Andrew Gordon, a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson in Fort Lauderdale.

One Fort Lauderdale lawyer has figured out the recipe for a successful life: hard work, community involvement and the love of his family. Years into his law career, a callback to his family's early Florida business venture — farming — has helped Andrew Gordon remain focused, especially in difficult times.

The Hinshaw & Culbertson partner advises clients on how to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of his job is to help them avoid the economic pitfalls that have left millions unemployed worldwide due to the coronavirus.

And Gordon is not only providing this critical information to clients.

As part of the Fort Lauderdale economic task force, he was among the leading voices guiding Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis as the city creeps closer to a phased reopening. His input on the 23-member working group is just a small part of the continuous pro bono work that has characterized Gordon's law practice during the last decade.

Beginning with the Great Recession

Gordon attended Florida State University, majoring in political science, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 2006. He immediately enrolled in law school following graduation. That led him to St. Thomas University School of Law. In 2009, after earning his law degree, Gordon began his legal career as an associate at Ruden McClosky for nearly three years, followed by another three-year stint at Fowler White Boggs before he joined Hinshaw & Culbertson in its Fort Lauderdale office in March 2014.

"I came into the legal community on the tail end of the Great Recession," Gordon said. "There were employees that had to be laid off. Early on in my career, I did not have access to the real information about what was happening with the firm's clients. Now, that's me."

Ross H. Manella, partner in charge at the Fort Lauderdale Office of Hinshaw & Culbertson, says some of his most memorable experiences relate to the passion with which Gordon practices law. Recently, for instance, Gordon showed him a court ruling in which the firm's client had prevailed.

"He takes every decision and every case very personally," Manella said. "It's not just another client. It's like this client is his only client."

Early riser

Gordon became a partner three years ago at the age of 34. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, along with labor and employment law. He has represented clients in a variety of areas, including airlines, auto dealers, cruise lines, large private schools, restaurants, and small businesses.

"He's got three associates in just the Fort Lauderdale office that work full time for him and are very busy," Manella said. "He manages them, and I must say, their only concern is that he's up so early in the morning at 4 a.m., and they have to be up at 4 a.m. to be ready for his questions."

That hard work that Gordon applies to his practice and the community has been getting recognition. The year after becoming partner, the Daily Business Review recognized Gordon in its Professional Excellence Award in the 'On the Rise' category.

The award recognizes attorneys younger than 40 who "wield influence and show expertise" in their practice areas, while committing themselves to pro bono service, as well as charitable and professional volunteer work.

Among the groups that Gordon has volunteered his time to assist in Fort Lauderdale are an advisory board to help address the homeless population, as well as the Board of Adjustments for consideration of applications for zoning variances after being appointed by the mayor to serve on the Board from 2013 to 2017.

Until recently, the COVID Reopening Working Group met via Zoom video conference meetings during which each participant had three to five minutes to present a suggestion to the mayor. Gordon made his suggestions based on over a decade of legal experience as well as recent guidance he has given to essential businesses during this economic downturn, including how to manage their operations when funds are tight.

The advice that Gordon provided to the mayor in the task force's report is similar to what he delivers to his clients from his southwest corner office located at One East Broward Boulevard, which overlooks downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Among the photos on his spacious desk are pictures of family and of a tomato. While odd, Gordon says it has sentimental value. The photo reminds him of the farming business his great-grandparents were in for nearly a century. It shows how far his family has come over four generations living in Florida.

Andrew Gordon, a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson in Fort Lauderdale, with family. Heather Holt Photo

Since Hinshaw directed its employees to work remotely starting in March, Gordon's environment and schedule has changed. His current office is in a spare bedroom at his home. While the view isn't as majestic as his downtown Fort Lauderdale office, the location does afford him more time with his kids, a 3-year-old boy and a 3-month-old girl.

"Every morning, I start the day off by taking my family for a walk. Every day I get to stop and spend time with family and have lunch," Gordon said. "Every time things have gotten stressful or frustrating, I press pause and play with the kids."

 

Andrew M. Gordon

Born: 1983, Miami

Spouse: Jennifer Gordon

Children: Colton and Brooklyn

Education: J.D, St. Thomas University of Law, 2009; B.A., Florida State University, 2006

Experience: Hinshaw & Culbertson, 2014 – present; Fowler White Boggs, 2011 to 2014; Ruden McClosky, 2009 to 2011