John C. Sumberg

Founder, Chairman

305-350-2364

jsumberg@bilzin.com

Area of Focus: Real Estate

"He's simply top in his field; he's a strategic genius." - Chambers USA source

OVERVIEW
EXPERIENCE
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
PRACTICES

GET TO KNOW JOHN

Chairman and founding member of Bilzin Sumberg, John Sumberg leads the business and strategic operations of the Firm.

John is one of the most influential real estate lawyers in South Florida, leveraging his presence and wisdom to guide stakeholders through strategic business decisions.

Throughout his 40-plus-year career, John's influence can be seen in the revitalization of Miami's skyline and in connection with complex real estate transactions worth billions of dollars.

Q & A

What makes you stand out as a deal lawyer?

Deals are not just about real estate. They require a multidisciplinary approach, from tax, to corporate, land development and dispute resolution. The advantage I bring is knowing how to take all those pieces and create an overall strategy at the outset. I assemble the optimal Bilzin Sumberg team, and then orchestrate a solution to the client's issues.

What are you passionate about?

Giving back to the South Florida community is a shared passion I have with all of the founding partners. The Firm has given us a great platform to demonstrate our commitments. I hold leadership positions in several charitable organizations, including Board positions in United Way of Miami-Dade, Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Lotus House. We are also coming up on the 17 year anniversary of Bilzin Sumberg Cares, our community involvement program that provides our attorneys, staff and their families with opportunities to work together to benefit charitable organizations in South Florida.

What makes Bilzin Sumberg unique?

Our firm has deep Miami roots and connections throughout the business and governmental community. Additionally, clients appreciate our significant investment in legal project management which greatly enhances value and efficiency for our clients.

EXPERIENCE

Experience

$4 Billion, 185-Acre Development Solé Mia Miami in North Miami

Representation of Oleta Partners, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of the LeFrak Organization and Turnberry Associates, in the successful negotiation of the long-term ground lease and complicated leasehold financing for a 185-acre brownfields redevelopment site in the City of North Miami...

Experience

$700 Million Purchase and Development of Bayfront Tower, Skyrise Miami

Representation of developer in the purchase and development of Skyrise Miami, a 1,000-foot bay-front tower in downtown Miami. Bilzin Sumberg negotiated the 99-year ground lease, helped renegotiate the master lease and is handling all legal aspects related to the project's construction, including fin...

Experience

Development and Financing for $3 Billion Miami Worldcenter Project

Representation of Paramount Miami Worldcenter in all facets of the development of a 564-unit residential tower and six-acre amenity deck, which is the $650 million centerpiece of the $3 billion Miami Worldcenter. The team represents Paramount Miami Worldcenter in its acquisition of land and air righ...

Experience

$1 Billion Purchase, Renovation, and Refinance of 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

Representation of an entity comprised of Starwood Capital, the LeFrak Organization, and Invesco Ltd. in the purchase and substantial $340 million renovation of one of South Beach's largest oceanfront luxury resort properties, the 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach. Our team handled contract negotiation...

Experience

$1 Billion Proposed Miami Beach Convention Center Procurement

Representation of SBACE in proposed redevelopment of Miami Beach Convention Center Districtin successfully securing the redevelopment rights for a new Miami Beach Convention Center. SBACE is comprised of Tishman Hotel & Realty, UIA Management, and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture, led by ...

Experience

Purchase of All Membership Interests in Apartment Tower for $184.5 Million

Representation of purchaser of 100% of the membership interests of the owner of a newly constructed apartment tower for $184.5 million. The apartment tower is located in the air space above a mixed-use project in downtown Miami, Florida.

INSIGHTS

Publication August 20, 2021

South Florida Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO Q&A: John C. Sumberg on the import...

Chairman John C. Sumberg discusses the key themes such as the importance of relationships, the focus of the firm on diversity and inclusion, and the firm's quest to attract top talent.

Publication October 28, 2016

In-Depth with John Sumberg: Self-Generated College Major Formed Groundwork for L...

Chinatown made John Sumberg a lawyer. He was teaching. He was frustrated. He wanted to make a difference.

Publication June 24, 2016

What Exactly Do Real Estate Lawyers Do?

If you're in Miami real estate, you surely know Bilzin Sumberg. But if you're a non-lawyer, you may think of them just vaguely as an undifferentiated lump of smart people who "do whatever lawyers do."

Speaking Engagement November 10, 2015

Miami’s Future as a Vibrant Community: An Intimate Conversation with Miami-Dade ...

John C. Sumberg moderates the "Miami’s Future as a Vibrant Community: An Intimate Conversation with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez," event hosted by the Urban Land Institute's Miami Condo Market Symposium in Miami, Florida.

Publication October 23, 2015

Letter to the Editor: United Way Appeals to Legal Community

United Way is supported by 34 law firms and nearly 500 Miami lawyers when they come together every year to strengthen the community by committing their time, talent and financial support.

Speaking Engagement February 20, 2015

Successful Law Firm Marketing & Management

John C. Sumberg serves on the "Successful Law Firm Marketing & Management," panel hosted by the Dade County Bar Association Bench and Bar Conference.

CREDENTIALS

Education

Yale University, J.D., Editor, Yale Law Journal , 1974

Yale University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1971
Involvement

University of Miami School of Architecture
Master in Real Estate Development + Urbanism
Advisory Board
Former Chair of Advisory Board

Sundari Foundation Lotus House Women's Shelter
Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Executive Committee

United Way Miami
Board of Directors
Executive Committee

Gulliver Preparatory School
Board of Trustees

Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Board of Directors

Bar Admissions

Florida

New York
Awards/Honors

Chambers USA, Real Estate, Band 1, 2003 - 2023; Eminent Practitioner, 2024 - present

United Way Miami, Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy, 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law, 2024

South Florida Business Journal, Top 250 Power Leaders of South Florida, 2022

Florida Trend's Florida 500 - Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders, 2018, Living Legend, 2021

South Florida Business Journal's Ultimate CEO Award, 2021

Daily Business Review, Distinguished Leader, 2017, 2020

United Way Miami, Donors of the Year, 2016

MCCJ, Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award, 2019

The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2003 - present

South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyers, 2004 - present

Bisnow, Miami Power 50 - The Most Influential Players in Commercial Real Estate, 2016

South Florida Business Journal, Top 100 Power Leaders, 2014, 2015

South Florida Business Journal, Book of Law, Leading Lawyer, 2011; Top Managing Partner, 2012; Legal Leader, 2013

PRACTICES