“The point is that Robert Zimmerman is familiar with the workings of the legal system and most likely knows *lots* of attorneys.”
Not in Florida. Virginia has different laws, and I doubt having been a magistrate there 6 years ago gives him any significant help with Florida law.
All the states have different laws. I'm not quite how else to express the point that regardless of that fact, Robert Zimmerman speaks that professional language.
As for the lawyers, yes, you're right - no northeast lawfirms could possibly have branch offices in Florida, or any clients and other interests there. What was I thinking?