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Barry E. Somerstein

Partner
Overview

Barry E. Somerstein concentrates his practice in the area of real estate transactional law, finance, leasing, general corporate sports law and land use.

Mr. Somerstein has represented many clients in the negotiation, structuring and documenting of real estate asset transactions, primarily, in connection with hotels, condominium buildings, shopping centers, and office buildings. Additionally, he works with developer clients in connection with the acquisition, permitting, land use planning, finance and development of large tracts of real estate. His extensive background has enabled him to assist numerous clients in taking a raw piece of real estate and developing it into a finished product.

A substantial part of Mr. Somerstein’s practice involves all aspects of leasing and leasehold financing. Mr. Somerstein represents numerous landlords in connection with the leasing of office buildings, shopping centers and warehouses. He also represents numerous clients in negotiating leases on behalf of tenants. Mr. Somerstein has structured long-term ground leases to enable clients to develop on real estate based on the use of long-term ground leases on both a subordinated and unsubordinated basis.

Mr. Somerstein has spent a considerable period of time representing both lenders and borrowers in connection with real estate and asset-based financing. He has had extensive experience in loan workout and reorganizations. Mr. Somerstein is involved in structuring corporations, general partnerships, limited partnerships and joint ventures.

Mr. Somerstein has spoken at various seminars on office and industrial leasing and growth management.

Bar Admissions

  • Florida

Education

  • J.D., University of Miami School of Law, cum laude, 1976
  • B.A., Tulane University, 1974
Experience

Professional and Community Involvement

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • Broward County Bar Association, Member
  • Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Executive Committee and General Counsel
  • Broward Performing Arts Authority Foundation, Past President and Board Member
  • Nova Southeastern University, Ambassador’s Board, Member
  • Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, Board of Trustees, Former Member
  • Broward County Commission for the Homeless, Member
  • Kids in Distress, Former Board Member

Speaking Engagements

Awards

Recognitions

  • U.S. News & World Report, “Best Lawyers in America,” Real Estate Law, 1995-2024
  • The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, “Leadership Council’s Leadership Award,” 2023
  • Chambers and Partners USA, “Top Ranked Lawyer – Florida: Real Estate,” 2003-2023
  • Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyers” 2021 & 2022
  • IFLR1000, “Leading Lawyer: Highly Regarded – State,” 2019-2023
  • National Law Journal, “Real Estate/Construction Law Trailblazers List” 2021
  • South Florida Business & Wealth magazine, “Real Estate Awards” Honoree, 2021
  • Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV Preeminent®
  • Daily Business Review, “Florida Trailblazer,” 2020
  • The American Registry, “Top Lawyers in South Florida,” 2020
  • South Florida Legal Guide, “Top Lawyers,” 2002-2021
  • IFLR1000, “Elite Dealmakers,” 2018
  • Super Lawyers magazine, Florida “Super Lawyers,” Real Estate, 2006-2019
  • South Florida Business & Wealth magazine, Finalist, “Leaders In Law,” Real Estate, 2014
  • Intercontinental Finance & Law magazine, “Leading Lawyer 500,” 2013
  • Florida Trend, Named, “Legal Elite,” 2009, 2012
  • Daily Business Review, Finalist, “Top Dealmakers of the Year,” 2012
  • Daily Business Review, “Top Dealmakers,” Land and Retail, 2010
  • The Legal 500 US, Real Estate and Construction, 2009
Publications

Publications

In the News

News & Videos

News

Videos