companies is a concern regarding the cities’ bandwidth capability. I think we are going to see corporations that are moving into the market helping to build and expand these systems within the Miami area. We are seeing growth both in commercial and residential, with more buildings and restaurants popping up every day. Law firms will be there alongside our clients to help them navigate the local, state and federal regulations as they seize opportunities in South Florida as a key business center. It is a very exciting time to be in the market, whether people live here now or are thinking about relocating. 

What sets Baker McKenzie apart from other players in the market?

I have a lot of respect for many of the firms coming into the Miami market. One of the things that sets us apart from these new players is the longevity of Baker McKenzie in the area. We are not a new player in the Miami market; we’ve been here for nearly 40 years. More importantly, we are here to stay. We recently signed a long-term lease for new space at 830 Brickell, demonstrating our commitment to Miami and the extraordinary opportunity we’ve always seen in this market.

Another advantage, and major driver for our clients, is our network; Baker McKenzie is in almost 50 countries. We are the largest law firm in Latin America, with offices in every major jurisdiction in the region. Miami is the gateway into the Latin American market so we are extremely well positioned to advise clients looking to expand, manage risk and do business across the Americas. This deep breadth in the local market is a key differentiator. 

What do you identify as your clients’ key concerns?

No one knows where the market is headed. There are concerns regarding the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical factors, recessionary fears, growing interest rates and inflation. We need to continue to monitor these issues and help our clients navigate the changing environment. We are trying, just like our clients, to be patient and vigilant. We have to plan for the worst and hope for the best. We are prepared for whatever comes and we are working with our clients to make sure they are as prepared as possible. 

What do you hope stays the same in the legal sector and what do you hope will evolve?

If you look at the history of Florida, including Miami, it previously comprised smaller law firms; it was a relatively small market. I hope the small feeling stays and those firms continue to do well and thrive. I don’t view big law firms coming in as affecting those smaller firms negatively at all. I see this as a positive for all firms of all sizes. The influx of people and industry coming into Miami is driving demand for all lawyers, including the work that has been traditionally done in the state. I hope that doesn’t change, and I don’t think it will; in fact, I believe it will get stronger for them. 

On the other hand, where I do see change is that more companies are moving into the market and relocating their headquarters here, which is very exciting. I hope that continues to be the trend. Miami was never considered a headquarters location for companies but there are now enough companies to justify having big law here. As companies continue to move in, it is great for the entire market and everyone in it.

What advice would you give to young lawyers?

Specific to Miami, I would say they are coming in at a tremendously opportunistic time. While there may be some apprehension given as we are at the potential start of a recession, we will work through that as we always do. Law school graduates are coming into a market that is booming and that will continue to grow. I don’t see a slowdown in the Miami market, even with a potential recession. All firms will probably be impacted by a recession but even with a slowdown the factors that are driving growth for the market are still there and will help us continue to grow and thrive. So, it is a great time for them to lean in, learn and collaborate with colleagues.

What is your top priority for the next couple of years?

Inclusion and diversity is the No. 1 priority for our firm. We have a genuine focus on diversity, equity and inclusion from the highest levels of leadership at Baker McKenzie. We recognize that having a rich and diverse pipeline as well as an inclusive and equitable workplace culture contributes to our ability to bring many perspectives and experiences to guide our clients through increasingly complex matters. We’ve set some strong goals and continue to push these. Miami is no exception in terms of our ability to grow and be stronger when it comes to DEI.

For more information, visit: 

https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/ 

Share This Story!