Jeff P. H. Cazeau is a founding member of the law firm Kleiner & Cazeau, P.L. and heads the Firm’s Commercial Litigation and Government Contracting practice groups. Whether advocating on a client’s behalf or actively seeking a government contract for a client, Mr. Cazeau sees himself as integral part of his client’s business. Clients call on Mr. Cazeau to assist them bring or defending lawsuits brought against them or in obtaining contracts with federal, state and local government entities. Mr. Cazeau is experienced in assisting small, minority and women owned businesses navigate the sometimes complex world of socio-economic certifications through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program and/or other Women/Minority Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification programs through state, local and other certifying entities. He has structured joint ventures, teaming agreements, and other arrangements to assist both the prime and the subcontractor successfully bid and win government contractors.

Mr. Cazeau was previously associated with a prominent South Florida based firm which has a practice primarily focused upon the representation of local governments and other public sector entities. With over sixty-five (65) municipal entities and other public bodies as clients of the firm, Mr. Cazeau was exposed to the inner workings of government entities and was exposed to all manner of issues concerning them. While at the firm, Mr. Cazeau served as the Assistant Town Attorney to the Town of Surfside and also represented private clients doing business with government entities not represented by the firm, a practice he continues today.

In law school, Mr. Cazeau served as President of the Student Bar Association and was a recipient of numerous awards, honors and scholarships. Most notably, Mr. Cazeau is a member of the prestigious Iron Arrow Society and is a recipient of the Roger Sorino Award; an award that designates one student as the most outstanding graduate in their class. Mr. Cazeau continues to maintain a leadership role in several civic and professional organizations including the Miami Bayside Foundation, the Haitian Lawyers Association, and the University of Miami Law Alumni Association.

Prior to attending law school, Mr. Cazeau served for nine years in the United States Navy. He first enlisted in the Navy and served as an Electronic Warfare Technician aboard the USS Harry W. Hill (DD 986). He was later selected to attend Officer Candidate School and served onboard the USS Elliot (DD 967) in various capacities including, Anti-Submarine Warfare Office, Navigator and Legal Officer. In his final tour of duty, Mr. Cazeau served as a Politico-Military Affairs Officer in the J-5 Directorate (Strategy, Policy and Plans) of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) where he held the Haiti desk and was also a liaison to the British, Dutch and French territories in the Caribbean Basin. While on active duty, Mr. Cazeau earned several awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and two Navy Achievement Medals.