Next Era of Leadership As 30 Years of Shaping Cities Are Celebrated
Miami, Florida — Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes PLLC (BRFLT), one of South Florida’s most influential land use and zoning law firms, today announced a strategic leadership transition designed to guide the firm into its next era.
For three decades, BRFLT has operated at the intersection of law, policy, and development—guiding the projects, approvals, and frameworks that have shaped South Florida’s growth. This next-generation leadership structure reflects a deliberate evolution: preserving the firm’s legacy of creative excellence while positioning it to lead in an increasingly complex and high-stakes development landscape.
Jeffrey Bercow Named Chairman of the Board
Founding partner Jeffrey Bercow will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, where he will provide strategic oversight and guidance to firm leadership while remaining actively engaged in advising the region’s most prolific developers on their most complex and consequential projects.
With more than forty years of experience, Bercow has been a defining force in South Florida’s growth management and land use framework. Throughout his career, Bercow has focused on the structure behind development—advancing long-range planning strategies and growth management policies that influence how and where growth occurs.
As Chairman, Bercow will focus on governance, long-term vision, ensuring the firm’s next generation carries forward the discipline, relationships, and excellence that have long defined BRFLT.
“This firm has always been about more than projects—it has been about getting the big decisions right,” said Bercow. “This transition ensures we continue to do that at the highest level for generations to come.”
Melissa Tapanes Llahues Named Chief Executive Officer
The firm has appointed Melissa Tapanes Llahues as Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal step in BRFLT’s evolution. A nationally recognized land use and zoning attorney, strategic advisor, and civic leader, Tapanes Llahues has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s growth, and impact—guiding complex development projects from vision to entitlement to realization. As CEO, she will lead the firm into its next era focused on building a next generation platform that integrates legal excellence with operational strength and strategic advisory capabilities to fuel South Florida’s continued growth.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes. This firm has been my professional home for more than two decades — a place where I have grown as an attorney, as a leader, and as a committed servant to the Miami community,” said Tapanes Llahues. “My focus will be on continuing the firm’s tradition of excellence while positioning Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes for the future — attracting exceptional legal talent, deepening our service to clients navigating the complexities of South Florida’s dynamic real estate landscape, and expanding our role as a civic anchor in the communities we call home. For over two decades, I have worked to shape Miami’s built environment — from affordable housing to mixed-use developments, from zoning approvals to public-private partnerships — because I believe deeply that the decisions made in our city halls and hearing rooms define the kind of community we leave to future generations. I am grateful to my partners, colleagues, clients, and the many mentors who have supported my journey. The best work of this firm is still ahead of us.”
A Leadership Bench Built on Experience and Continuity
BRFLT’s strength has always been rooted in the depth and stability of its leadership. Alongside Bercow and Tapanes Llahues, shareholders Ben Fernandez and Michael W. Larkin will complete the Board of Shareholders, continuing to play central roles in the firm’s success. Together, this leadership team brings decades of experience, enduring client relationships, and deep institutional knowledge to the firm’s most significant matters.
Having worked side by side for years, the team has built a practice defined by alignment, trust, and a shared commitment navigating complex, high-stakes decisions right. That continuity remains a defining strength as the firm enters its next era.
A Modern Operational Platform for the Next Era
To support the firm’s continued growth and increasing scale, BRFLT has elevated key leaders into a coordinated operational structure:
Zuraika Orta, Chief Operating Officer (COO), leading firm operations, financial performance, and execution of strategic initiatives.
Evelyn Cedron, Director of Firm Operations, overseeing internal systems, human resources, and administrative quality.
Andreina Espina, Director of Practice Operations, driving matter execution, case management, and client service delivery across the firm.
This leadership structure reflects a shift toward a fully integrated operating model—designed to deliver consistency, scalability, and exceptional client outcomes across an increasingly complex portfolio of work.
From Legacy Firm to Forward-Looking Platform
BRFLT’s evolution mirrors a broader transformation in the role of land use counsel—from transactional advisors to strategic partners in shaping cities, influencing policy, and guiding long-term development outcomes.
With this leadership team in place, the firm is well positioned to continue advising on the region’s most significant projects while also helping define how South Florida grows over the next decade and beyond.
“The next era of this firm is about alignment—bringing strategy, execution, and leadership together at the highest level to connect the legal frameworks with public policy, stakeholder interests and long-term urban outcomes for our community,” said Tapanes Llahues.
