Real Estate: Florida

THE FIRM The cutting-edge real estate practice is highly active in the areas of distressed real estate, workouts, restructuring, loan origination and recovery, as well as retail leasing and development projects. Clients include private equity funds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and institutional investors and lenders such as Wachovia, Wells Fargo and C-III Asset Management. This team also benefits from a land use group which offers clients representation on water rights, entitlements, environmental due diligence and advice regarding contentious matters. The practice is additionally notable for its economic development and incentives group as well as a green development practice.

Sources say: "Excellent: my experience has been that they are extremely thorough, on top of their deals, put their clients first; we are getting the service we need and the attention we would require to get the job done." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cecelia Bonifay chairs the firm's land use and sustainability development group. She is particularly adept in matters pertaining to Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) and has provided land use counsel for Crosland on a large mixed-use project and a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Clients value her "phenomenal amount of experience working with agencies in central Florida on land use issues" and also praise for her for being "very well connected and great at giving advice."

Manuel Fernandez is a new addition to the firm with strengths in representing lenders as well as funds doing joint ventures. He enjoys a fine reputation among peers and in a recent highlight, he acted on behalf of a major financial institution on the sale of a $250 million asset to a real estate fund.

Andrew Smulian is chair of the firm and continues to be highly regarded for his expertise in structuring complex deals for development and joint venture projects.

Neisen Kasdin is active on large development projects and recently handled a high-profile acquisition for the Genting Group of the Miami Herald Property. He is a well-known face in the region, having been a former city commissioner and Mayor of Miami Beach, and is currently on the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

Janice Russell is well regarded by her peers for work in acquisitions involving sophisticated financings. She remains known for her excellent relationships with clients and recently assisted one such client on a corporate credit facility that is secured by real estate assets in nine states.

Theresa McLaughlin has a practice in retail leasing that spans the country but also has acquisition and development expertise. She has represented a client in negotiating one of the largest industrial leases in Miami which houses 200 employees.  

Richard Bezold is chair of the national real estate practice and enjoys a strong reputation for his "broad skill set." He has several major clients in the property developer and owner category, representing names such as The Rockefeller Group, and in a recent highlight, represented an insurance company on the restructuring of loans secured by a hotel and residences.

Susanne Zabloudil has developed a strong reputation for herself on the hotel and hospitality side of real estate, with sources describing her as "extremely diligent: trust a matter to her and you know that it will be done well."

THE FIRM This firm represents both private and public organizations at all the stages of the planning and development of a project. These attorneys provide entitlement, zoning, DRI, comprehensive plan amendment and other related advice to clients across multiple jurisdictions. The firm represented the City of Orlando on negotiating a development agreement for a redevelopment project.  

Sources say: "The right firm to go to for commercial development services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ted Brown is well regarded for his skills in commercial development. He is "extremely knowledgeable in the area," according to clients, who also describe him as "versatile, always available, and a problem solver," while peers remark that he "keeps everyone on track: he is wonderful to work with."

THE FIRM This compact but dynamic land use and zoning law firm covers comprehensive planning, DRI, growth management and approvals, among other areas. It represents clients before local and state agencies, as well as providing appellate litigation services to administrative proceedings. The firm's clients include lenders, owners and developers such as City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency, Florida Power & Light Company, Lennar Homes and Home Depot USA.

Sources say: "Very good land use and zoning boutique."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Bercow has a wealth of experience in zoning and land use and represents a broad range of clients from landowners to lenders on areas including due diligence, growth management, permitting and licensing. Commentators reserve praise for his connections as well as the thoroughness of his approach.

THE FIRM This leading firm has a broad real estate practice which integrates hospitality, land use and zoning, governmental and a multidisciplinary distressed property practice to provide its clients with representation on multiple fronts. These attorneys are especially adept in distressed commercial real estate and workouts of loan portfolios but have also been busy representing foreign developers and investors in large-scale development projects. The group's strong land use and governmental relations practice provides advice on procurement and contracts, due diligence for institutional clients, and development applications. The land use team has also worked on high-profile projects of historical significance including the Hialeah Race Track and the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Sources say: "The quality of work product has always been top-notch. The culture of the firm is very professional and problem-solving oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS As a founding partner, Brian Bilzin has a distinguished reputation among his peers for representing some of the country's largest homebuilders. Sources describe him variously as a "leader" and "major player" in the field, and he also comes recommended for his practical approach to matters. He represented two major homebuilders on acquisitions and dispositions of distressed assets.

Stanley Price is regarded as a "preeminent land use attorney," praised for his knowledge and experience in the area. He chairs the land use and government relations group and advises clients on all aspects of development projects, from applications to dispute matters. 

John Sumberg has acted for investors, developers, and lenders for over 35 years. His practice focuses largely on commercial real estate and he also acts as managing partner of the firm, drawing praise from clients for his ability to balance his duties in both: he is "a very pragmatic and smart fellow, not only in legal practice but the managerial practice of running a firm."

The much respected Carter McDowell is a strong land use attorney who is especially adept at advising clients on the approval procedures of marinas, hotels, malls and other complexes. He secured the greatest variance issued by the City of Miami Beach for 1111 Lincoln Road.

Real estate group chair James Shindell has an active practice in the area of distressed assets, working on acquisitions and dispositions. Clients find that he is "very competent and very knowledgeable and gets back to you right away." He is becoming increasingly active on development projects and has represented a major private real estate company on a multifaceted joint venture transaction.

Suzanne Amaducci-Adams is the head of the firm's hospitality practice and is particularly strong in loan work and debt restructuring. Sources describe her as a "very knowledgeable attorney" with a "solution-oriented" approach and also reserve praise for her availability and desire to get a deal done. She advised the owners of two major office towers located in the Brickell financial district on leasing.

Carey Stiss is a prominent real estate transactional attorney with experience in workouts, debt restructuring, and mortgage foreclosures and also a strong background in lending work. He has represented Priderock Capital Partners and its affiliates in purchases and financings.

Albert Dotson is the well-known practice leader of the land use team and actively engages with both the state and federal governments. He regularly advises clients with procurement contracts and is currently representing a cross-border company in connection with hundred of millions of dollars worth of procurement contracts with Miami-Dade County.

Vicky Garcia-Toledo represents large scale developers on zoning, procurement, historic preservation and is also well versed in major use special permit (MUSP) approvals, among other areas.

Brian Adler has a broad land use practice, representing clients from the beginning of the project with comprehensive planning, permitting and applications to representation in court. He also has specific expertise in evaluating the history of a parcel of land and jurisdictional controls.

THE FIRM This boutique law firm has a real estate and land use team that benefits from having a strong litigation and eminent domain practice. The firm is active in advising its developer, owner and contractor clients on comprehensive plan amendments, DRIs, rezonings, as well as environmental issues and closings. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding shareholder of the firm, Keith Bricklemyer is particularly experienced in representing clients on DRIs, but also handles comprehensive planning and other real estate work. He has a fine reputation among peers, who regard him as a pleasure to work with on land use litigation.

THE FIRM This thriving firm has a broad real estate practice representing REITs, investors, government entities and developers. The firm has experience in affordable housing and in representing developers on financing, and the acquisition of land for multifamily projects. The firm has also developed a sophisticated land use practice and has received strength from its government relation team to advise clients on entitlement, purchase and sale agreements, and environmental liability. Notable clients include Lake Nona Land Company, Mill Creek Residential Trust and ZOM.

Sources say: "They are a very capable firm with many excellent lawyers, who have expertise in many areas of law. They are very capable, client-friendly, and service-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the firm's Orlando office, David Brown has a very diverse practice and is also a member of the firm's capital projects, public finance, government relations, land use and environmental law groups. Clients describe him as "a very trusted adviser" and also single out his business acumen. He has advised a major developer in putting together a medical city complex.

James Slater has a strong transactional real estate practice. He largely represents developer clients and peers commend his work in this area claiming he is "good, practical and easy to deal with." A notable client of his is ZOM, which he has represented in the sale of a condominium tower and in the negotiation of a mixed-use project.

Clifford Hertz has a prominent land use and zoning practice with peers asserting "his deep local contacts" as being among his key strengths. Sources also praise his ability "to think outside of the box and show a strong understanding of business principals." He has successfully defeated attempts by an environmental coalition to place further rock mining restrictions and continues to represent clients on a rock mining building consensus.

THE FIRM This multifaceted practice has the ability to negotiate, legislate and litigate on behalf of its clients, engaging in public policy debates, working with agencies for large-scale development projects, and litigating against competing developments. The firm's land use team is adept at retail leasing, entitlements and working with local and state governmental agencies. This team is also on trend with a cutting-edge and growing PPP practice and in a highlight is acting as lead counsel for a mixed-use development in West Palm Beach named CityPlace.

Sources say: "The firm is well organized, does not waste the client's time or resources and is focused on the client's interests."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nancy Linnan has a leading practice representing villages on their entitlement and permitting practices and is especially adept at DRI work. Clients single her out for her knowledge of "the law, the landscape and the political environment."

Edgel Lester has a broad practice that concentrates on traditional real estate but also includes the financial aspects of real estate as well. He advises clients on workouts, asset-based loans, purchases, dispositions and leases. Clients particularly value his range of knowledge and the timeliness of his work.

Sources describe David Drobner as "extremely client-oriented and focused on delivering to us what we want to accomplish." He has a strong emphasis on leasing and regularly represents landlords in retail development.

Robert Freedman has expertise in representing lender, developer and owner clients on master planned communities, associations, condominiums and mixed-used projects. Clients claim they "look to him as the 'knowledge guru' when it comes to anything relating to condominium documents." 

Nicole Kibert is an up-and-comer who is making a mark with clients for her expertise in condominium and planned community-related work. Clients find that "she has been an immense help when I need the details of documents interpreted to me."

THE FIRM This firm integrates its real estate practice with tax and corporate expertise, ensuring that it is well poised to represent clients on transactional and commercial real estate work. The team provides loan, management, acquisition, and development services to its client base of developer, owner, lender and REITs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Commercial real estate lawyer, Stephen Bozarth represents clients on acquisitions and dispositions, loan, leasing and related work. He is also well versed in land use and zoning work.

THE FIRM This firm's Florida real estate practice is bolstered by its stellar international team, ensuring that it is well equipped to tackle all manner of complex, multijurisdictional matters. The firm in addition has a real estate finance group and is particularly sought after to advise on financing and the purchase and sale of loan portfolios.

Sources say: "It is a reputable firm, with serious lawyers, good size, and has been around for a while. You see them in major transactions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The main practice group contact is Michael Bedke.

THE FIRM This firm's diverse body of real estate attorneys has handled commercial real estate projects in the area of condominiums, master planned community developments, hotels, resorts and shopping centers. The firm also provides a niche real estate service in time shares and golf resorts. It also offers services in the way of leasing, acquisitions and dispositions of portfolios, and is also well versed in land development, land use and project finance. The firm has represented Holland M. Ware in the purchase of 75,000 acres of property in Florida and Georgia and additional acquisition of 300,000 acres in Georgia. Other notable clients include Alliance Residential America, Prologis, Capmark Finance and Wells Fargo.

Sources say: "Innovative, reliable, client-conscious."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Duke Woodson is particularly well known for his DRI work. He focuses on developments with particular expertise in obtaining entitlements and approvals for projects. He has recently worked on a freight terminal for CSX Transportation, assisting the company in its comprehensive plan amendment.

Real estate group vice chair, Fred Ridley focuses on entitlement, financing and acquisitions. His projects regularly include resorts and golf courses, and he has represented BVG Incorporated in a development transaction to build a resort in the Bahamas.  

THE FIRM The deep bench of this leading government law, environmental and real estate practice ensures that on the land use side it is able to advise clients on DRI, permitting, approvals, comprehensive plan amendments and even eminent domain-related matters. The firm also provides traditional real estate services for lenders, owners, and developers. Bank of America, Tampa Bay Water, Imperium Development and Plum Creek Land Company are among its distinguished roster of clients.

Sources say: "Their lawyers work together extremely well. They were able to give me whatever I needed and made sure I was in on everything."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Loomis Shelley is practice group leader and also a former Secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Clients find her "extremely valuable," particularly as an "excellent negotiator." She represents clients in obtaining zoning and land use approvals, as well as comprehensive plan amendments.  

The "highly regarded and very knowledgeable" Rhea Law is the CEO and chair of the firm and works on large residential and commercial developments, often performing DRIs for developer clients.

Karen Brodeen is active in development orders and land development regulations, among other areas. She also acts for clients in both administrative and appellate courts, with sources commenting of her: "If it comes to the battlefield you want Karen there."

THE FIRM This firm combines its strong traditional real estate and land use practice with an economic development component to ensure that development projects are in line with market demand. The team often represents lenders and lead creditors on commercial lending and financing. It also represents owners and developers in land use work, such as comprehensive planning, DRIs, zoning and permitting and also advises on the environmental aspects of transactions. The firm acted for Beach House Hotel in the purchase of beach front land in Surfside, Florida. Other notable clients also include Basketball Properties and MB Florida.

Sources say: "They are an extremely competent, professional firm, who know what they are about and who have given us excellent service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frederick Leonhardt enjoys a "good track record for getting projects approved," according to sources, and also represents developers before government entities. Sources value his connections and also appreciate his help in facilitating complicated transactions.

Steven Zelkowitz represents both public and private clients in leasing, purchases, lending and PPP projects. He also serves as general and special counsel to several community redevelopment agencies. "Mr Zelkowitz brought to the table a tremendous grasp of real estate matters which were clearly evident and essential to consummate a very technical and complex transaction," noted one of many impressed clients.

Since publication, the much admired Charles Siemon has joined the team from Siemon & Larsen, PA. He is an expert land use and zoning attorney with a niche practice in planning environmentally sensitive lands to urban spaces.

THE FIRM This leading national firm has an integrated real estate group that is well equipped to advise on mixed-use projects, condominiums, hotels, shopping centers, and marinas. The real estate team works with the strong corporate and securities groups, ensuring that it is able to provide multidisciplinary advice to lenders, REITs, opportunity funds, investment managers, as well as owners and developers. The firm's broad land use team advises clients from due diligence, entitlement, and construction permitting to the issuance of building permits. In a highlight, it handled the restructuring of a multi-tiered credit facilities on Brickell Key in Miami. Wells Fargo, Hilton Worldwide, LXR Luxury Resorts and the Lennar Corporation are among its key clients.

Sources say: "They exceeded my expectations and delivered the documents before the date we set."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Burt Bruton works on transactional real estate and financing matters, representing lenders. He has expertise in advising clients on how to minimize transfer tax and comes particularly recommended by peers for state tax issues. Sources describe him as a "problem solver" with a "great demeanor." 

President of the firm, Matthew Gorson is a preeminent real estate attorney who has provided counsel to numerous developer clients over the years. He focuses on the restructuring and repositioning of property and has advised developers on condominium units and related market conditions.

Gary Saul enjoys an excellent reputation, with clients saying that his knowledge of condominium law "in the state of Florida is unmatched." He has negotiated a ground lease for LXR Luxury Resorts for the redevelopment of the Bahia Mar site in Fort Lauderdale.

Nancy Lash is described as a "sophisticated transactional lawyer" and is counsel for many of the firm's largest deals in Florida. She represents REITs, property developers and as well as municipalities on large acquisitions and development deals. She has represented a successful bidder in the development of a 300 space parking garage and associated retail project.

Debbie Orshefsky cochairs the national land development practice and is active on new and sophisticated development projects. Peers describe her as a "preeminent land use lawyer in Broward county." She has been working on the 'Anthem Project,' the creation of a veterans urban village in Miami's medical district.

Michael Sullivan cochairs the hotels, resorts and clubs group and actively represents clients on acquisitions and sales in the leisure and hospitality sector, particularly with regard to hotels and condo-hotels. He is regarded by peers as "a good deal-maker."

The "well-regarded" Lucia Dougherty previously worked for the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach and is valued by sources for her excellent relationships with politicians. She cochairs the land development and zoning group, alongside rising star Mario Garcia-Serra. Garcia-Serra focuses on local government and development law and represents developers before local agencies.

The "tremendous" Julie Kendig-Schrader has notable experience in environmental permitting, having formerly worked at the South Florida Water Management District. She has represented a client on a voluntary audit with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Orlando Evora represents clients on due diligence, development, and entitlement, and is also well versed in acquisition and financing. He recently settled a land use dispute for a multifamily affordable housing project.

THE FIRM This strong multiservice firm has a thriving real estate practice that has been bolstered by the merger with the former Ruden McClosky firm. These attorneys focus largely on commercial and residential real estate matters and are respected for their representation of clients in timeshares and the resort industry. The firm's land use attorneys actively represent clients on comprehensive plan matters and growth management, as well as due diligence and zoning. The firm's attorneys, many of whom were active in local or state agencies, also routinely represent lender, owner, developer and fund clients before government entities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Barry Somerstein is based in Fort Lauderdale and draws praise for his transactional capabilities. Peers single out his "breadth of practical experience" which "makes him an asset anytime you are doing a deal." He also represents clients on large ground leases, advocacy, financing and development.

Dennis Mele is regarded among peers as one of the "highest profile land use and zoning attorneys in Broward County." His experience as a former land planner for the South Florida Regional Planning Council, Broward County and City of Coconut Creek, has ensured he is especially adept at advising clients on DRIs, approvals, comprehensive plan amendment and development projects.

THE FIRM This thriving real estate practice benefits from support from its tax, bankruptcy and foreclosure groups. These attorneys are well equipped to handle the full spectrum of real estate matters and routinely represents, developers, lenders and investors on restructuring, loan workouts and distressed assets. The team is particularly notable for its representation of clients in financial services and agricultural sectors on approvals and entitlement, as well as compliance and infrastructure requirements.  

Sources say: "They seem to have spent a lot of time learning the sophisticated aspects of real estate and are worthy adversaries when it comes to litigating these issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Brindell is a much admired land use attorney and has a wealth of experience in environmental permitting and approvals. He is also well published on land use and administrative law.

The highly respected Donald Hall chairs the firm's political action committee and works with government agencies to represent clients at every stage of the development process.

Lynn Pappas is a distinguished land use attorney who has an extensive practice in commercial real estate, as well as DRI and conservation easements. Sources reserve praise for her thoughtful approach to matters and also describe her as "the queen of land use in North Eastern Florida." Peers also commend her work in development and infrastructure projects.

THE FIRM This practice is able to handle complex transactions for its investor, property owner and financial institution clients. The group represents parties on transactional and land use real estate, overseeing acquisitions and dispositions, as well as leasing, zoning, approvals and development. The firm is also engaged in real estate financing work and has recently handled a $33 million refinancing for the owners of a major office building in Fort Lauderdale.

Sources say: "They are an extension of what we do on a daily basis and are involved in everything we do - we consider them our business partners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Henderson has a broad practice representing clients on purchases, sales, financing and development, but has particular expertise representing borrowers in loan matters. Clients value his "tremendous amount of experience," and also reserve praise for his risk assessment.

THE FIRM This major international law firm's Florida real estate practice has a broad and deep bench. The team represents clients on drafting, negotiations, and sales and is also well versed in title insurance, ground leases, licensing laws. The firm has also branched into representing lenders and borrowers on workout transactions. In addition, its land use and zoning team is particularly adept at providing clients with entitlement services for the commercial zoning of property. 

Sources say: "It think they are excellent and their advice is spot-on. Their responsiveness has been perfect when we have needed it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Goldstein has an extensive land use and zoning practice, representing clients on DRI, environmental matters, approvals, and comprehensive planning. Peers are impressed with his "very thorough" approach to matters and he remains a regular first choice for referrals.

The "very experienced" John Halula concentrates on both real estate and finance, ensuring he is well positioned to service leading lenders. He is particularly active on loan-related transactions.

Richard Eckhard has a notable practice representing landlords and tenants in leasing matters and also works on commercial development. Sources single out his "thorough knowledge of the applicable law" alongside his "ability to spot both legal and business issues in short order, and then provide thoughtful and meaningful alternatives and solutions."

Juan Mayol is a strong land use attorney and regularly represents developer clients before government entities. Clients value his personable approach, "which comes across well with the governmental staff and politicians." Sources also appreciate his ability "to coordinate a very creative solution" to problems.

James Seay is active in multistate financings and regularly represents developers on large projects in the commercial and residential sectors.

Since publication, Barbara Ferrer has joined the firm from Broad and Cassel. She has a banking and institutional lending and special assets practice, in addition to her much respected real estate practice, and is consequently particularly adept at real estate loan work. Clients appreciate that she is "well versed in all aspects of real estate."  

THE FIRM This firm's real estate and land use team benefits greatly from both a strong environmental and community development practice. The group represents institutional and land owner clients with permitting, entitlement, and legislative matters before state agencies. Its attorneys are also up to date with financial and economic trends and routinely advise clients on workouts and the consequences of distressed projects.  

Sources say: "People respect them and when people know you are using that firm, they know you have good attorneys who will represent you well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Powell is actively engaged in advising clients on obtaining development approvals and entitlements for large planning projects. He has authored legislation and is also an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law. Sources variously describe him as "extremely knowledgeable and professional," "very easy to work with," and "particularly adept at strategy."

Gary Hunter is particularly busy advising clients with the future planning of properties, including entitlement programs and working through regulatory schemes. Clients regard him as "likeable, but can be firm when needed."

THE FIRM This leading real estate and land use firm provides excellent services from its two offices in Orlando. Active on the commercial and residential side, the team is well equipped to handle the development, construction, finance and environmental aspects of real estate projects. The firm's superb land use team is especially proficient in DRIs, eminent domain, zoning and title insurance. In a highlight, the team represented Pineloch Management on a DRI for a 2,000-plus acre property in Osceola County. Other notable clients include University of Central Florida, Tischman Realty and Starwood Vacation Ownership.

Sources say: "We found them to be top-notch and very professional. You get what you pay for."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cochair of the land use and zoning group, Miranda Fitzgerald is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator. She is well equipped to serve her clients on all aspects of the development process from site selection down to land use appeals. Sources say that she is "serious about representing clients to the best of her ability."

Hal Kantor cochairs the hospitality and resorts group and has a significant practice advising both foreign and local clients on matters including land use, DRI, zoning and administrative law. Clients single him out as a "good negotiator," who "knows what is important - he fights the war and not the battles."

Nicholas Pope has a well-established real estate practice with a niche specialty in the development of hotels and resorts. Sources describe him as "results driven" and value his "political influence." He recently represented a client on a P3 with Osceola County and other parties.

The "very experienced" Michael Ryan has a broad practice involving banking and finance and is active in advising clients on loan work and workouts.

CEO and managing partner of the firm, William Dymond is active in real estate transactions and development work, but also has a niche practice in advising clients on building hotels and other leisure facilities.

Richard Fildes is an attorney sources find both "responsive and practical." He advises clients on real estate transactions, including hotel and resort development.

THE FIRM This firm's extensive representation of borrowers and lenders ensures they are well positioned to advise clients on lending, workouts, collateral documents and mortgages among other areas. The team also represents clients, including developers, financial institutions and REITs on title insurance, submerged land, and permitting for numerous and building projects such as commercial space and leisure facilities.

Sources say: "They have been one of the strong transactional firms in Jacksonville."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Hainline is based in the firm's governmental and regulatory law department. He has a well-established practice and is regarded by peers as "one of the leading land use practitioners in Jacksonville." He is also sought after to advise on government relations.

William Scheu has a strong real estate transactional practice with emphasis on commercial development, leasing and dispositions. He is also a certified circuit civil mediator.

THE FIRM This firm has a highly specialized real estate practice representing home owners and local governments in disputes arising from development approvals. The firm has also expanded its practice to include developers, and routinely advises clients in other real estate disputes, land use and zoning. They have a strong appellate practice as well. Notable clients include the City of Aventura, Fairfield Residential and the University of Miami.

Sources say: "Their firm enjoys a high regard."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected John Shubin has experience bringing claims in both state and federal courts. His broad practice includes assessing the viability of entitlement strategies and bolstering development applications.

Jeffrey Bass is an expert trial lawyer and wins particular praise from peers for his land use appellate work.

THE FIRM This business-oriented practice is especially adept at condominium-related work and advises clients on everything from development and ground leases to workouts. The team also has a land use and zoning group that advises clients on entitlement work and represents them before government agencies.

Sources say: "A very good local firm with excellent lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-regarded Michael Grindstaff is a strong land use and zoning attorney who handles entitlement, permitting, and governmental relations work. He is noted for his experience serving on the local planning and zoning board and has recently been particularly active on multifamily projects.

Margaret Rolando enjoys a fine reputation for her condominium expertise, which see her advising at all stages of the development of such properties.

Kevin Cowan is cochair of the real estate group and has a practice that spans both transactional and financial real estate matters. He is active in the buying and selling of real estate portfolios, workouts, lending and leasing work. Notable clients include Prudential, Bank of America and AXA and others.

Donald Wasil has experience in real estate transactions and development and is sought after for his expertise in finance, leasing and loans.

THE FIRM This firm's strong lender base has ensured its real estate team has stayed busy conducting deed in lieu, foreclosures, workouts, restructuring and other related work for troubled assets. The firm has represented a financial institution in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, foreclosure and related loan matters for real estate assets. Notable clients include major financial institutions such as, Compass Bank, Florida Capital Bank and Wells Fargo.

Sources say: "In every aspect it has been very professional." "Excellent in dealing with clients and loan documentation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the firm's real estate department, Harry Wilson has an impressive real estate finance practice which takes in restructuring, foreclosures, dispositions and mortgages. Peers reserve praise for his ability "to get a deal done," while clients value the manner in which "like any great attorney he treats you like your case is important, even though he has multiple clients."

THE FIRM This international firm has offices in Miami, Tampa and West Palm beach, enabling them to provide a broad-based transactional and development practice to its numerous real estate clients. The firm is known for its bond work but is also proficient on PPP matters, finance, acquisitions and sales, eminent domain and other related work. The firm's clients include developers, lenders and investors, and it recently represented a foreign entity on the restructuring of a tourism project.

Sources say: "Very good reputation, very fine lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Mitchell is a leading real estate attorney with a strong background in the transportation and aviation industry. He provides real estate counsel to large developers, assisting them on acquisitions and development projects. Peers particularly praise his "tremendous business sense."

THE FIRM This firm brings creativity to structuring real estate transactions, providing land use, environmental and governmental representation. The firm represents buyers and sellers of real estate in high-end leases, hospitality, and joint ventures. The firm also represents lenders in workouts and restructuring and has a land use practice that does due diligence and permitting.

Sources say: "They are a firm I call first before I call anyone else."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ronald Weaver has a broad practice covering real estate transactions and land use matters, with peers describing him as a "dean of the practice in Tampa." He is also sought after to advise on environmental issues.

THE FIRM This firm provides legal services across a variety of real estate, including industrial, residential, commercial, and leisure property. The firm is particularly strong in transaction work including acquisitions and sales, as well as leasing and development. It acts for a range of clients including developers, insurers and investors.

Sources say: "I have always been impressed with them. They are good, aggressive but gracious lawyers who handle their cases very well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Brittain has an extensive real estate practice in negotiations, leasing, development and transactional work. He is also well versed in dealing with land use and distressed asset matters.

Richard Sollner has a diverse practice that not only includes real estate work but also lending, financing and transactional matters. Peers single him out for his ability to "deliver a high-quality work product" for "high-quality clients."

THE FIRM This leading international firm serves the real estate needs of both domestic and cross-border real estate clients. This team is active in providing transactional advice, as well as debt and equity financing, development and hospitality representation. The firm has provided the Starwood Capital Group with representation on the acquisition of a loan portfolio. Other notable clients include SNS Property Finance, JMB Realty and GEM Realty.

Sources say: "They have a deep bench and can handle anything we throw at them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS