Mark Bideau, Co-Managing Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig P.A. West Palm Beach Office

In an interview with Invest:, Mark F. Bideau, co-managing shareholder of the West Palm Beach office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig P.A. discussed the continued economic expansion in Palm Beach County and its positive impact on the region’s legal sector. “We have developed a sustainable economic foundation that will continue to fuel future growth, along with our already strong tourism and real estate industries. That combination makes a real difference.”

What have been the most significant changes that have impacted Greenberg Traurig over the past year?
The growth of the business community here in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County has continued at a remarkable pace. West Palm Beach has become the Wall Street of the South, and as the business community has expanded, this has created opportunities to expand our services in order to better serve clients. Palm Beach County has always been a wonderful place to live, only now the secret is out. I’ve lived here since 1989, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation, especially in the last four or five years.

Initially, there was some skepticism about whether the momentum would continue post-COVID, but it has. While the COVID pandemic triggered the initial wave of relocations, many individuals and businesses have stayed because of the business-friendly environment and quality of life that South Florida has to offer. We now have a sustainable economic foundation for growth, in addition to the strength of the tourism and real estate industries. That combination makes a real difference.

How would you describe the current legal landscape in Palm Beach?
Most of the major law firms here are doing well and continuing to grow. Initially, companies relocating to South Florida often relied on their existing legal counsel from other states, but that is not always the case today. Given Greenberg Traurig’s strong presence nationwide, we have the advantage of working with our network of attorneys, combined with our local connections, to seamlessly serve clients as they transition to South Florida.
I believe a shared challenge among firms, however, is attracting legal talent. Palm Beach has traditionally been a smaller legal market compared to other markets in South Florida. For years, younger lawyers typically preferred cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, while West Palm Beach was often overlooked. I think that perception is changing. Once people visit and experience the area, they tend to love it.

What is Greenberg Traurig doing to attract and retain top legal talent?
At Greenberg Traurig, we focus on attracting top legal talent and helping them grow. Our global platform and wide range of resources empower attorneys, no matter where they are in their careers, to develop their skills and build their practice. We have a team-oriented culture, where they can work on complex matters across different industries and practice areas. Plus, our strong mentorship programs provide attorneys with everything they need to succeed.
Once we get people down here and show them everything Palm Beach has to offer, it’s an easy sell. And all the media attention certainly helps.

Given your presence in key markets like New York, California, and Texas, how does Palm Beach compare?
I’ve been with the firm since 1991, and I am proud to say that West Palm Beach was actually Greenberg Traurig’s second office. This market has always been strong, especially now with the booming economy. We like to be where the action is and where our clients are located; Palm Beach County certainly continues to be one of those places.
What distinguishes Greenberg Traurig is our long-standing presence in South Florida and our deep roots in the Palm Beach community, including longstanding relationships that we’ve built over decades. We’re embedded in the community, both legally and socially. That gives us the ability to help our clients make real, meaningful connections, whether it’s business introductions or even things like helping families find good schools or doctors.

What are the primary practice areas or sectors currently driving growth for your office in Palm Beach?
Our intellectual property (IP) and corporate practices have seen significant growth. Interestingly, we also have a well-established equestrian practice, which has benefited from the tremendous development in Wellington. Our corporate team has grown in tandem with the businesses relocating here, and we have highly experienced lawyers who are active in the community.
Our IP practice in particular has really taken off. We’ve added several strong IP attorneys, which has expanded the services we are able to offer our clients.

How is Greenberg Traurig leveraging technology and, more specifically, integrating AI into your day-to-day legal work?
Greenberg Traurig has been investing in new technologies that can help with a number of internal processes. We want to invest in the best tools and resources available, including AI-powered tools that can help our firm run more efficiently.
AI reminds me of the shift to computerized legal research. At first, people were skeptical, but the increasing use of it later became part of our day-to-day. I am looking forward to seeing how technology continues to evolve in our sector.

What types of legal disputes are most common among your Palm Beach clients right now?
It’s a broad mix. There is always real estate-related litigation given the level of development in the region, including land use disputes and conflicts over zoning or approvals. There is always that balance between preserving community character and accommodating growth.
Beyond that, we are seeing more corporate litigation, including breach of contract and employment disputes, which is the natural result of having more businesses in the area. IP litigation is also becoming more prevalent, especially as more tech-focused companies move here.

Are you monitoring any legal or regulatory changes at the state or federal level that could significantly impact your work?
Land use regulation continues to be an area with frequent shifts between local control and state preemption. We’re always watching how that evolves. Insurance reform is also top of mind. Florida’s insurance market has been challenging in recent years, so our firm is involved in everything from helping insurers enter the state to litigating disputes between carriers to managing receiverships. These developments have a direct impact on our practice.

What are some other challenges that Palm Beach is facing today?
Affordable housing continues to be a concern throughout many areas of the state. I know local leaders in Palm Beach County are working hard to address this, and the development community is looking for opportunities to create new housing projects that meet these needs.