In the first issue of Attorney at Law Magazine First Coast, we sat down with Cobb and Gonzalez board-certified attorneys, Christopher Cobb, Nick Elder, and Hans Wahl to discuss their career and outlook for their practice.
Christopher Cobb
AALM Why did you choose your particular practice?
CC Early in my career, I was given a lien-transfer bond claim and liked the technical aspect of this type of case. I asked James Bledsoe, my mentor to put me in as many cases as he could.
AALM : What has been the biggest challenge for you in becoming certified? Are you planning to seek certification through another organization or in another field?
CC : Board certification was a logical step in my career. It was an easy decision to achieve this designation in 2009. I am always looking for ways to improve. It was hard to juggle personal and professional obligations with studying for the exam, but you had to get through it. Board certified in construction law, I was able to secure my appointment as a member of the Construction Licensing Board.
AALM Tell about a case in your career that you consider to be significant.
CC I had the chance to deal with a major condominium construction defect case in 2009. I was up against 25 other parties. I enjoyed being in this position, and I was able secure a favorable resolution for the association. I have dealt with at least 10 similar cases and enjoy helping unit owners reach their goals.
AALM What are the changes you expect to see in the future in relation to the practice and practice of law, in general?
CC The technology is constantly changing and the legal profession will have to keep up with the changes to be able to address any issues that arise. The next obstacle seems to be the use of A.I. In legal research and drafting.
AALM What is your proudest achievement in your career?
CC The most rewarding achievement of my career was helping to create our current company. We are a group of professionals with similar values who are also good people. The last four decades have been simply amazing.
Nick Elder
AALM : Why did you choose to practice law? What attracted you to the practice of law?
NE As a child, I read John Grisham’s novels and imagined myself playing the role of a client who was in need. I’m happy to be able to help small businesses and homeowners who are in difficult situations.
AALM : What has been the biggest challenge for you in becoming certified? Are you planning to seek certification through another organization or in another field?
NE I always tell people who want to become board certified that they should find time in their busy schedules to study. It’s been some time since most of us took the bar, so you should spend a couple hours a day studying law, and combine that with your daily caseload, to prepare for this difficult certification exam. In addition to always wanting to improve my practice I also have a goal to get an additional board certificate in the near term.
AALM What are the changes you expect to see in construction law?
NE It is a blessing to live in an expanding state. The construction industry in Florida and Jacksonville is booming. This will create unlimited opportunities for law firms and attorneys who specialize in this field.
Hans Wahl
AALM : Why did you choose your particular practice?
HW After law school, I worked for a firm that specialized in construction defect litigation. You will find HOAs and condominiums with construction defects involving amenities and common elements. Over time, the firm’s clients had specific legal questions relating to HOAs and condominiums, which required guidance in that area of law. This work was assigned to me. I jumped in and became board certified years later.
AALM What has been the greatest challenge that you have personally faced to become board certified?
HW In 2018, the Florida Bar first offered certification in condominium and planned developments law. It was a challenge to take the test without knowing what was expected in terms of content, structure and topics. I prepared as best as I could for the unknown, and I managed to pass it.
AALM What are the changes you expect to see in the practice of condominium laws?
HW I think the recent changes to condominium law as a result of the tragic Champlain Towers’ collapse in 2021, namely the new structural integrity reserves study and milestone inspections requirements for condominiums three stories or taller, will have a significant impact on this industry going forward. These new reports are due for many condominiums in Florida within the next couple of years. These reports will reveal that many condominiums in high-rise buildings throughout Florida need major repairs, but lack the necessary reserve funds. It will be fascinating to see how the state legislature and other agencies deal with this likely widespread problem in the condominium industry.
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