Romney Rogers, Managing Partner, Fort Lauderdale, RMZ Law | Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, LLP

In an interview with Invest:, Romney Rogers, Managing Partner at RMZ Law in Fort Lauderdale, discussed the landscape for the legal sector, what differentiates his firm from others in the market, and the common legal mistakes clients make that could be avoided with legal expertise.

What have been the main highlights and key milestones for RMZ Law in the last year?

In 2025, our firm will celebrate its 100th anniversary, a milestone that fills us with gratitude and excitement. As we approach this centennial, we’re fortunate to be experiencing dynamic growth. Over the past year, we’ve expanded our team and we are looking to hire more talent in 2025 to keep up with the growth and ensure continuity. 

This last year of growth is not just a sign of success; it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and the strength of the relationships we’ve cultivated with our clients and community. As a law firm, we measure the business in many ways, but the efficiencies we’ve been able to implement because of some new hires has had a significant impact on how we operate, further enhancing our ability to deliver personalized service. 

What is your overview of the legal sector? 

Florida in general has been in growth mode for some time, with a notable surge during COVID, when many people decided to make Florida their home. The economy in Fort Lauderdale is thriving, thanks to the growth of small businesses and an influx of young professionals drawn to the vibrant downtown area. Fort Lauderdale’s rapid expansion in housing and retail has played a significant role in this transformation. 

In terms of the legal sector, as the economy grows and thrives, that usually goes hand in glove with our industry. We have seen an increase in new business formations, business and family succession planning, real estate transactions, and a rising interest among young individuals in establishing their estate plans. 

What separates RMZ Law from other legal firms operating in Broward County and South Florida?

It’s the quality of our people. We’ve always strived for excellence, and excellence naturally breeds success. Our culture is very important to us. We place a strong emphasis on integrity, personalized service and authentic relationships with our clients, which we believe is reflected in the fact that most of our business comes through word of mouth and referrals. 

We also invest in our community, and we believe that commitment has played a significant role in maintaining a good reputation. Consistency in our practice areas has also been key to our success. For 100 years, we’ve specialized in business law, real estate, and estate planning, and litigation in all those areas. This consistent focus has provided a strong foundation for our firm’s sustained success over the years. 

Have you noticed any changes in the demand for the services that you provide across different practice areas? 

The transfer of wealth between generations has been a significant driver of change, particularly in South Florida. As older generations plan for the future and younger generations take on new responsibilities, we’ve seen a notable increase in demand for estate planning and business succession planning services.

At the same time, people are seeking to be informed about legal strategies that can support their personal and professional goals. To meet this growing demand, we provide educational opportunities designed to empower individuals with the information they need to create a plan tailored to their unique goals. 

What are some of the most common legal mistakes made by clients that could be easily avoided?

The obvious one would be people trying to do it themselves. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out the way it should. A good example of this is the rise of AI and the availability of online resources. People now have access to all kinds of information and templates for legal documents. However, these tools often provide a black-and-white solution that doesn’t account for the nuances of individual situations. The areas of the law that are gray are where problems tend to arise, and these are the areas where legal experience can make a difference. Lawyers who pay attention to the unique needs of their clients are the ones that can serve the client best. We pride ourselves on doing that. I always say that for anything that involves the law, always hire a lawyer or seek counsel. It’s an investment that can save you significant trouble and expense down the road. 

In which ways is RMZ Law leveraging technology and AI in its legal practice?

AI is certainly a game changer in terms of the speed at which information can be accessed. The key question is always accuracy. We have taken a measured approach to adopting AI. We’ve participated in training sessions from technology providers to understand the tools available and we encourage our lawyers to leverage it as a resource when appropriate.

For us, AI often serves as a great starting point to gather information quickly and then we rely on our expertise to refine and adapt the output to ensure it meets the standards of law and serves the client’s specific needs. 

What are some of the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation for your firm?

We’re growing in the area of estate planning; it’s a fertile field with significant opportunities for growth. We all know that old saying, there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. The estate planning practice also extends into probate and trust administration, as well as litigation related to those areas. 

The growth in estate planning coincided well with a milestone for our firm when my son Cam – who is the future Managing Partner of RMZ Law – earned his Master of Laws (LL.M) in estate planning in 2020. His expertise in this area has added tremendous value to both our team and clients during this pivotal period of growth.

What will be the top priorities and goals for RMZ Law in the next two to three years?

One of our top priorities is planning for the firm’s future by focusing on strategic growth and succession. My son, Cam, who is the future Managing Parter of RMZ Law, is already playing a key role in shaping the vision for the next generation. We are also actively looking to make a few strategic hires to strengthen our team and ensure continuity. 

Equally important is maintaining our focus on the core values that have guided us for the past 100 years – our dedication to the community and the long-standing relationships we’ve built. These principles are the foundation of our firm’s success and will continue to be central to everything we do as we move forward.