Sara Barli Herald

Partner

305-350-7232

sherald@bilzin.com

Hablo Español

Area of Focus: Real Estate, Affordable Housing

GET TO KNOW SARA

Sara Barli Herald is a Partner whose in-depth experience spans public-private partnerships (P3), affordable housing and tax credit, real estate, banking, commercial transactions, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations. Her background as a C-level executive in seven verticals enables her to assist her clients in crafting creative solutions to complex business transactions, particularly those that involve the public sector.

Over the past two decades Sara has been committed to optimizing companies and advancing communities with vision and leadership – working across the for-profit, non-profit, and public sectors. Sara has significant experience in leading non-profit organizations as a CEO, Board Member, and consulting strategic partner. Sara has been the recipient of many awards, among them, the American Red Cross Sara Hopkins Spectrum Award for Community Service and the Athena Award for Outstanding Business Woman.

Q & A

How does your past P3 experience compliment the Firm’s Government Relations practice?

Public-Private Partnerships are rarely handled in a conventional manner. My experience brings together key legal disciplines found in these complex transactions. I call it the "three legged stool" merging real estate, corporate and government relations. My value lies in being well-versed within these three practices. I believe my legal experience compliments the depth of sophistication found in the Firm's P3 work.

How does your experience as a former C-level executive benefit your legal clients?

I have been in my client’s shoes and understand the pressures that can potentially keep my clients up at night. My 20 plus year history as a C-suite executive has given me invaluable and nuanced insights into the core functions of varied business structures. I use this firsthand experience to craft solutions to challenging business issues.

Describe your passions outside of the office.

Children. I have provided extensive pro-bono hours addressing systems of care for social services and child welfare. My love for marginalized children permeates throughout my career. I have either worked or volunteered for every major system in Florida addressing the needs of children.

I was a proud foster parent for thirteen years and will continue to endeavor towards creating systems that help young people actualize their potential.

EXPERIENCE

INSIGHTS

CREDENTIALS

Education

University of Miami, J.D., 1979

University of Florida, B.A., Political Science, English, 1976
Involvement

Alonzo Mourning Charities
Founding Board Member and Past President

Breakthrough Miami
Board Member, 2011 - Present

CARE Elementary School
Founding Board Member, 2014 - Present

Children's Bereavement Center
Board Member, 2018 -2022

Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
New World Center Committee

The Orange Bowl Committee
Member, 2004 - Present
Board Member; National Championship Host Committee, Chair; Big 12 Conference Liaison, Chair

Overtown Youth Center
Founding Board Member

University of Miami
Citizens Board, Member, 2019 - Present
Bar Admissions

Florida

Awards/Honors

Chambers USA, Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Shortlist, 2023

GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum, Women of Influence - Mentor, 2023

Daily Business Review, Best Mentor Honoree, 2021

Daily Business Review, Innovators Honoree, 2021

National Law Journal, Crisis Leadership Trailblazer, 2020

American Red Cross, Sara Hopkins Woodruff Spectrum Award for Community Service, 2016

Athena Award for Outstanding Business Woman, Miami-Dade County, 2005

Junior League of Miami, Rebekah Herndon Bush Award
Languages

Spanish

PRACTICES