Department profile
Bilzin Sumberg

Real Estate

USA Guide 2026 : Florida: South


Bilzin Sumberg

Rankings

About

Provided by Bilzin Sumberg

Bilzin Sumberg’s Real Estate attorneys are trusted advisors to a distinguished roster of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to foreign and domestic businesses to entrepreneurs and family offices. The firm advises in every sector of the real estate industry and every stage of the real estate cycle.

Bilzin Sumberg works with clients in the purchase and sale of commercial and residential real estate, mixed-use, and transit oriented developments (among other asset types), construction and mezzanine financing projects, development and construction, affordable housing and tax credits, leasing, and real estate-related loan sales and purchases. Bilzin Sumberg also possesses experience in specialized areas that are experiencing growth across Florida, such as condominium redevelopment, which often encompasses the complex process of terminating an existing condominium.

The firm's Land Use attorneys represent clients through all aspects of the government regulatory approval and permitting process, including planning and zoning applications, developments of regional impact, development agreements and complex environmental and land use permitting. They conducts due diligence evaluations, to make an assessment of applicable laws, permitted uses, viability of permits and approvals, restrictions or limitations regarding changes to or expansions of current uses and the existence of vested rights.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Florida: South

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Bilzin Sumberg provides a wide range of real estate services to property developers, owners and investors. Its areas of particular prowess include complex financings, developments, land use and zoning, while the team is also able to advise on joint venture formations, construction matters, debt restructuring and bankruptcies. The team offers strength in all aspects of real estate, including office, retail, industrial and commercial developments. The firm has particular strength in South Florida.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bilzin Sumberg represented Simon Property Group in its $512 million acquisition of all ownership interests in Miami's Brickell City Centre shopping mall.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They provide great service, dedication and expertise.

    Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Bilzin Sumberg is simply the best. The firm evidences superior expertise and knowledge of a wide range of real estate, land use, zoning, acquisition, financing and development laws, rules and regulations, permitting, contracting and closing transactions for successful development. The team is strategic, efficient and effective.

    Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Bilzin Sumberg is very knowledgeable and offers very precise, accurate and applicable legal advice.

    Real Estate respondentUSA
  • The team stands out for its ability to deal with complex matters and make them digestible.

    Real Estate respondentUSA
  • The attorneys at Bilzin are all experts in their specific field of law but work closely together to integrate all knowledge and experience into a transaction. The members of the firm are more than attorneys handling legal work piece by piece, they all take a personal interest in protecting and guiding the client strategically through the entirety of a transaction or engagement.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleBrian L Bilzin
    Senior StatespeopleBrian L Bilzin

    Brian L Bilzin

    Brian Bilzin, a founding partner, handles all aspects of real estate transactions, including financing and leasing.
    • Brian is much more than an attorney. He is a mentor that offers measured guidance, direction and vision. Brian is one of the most knowledgeable, well-grounded and generous individuals I have ever met.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Brian Bilzin is an excellent leader with depth of knowledge.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Brian Bilzin is a great resource and managing member.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Eminent PractitionersAlbert E Dotson Jr
    Eminent PractitionersAlbert E Dotson Jr

    Albert E Dotson Jr

    Albert Dotson, the firm's managing partner, is particularly active in the area of transit development projects, which includes advising clients on permit matters. He also acts for clients in the residential sector and for non-profit organizations.

    • Al Dotson is a great managing partner.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Albert Dotson is a seasoned counsel with a wide range of expertise. I highly recommended him.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Eminent PractitionersJohn C Sumberg
    Eminent PractitionersJohn C Sumberg

    John C Sumberg

    John Sumberg is the chairman of the firm and advises clients on construction financing and real estate transactions, including hotel sales and acquisitions of ownership interest.
    • John is a seasoned leader with extraordinary breadth of expertise and experience, strategic and practical vision and an enormous heart.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Band 1Javier Aviñó
    Band 1Javier Aviñó

    Javier Aviñó

    Javier Aviñó regularly handles land use and zoning issues arising from projects in the residential, hospitality, transit and leisure sectors. He also advises on public-private partnerships and air rights issues.
    • Javier Aviñó is an extraordinarily knowledgeable, talented, experienced and effective zoning and land use counsel. I highly recommend him. He is a miracle worker.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Javier is one of the top attorneys in the country for planning and land use matters. He is very good at navigating complex and new issues.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Band 1Suzanne Amaducci
    Band 1Suzanne Amaducci

    Suzanne Amaducci

    Suzanne Amaducci acts for clients on redevelopment projects, with a focus on the transit and leisure sectors. She also advises on ground lease agreements, investments and acquisitions, as well as refinancing matters.

    • Suzanne Amaducci stands out for her practical approach. She is able to identify and spot issues immediately.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Band 2Adam D Lustig
    Band 2Adam D Lustig

    Adam D Lustig

    Adam Lustig advises on local and multistate real estate acquisitions and financing mandates, with particular strength acting for developers.
    • Adam makes the process much more efficient and doesn't get in the way of the big picture. We have a deal and get it done.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Adam Lustig is a very close resource, an adviser as much as an attorney.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Adam is there for me at every turn. He is level-headed and always on point. He keeps the transaction moving forward with professionalism and a high level of skill.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Band 2Carter N McDowell
    Band 2Carter N McDowell

    Carter N McDowell

    Carter McDowell's practice covers entitlement matters, easement negotiations and development projects, including those relating to mixed-use waterfront developments such as marinas and hospitality projects.

  • Band 2James W Shindell
    Band 2James W Shindell

    James W Shindell

    James Shindell handles a variety of property acquisitions and development projects, with further strength in financing matters such as construction loan transactions and wider real estate finance work.
  • Band 3Brian Adler
    Band 3Brian Adler

    Brian Adler

    Brian Adler advises on zoning, permitting and land use issues in connection with a range of development projects, including those in the healthcare and retail sectors.
    • Brian Adler has unparalleled depth of experience. He has the ability to think like a developer unprompted and often identifies and solves development-related problems before they even become problems.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Brian Adler is at the top of his game. His focus is on a variety of jurisdictions in the coastal regions; he is at the forefront there.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
    • Brian is an extremely detailed and goal-oriented land use attorney who is always highly prepared, organized and ready to get the job done. He is always available and takes a personal interest in every aspect of his client's business.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
  • Band 3Eileen B Mehta
    Band 3Eileen B Mehta

    Eileen B Mehta

    Eileen Mehta's practice encompasses zoning approvals and entitlement matters. She offers further experience in disputes concerning the use of historic buildings.

  • Band 3Joseph Hernandez
    Band 3Joseph Hernandez

    Joseph Hernandez

    Joseph Hernandez handles all manner of real estate transactions, including purchases and financings, for developers, investors and public entities. He has a particular niche in condominium matters.

    • Joseph Hernandez is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers that we work with. Joe gives a comfort level so we do not lose sleep at night. It is always a pleasure to work with him.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Bilzin Sumberg (11)

Florida: South

Members

Provided by Bilzin Sumberg

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