John C. Sumberg

Chairman

305-350-2364

jsumberg@bilzin.com

Area of Focus: Real Estate

"[John is] beyond amazing - the smartest, wisest, quickest and most expert lawyer I have ever met."
- Chambers USA

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.

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My PRACTICES

EXPERIENCE

$4 Billion, 185-Acre Development Solē 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...

Construction Mixed Use Property Residential Property

EXPERIENCE

$500 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...

Retail Leasing Sports and Entertainment

INSIGHTS

                    
                John has received Chambers USA’s highest ranking in Real Estate since the publication’s inaugural year in Florida and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for over a decade.

CREDENTIALS

Education

Yale Law School, J.D., Editor, Yale Law Journal (1973 - 1974), 1974

Yale University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1971
Involvement

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
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Co-Chair
Nominating Committee, 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

Miami Herald CEO Roundtable

Former Member

Drug Free Youth in Town

Former Board Member
Bar Admissions

Florida

New York
Awards/Honors

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

- 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 - present

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

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

- Daily Business Review, Distinguished Leader, 2017

- 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