Jake M. Greenberg
Partner
305-350-2414
jgreenberg@bilzin.com
Area of Focus:
Trial & Litigation
Jake M. Greenberg
Partner
305-350-2414
GET TO KNOW
JAKE
Jake Greenberg is a commercial litigation attorney who handles all types of business disputes, with an emphasis on real estate litigation, joint venture partnership disputes, and loan-servicing matters involving commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS). His expansive practice includes representation of financial institutions, commercial lenders, mortgage companies, special servicers, sponsors, developers, and commercial landlords and tenants, on matters spanning complex commercial foreclosures, lender liability, receiverships, loan workouts, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and CMBS regulatory compliance matters.
Jake’s unique approach to litigation is rooted in his training as a criminal defense lawyer, where he learned that it’s better to solve the client’s problem by achieving the best outcome possible before having others (i.e. judge or jury) decide. Jake’s goal is to resolve cases quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, while always being ready to litigate.
Jake’s unique approach to litigation is rooted in his training as a criminal defense lawyer, where he learned that it’s better to solve the client’s problem by achieving the best outcome possible before having others (i.e. judge or jury) decide. Jake’s goal is to resolve cases quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, while always being ready to litigate.
Q & A
Why have private lenders become such significant players in the financial services industry?
Private lenders are filling an essential void in the marketplace, especially in booming construction economies such as South Florida. My private lending clients have the expertise to quickly assess the value of the collateral and evaluate the creditworthiness of the borrower. They deliver financing with the urgency and efficiency expected by developers. Additionally, private lenders specialize in key market segments providing nuanced knowledge and insights that offer extra protection from risky loans.
What is keeping your clients up at night?
Clients involved in litigation don’t typically sleep well at night. As their attorney, it’s my job to give them the peace of mind to sleep well and have the confidence to maintain a normal work-life balance. I am straight-forward and realistic with my clients about the emotional and financial costs of litigation. They appreciate my candor and holistic approach, and I appreciate their trust when asking me to “quarterback” their litigation team -- organizing the right players, developing the best strategy and executing the plan.
How do you describe your client relationships?
There is nothing more important than building a trusting client- attorney relationship. Many clients have become good friends because we trust and like each other. I am candid and realistic with my clients about the costs of litigation, both emotional and financial. I work hard to be a trusted advisor and resource to my business clients to help them with all their legal needs. I want to be top of mind when they have a legal problem so I can “quarterback” the best solution.
As an experienced lawyer, what characteristics were you looking for in a law firm that ultimately attracted you to Bilzin Sumberg?
There were three criteria: a strong presence in the real estate market representing developers, lenders, and builders; a full-service platform to handle all my client’s needs with preeminent lawyers who I know and work with regularly. Lastly, it’s a huge advantage to have all of our lawyers and support personnel in one office. If I am going to ask a lawyer to help my client, I want that person to be down the hall from me, not in another city and not at the firm next door.
EXPERIENCE
Representation of mortgage company in defense against breach of contract and indemnity claims made by a division of another major national mortgage company. The plaintiff claimed to be owed in excess of $40 million in the aftermath of its settlements of complex securities suits filed against it by l...
Representation of a private commercial lender in an action to foreclose a $6.7 million loan made to a group of developers in Naples, Florida. Successfully negotiated and structured a favorable settlement resulting in a consent judgment for $8 million. Thereafter successfully represented the client i...
Representation of a private commercial lender in an action to foreclose and enforce a $3.3 million promissory note, mortgage, and other loan documents in connection with vacant commercial land in Broward County, Florida.
Representation of the managing member of a real estate investment fund in connection with a personal limited recourse guaranty associated with a $190 million commercial loan on a 400,000 square foot Class-A office building. Successfully defended client by obtaining final summary judgment in Miami-Da...
Representation of a private commercial lender in an action to foreclose and enforce a $1.5 million promissory note, mortgage, and personal guaranty in connection with an office building in Martin County, Florida.
Representation of client, acting as special servicer of commercial mortgage-backed securities loans, as claimant in its arbitration against auditor retained to conduct audits required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The auditor continued to perform audit services after it was no lon...
INSIGHTS
Jake M. Greenberg and David S. Resnick explore top-of-mind issues being faced by real estate joint venture partners in South Florida's real estate market at Bilzin Sumberg’s 4th Annual Development Conference.
In this interview, Jake Greenberg, an attorney in Bilzin Sumberg’s Litigation Group, sits down with Camilo Niño, CEO and founding partner of Linkvest Capital and LV Lending, to discuss the recent lending activity of non-traditional lenders and how they are shaping the development of Sou...
Bilzin Sumberg attorneys Jeffrey Snyder and Jake Greenberg discuss the nuances of foreclosures and bankruptcy as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic and grapples with its fallout. They cover current developments related to this area of the law, and conduct a deep dive into a case with ...
On July 29, 2020, the Executive Order was further extended until September 1, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., but amended to be limited to foreclosures of single-family residences and residential evictions, which arise from non-payment due to loss of employment, income, or other monetary loss caused by COVID-1...
On May 14, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-121, extending his April 2, 2020 Executive Order 20-94 suspending all foreclosure actions through June 2, 2020. While the preamble to Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order makes clear that the purpose is to provide temporar...
Lori Lustrin and Jake M. Greenberg co-authored an article entitled, "A Budding Opportunity—Why the CBD Industry Requires Regulation", for Bloomberg Law.
CREDENTIALS
-
University of Miami, J.D., cum laude, 2011The George Washington University, B.B.A., Finance, magna cum laude, 2008
-
Dade County Bar AssociationMemberLeadership FloridaConnect Class 11
-
Florida
-
U.S. Supreme CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New YorkU.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh CircuitU.S. District Court, District of ColoradoU.S. District Court, Eastern District of MichiganU.S. District Court, Southern District of FloridaU.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
-
Martindale Hubbel, AV Preeminent Rating, 2015 - present
The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation - Financial Services Regulation Law, 2021 - present
Florida Super Lawyers, Florida Rising Stars, 2019 - present
Benchmark Litigation, 40 & Under List - South, 2023 - present
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, 2016
Legal Elite, Up and Comer, 2018-2017
National Duberstein Moot Court Bankruptcy Competition, Quarter-Finalist, 2011
National Duberstein Moot Court Bankruptcy Competition, Semi-Finalist and Outstanding Brief Awards, 2010
Sending an email will not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not send us any information that you want treated confidentially. By clicking "I Accept," you acknowledge that we may review and use any information you transmit to us.
PRACTICES