The team from Akerman includes four former partners: Juan Mayol, Joseph Goldstein, Alan Krischer and Ines Marrero-Priegues. Joining them are senior counsels Felix Lasarte and Leila Jackson Batties, associate counsel Stephen James, and land use consultants Michael Freire and Erik Fresen.

The team focuses on land use, zoning and real estate and environmental law covering the variety of related issues that come before federal, state, regional and local agencies. Among its clients are developers of office, hotel and shopping center properties; retailers and restaurant businesses; sports facilities; schools; universities; hospitals; homebuilders; private institutions and developers of planned communities.

"This group constitutes one of the top groups of land use lawyers in Florida," says John Halula, real estate practice group leader at Holland & Knight's local office. The group's members "are highly respected for their ability to help clients navigate the complex government process and dynamic regulatory environment."

Peter Prieto, executive partner in Holland & Knight's office here, says Mayol, Goldstein and their land use group "are a perfect complement to our booming real estate practice. Their arrival also fits nicely with our current strategy to grow smartly by adding the best lawyers in key practice areas."

"The opportunities that Holland & Knight provide our practice [will] continue to enhance the expanding goals and objectives of our clients," says Mayol in a statement. Holland & Knight is among the 15 largest commercial law firms worldwide. It has more than 1,250 lawyers in 26 offices in the US and also operates in nine other countries.