News Release
Attorneys Alex Kurkin, Marc Brandes Form Law Firm
Focusing on Commercial, Franchise and Real Estate Law
MIAMI (June 3, 2008) ---- Attorneys Alex Kurkin and Marc Brandes have partnered to form Kurkin Brandes, LLP, a firm focusing on commercial, franchise and real estate law. They formerly served as members of the franchise dealership law group headed by Kurkin at Miami law firm Pathman Lewis.
The attorneys indicate that the move will provide their clients, which include a substantial number of motor vehicle dealerships, even better service and efficiency with greater flexibility on billing arrangements.
“Our clients operate in a tightly regulated environment, and they need the help of attorneys who truly understand their business environment and are greatly experienced with all of the compliance issues and potential liabilities that they face in their day-to-day business,” said Kurkin. “My partner and I focus on helping them avoid issues before they become a business disruption. While winning in litigation is every attorney’s goal, it comes a distant second to counseling clients on how to avoid the pitfalls that result in litigation. Most clients understand that in litigation the only ones who generally win are the attorneys.”
Brandes concurs with Kurkin and points to the partners’ commitment to timely responding to clients whenever issues may arise.
“Due to our past experience advising businesses, especially auto dealerships and real estate professionals, we understand that questions and concerns arise during weekends and holidays, and they often require answers to complex questions on the spot,” said Brandes. “We take pride in making ourselves available to our clients at all hours in order to help them with any issue or question as they arise. And when clients do present a problem or issue, we make every effort to give definitive answers – not the standard esoteric memo that serves to educate the client without answering the question.”
Alex Kurkin’s practice focuses on regulated businesses, such as motor vehicle dealerships, and helping them navigate through all legal concerns. He also has a great deal of experience in real estate title and commercial litigation, corporate/asset buy-outs, and commercial and real estate transactions. He represents the Florida Automobile Dealers Association and conducts compliance seminars for its members. Kurkin has conducted pro-bono work for the Miami-Dade Bar Association’s Put Something Back Program, is a youth Football coach and founding board member of the Miami Beach Health Foundation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida in 1989 and a Juris Doctorate from the University’s law school in 1991.
Prior to joining Pathman Lewis, Marc Brandes was corporate counsel for one of the most successful privately held dealership groups in the country. He represents motor vehicle dealers in all areas, including: disputes with manufacturers, consumers and regulatory agencies; buying or selling dealerships; assisting in identifying potential buyers or sellers; litigation in state and federal courts; drafting of industry documents; financing and floor plans; employee relations; franchise termination; and providing training on employment matters, finance, insurance and the handling of service and warranty claims. Brandes also provides significant assistance to the Florida Automobile Dealer’s Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in 1986 and a Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University law school in 1990.
Additional information on Kurkin Brandes, LLP, is available at www.kurkinbrandes.com or by calling (305) 929-8500. The firm’s offices are located at 4300 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.