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Jose Sariego

Partner
305-350-7230
Hablo Español
Falo Português
Area of Focus: Corporate
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
GET TO KNOW Jose
Jose is a corporate partner at Bilzin Sumberg with over 30 years of experience negotiating and closing domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, divestitures and other transactions. 

Jose's firsthand experience with the complex inner workings of major companies and the challenges facing high level executives and in-house counsel is one of his unique differentiators. For more than 20 years, he was a member of senior management of three companies, where he served as chief legal and compliance officer as well as secretary to the Board of Directors of two of the companies. It is precisely this inside knowledge and experience that allows him to appreciate both the business and legal consequences of company strategies and decisions.

Jose has particular experience in media, entertainment and technology law, having served as General Counsel of HBO Latin America and as head of Business & Legal Affairs for Telemundo Network. In these roles, he led complex negotiations with some of the largest media companies in Latin America, closed multi-million dollar programming deals with major studios and independents, and handled development and production deals with producers on numerous shows throughout the region. Jose also has extensive experience in negotiating and closing talent and executive employment and related agreements
Q & A
What are some of the challenges facing international companies doing business today?
International companies face increased legal and regulatory scrutiny as well as intense global competition for business and talent. The advent of the internet and increased international interdependence means companies must be prepared to act quickly to rapidly changing trends and market conditions. An agile lawyer and executive accustomed to responding and adapting to these constantly shifting dynamics is essential in today's international environment. I have spent my entire career helping companies navigate these uncertain landscapes both as an outside lawyer and as an inside general counsel for three international companies.
Why should a client hire you as opposed to another lawyer with a similar practice?
As the lead lawyer for three major companies for more than 20 years, I know the challenges and pressures that in-house legal departments face and what they expect from their outside lawyers. I understand the mindset and concerns of busy executives and what they encounter day to day. I have handled not just in-bound international transactions, but have extensive experience closing deals throughout Latin America and elsewhere. I have built a broad network of international contacts, and I am intimately familiar with the intricacies of foreign transactions, both from a legal and as importantly from a practical point of view.
What did you do before becoming an attorney?
I was a professional journalist with The Miami Herald, and I use that training every day — the analytical skills, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, and how to get to the point quickly and succinctly. I have translated those skills to my practice and expanded them to teaching at the University of Miami Law School.
My PRACTICES
International Mergers & Acquisitions Joint Ventures Cannabis Sports & Entertainment Technology Data Privacy & Security
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
$2 Billion Acquisition of Florida East Coast Railways
Representation of GMexico Transportes, the transportation unit of a Mexico-based mining company, Grupo Mexico, as Florida counsel in the $2 billion acquisition of Florida East Coast Railways. Also assisted with two separate financings related to the acquisition: a $1.55 billion bridge loan and a $26...
EXPERIENCE
$300 Million Chapter 11 Restructuring of Spanish Language Broadcaster
Representation of a Spanish language broadcaster in a $300 million Chapter 11 restructuring, including a $20 million credit facility.
EXPERIENCE
$200 Million High Yield Bond Offering by Telecommunications Contractor
Representation of a U.S. public international telecom contractor in a public $200 million high yield bond offering.
EXPERIENCE
$150 Million in Vendor Financing Facilities for Telecommunications Contractor
Representation of U.S. public international telecom contractor in providing $150 million in vendor financing facilities to telecom clients.
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Michigan, J.D., cum laude, 1981
    University of Florida, B.S., Journalism, 1977
  • Alliance of M & A Advisors
    South Florida Chapter, Board of Directors, 2018 - Present
    American Bar Association

    International Law Section, International Corporate Counsel Committee, Co-Chair, 2019 - present
    International Law Section, International M&A Joint Venture Committee, Vice-Chair, 2018 - present

    Association of Public Corporations
    President and member of the Board of Directors, 1997 - 2002
    Chapman Partnership for the Homeless
    Board Member, 2016 - Present
    Friends of WLRN
    Board Member, 2016 - Present
    Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
    Board Member 2001 - 2002
    Chairman of Hispanic Market Committee, 1993 - 1994
    Juncadella Corporate Counsel Group
    Co-Chair, 1998 - Present
    Law360 Editorial Advisory Board
    Media & Entertainment, 2017 - 2019
    United Way of Miami-Dade
    Co-Chair, Legal Division, 1999 - 2001
    University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies
    Alumni Board President, 2011 - 2019
    University of Miami School of Law LL.M. Program in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law

    Adjunct Professor, 2016-Present
    Advisory Board Member, 2016 - Present

  • Florida

  • The Best Lawyers in America, International Mergers and Acquisitions, 2021

    Daily Business Review, Innovators Finalist, 2021

    National Law Journal, Crisis Leadership Trailblazer, 2020 

    Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyers - International, Winner, 2017

  • Spanish
    Portuguese