Susan Raffanello

Practice Areas

Real Estate Litigation

Development Litigation

Condominium and Homeowner Association Disputes

Condominium Terminations

Commercial Insurance Litigation

Complex Business and Partnership Litigation

Career

Susan Raffanello tries cases in state and federal courts, and before arbitrators throughout Florida. She gains accolades as one of the best litigators in Florida for her skillful handling of high-pressure situations, tough litigation and her broad experience in difficult venues. She is recommended as an absolutely top-shelf and enormously talented counselor. Susan wins praise from clients and corporate general counsel for her guidance and representation in complex litigation with developers, financial institutions, insurers, government agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, condo and homeowner associations, brokers and buyers.

“She’s terrific with clients and managing large matters. Susan has mastery of the litigation process and possesses the unique ability to provide insights about the nuanced dynamics of the courtroom to the decision makers in a boardroom.” Olga de los Santos, General Counsel, Fortune International Equity.

“She’s hands-down among the best litigators I’ve ever seen in action. She is forceful, has broad and detailed vision, and enters the fray thoroughly prepared. Her assuring demeanor, accompanied by excellent technical skills and seasoned judgment, are among her many strengths.” Gil Dezer, President, Dezer Development.

Susan chairs the Firm’s Executive Committee.

Professional Memberships

Florida Bar Association

Arizona Bar Association (Inactive)

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

United States District Court for the District of Arizona

Work Highlights

- Won a landmark architectural copyright claim on summary judgment in federal court against a plaintiff represented by an elite multi-national law firm establishing the distinction for infringement of architectural v. pictorial, graphic and sculptural works.

- Lead counsel on behalf of major developer, successfully defending RICO and fraud claims brought by investors.

- Lead counsel on behalf of major developers in terminating condominiums, and litigating issues regarding propriety of same through partition action or challenge to statutory process.

- Lead counsel on behalf of various South Florida developers, successfully defending against alleged breaches of preconstruction residential and commercial condominium purchase and sale agreements.

- Lead counsel on behalf of major developers to resolve Association claims of construction defects during turnover process.

- Lead counsel on behalf of mall landlord concerning franchise tenant abandonment of space and alleged breaches of commercial lease.

Education