February 2007 

From Left to Right: Josh Rubens, Rebecca Lada, Danny Hertzberg, Jason Bloom, Lindsay Schapiro, David Matz

During his first year of law school, Danny Hertzberg and a fellow student of his, Josh Rubens, decided to promote a party on South Beach as a networking event. “We only planned to put together one event, but following the first party we had great feedback from our classmates saying that the party gave them a chance to get to know their fellow students in an out-of-school setting.” As a result, Danny and Josh teamed up with four other 1Ls, Dave Matz, Jason Bloom, Lindsay Schapiro and Rebeca Lada and established the organization Lawful Productions. This non-profit organization consisits of UM law students dedicated to promoting and building the community within the law school.

Wanting to incorporate a charity element into these networking events, Lawful Productions began the Charity Benefit for StandUP for Kids. The fundraiser focused on homeless and at-risk youths age 21 and younger. “We felt the needs were urgent and also liked the fact that StandUP for Kids is entirely run by volunteers.” The benefit had incredible support from the Law School Student Body and together they raised $2,371.

Following the event, Lawful Productions contacted the UM SBA and St. Thomas SBA and organized a benefit for Hurricane Katrina legal aid. Lawful Productions put together a Halloween themed event at Pearl Night Cub in South Beach, which was attended by close to 1000 law students and raised over $3000.00 for Hurricane Katrina relief. “I think people enjoy the opportunity to go out to South Beach on a Saturday night, have a blast, and at the same time do something positive, and make a difference. We have recruited new members for Lawful productions and plan to make the organization a permanent one at University of Miami.”

Besides staying busy with events, Danny is in the joint JD/MBA program, a senator on the Student Bar Association as well as a member of Bar and Gavel. He also had the opportunity to intern last summer with the Lennar Corporation on their mergers and acquisitions team in Aliso Viejo California. “During my internship I worked on property due diligence with division coordinators and market research companies as well as plotted development stages, zoning and future sales for new communities.” Towards the end of the internship Danny assisted in financial analysis for major land acquisitions and reviewed due diligence checklists and operating agreements. “One of my major projects was to create a reference binder for the Merger and Acquisition group consisting of updated Federal and State environmental restrictions, California zoning laws, and development terminology.”

Originally from Miami Beach, Danny attended Tulane University in New Orleans, where he received his degree in Political Science. His love for his hometown of Miami, however, brought him back for law school. “The UM campus is incredible. Palm trees line the walkways, it is almost always sunny and you can enjoy lunch beside the lake. Law School may be "no walk in the park" but at least going to law school at UM means you will never be trudging to class in the snow and the beach is 20 minutes away. Miami has something for everyone from great restaurants to live music to beautiful beaches. There is a reason why people love to come here on vacation.” Danny was also attracted to the JD/MBA program, and plans to practice in Miami after he graduates.

Danny has enjoyed his classes at UM particularly Real Estate Law with Professor Ganguzza. “This class was paired with a work shop taught by Professor Fernandez and Professor Hernandez in which we did mock real estate negotiations as well as learn how to execute the various stages of residential and commercial real estate transactions.” Danny also enjoyed listening to Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Roberts, speak at the BankUnited center on Campus. “I attended this event with my classmates and was very impressed that University of Miami School of Law had arranged for such an important event to occur on campus as well as provide access for all UM law students.”

When Danny has free time he enjoys kayaking or running on the beach. “Kayaking in the bay on a sunny afternoon is an incredible stress reliever around the crunch time of exams.” In the future Danny sees himself living in Miami and working in some realm of the business world. “I am still not certain whether I will practice law or work strictly in business. Perhaps a mix of the two.”

Lawful Productions is currently working on a Valentine's Day fundraiser to benefit Breast Cancer research. The "Pink and White Party" will be held on Saturday February 10th at Hotel Sagamore.