About

A BRIEF SNAPSHOT OF JOSEPH M. DOBKIN:

1. Where were you born?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2. What is your day job?
I am a lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator.
3. If you did not do your current day job, what would you do?
Hmmmm. That’s an interesting question. I’d probably be a drummer in a nationally renowned band. Many people do not know or remember that when I was younger, I was a much sought after drummer/percussionist, especially for the recording studio.
4. What is your favorite place or town?
Despite its many misconceptions and inconveniences…my adopted home of Miami is STILL very special to me on so many levels.
5. What was your reason for becoming a lawyer?
Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. I stand firm on this. It is a very challenging profession. Never dull or boring, but can be very, very stressful and sometimes you see and experience a very unpleasant side of life and people. It is not a walk in the park nor for the faint of heart. I particularly dislike things which limit or restrict our rights, freedoms and liberties–and as a lawyer, I am able to help combat them, sound the alarm, and encourage change. I am really dedicated to my clientele and their pursuits.
6. What is something you enjoy doing?
I enjoy dining out with family, friends, and people that I work with. I am a foodie and used to dine at some very special places here in Miami and the surrounding areas with my late Wife. She was the most beautiful, loving, caring, genuinely sweet and generous person anyone could ever meet. She delegated most of that decision- making process to me when it came to dining and dinner. Thankfully, I rarely screwed up.
Miami is a youthful, energetic destination with an ever–expanding culinary scene. Dining in Miami is always full of surprises–many of them totally unexpected. It has a very cool vibe. And is full of high-priced places (and sweet Mom-and-Pop places that won’t break the bank), celebrity chefs with flashy outposts, and homegrown talents who have made a big name for themselves.
7. What is your favorite restaurant?
Oh, there are so many that I like and so many storied places that have long since closed their doors that we used to frequent. However, I like to keep things simple and the one place that has always done things right is…my namesake, “Joe’s Stone Crab.” I have never had a bad meal or bad experience there. It’s a big iconic place that seems to run seamlessly. They just have things down to a science. I believe that their ownership and management team are second to none.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to be surrounded with peace and love, while having meaningful conversations with people that I care about. I enjoy working out, reading, theater, art and art shows, haute cuisine, community-based cultural events, sporting events (especially football), music and volunteering my time at the University of Miami School of Law and helping students by participating in their events and judging their competitions. I also am an avid animal lover–especially dogs. While I am not a big fan of long exhausting travel–I do like to travel and explore new venues and cultures.
9. What is your favorite breed of dog?
While I love them all, my breed of choice is the Lhasa Apso. It is the only breed that I have personally owned and I am a member of several Lhasa Apso clubs within Florida and the United States. I have found that most people are not familiar with the breed and cannot spell nor pronounce the breed’s name, correctly. (*See some quick history of the breed below!)
10. What is the strangest indulgence you have ever had?
I once had a spritz of “Shumukh” perfume and was tempted not to bathe or shower for a week.

Dobkin’s Quick History of The Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso has a long history in its country of origin, Tibet. They have existed at least since the year 800 A.D., and for centuries lived in isolation with Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan Mountains. Tibetan Buddhists believe in reincarnation, and believe that in the stages of reincarnation, a dog often precedes a human. According to their religion, the souls of the lamas or priests are frequently reborn as Lhasa Apsos just before they are reborn as humans. Lhasa Apsos were often given as gifts in Tibet. If you received a Lhasa as a gift, you could consider it a sign of good fortune. The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, even gave Lhasa Apsos to the emperor of China many centuries ago (this is the predominant theory of how the Shih Tzu breed came about). Though they were often gifted, Lhasa Apsos were hardly ever sold. The first Lhasas to come to the United States were also gifts from the Dalai Lama. A well-connected traveler named Charles Suydam Cutting, visited Tibet in the 1930s with his wife, and they returned to the United States with two Lhasa Apsos from the 13th Dalai Lama. The Cuttings would go on to import more dogs and establish the breed in the U.S. Lhasa Apsos are very popular as family pets and watch dogs—many 20th and 21st century celebrities have owned them, including Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch, and Gwen Stefani.

Patty Hernandez

Legal Assistant

Patty Hernandez has been with the firm for many years and is an integral part of our team. She is a service-oriented individual with a dedicated work ethic and displays the highest level of professionalism. Ms. Hernandez has a comprehensive command of legal, office, administrative, and clerical support functions. Her many years of experience have taught her to follow the necessary steps to excel in high-pressure situations. Her knowledge of the legal system and compassion towards people and clients have been essential to the success of our firm.

Ms. Hernandez is a lifelong resident of Miami, Florida, and is part of a large, close-knit, supportive family, which is of the utmost importance to her. She enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is an avid fan of all sports, but her heart belongs to baseball–especially watching her son play.