RumbergerKirk Partners Nicole Kwapisz and Scott Sarason were recognized at the Miami-Dade Bar’s 2025 Circle of Excellence Awards, held on November 19 at the historic Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. The annual awards ceremony honors attorneys who exemplify exceptional professionalism, leadership, and contributions to the legal community.

This year’s event celebrated leaders across more than 40 categories and brought together distinguished attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from across South Florida. RumbergerKirk’s dual recognition reflects the firm’s commitment to excellence and its deep-rooted presence within the Miami legal community.

Honoring Leadership in Construction Litigation

Nicole Kwapisz, a partner in the firm’s Miami office, was recognized for her leadership and impact in construction litigation. She represents owners, developers, general contractors, design firms, subcontractors, and suppliers in complex, multi-party disputes throughout Florida.

Her practice includes litigating construction defect and delay claims, contract disputes, warranty and surety issues, and construction liens. She has successfully handled matters involving large commercial projects, condominiums, infrastructure, and residential communities, with claims exceeding $180 million.

Nicole’s involvement in the profession extends beyond the courtroom. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Defense Research Institute (DRI), is the Marketing Chair for the 2026 Construction Law Seminar, and holds long-standing appointments within The Florida Bar’s Technology Committee and various Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section committees.

“This recognition is an incredible honor. I’m grateful to the Miami-Dade Bar for highlighting the work we do in construction law and the strong teams behind these complex cases,” said Nicole. “I’m proud to represent an industry that builds our communities and equally proud to work alongside such committed professionals at RumbergerKirk,” she added.

Recognizing a Distinguished Trial Career in Civil Litigation

Scott Sarason, a seasoned trial attorney and the Administrative Partner in the firm’s Miami office, was also honored for his longstanding contributions to civil litigation, particularly product liability, admiralty/maritime, commercial and general liability litigation. 

Scott represents multinational corporations, insurers, manufacturers, and public entities in high-stakes litigation across the country. His client roster includes manufacturers of marine engines, recreational vehicles, children’s products, consumer goods, and industrial tools. He also serves as national counsel to a leading recreational vehicle and personal watercraft manufacturer.

A respected leader in the profession, Scott is a member of the highly regarded trial organizations International Society of Barristers, the American Board of Trial Advocates and Product Liability Advisory Counsel. He has been repeatedly recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, Florida’s Legal Elite, and the Daily Business Review’s “Most Effective Lawyers.”

“Being recognized by the Miami-Dade Bar is truly meaningful,” said Scott. “I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional colleagues and clients throughout my career. This honor reflects the dedication of our team at RumbergerKirk and our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of advocacy.”

“We are extremely proud of Nicole and Scott for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” said RumbergerKirk Managing Partner Frank Sheppard. “Their dedication to our clients and contributions to the profession represent the values that define RumbergerKirk. Their work continues to elevate our firm and inspire our attorneys at every level.”