Notable Client Work

• Represented a large privately held South Florida company and its principals to effect a merger with a strategic partner where the combined annual sales of the two companies exceeded $1 billion; structured and negotiated a $200 million syndicated credit facility for the combined entity and assisted in the restructuring and implementation of a new letter of credit facility for the company’s importing of goods from the Far East.
• Settled an eminent domain action with the City of Sunny Isles Beach for a retail shopping center owner for $7,000,000, plus additional benefits. The City’s original offer on the property was for $1,834,225.
• Represented a British banking institution to structure a $500,000,000 credit facility to Bancomex (Mexican Ex-Im Bank) to finance Mexican exports to the United States and Canada.
• Key member of litigation team that recovered over $13M in structured workouts from wrongdoers in bank fraud case related to luxury condominium project in Miami Beach.
• Represented the buyer in negotiating a $300 million purchase contract for the acquisition of a 2,200 unit, six property Class A multi-family residential portfolio and supervised related due diligence.
• Represented the seller of 2 acres of beachfront land in Broward County for an amount in excess of $28,000,000 per acre, the highest per acre price in Broward County history.
• Represented a large privately held company to acquire 79 acres of real property in Hialeah, Florida; performed all relevant due diligence in connection therewith; and placed, negotiated and structured both construction and permanent loan facilities to finance the construction of a 1 million square foot warehouse/distribution facility on such property. Obtained a multi-faceted governmental incentive package in an amount exceeding $15,000,000.00. Also represented one of the sellers on this property in a sale in excess of $90 million.
• Represented a large developer in connection with a 529 unit, 3-phased condominium development on the St. John’s River in Jacksonville, Florida, including the negotiation of construction and mezzanine financing, joint venture and partnership agreements and other project documents.
• Represented South Florida’s largest furniture retail company in structuring and closing multiple credit facilities with their financial institutions in excess of $100 million.
• Has successfully represented clients in property tax assessment appeals, including a reduction in excess of $34 million in connection with a Palm Beach County multifamily property and an approximately $10 million reduction of a Broward County headquarters.
• Represents both landlords and tenants in negotiating leases of various commercial properties, including warehouse office and retail projects.
• Represents clients in the preparation and negotiation of buy-sell agreements, operating agreements, joint venture agreements and partnerships.
• Member of Board of Directors, Gibraltar Private Bank (2001-2005). Gibraltar Private Bank was sold to Boston Private Holdings for 4.2 times its book value in September, 2005.
• Outside General Counsel to several operating companies in a variety of businesses.
• Represents developers in numerous projects, including mixed-use developments, office, retail, residential, condominium, warehouse, and self storage facilities.

Education

• 1987: J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
• 1984: B.A., Georgetown University, Phi Beta Kappa/Magna Cum Laude

Community Involvement

• Chairman of the Board of Trustees (2003-2006), Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science
• Current Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science; Chairman of Private Partnership Committee; Co-Chair of $25 Million Capital Campaign
• Member of the Executive Committee, United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society for Broward County

Awards & Recognition

• Listed, Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine, listing of Florida’s top attorneys as selected by their peers for years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
• Recognized as one of South Florida’s “Top Lawyers in Real Estate and Corporate Law” for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 South Florida Legal Guide.
• 2007 South Florida Business Journal, Key Partner Award finalist for “Top Legal Attorney in Real Estate”.
• Recognized as one of Florida Super Lawyers in Real Estate for 2008 and 2009.
• Recognized as one of South Florida's Legal Impact Leaders for 2008 in South Florida Business Leader Magazine.
• AV Rated for Martindale Hubbell since 2004.