Barry E. Somerstein

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 Hopeless, Member
Kids in Distress, Former Board Member

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, “Impact on the Real Estate Industry Post-Pandemic Shutdown” GM Webinar, May 19, 2021
Moderator, “Development in the Age of COVID-19,” Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit, September 30, 2020
Moderator, “Transportation: Airplanes, Trains and Automobiles,” International Council of Shopping Centers South Florida Exchange, November 16, 2017

Awards

Recognitions

Chambers and Partners USA, “Top Ranked Lawyer – Florida: Real Estate,” 2003-2022
Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyers” 2021 & 2022
IFLR1000, “Leading Lawyer: Highly Regarded – State,” 2019-2022
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
U.S. News & World Report, “Best Lawyers in America,” Real Estate Law, 1995-2023
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

Author, “Homelessness Is Not A Crime, and Broward’s Working On Solutions,” Sun Sentinel, September 26, 2018

In the News

Featured, “Greenspoon Marder Advises on 11-Marina Portfolio Sale,” Daily Business Review, May 31, 2017

News & Videos