Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Houman and Danny Ilani.
Nicole and Danny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We founded this law firm, The Property People, after working at a prestigious Miami insurance defense law firm, where we represented some of Florida’s largest property insurers. As former defense attorneys, we witnessed insurance companies routinely underpay claims and find any basis to deny coverage. Although we used to litigate on behalf of insurance companies, we always felt ideologically inclined to push for settlements that benefitted policyholders. We felt a moral urge to negotiate for fair resolutions that could get homeowners out of litigation to fix their homes, and resume normalcy in their lives.
Moreover, we were infuriated by the unethical practices of the other attorneys we saw representing homeowners, who would frequently fabricate evidence, hide settlement offers, and skirt the rules to run up their fees and avoid effectively settling claims — all at their own client’s expense. Half the time, we arrived to depositions as defense counsel knowing more about the policyholder and their personal history than their own lawyer. After years of witnessing this abuse of authority, we knew we could make a greater impact helping property owners.
The goal of our firm is to do it right. We put our clients first. We fight for every penny of compensation that the policy promises. We communicate consistently and remain transparent throughout the development of a claim. We do everything in our power to get clients paid quickly and fairly.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We established this practice without long-term roots in Miami. Danny moved here from Chicago for law school and Nicole moved here from Los Angeles when her husband began a surgical residency program. Neither of us came here with any personal or professional contacts, so we built bonds with lawyers we respected and admired from scratch. Those people became mentors.
Seeking out and providing guidance, without reservation or hesitation, helped us launch this practice in the throes of the Coronavirus pandemic. People have truly served as our greatest resource – from clients who have given us the privilege of representing them to restore something as personal as their home, to other lawyers who have recommended us within their own network, and public adjusters who have trusted us to take contentious claims for their own clients into litigation. Deciding to launch during this pandemic and leave behind a steady paycheck took a huge leap of faith and a small amount of insanity, but we would never take that choice back.
We’d love to hear more about The Property People.
We represent policyholders (homeowners and commercial property owners) and litigate underpaid or denied insurance claims for property damage arising from hurricanes, plumbing leaks, wind, storm, fire, theft, and other losses. Due to Florida statute, we do this at no cost to clients, because we recover our attorneys’ fees and costs directly from the insurance company, without having to collect from our clients’ proceeds.
Since this is the only type of law we practice, we understand the controlling case law and issues comprehensively. We also know how to overcome common defenses used to bar claims, because we used to represent the insurance companies. More than that, we are creative and aggressive, and when other attorneys are inclined to turn down a case because it appears not likely to prevail in court, we are willing to take the risk and fight for coverage, even when it is an uphill battle. It is always worth it to be able to provide a client some hope when the odds appear insurmountable.
Finally, we are both second-generation American lawyers, and our immigrant parents moved to America and became homeowners in pursuit of the American Dream. We chose this field of law because we witnessed, first-hand, the hard work required to own property. We know the blood, sweat, and tears that enable people to purchase homes. Our mission is to protect the personal and financial investment of owning property.
What were you like growing up?
Nicole: From an early age, my parents thought I should pursue law because “my tongue was taller than my height.” I was a tiny but talkative kid who loved to read books silently and out loud. In high school and college, I competed in mock trial competitions and learned to love arguing in a courtroom, questioning witnesses, and understanding the statutes and rules that governed a legal issue. Ultimately, I could not imagine doing myself doing anything else. Even now, as a petite-statured female frequently litigating against men twice my age and size, I find power in my voice.
Danny: Growing up, my grandfather was my role model and hero – he still is. As a Holocaust survivor, he was instrumental in promoting and establishing the Illinois law requiring the mandatory teaching of the Holocaust in all public elementary and high schools. My grandfather inspired me with his strength, passion, and resolve in standing up for what was right, even if it was at odds with accepted standards and norms. Incidentally, construction also runs in my blood, as my father is a general contractor, who relied on his experiences as an aircraft mechanic for the Israeli Air Force. My grandfather, too, was a general contractor and utilized the skills he was taught in concentration camps to afford his family a living. I am fortunate to have the ability to combine my love of the law with my knowledge and comfort with construction.
Contact Info:
- Address: 117 NE 1st Ave, Unit 15-104
- Website: www.propertypeoplelaw.com
- Phone: (844) PROP-DMG
- Email: info@propertypeoplelaw.com
- Instagram: @propertypeoplelaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Property-Lawyer/The-Property-People-106820197640250/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-property-people-miami
Image Credit:
@jenniebergqvist
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