John C. Sumberg

Chairman

305-350-2364

jsumberg@bilzin.com

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

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.

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 Districtin successfully securing the redevelopment rights for a new Miami Beach Convention Center.SBACE is comprised of Tishman Hotel & Realty, UIA Management, and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture, led by D...

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.

EXPERIENCE

Solē Mia Ground Lease and Development

Representation of Oleta Partners, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of the LeFrak Organization and Turnberry Associates, in connection with the negotiation of extensive amendments to an existing long term ground lease with the City of North Miami, acquisition and financing of fee title to...

EXPERIENCE

$73.4 Million Construction Financing for Opportunity Zone Project

Representation of a joint venture between PTM Partners and Estate Investments Group in connection with a $55.4 million mortgage loan from Bank OZK and an $18 million mezzanine loan from Nationwide Life Insurance Company in order to finance the construction of 360 new, attainably priced, first-class ...

EXPERIENCE

$200 Million Acquisition and Redevelopment of 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach

Representation of MBeach1, LLLP in the $200 million acquisition and redevelopment of mixed-use property located at 1111 Lincoln Road on the main corner of the famous Lincoln Road District of Miami Beach. We obtained street closures, handled leasing, construction contracts, and redevelopment of the p...

INSIGHTS

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
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

Bar Admissions

Florida

New York
Awards/Honors

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

- Florida Trend's Florida 500 - Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders, 2018, Living Legend, 2021

- South Florida Business Journal's Ultimate CEO Award, 2021

- Daily Business Review, Distinguished Leader, 2017, 2020

- MCCJ, Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award, 2019

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

- 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

My PRACTICES