Hans Ottinot
The City of Lauderhill City Commission has made a historic decision, appointing Hans Ottinot and the Ottinot Law Firm as the new City Attorney. The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the appointment, with Commissioner Dunn unable to physically attend and thus unable to cast a vote. Hans was grateful for the opportunity and said, “ Our team is blessed with the opportunity to work with the city officials of the City of Lauderhill. Our goal is to assist city officials in promoting and protecting the general welfare of residents of the City.”
Ottinot’s reputation as a respected and effective City Attorney has earned him wide praise from community leaders and officials. Several esteemed speakers spoke in favor of Hans Ottinot and his firm during the meeting, further solidifying the decision to appoint the Ottinot Law Firm as Interim City Attorney.
HLA Treasurer Emmanuella Telfort
Former North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre described Ottinot as an attorney who is “nothing short of outstanding” and wholeheartedly recommended the Ottinot Law Firm without reservation. Haitian Lawyers Association Treasurer Emmanuella Telfort praised Ottinot and his team as “highly qualified, highly skilled, and highly experienced,” affirming the firm’s exceptional capabilities. Haitian American Democratic Club President (https://hadcbroward.org/) and Attorney, Ronald Surin, ESQ, who attended law school with Ottinot at the University of Miami, spoke highly of Hans, calling him a “good man with high integrity.”
Ronald Surin, ESQ HADC Club President
Attorney Edna Pierre, a Board Member of the Haitian Lawyers Association, highlighted Ottinot’s lifetime commitment to both the Haitian Lawyers Association and the broader community. She stated, “Hans brings an unmatched depth of knowledge and skills to the table.” Additionally, speakers such as Francois Lenconte, Chairman and CEO of FINDAL Media and Technology Group, Inc., and Cory Shearer also voiced their strong support for the appointment. State Senator Marie Woodson wrote a letter in support of the appointment of the Ottinot Law firm. While Senator Woodson was not present, Mayor Grant read the letter into the record. Senator Woodson strongly endorsed Hans and the Ottinot firms stating, “I am confident that Hans Ottinot and his entire team will be an asset to the City of Lauderhill and will bring a high level of expertise, commitment and competency to the City. I support and recommend their appointment.”
State Sentator Marie Woodson
Hans Ottinot’s impressive career spans several high-profile roles in local government law. He is currently the City Attorney for Tamarac, and his previous positions include serving as City Attorney for North Miami, Miami Gardens, and Sunny Isles Beach. Notably, he was the first Black City Attorney in North Miami, Miami Gardens, and Tamarac.
Ottinot’s tenure in North Miami Beach included an important investigation that led to the arrest of the Mayor for felony voting violations after it was discovered that the Mayor had been living outside of the city limits while serving in office. The investigation, led by Ottinot’s firm, revealed that Mayor Anthony DeFillipo had been residing in the Town of Davie and even served as President of the Homeowners Association, resulting in criminal charges.
Ottinot’s qualifications extend far beyond his legal practice. He has served on the 11th Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission and chaired the Executive Council of the City, County, and Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar. Recognized as one of the top government attorneys in the state, Ottinot has been named to Florida Trend’s Magazine Legal Elite and the South Florida Legal Guide’s list of top government attorneys.
In addition to his legal accomplishments, Ottinot is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Haitian Lawyers Association (where he served as President), the Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, the Caribbean Bar Association, and the Cuban-American Bar Association. He earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Colgate University.
Hans Ottinot lives in Broward County with his wife, Margarita, and their children, Hans Jr., Lia, and Anthony. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Lauderhill, as the city looks forward to Ottinot’s leadership and the continued success of the Ottinot Law Firm in advancing the city’s growth and progress.
Congratulations to Hans Ottinot and the Ottinot Law firm on their appointment to the City of Lauderhill.
