Legal Eagles

Local attorney Evan Berlin learned an object lesson about entrepreneurial independence from his father, Jeff Berlin, mere minutes before law school graduation.

It happened at the University of Florida, 20 years ago, while Berlin was literally putting on his cap and gown. Jeff Berlin approached his son and asked if he had his wallet. The younger Berlin said he did, and pulled it out. The elder Berlin then took out a pair of scissors from his pocket and cut up the credit card he had given his son. “That's when I knew I was on my own,” quips Berlin.

Berlin, though, says the lesson helped shape his career. That especially goes for when, at 35 years old in 2004, he decided to launch his own firm that specialized in real estate closings — not traditional solo work for young attorneys. Berlin had previously worked for two larger established firms, including Kirk-Pinkerton in Sarasota, and he also was the lead in-house counsel for a real estate investment trust.