Here are 24 On the Rise honorees being recognized for early-career accomplishments by South Florida attorneys under age 40 as of Jan. 1.

They will be among the award recipients at the Daily Business Review's annual Professional Excellence Awards being presented May 23 at the Rusty Pelican in Miami.

Liz Somerstein Adler

LIZ SOMERSTEIN ADLER 

Title: Senior Counsel

Experience: Greenspoon Marder, 2010-present

Education: University of Miami, 2009; Emory University, 2006

What drew you to a career in law? I come from a family of lawyers (12 now, and counting…); it is in my blood.

Have you set a specific goal that you want to achieve in the next year? I am extremely passionate about sustainability and resiliency, particularly in South Florida. I am serving my fourth term on Fort Lauderdale's Sustainability Advisory Board. I am credentialed as a LEED Green Associate and in progress to obtain my credential as a LEED AP BD+C. My hope is to incorporate the principles of sustainability and resiliency deeper within my practice of real estate and land use.

What has been your proudest career moment and your biggest hurdle? My proudest moment was winning my first jury trial, which I handled while I was (very) pregnant.

Where do you fit on a 1-10 work-life balance scale with 10 being nirvana? Please explain.  8. I am fortunate to work at a firm that has great respect for family and encourages a work-life balance.

What is the top quality that you've used to succeed in the profession? Being detail-oriented and kind.

Who is your favorite mentor and why? My dad, Barry Somerstein. He is the smartest lawyer I have ever met; he always gives no-nonsense advice and guidance.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you? My mom's advice: “You are never challenged beyond your ability to succeed.”

What trends are you observing in the profession that you're excited about? Advancements in both accommodations and flexibility for working mothers.

If I weren't a lawyer, I'd be … A professional artist or crafter!

Lauren Alexander

LAUREN ALEXANDER

Title: Senior Associate

Experience:  Weil, Gotshal & Manges, 2008-present

Education: University of Miami, 2008; University of New Hampshire, 2005

What drew you to a career in law? During college I took a few law classes and quickly realized that an understanding of the law, together with advocacy skills, allows you to problem solve and create change.

Have you set a specific goal that you want to achieve in the next year? I hope to continue to lead Weil's Miami office in the representation of victims of human trafficking who are seeking to expunge their criminal records. We have been extraordinarily successful over the past couple of years in litigating these issues of first impression and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. My goal is to continue to raise awareness in our community of the availability of expungement for human trafficking victims and why it is so important to provide this relief.

What has been your proudest career moment and your biggest hurdle? My proudest career moment was successfully obtaining the expungement of my client's criminal record under the human trafficking expungement statute after a contested evidentiary hearing and oral argument.  This was a case and issue of first impression in Florida that will serve as precedent for survivors of human trafficking nationwide. More importantly, the successful outcome allowed my client to move forward with her life, free from the bonds of her trafficker and get hired for the job she was previously unable to obtain.

Where do you fit on a 1-10 work-life balance scale with 10 being nirvana? Please explain. I think that the work-life balance scale is constantly moving; some weeks the scale tips in favor of work and others it tips in favor of family and life. With three children under 5 at home, juggling my litigation practice and travel schedule can be a challenge. I am lucky to work at a firm that values family and allows me the flexibility to create a schedule that works for me.  I also have phenomenal support from my husband, who is also a lawyer and understands the demands of our profession.

What is the top quality that you've used to succeed in the profession? Attention to detail. Who is your favorite mentor and why? I am not sure I can name one favorite mentor. Throughout my life and career I have gained invaluable wisdom and knowledge from many different people, including my family, coaches, and teammates. I am also extremely lucky to learn every day from my colleagues at Weil who challenge me and inspire me to be a better lawyer.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you? Remove the adjectives from your brief and keep your sentences short.

What trends are you observing in the profession that you're excited about? An increased focus on work-life balance and mental health.

What is the greatest challenge you see for the legal profession? Maintaining civility and professionalism in the age of social media and digital communications.

If I weren't a lawyer, I would be … Working in sports marketing. I studied three years to work in the sports industry before realizing that law school was for me.