John C. Sumberg

Founder, Chairman

305-350-2364

jsumberg@bilzin.com

Area of Focus: Real Estate

"He's simply top in his field; he's a strategic genius." - Chambers USA source

GET TO KNOW JOHN

Chairman and founding member of Bilzin Sumberg, John Sumberg 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 17 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

INSIGHTS

CREDENTIALS

Education

Yale University, J.D., Editor, Yale Law Journal , 1974

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

University of Miami School of Architecture
Master in Real Estate Development + Urbanism
Advisory Board
Former Chair of Advisory Board

Sundari Foundation Lotus House Women's Shelter
Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Executive Committee

United Way Miami
Board of Directors
Executive Committee

Gulliver Preparatory School
Board of Trustees

Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Board of Directors

Bar Admissions

Florida

New York
Awards/Honors

Chambers USA, Real Estate, Band 1, 2003 - 2023; Eminent Practitioner, 2024 - present

United Way Miami, Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy, 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law, 2024

South Florida Business Journal, Top 250 Power Leaders of South Florida, 2022

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

United Way Miami, Donors of the Year, 2016

MCCJ, Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award, 2019

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

South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyers, 2004 - present

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, Book of Law, Leading Lawyer, 2011; Top Managing Partner, 2012; Legal Leader, 2013

PRACTICES