Home People Jake M. Greenberg

Jake M. Greenberg

Partner
305-350-2414
Area of Focus: Trial & Litigation
Jake M. Greenberg
Partner
305-350-2414
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
  • PRACTICES
GET TO KNOW JAKE
Jake Greenberg is a commercial litigation attorney who handles all types of business disputes, with an emphasis on real estate litigation, joint venture partnership disputes, and loan-servicing matters involving commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS). His expansive practice includes representation of financial institutions, commercial lenders, mortgage companies, special servicers, sponsors, developers, and commercial landlords and tenants, on matters spanning complex commercial foreclosures, lender liability, receiverships, loan workouts, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and CMBS regulatory compliance matters.
 
Jake’s unique approach to litigation is rooted in his training as a criminal defense lawyer, where he learned that it’s better to solve the client’s problem by achieving the best outcome possible before having others (i.e. judge or jury) decide. Jake’s goal is to resolve cases quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, while always being ready to litigate.
Q & A
Why have private lenders become such significant players in the financial services industry?
Private lenders are filling an essential void in the marketplace, especially in booming construction economies such as South Florida. My private lending clients have the expertise to quickly assess the value of the collateral and evaluate the creditworthiness of the borrower. They deliver financing with the urgency and efficiency expected by developers. Additionally, private lenders specialize in key market segments providing nuanced knowledge and insights that offer extra protection from risky loans. 
What is keeping your clients up at night?
Clients involved in litigation don’t typically sleep well at night. As their attorney, it’s my job to give them the peace of mind to sleep well and have the confidence to maintain a normal work-life balance. I am straight-forward and realistic with my clients about the emotional and financial costs of litigation. They appreciate my candor and holistic approach, and I appreciate their trust when asking me to “quarterback” their litigation team -- organizing the right players, developing the best strategy and executing the plan.
How do you describe your client relationships?
There is nothing more important than building a trusting client- attorney relationship. Many clients have become good friends because we trust and like each other. I am candid and realistic with my clients about the costs of litigation, both emotional and financial. I work hard to be a trusted advisor and resource to my business clients to help them with all their legal needs. I want to be top of mind when they have a legal problem so I can “quarterback” the best solution. 
As an experienced lawyer, what characteristics were you looking for in a law firm that ultimately attracted you to Bilzin Sumberg?
There were three criteria: a strong presence in the real estate market representing developers, lenders, and builders; a full-service platform to handle all my client’s needs with preeminent lawyers who I know and work with regularly. Lastly, it’s a huge advantage to have all of our lawyers and support personnel in one office. If I am going to ask a lawyer to help my client, I want that person to be down the hall from me, not in another city and not at the firm next door.
EXPERIENCE
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Miami, J.D., cum laude, 2011
    The George Washington University, B.B.A., Finance, magna cum laude, 2008
  • Dade County Bar Association
    Member
    Leadership Florida
    Connect Class 11
  • Florida
  • U.S. Supreme Court
    U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
    U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

  • Martindale Hubbel, AV Preeminent Rating, 2015 - present

    The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation - Financial Services Regulation Law, 2021 - present

    Florida Super Lawyers, Florida Rising Stars, 2019 - present

    Benchmark Litigation, 40 & Under List - South, 2023 - present

    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, 2016

    Legal Elite, Up and Comer, 2018-2017

    National Duberstein Moot Court Bankruptcy Competition, Quarter-Finalist, 2011

    National Duberstein Moot Court Bankruptcy Competition, Semi-Finalist and Outstanding Brief Awards, 2010

     

PRACTICES
Commercial Litigation Financial Services Litigation Cannabis Financial Services Homebuilders Appellate