'We Have Always Been Multicultural': What it Takes to Succeed in Big Law's Hottest Market

Miami Executive Partner Wifredo Ferrer was interviewed by the Daily Business Review about how Miami's multicultural identity and deep connections to Latin America distinguish the city's legal market, particularly for Big Law. As attorneys, law firms and businesses continue to establish a presence in South Florida, Wifredo explained that success in the region requires more than fluency in another language – lawyers also need the cultural awareness to understand clients' expectations, establish trust and develop lasting relationships. Holland & Knight's cross-border capabilities draw on attorneys licensed in both the U.S. and Latin American jurisdictions, as well as a long-standing foreign attorney program that brings lawyers from Latin America and Spain to the city. Beyond the legal credentials, though, events such as a food-tasting during the 2026 World Cup and commitment to maintaining the region's cafecito tradition demonstrate the cultural competency that helps clients feel at ease. Together, this legal foundation and cultural fluency enable the firm to assist clients navigating complex transactions and disputes, as well as create the "connection engine" that makes Holland & Knight stand out.

"Being bilingual gets you, maybe, through the meeting, but bicultural awareness gets you the client, and it allows you to establish those relationships for a very, very long time," Wifredo said.

READ: 'We Have Always Been Multicultural': What it Takes to Succeed in Big Law's Hottest Market