Mr. Koslow is a shareholder in the Firm's Local Government Law & Lobbying Group and leads the Firm's Entertainment, Gaming & Sports Law practice. He was recognized by South Florida CEO magazine as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful People in South Florida and by Florida Trend magazine among its "Legal Elite" in the area of Government Law. The Legal Elite designation was based upon a poll of Florida attorneys, who selected peers in the top 2% of their respective practice areas. Mr. Koslow is recognized for his substantial knowledge, creative thinking and extensive experience in municipal law, land use, zoning, redevelopment, incentives, property tax relief and related issues. His clients include developers, entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, gaming companies, pari-mutuels and others, all of who value his insights and knowledge of governmental processes and the laws that govern them. He previously served as a municipal attorney, first as deputy and then city attorney for the City of Hollywood, Florida where he was responsible for directing all aspects of the City's legal matters, including litigation in state and federal court, legislation, land use, zoning, annexation and redevelopment, franchise and contract negotiations and general representation of the city commission, departments, and pension fund. As City Attorney, he also served as Legal Counsel to the City's Community Redevelopment Agency. Mr. Koslow has experience as Bond Counsel, Underwriters' Counsel and Issuer's Counsel on over $2 billion (in the aggregate) in tax exempt financings. As the Firm's lead attorney for entertainment, gaming, pari-mutuel and sports law, he has represented national, publicly traded casino and lottery companies, gaming machine manufacturers and distributors, and pari-mutuel operators, such as Pompano Park Racing owned by the Isle of Capri Casino. He lead the negotiation and closing on the definitive acquisition agreements for the track and was successful in securing an agricultural tax exemption for half of all track land, thus saving thousands of dollars in property taxes. He has drafted legislation to authorize new products for Florida 's pari-mutuel industry and was instrumental in helping win passage of Amendment 4 in 2004 allowing for slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities in Miami Dade and Broward Counties and is working with industry leaders and developers to bring various gaming products and hospitality developments into South Florida. He has played a leading role in the renaissance of Hollywood Beach including several high end hotels, condo-hotels and other luxury properties. His prominence in these areas has lead him into other aspects of entertainment law, including sports, film, television, products licensing. He served as Chairman of the Broward Alliance's Film and Television Commission (1999-2001), that directs the County's efforts to attract and support movie and television projects. He is also one of a handful of Florida attorneys to be a member of the prestigious International Association of Gaming Attorneys and the American Bar Association's Committee on Gaming Law. He is also a member of the Florida Bar Committee on Entertainment and Sports Law. Activities & Memberships An active and visible member of the civic and charitable community, Mr. Koslow is Chair of the Hollywood Art and Culture Center and past President of the Marti Huizenga Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, Immediate Past President of the ArtServe Board of Directors, Co-chair of the Capital Campaign for the Broward Outreach Center, a Trustee Board Member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member of the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. He is also a founding member of the Greater Hollywood Arts Foundation Board which is responsible for ArtsPark in downtown Hollywood. He has been recognized for his service to the community with numerous awards including ArtServe's Professional ProBono Award, Broward Outreach Center 's Community Covenant Award and the Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award. The Broward County Board of County Commissioners recognized Mr. Koslow for his contributions to the Broward Cultural Council by issuing a proclamation that designated the "Alan B. Koslow Appreciation Day" in Broward County. |