William Scherer, Founder & Managing Partner, Conrad & Scherer Trial Lawyers

In an interview with Invest:, William Scherer, founder and managing partner of Conrad & Scherer Trial Lawyers, discussed the firm’s recent success in the first bellwether trial against Chiquita Brands International. This landmark case, concluded in June 2024, resulted in a $38.3 million jury verdict, holding Chiquita accountable for financing Colombian paramilitary groups responsible for human rights abuses. Scherer also highlighted Fort Lauderdale’s increasing allure, which continues to drive multimillion-dollar developments, and emphasized the transformative impact AI is poised to have on the future of legal practices.

What have been some of the main highlights and milestones for the firm over the past 12 months?

This past year, we litigated one of the most significant cases in our firm’s 50-year history—the Chiquita case. After 17 years of dedicated work, we went to trial in federal court and secured a groundbreaking jury verdict in the first bellwether trial of this human rights lawsuit. The case drew international attention, with the president of Colombia publicly acknowledging our success — a truly unique experience in my career. While I’ve received private recognition before, like a letter from President George Bush during the 2000 recount case I handled, this public acknowledgment was a milestone unlike any other.

On another exciting note, we welcomed a talented young lawyer to our team. His technical expertise is impressive — he writes software code and even created a podcast about the Rothstein Ponzi scheme I tried 20 years ago. Now an associate at our firm, he represents the next generation of legal innovation and is a fantastic addition to our team.

What is your overview of the legal sector, particularly in the region with regard to any overarching trends or market dynamics that stand out?

Over the past year, artificial intelligence has emerged as a game-changer in the legal profession, poised to reshape the practice of law in ways even more profound than the advent of computers and software. Like many firms, we are racing to integrate this transformative technology, aiming to deliver better outcomes for clients at lower costs while enhancing efficiency.

The integration of AI goes far beyond administrative tasks, particularly for smaller firms where staying competitive is vital. Reflecting on pioneers like Henry Watson Jr., who gained an early advantage by adopting computer technology, I see AI playing a similarly revolutionary role. For example, AI can summarize massive volumes of documents in minutes — work that once took weeks. However, it is not without flaws; inaccuracies and fabricated details, or “hallucinations,” remain challenges that highlight the importance of human oversight. Early experiments have shown the risks, including an incident where an attorney was sanctioned for submitting non-existent citations generated by AI. Striking the right balance between AI’s efficiency and vigilant human review will be essential as we continue to adopt this technology.

Cybersecurity has also become a critical priority for our firm. We have made substantial investments in protecting sensitive client information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account details, from cyber threats. This issue became particularly urgent last year when a significant law firm was hacked, impacting several of our clients. That breach served as a wake-up call, prompting us to strengthen our defenses to ensure our clients’ data remains secure. These efforts are part of our broader commitment to embracing innovation responsibly while safeguarding trust.

What are the primary challenges facing the legal sector today, aside from technological factors?

There are several challenges facing the legal profession, particularly the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic. Courts are taking steps to address this issue, including measures to accelerate proceedings. For instance, the Supreme Court has mandated that judges expedite cases, introducing a system similar to Virginia’s “rocket docket,” where cases are brought to trial within eight months of filing. While this approach will help resolve cases more quickly, it also demands that lawyers be fully prepared before filing, adding significant pressure to the profession.

What are some of the key opportunities that you foresee in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is thriving, with a wave of affluent individuals moving to the area. Many are building multimillion-dollar homes and bringing their businesses and teams along with them. My son, a principal at a construction firm, has been building large custom homes for many of these newcomers, who often relocate their entire operations, including technology and staff, to the region.

This influx has created a perfect storm of prosperity but also presents challenges, such as the need for improved infrastructure to support rapid growth. While nearby areas like Miami and Palm Beach are also experiencing booms, they are becoming increasingly overcrowded. Fort Lauderdale, by contrast, offers a unique balance, combining growth with a livable environment.

The demand is soaring, attracting large firms from outside the area that are eager to establish a presence in Fort Lauderdale. This often takes the form of mergers and acquisitions, as the city has become a prime target. It’s a desirable place to live, with incredible advantages like proximity to downtown and the airport—where you can be at the gate within 15 minutes from a great neighborhood. That level of convenience is rare.

The city is working to keep pace, especially when it comes to addressing water and flooding issues. While significant progress is being made, these challenges will require ongoing attention and collaboration between the business community and local authorities to ensure sustainable growth in the years ahead.

What are some of the most common legal mistakes you see from your clients or potential clients that could have been avoided if they had sought legal counsel in advance?

First and foremost, the significant wealth in the region has made it a target for criminal exploitation. Investment schemes are a particular concern, with many designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals. It’s essential for people to exercise caution in their financial dealings — carefully considering how they invest, with whom they invest, and the terms involved. This issue ties into the prevalence of Ponzi schemes. While billionaires and multimillionaires typically have legal teams to vet contracts and documents, those slightly lower on the wealth ladder often find themselves more vulnerable to such fraud.

The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) injected a significant amount of money into the economy, which spurred investments but also led to a rise in fraudulent activity. We receive inquiries about these cases almost daily, highlighting the scope of the problem.

Another area of concern is the construction industry. Supply chain disruptions and labor shortages have led to inferior construction and mistakes during the building process, resulting in significant legal claims. While supply chain issues are starting to ease, the shortage of skilled craftsmen remains a critical challenge — and I’d even argue that the same applies to skilled lawyers. These shortages underline the need for expertise and diligence as the region continues to grow.

What is your outlook for the legal sector in Greater Fort Lauderdale over the next two to three years? 

I’d like to see greater integration of technology in the legal sector and more effective communication strategies to reach potential clients — something we are actively focusing on. Litigation related to Bitcoin and blockchain technology is an emerging area of interest. While I admit I still don’t fully understand Bitcoin, I recognize the significant opportunities it presents. We are also encountering cases involving the theft of technology tied to cryptocurrency, highlighting the vast potential in this space.

There’s a shift in how people find legal counsel, particularly among the sophisticated individuals moving to the area. In the past, referrals often came through personal connections — a friend who knew a friend. Today, people are more likely to search online or have their assistants research law firms, often evaluating a firm’s website before making a decision.

On a personal note, after 50 years in practice, I was recently recognized as the top litigator in our area for major cases by Best Lawyers. While I’ve been listed as a Best Lawyer for many years, this specific acknowledgment was new and likely tied to the Chiquita case, which drew significant attention. That recognition is truly gratifying and a meaningful milestone in my career.