Ready to set your sights high in the Magic City?
Miami has a thriving legal industry, with a high demand for lawyers across various areas of law, including international law, real estate, and entertainment. The city is home to many multinational firms that have gradually built a presence in the area. In May 2021, Kirkland, the world's highest-grossing law firm, announced it was setting up shop in Miami with lawyers moving from Chicago and New York. Shortly after, Winston & Strawn and King & Spalding followed suit.
Miami is a major business hub, with a significant number of multinational companies and a bustling startup scene. In the year to July 2021, more Americans moved to Florida than any other state — 220,890 of them, according to census data. The influx included billionaires and hedge funds unmoored from their Wall Street offices who flocked to South Florida for its low taxes and year-round sunshine.
Working as a lawyer in Miami can be a rewarding and exciting career path. With its vibrant legal market and diverse economy, Miami offers lawyers many opportunities to advance their careers while enjoying warm weather and pristine beaches.
Learn more about working as a lawyer in Miami below, and for more information, reach out directly to Elizabeth Ruocco.
Lifestyle
Miami is known for its cosmopoliton and diverse lifestyle, with a fusion of cultures and influences. With a rich art and cultural scene, numerous museums, galleries, and festivals, you will be entertained all year round.
The city has a thriving nightlife scene with clubs, bars, and restaurants known to have "pockets of authenticity". It has a diverse food scene, with influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Some popular restaurants to try in Miami include Versailles (for Cuban food), Joe's Stone Crab (for seafood), Chef Creole (for Haitian food), and Coyo Taco (for fusion tacos).
Miami also has a strong emphasis on fitness and outdoor activities due to the city's warm and sunny weather throughout the year. Lawyers tend to find it easier to enjoy a work/life balance in Miami, with access to beaches on their doorstep.
With so many things to see and do, it's no wonder it has been dubbed the Magic City.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Miami varies depending on factors such as the neighbourhood and lifestyle. Like most cities, housing is one of the most significant expenses. As a lawyer however, you will be able to enjoy a very comfortable way of life, enjoying all the amities Miami has to offer.
Miami's cost of living is 18% less expensive than New York's and 13% cheaper than San Francisco's.
Location & Transport
Miami is located in south-eastern Florida, along the Atlantic coast. It is a major port city and a hub for international trade, tourism, and finance.
Miami is well connected by air, with two major airports, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
If you are looking for a weekend adventure, Cuba is 1h and 30mins away by plane! And if you prefer road trips, the Florida Keys are 1h and 20mins by car, and Disney Land is a 4hs car ride away.
Additionally, the city has an extensive network of highways and public transportation options, including buses, trains, and the Metromover, a free automated people mover system that operates in the downtown area.
The Port of Miami is also a central transportation hub, making it the world's busiest cruise ship port and a gateway for cargo ships.
Market Intel
The legal market is known for its strong focus on international law, particularly in Latin America, due to the city's proximity to the region and its large Hispanic population. As a result, many Miami firms offer Spanish services and have extensive experience working with clients from Latin America.
Miami also has a growing tech industry, which has increased demand for legal services related to intellectual property and technology law. Additionally, the city's real estate market is booming, which has created a need for legal services related to commercial and residential real estate transactions.
The city's economy and focus on international law make it an attractive location for both domestic and international clients seeking legal services.
Lawyers looking to move to Miami should be able to clearly articulate what is driving Miami's growth and how their skill sets and knowledge can play a direct role in that expansion. The key is understanding how you fit the market and how you can be value-additive to a law firm looking to grow its roots in Miami. - Elizabeth Ruocco | Senior Consultant at Sonder
Qualifying:
As a jurisdiction, Florida does not have reciprocity with any other state, meaning that attorneys licensed to practice law in another state would not be able to practice law in Miami automatically. Therefore, for Florida-qualified lawyers, you will have the lion's share of options in Miami.
However, if you are qualified in another state, you do have a route in...
As part of a 2022 Florida Supreme Court rule change, attorneys with an LL.M. from a U.S. law school may be qualified to take the Florida Bar Exam. Individuals can qualify for this option if they:
- Complete a qualifying LL.M. at an ABA-accredited law school in the U.S.
- Are admitted to practice in another U.S. jurisdiction.
- Have practiced law for at least two years in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Meet other miscellaneous requirements.
Hot Practice Areas:
Real Estate: Miami's real estate market is thriving, and lawyers with experience in commercial and residential real estate transactions, land use and zoning, and real estate litigation are in high demand.
Intellectual Property: Miami's growing tech industry has led to an increased demand for lawyers with experience in intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Immigration: Miami has a large immigrant population, and lawyers with experience in immigration law, including visas, citizenship, and deportation defense, are in high demand.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: As in any city, litigation is a significant practice area in Miami. Lawyers with experience in commercial litigation, product liability, and class action suits are always in demand.
Corporate: Miami's strong business community means that lawyers with experience in corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and corporate governance, are in high demand.
Working as a lawyer in Miami can be a fulfilling career path, with many opportunities for professional and personal growth. The key is to specialize in a practice area that aligns with your interests and skills, build a strong network of contacts, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
