Effective March 10, 2021, Hans Ottinot, Esq., Managing Partner of Ottinot Law P.A., was named the City of Tamarac’s Permanent City Attorney, following a four to one vote by the Mayor and Commissioners.
The Ottinot Law P.A. legal team joins the City of Tamarac with more than 40 years of experience in local government law. With Hans Ottinot, Esq. at the helm and support from partner and Deputy City Attorney Pamala Ryan, Esq., Ottinot Law P.A. will provide general professional legal services to the City of Tamarac. The firm’s attorneys have wide ranging expertise in municipal law, land use law, the development review process, negotiation and legal strategizing.
“Mr. Ottinot and the team of attorneys at Ottinot Law P.A. arrived in Tamarac poised and ready to work since their first day,” said Vice Mayor Elvin Villalobos, who represents Tamarac’s District 3. “I believe this is a great team of professionals; and expect nothing less than quality and sound guidance.”
Ottinot makes history as the first Black attorney to lead Tamarac’s City Attorney’s Office. Prior to becoming Permanent City Attorney, Ottinot was contracted as Tamarac’s Interim City Attorney on January 9, 2021.
As Permanent City Attorney, Ottinot brings a wealth of legal experience in government and business. He has a proven record as a formidable litigator. Throughout his career, he has also served as City Attorney for the City of Sunny Isles Beach, the City of North Miami, the City of Miami Gardens at the time of its founding and Interim City Attorney for the City of North Miami Beach. During his 14-year tenure with Sunny Isles Beach, Ottinot provided legal guidance as the City transformed its image as a retirement community, to a thriving oceanfront destination with an array of high-impact development projects.
“Not only does Hans Ottinot make history as Tamarac’s first Haitian-American, Permanent City Attorney, but he comes to us well-qualified to meet the needs of our growing City,” said Tamarac’s District 1 Commissioner, Marlon D. Bolton.
“As Tamarac evolves, with development on the move throughout our City, I believe Mr. Ottinot and his team are equipped to advise us as we enter a new era of land and economic development,” said Mike Gelin, Tamarac’s District 2 Commissioner.
Ottinot is an active member of the South Florida community. He is the Past Chairman of the 11th Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission; Past Chairman of the Florida Bar City, County, and Local Government Section; and Past President of the Haitian Lawyers Association. He also holds memberships in the Government Lawyer Liaison Florida Bar Board of Governors, Miami-Dade County Charter Committee, Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, T.J. Reddick Bar Association, Caribbean Bar Association, Virgil Hawkins Bar Association, Cuban-American Bar Association and Miami MoCAAD Contemporary Art Group. Ottinot lives in Coral Springs with his wife and two children.
Ryan, the Deputy City Attorney, also brings a wealth of experience to the team. She has more than 25 years of experience in local government law. Since 2013, Ryan has been board certified by the Florida Bar in City, County & Local Government Law. During her 25 years in local government law, Ryan represented numerous municipalities throughout South Florida. Ryan is involved in several organizations in the legal community, including the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
Both Ottinot and Ryan express gratefulness for the opportunity to provide excellent legal services to the City of Tamarac.
“This team of attorneys is well-versed in their craft; and they keep me well-abreast of the City’s legal affairs,” said District 4 Commissioner Debra Placko. “I am confident that this will continue.”
