Robert M. Siegel

Partner, Head of Commercial Finance
305-350-2421
Area of Focus: Corporate & Finance
“Robert Siegel is a thought leader on a national level in banking and finance.'”
- Chambers USA source
Robert M. Siegel
Partner, Head of Commercial Finance
305-350-2421
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
  • PRACTICES
GET TO KNOW ROBERT

Bob, Head of  Bilzin Sumberg's Commercial Finance group, was formerly an asset-based and real estate construction lender for a major regional bank in the Northeast. Bob has developed a national financial transactions practice concentrating on commercial and real estate finance, securitizations, debt restructuring and loan workouts.

For the past several years he has devoted an extensive amount of time in the representation of mortgage companies throughout the country in developing strategies to prevent or minimize potential losses resulting from mortgage investor repurchase and indemnification demands made in the aftermath of the mortgage market crisis, as well as in the negotiation of mortgage warehouse financing transactions, loan purchase and sale agreements, and other mortgage banking matters.  Bob is a contributor to Bilzin Sumberg's Financial Services Watch blog, and he is a frequent speaker and author on mortgage banking and financial services topics. 

Q & A
What industry expertise do you bring to the table?
I have been involved with finance throughout my entire career, and not just as a lawyer. Before I attended law school, I worked for a major regional bank as a lending officer in both commercial lending and later in real estate lending. I believe that my clients, whether borrowers or lenders, appreciate the added value of bringing my "business sense" to a transaction, because they realize that I understand the business objectives and concerns of both sides. I seek to reach agreements founded on mutual trust, and that forms the basis of a longstanding "partnership" between the parties to a deal.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
In addition to my strong financial background, I pride myself on seeking creative solutions to issues, in spotting potential negative trends on the horizon, which has often allowed me to counsel clients early on before the scope or consequences of an issue fully manifests itself. For example, well before the U.S. mortgage meltdown became readily apparent, from speaking with a client who had seen an uptick in mortgage repurchase demands from his mortgage loan purchasers, I knew that "bet the company" issues loomed on the horizon. I immediately began positioning my practice so I could help my loan originator clients fully understand their rights and offered solutions to help them address the issues early on.
EXPERIENCE
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Miami, J.D., University of Miami Inter-American Law Review, Order of the Coif, with honors, 1985
    University of Miami, B.A., 1976
  • American Bar Association
    The Florida Bar
    Bankruptcy/UCC Committee
    Business Law Section
    Steering Committee of The Florida Bar Legal Opinion Committee
    One of the primary drafters of the upcoming revisions to the Business Law and Real Estate Sections joint Legal Opinions Report
    Florida Youth Orchestra
    Board of Directors
    Miami Finance Forum
    South Florida Secured Lenders Association
  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • Band 2, Chambers USA, Banking & Finance: Transactional, 2009 - present

    Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers, Finalist, 2007

    Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers, 2006

    Martindale-Hubbell, AVĀ® Peer Review Rated, 2013 Top Rated LawyerTM