James W. Shindell

Partner
305-375-6141
Area of Focus: Real Estate
James W. Shindell
Partner
305-375-6141
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
  • PRACTICES
GET TO KNOW JIM
Jim describes himself as a “deal junkie" who takes tremendous pleasure in his clients' success. For more than 20 years, Jim has represented clients in buying, selling, leasing and financing of commercial real estate. A veteran of South Florida’s real estate industry, he has represented some of Miami's highest profile developers on luxury developments, in addition to representing national giants across the country, including one of the largest home builders in the United States.

Jim has a deep admiration for his clients’ risk-taking and entrepreneurialism. He enjoys being an integral part of the client team and working to help turn the client's vision into reality. Jim has particular experience with development projects that require interplay of governmental requirements, architectural and construction demands, and community considerations.
 
Q & A
What do you think clients value about working with you?
I think they see just how committed our team is to their project.  I think they see how hard we work to know their business, needs, and concerns and I think they see how much we care. 
How do you view your client relationships?
I have the good fortune of having a relationship-based practice. I have worked with a number of clients for 15 to 20 years, and many have come to see me as an extension of their team and a trusted advisor, not just their lawyer.
EXPERIENCE
Experience
Representation of Florida East Coast Industries in closing a $600 million refinancing on behalf of ten of its affiliates, comprised of three related loans: (1) $400 million mortgage loan from Wells Fargo secured by 36 office, retail and industrial parks; (2) $150 million mortgage loan from Wells Far...
Experience
Representation of Oleta Partners, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of the Swerdlow Development Group and the LeFrak Organization, in the successful negotiation of the long-term ground lease of a 185-acre brownfields redevelopment site in the City of North Miami, and assisted with a compl...
Experience
Representation of developer in obtaining a $280 million construction loan from Banco Santander for the EPIC Hotel and Residences, a mixed-use project including a 414-room Kimpton hotel, 342 condominium residences, and mega yacht marina on the Miami River.
Experience
Creation of a unique strategy that enabled the developer client to buy out an entire building of time share units from over 100 owners on coveted waterfront property in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. The developer was able to assemble 6 acres of developable land for an ultra-luxury condominium project....
Experience
Representation of public real estate investment trust (REIT) in $146 million acquisition of the Courvoisier Center office complex on Brickell Key in Miami's financial district.
Experience
Representation of the Parkway REIT in connection with the acquisition of 21 office buildings across the Southeastern U.S. and the back-to-back sale of 18 of the buildings.
INSIGHTS
Speaking Engagement March 23, 2018
James W. Shindell moderates a panel at the Miami Finance Forum's CEO Power Breakfast. The discussion covers current industry challenges and opportunities, trends across theretail, industrial, hospitality, multifamily, and office asset classes,and how deals are financed.
Speaking Engagement March 14, 2017
James W. Shindell moderates a panel at the Miami Finance Forum's CEO Power Breakfast. The event explores capital markets and hotels, industrial, multifamily, office, and retail properties, and what's next for South Florida's commercial real estate market.
New Miami Blog December 02, 2016
Attorney James W. Shindell, Real Estate chair at Bilzin Sumberg, has a message for those who believe Donald Trump’s presidential election will hurt Miami’s real estate market: The sky is not falling. Shindell addressed concerns of a Trump presidency impacting the South Florida market in ...
Publication June 24, 2016
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 June 23, 2016
James W. Shindell moderates the Bisnow's Evolution of Brickell and Downtown Miami.
Speaking Engagement March 25, 2016
James W. Shindell moderates the "South Florida Commercial Real Estate: The Asset Class of Choice," event as part of Miami Finance Forum CEO Power Breakfast Discussion.
CREDENTIALS
  • University of North Carolina, J.D., 1979
    University of South Florida, B.S., summa cum laude, 1976
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami
    Past President of the Board
    Board Member
    Past Advisory Board Member
    The Florida Bar
    Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section
    Florida State University
    FSU Real Estate Center, Former Executive Board Member
    St. Philips Episcopal Church
    Past Member of Vestry
  • Florida
  • Band 2, Chambers USA, Real Estate, 2006 - present

    The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2005 - present

    Florida Super Lawyers, 2006 - 2020

    Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2007-2010, 2013 - present

    South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyers, 2006 - present

    Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers of the Year, Real Estate Finance, 2007; Hotel, 2010

    Real Estate Florida, Top Real Estate Lawyers, 2008

    AV® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell