2018, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Daniel Newman

MEET DANIEL NEWMAN OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER NELSON MULLINS BROAD AND CASSEL

We are speaking today with Daniel Newman, a partner with the law firm of Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel in Miami, Florida. Dan currently is secretary of FSDA.

Dan, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in Roslyn, New York and attended college at The George Washington University, graduating with a B.B.A. majoring in Finance. I received my JD from the University of Miami School of Law. I am a Partner at the law firm of Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. Prior to joining my current firm in 2005, I was at the law firm of Tew Cardenas, and prior to that I was an attorney in the Division of the Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

How would you describe your law practice?

I am a litigator and a problem solver. I regularly represent entities and individuals in a variety of business and securities-related issues. My practice primarily consists of 1) securities litigation in federal and state courts and in arbitration; 2) securities regulatory advice and representation; and 3) business litigation and advice.

I know along with being Secretary for the FSDA’s Board, you are the Chair of the FSDA Legislative Committee, and have served as Chair for two years. Tell us a little bit about your role and your committee.

The FSDA, through the Legislative Committee, actively represents its members’ interests before the Florida Legislature. In this regard, the Committee advocates for the advancement of proposed legislation that is consistent with the FSDA’s mission and its members’ interests. Further, the Committee also monitors proposed legislation and trends in Tallahassee and elsewhere that may affect its members. For example, we recently teamed up with other industry participants to sponsor legislation that exempts securities professionals from having to obtain a separate mortgage brokers license in order to have certain conversations with their clients about mortgages or refer clients to a mortgage broker. The law went into effect during the summer of 2018. This past legislative session, our Committee with the guidance of Sean Stafford, our consultant, and along with SIFMA and other industry participants, was instrumental in drafting and obtaining sponsors for legislation that would allow brokerage firms to protect senior investors by pausing transactions placed for customer accounts that the firm suspects are initiated for purposes of theft and exploitation. The House and Senate Bills moved through the legislative process this past session. Although the bills successfully passed through several different committees, after compromises were reached, the proposed legislation was not submitted to the Governor. We plan on again advocating for passage of legislation this session. Consistent with our mission, we are also advocating for passage of legislation that would provide for mandatory financial literacy coursework in Florida High Schools.

Why is it important for Nelson, Mullins, Broad and Cassel to be a member of the FSDA?

The FSDA is a leader in the State for advocating for the financial services industry and providing education to youth and adults about finance and potential scams to avoid. As lawyers practicing in this area, it is critical for us to be aware of the issues impacting our clients and to be involved in advocating for change when warranted. Through discussions with FSDA members, we are able to learn first-hand about trends and issues impacting the industry. Further, our involvement allows us to advocate for positive change on educational and legislative initiatives. The FSDA Board is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated groups with which I have had the pleasure to work. While many organizations talk about ways to improve their industry and the surrounding community, the FSDA effectively and thoughtfully takes action. The legislative initiatives, educational programs and outreach efforts are just a few examples. In addition, on a more personal note, I thoroughly enjoy every chance I have to spend time and exchange ideas with my friends at the FSDA.

Dan, I know that you still play hockey. Tell us about your keen interest in hockey.

I grew up in the northeast as big New York Islander ice hockey fan. I was always amazed at the combination of skills necessary for the players to develop and implement in order to play the game. Oddly, I did not start playing ice hockey until, as a practicing attorney, I moved to sunny South Florida. I love new challenges, so I signed up for clinics to learn how to skate better, stick handle and shoot the puck. I then found a group of people who were looking to play league hockey and we formed a team. For me, the camaraderie of team sports at any age is something special. Some nights we won, some nights we lost, but we always had a great time (and a really good workout). I also took the opportunity to apply what I learned so I could coach my daughter’s youth roller and ice hockey teams. I have been fortunate through hockey to have made incredible friendships through the years and have had a lot of laughs. I am similarly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the FSDA team.

Dan, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

Next month, Laura Hawley of Allen & Company, will be “In the Spotlight.”