Adrian K. Felix

Partner
305-350-7234
Area of Focus: Trial & Litigation, Construction & Franchising
Adrian K. Felix
Partner
305-350-7234
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
  • PRACTICES
GET TO KNOW ADRIAN

Adrian employs a thoughtful and empirical, fact-based approach to problem solving and decision-making, influenced by his academic background in the fields of math and biological sciences. He succeeds in evaluating the implications of short- and long-range decisions, while maintaining a steady focus on the desired outcome.

A Partner in the Firm’s Litigation Group, Adrian handles complex commercial litigation and arbitration of matters across various industries, including construction, franchising, real estate, financial services, and hospitality.  As part of his practice, he regularly assists domestic and international clients with pre-suit assessments, strategy, and negotiations involving a wide-variety of business disputes, such as breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation, deceptive and unfair trade practices, unjust enrichment, misappropriation of trade secrets and intellectual property, partnership agreements, development agreements, breach of fiduciary duties, restrictive covenants, and franchise relationship terminations. 

Adrian also has significant experience assisting real estate owners and developers in managing distressed construction projects, reviewing and drafting construction agreements, and litigating project delays, construct defect, and lien claims. 

 
 
Q & A
What would you say is an issue affecting your clients?
Keeping up with the various, evolving data privacy and protection laws in the U.S. and abroad, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), and biometric information protection laws. These laws can affect domestic and international businesses alike, so it requires them to carefully assess if and how they collect, use, store, and disclose any individual’s personal and biometric data, what data privacy policies (if any) they have in place, and potential gaps in their insurance coverage.
What issues are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the need for diversity and inclusion within the legal industry. I think our industry has generally moved in the right direction with the help of clients and the corporate community; however, there is still more work to be done. To that end, I take a lot of pride in my roles as Chair of the Firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and National Co-Chair of the ABA Litigation Section's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP). 

I am also passionate about giving back and helping the next generation achieve success, which is why I am proud to be an Executive Member of Florida International University's Vice-Provost Council, a prestigious community relations board, which through a variety of meetings and events brings the needs of the business and civic community to the campus, influencing the future of bright young minds. The Council also helps to build community networks, and raise scholarship funds for local and first-generation students.
 
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Expertise is an ongoing learning process” -- I think this is one of the best pieces of advice that I received early in my career. I try to remember that being a great attorney is a continuous process, because the law, like business, is not static. That has helped me to focus on perseverance, absorbing, pushing, and learning from every case, matter, or experience, so I can pave the way to being successful tomorrow.
EXPERIENCE
Experience
Provided pre-suit distressed project management and represented resort owner in the termination of the general contractor from a $35+ million expansion and renovation of a luxury resort in the Caribbean. Also handled subsequent related arbitration involving defects and completion delay claims.
Experience
Provided pre-suit distressed project management and represented owner in the termination of the general contractor from the construction of an $11 million mansion in Indian Creek, Florida. Also handled subsequent litigation involving defects, completion delay, and lien claims.
Experience
Provided pre-suit distressed project management to hotel owner and acted as local counsel to New York law firm in subsequent litigation with construction manager and subcontractors related to the $3+ million restoration and renovation of two Miami Beach hotels damaged in a hurricane.
Experience
Advised owner with respect to development of new ultra-luxury hotel project on Miami Beach, including project management, design and local architect, and general contractor agreements.
Experience
Representation of sureties, manufacturers, and owners in litigation involving performance and payment bonds, takeover agreements, and alleged construction defects.
Experience
Advised prospective franchisees with respect to proposed South Florida area development deal with Spanish QSR franchisor.
INSIGHTS
Publication November 30, 2023
Over the past decade, companies have increasingly turned to the collection of consumer personal data to help them better understand and adapt to the habits, preferences, and needs of consumers, engage in targeted marketing, and gain insight into the broader marketplace—that is, to better compe...
Publication March 20, 2023
Adrian Felix shares Bilzin Sumberg's successes with designing DEI programming to build a more inclusive law practice and deepen connections in the broader community.
Blog November 14, 2022
In October 2018,a former line cook of a Burger King franchise restaurant in Illinois, filed a class action complaint againstBurger King Worldwide and Burger King Corporation.Now, more than two years later, the putative class action has been given new life by the Eleventh Circuit.
Publication September 30, 2022
South Florida emerged as one of the most sought after markets coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.This migration of business and wealth to South Florida has fueled the expansion of the region’s franchising market.
Webinar April 12, 2022
Adrian K. Felix and Kayla Hernandez led a discussion on the availability and use of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in complex business disputes.
Publication April 1, 2022
A franchisor-franchisee relationship that continues beyond the termination or expiration of the franchise agreement can be a risky proposition for both parties. There may be legitimate business reasons for the franchisor and franchisee to continue their relationship without the safety of a renewal o...
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Miami, J.D., cum laude, 2006
    Duke University, B.S., Biological Anthropology & Anatomy, 2000
  • Black Professionals Network
    Member
    The Florida Bar
    Member
    Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association
    Member 
    Dade County Bar Association
    Member
    American Bar Association

    Section of Litigation, Judicial Intern Opportunity Program
      National Co-Chair, 2021 - present
      Regional Co-Chair, 2017 - 2021
    Construction Litigation Committee, Co-Chair, 2020
    Section of Torts Trial and Insurance, Litigation & Trial Practice Committee, Chair, 2019 - 2020
    Section of Litigation, Young Advocates Committee,
    Co-Chair, 2015 - 2018
    Young Lawyer Division, Litigation Committee, Chair, 2010 - 2013
    Forum on Franchising, Member

    Florida International University

    Vice Provost’s Council, Executive Committee Member, 2020 
    Vice Provost’s Council, Member, 2016 -2020

    Fertile Earth Foundation
    Board Member, 2009 - 2014
    Miami Chamber Music
    Board Member, 2006 - 2009
  • Florida
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • Chambers USA, DEI: Outstanding Contribution Shortlist2024

    Black Professionals Network Miami Chapter, Black Men in Excellence Honoree, 2024

    Franchise Times Legal Eagles, Class of 2020 - 2025

    South Florida Legal Guide, Up & Comers, 2017 - present

    Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2014 - 2016

    ABA Section of Litigation, Young Lawyer Leadership Program Fellow, 2012

    AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell