Prominent South Florida land use and zoning law firm Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes is rolling out a new leadership structure as it marks 30 years in business.
The Miami-based firm announced that founding partner Jeffrey Bercow will transition to Chair of the Board, while longtime shareholder Melissa Tapanes Llahues has been named Chief Executive Officer.
The move signals a next-generation leadership transition at one of South Florida’s most influential firms in land use, zoning and growth management law, a practice that has played a major role in shaping development across the Miami region for decades.
Bercow, who has more than 40 years of experience in growth management and land use law, will remain actively involved in advising major developers while shifting his focus to long-term strategy and governance.
“This firm has always been about more than projects — it has been about getting the big decisions right,” Bercow said. “This transition ensures we continue to do that at the highest level for generations to come.”
Tapanes Llahues, a nationally recognized land use and zoning lawyer who has been with the firm for more than two decades, will oversee the firm’s next phase of growth as CEO.
“My focus will be on continuing the firm’s tradition of excellence while positioning Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes for the future,” Tapanes Llahues said. “The best work of this firm is still ahead of us.”
The firm also announced an expanded leadership bench, with shareholders Ben Fernandez and Michael Larkin joining Bercow and Tapanes Llahues on the Board of Shareholders.
In addition, the firm elevated several operations leaders, including Zuraika Orta as Chief Operating Officer, Evelyn Cedron as Director of Firm Operations and Andreina Espina as Director of Practice Operations.
The restructuring comes as the firm says it is positioning itself for continued growth amid increasingly complex land use, zoning and development work across South Florida.
