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John C. Sumberg

Chairman
305-350-2364
Area of Focus: Real Estate
"[John] is probably one of the brightest lawyers I have ever met. He is my go-to for difficult issues." - Chambers USA source
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
GET TO KNOW John

John Sumberg serves as Chairman of Bilzin Sumberg, where he leads the business and strategic operations of the Firm.

John is one of the most influential real estate lawyers in South Florida, leveraging his presence and wisdom to guide stakeholders through strategic business decisions.

Throughout his 40-plus-year career, John's influence can be seen in the revitalization of Miami's skyline and in connection with complex real estate transactions worth billions of dollars.

Q & A
What makes you stand out as a deal lawyer?
Deals are not just about real estate. They require a multidisciplinary approach, from tax, to corporate, land development and dispute resolution. The advantage I bring is knowing how to take all those pieces and create an overall strategy at the outset. I assemble the optimal Bilzin Sumberg team, and then orchestrate a solution to the client's issues.
What are you passionate about?
Giving back to the South Florida community is a shared passion I have with all of the founding partners. The Firm has given us a great platform to demonstrate our commitments. I hold leadership positions in several charitable organizations, including Board positions in United Way of Miami-Dade, Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Lotus House. We are also coming up on the 10 year anniversary of Bilzin Sumberg Cares, our community involvement program that provides our attorneys, staff and their families with opportunities to work together to benefit charitable organizations in South Florida.
What makes Bilzin Sumberg unique?
Our firm has deep Miami roots and connections throughout the business and governmental community. Additionally, clients appreciate our significant investment in legal project management which greatly enhances value and efficiency for our clients.
My PRACTICES
Real Estate Real Estate Development & Construction Real Estate Finance Real Estate Acquisitions & Dispositions Finance
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
$4 Billion, 185-Acre Development Solé Mia Miami in North Miami
Representation of Oleta Partners, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of the LeFrak Organization and Turnberry Associates, in the successful negotiation of the long-term ground lease and complicated leasehold financing for a 185-acre brownfields redevelopment site in the City of North Miami...
EXPERIENCE
$700 Million Purchase and Development of Bayfront Tower, Skyrise Miami
Representation of developer in the purchase and development of Skyrise Miami, a 1,000-foot bay-front tower in downtown Miami. Bilzin Sumberg negotiated the 99-year ground lease, helped renegotiate the master lease and is handling all legal aspects related to the project's construction, including fin...
EXPERIENCE
Development of Miami Worldcenter Residential Tower in $2 Billion Project
Representation of Paramount Miami Worldcenter in the acquisition and development of a 564-unit residential tower and six-acre amenity deck, which is the $550 million centerpiece of the $2 billion Miami Worldcenter project, the largest real estate development in the history of Florida. Representation...
EXPERIENCE
$1 Billion Purchase, Renovation, and Refinance of 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach
Representation of an entity comprised of Starwood Capital, the LeFrak Organization, and Invesco Ltd. in the purchase and substantial $340 million renovation of one of South Beach's largest oceanfront luxury resort properties, the 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach. Our team handled contract negotiation...
EXPERIENCE
$1 Billion Proposed Miami Beach Convention Center Procurement
Representation of SBACE in proposed redevelopment of Miami Beach Convention Center District. SBACE is comprised of Tishman Hotel & Realty, UIA Management, and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture, led by Dan Tishman, Robert Wennett, and Rem Koolhaas. We represented the client throughout the g...
EXPERIENCE
Purchase of All Membership Interests in Apartment Tower for $184.5 Million
Representation of purchaser of 100% of the membership interests of the owner of a newly constructed apartment tower for $184.5 million. The apartment tower is located in the air space above a mixed-use project in downtown Miami, Florida.
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • Yale Law School, J.D., Editor, Yale Law Journal (1973 - 1974), 1974
    Yale University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1971
  • United Way of Miami-Dade

    Executive Committee Member
    Board Member and Trustee
    Center for Excellence in Education Campaign Co-Chair, Campaign Cabinet
    Nominating Committee

    University of Miami School of Architecture Master in Real Estate Development + Urbanism

    Advisory Board Executive Committee, Member and Former Chair
    Nominating Committee, Chair
    Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Co-Chair

    Greater Miami Jewish Federation
    Board Member
    Audit Committee, Chair
    Sundari Foundation Lotus House Women's Shelter
    Board of Directors, Vice Chair
    Executive Committee, Member
    Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc.
    Board Member and Vice President
  • Florida
    New York

  • - Band 1, Chambers USA, Real Estate, 2003 - present

    - Daily Business Review, Distinguished Leader, 2017, 2020

    - MCCJ, Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award, 2019

    - The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2003 - present

    - Florida Trend's Florida 500 - Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders, 2018

    - South Florida Business Journal, Power Leaders 250, 2017, 2019

    - Florida Super Lawyers, 2006 - 2019

    - South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyers, 2004 - present

    - The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year - Miami Real Estate Law, 2013, 2018

    - Bisnow, Miami Power 50 - The Most Influential Players in Commercial Real Estate, 2016

    - South Florida Business Journal, Top 100 Power Leaders, 2014, 2015

    - South Florida Business Journal, Power Leaders in Law & Accounting, 2014, 2015

    - Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers of the Year - Mixed Use finalist, 2014

    - Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers of the Year - Hotels, 2013

    - Florida Super Lawyers, Top 100 Miami Florida Super Lawyers, 2013

    - Miami Today's Book of Leaders, 2013

    - South Florida Business Journal, Book of Law, Leading Lawyer, 2011; Top Managing Partner, 2012; Legal Leader, 2013

    - AV® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell