1973
1978
1999
Bob, a second generation Miamian, moved back to Miami to practice international law. After having somewhat specialized in international law in law school, he thought that it would be a perfect fit in Miami. As with all of his best laid plans (what was his girlfriend's name?), he never practiced international law. Instead, he and his mouth went into litigation. After working in four different firms over a period of twelve years, he opened his own office in Coral Gables. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law. His firm, Merlin & Hertz, P.A., specializes in complex family litigation, probate and guardianship litigation and commercial litigation. His office is located at 95 Merrick Way, Suite 420, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.
Bob has been married since 1984 to Michelle Danoff, who is a ship broker. They have three children, Elysa, age 13, Rachel, age 12 and Craig, age 9. Bob says that life is good and that "he has made a 100% turn" since being at UF.
Outside of work and home, Bob is very involved in the community, he has been an active supporter of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation ever since he graduated from law school. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for many years and is currently the Pledge Redemption Chairman (collections). He is a Vice President of Jewish Vocational Services, Inc., the organization primarily responsible for rehabilitation and placement of physically and mentally challenged or homeless people in South Florida. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Beth David Congregation, the synagogue where his family has belonged since the 20's.
Bob brings his organizational and fund raising experience to our aid in leading the effort to re-establish Pi Lam on the University of Florida campus. "I could have just ignored the whole problem," he said, "but I couldn't live with myself if I let die what was such an important part of my life." He is therefore coordinating the work of many people to move forward in three directions: to raise the funds necessary to bring back the House, to re-construct the House and to recruit new brothers.
Bob says that we can only succeed if everyone contributes to the effort in their own way. "I don't care if it is $200.00 or $200,000.00. Whether you donate materials or services. Whether you host a rush party or tell a friend to send his son by the House. We need help from everyone in all of these areas. I am very positive and confident that we can not only accomplish our goals but be a huge success. After all, we have a long history of being the best fraternity at Florida. That was no accident. The quality of our alumni made us what we are and will make our future as well." We also look forward to a successful campaign. Not four years, but a lifetime!