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Date: February 14, 2008 New York Times By Joyce Wadler What makes for cutting-edge decor in a law office? A reception area with sharks frolicking in an oversize tank? The offices of Alters, Boldt, Brown, Rash, Culmo, in Miami's Design District, are not that extreme, but they are pretty neat. Surfboards line the hall; comforting throws suitable for wrapping oneself in are tossed over sofas and chairs, right. (Great idea: juries can be so fickle.) In the conference room, there is a six-foot beaded chandelier and a large painting that shows Batman, lost in thought about some weighty matter, in the offices of Edward R. Murrow. "It's a very powerful piece in person," said Jeremy Alters, the 37-year-old founding partner of the firm, which is just six months old. "You can see him contemplating some major decision. That's what usually happens in our conference room." The space, which was designed by the Miami firm Briggs Edwards Design, has a large kitchen, comfy sofas and an African walnut conference table, painted in power-player Ferrari white. "We wanted a feeling that was kind of edgy, but that makes everybody very comfortable," Mr. Alters said. "The image of law firms at best is they're stuffy. We're very serious lawyers. We wanted it to give off the feeling of serious guys, but we know how to have fun." There are also furry Moroccan rugs - "kind of home-like," Mr. Alters said - in the reception area. "But the coolest thing about the reception area is, the walls look silverish," he said. "We flew in two ladies from New Orleans to silver leaf, not paint. They spent days pasting these little leaves, maybe four inches by four inches, all over the wall." How much did that set you back? "Should I be telling you this?" Oh, what a jolly feeling one gets when a lawyer asks that question. Of course you should, Mr. Alters. "$45,000." Further examination of the witness revealed that the offices cost approximately $2.25 million, and the space is leased.
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