As Greenberg Traurig P.A. celebrates its 50th anniversary, the international law firm is proud of the role it has played in shaping the growth of Miami Beach.
The firm, founded in Miami in 1967 by Mel Greenberg, Robert H. Traurig, and Larry J. Hoffman, now has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
In celebration of the firm’s anniversary, the City of Miami Beach joined Miami-Dade County and several other cities within the county to issue proclamations designating March 14 as “Greenberg Traurig Day”. Mayor Philip Levine presented the proclamation to GT attorneys on Feb. 8, 2017.
“In the last 50 years, Greenberg Traurig Hoffman’s team of visionaries played an important role in the development of the urban fabric of metropolitan areas, including the incredible skyline that we enjoy,” Mayor Levine said. “The firm has a reputation for its commitment to serving as a trusted business advisor to its clients, providing exceptional service, and embracing diversity.”
Serving clients in Miami Beach, Greenberg Traurig played a key role in the community’s development by shaping many iconic commercial and residential projects, including the Delano South Beach, Flamingo South Beach, W-Hotel, Setai, Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Standard, and the restoration of the Versace Mansion , as well as the redevelopment of many commercial properties, boutique hotels, residences and religious facilities throughout all of the beach.
Greenberg Traurig’s attorneys also helped lay the groundwork and move toward completion many of the luxury condominium towers that comprise the South of Fifth (SoFi) community. These include Continuum, Murano, Murano Grande, 321 Ocean and Icon.
Currently, Greenberg Traurig attorneys advise developers of several new boutique hotels and condominium projects, including One Ocean and Marea in the Sofi area.The firm is also helping shape the redevelopment of the North Beach community by securing approvals for major condominium projects like L’Atelier and 6744 Collins Ave, as well as representing several apartment building owners who are renovating their properties.
“We are grateful to the Miami Beach community for continuing to place its trust in us, and look forward to the many exciting projects underway that are sure to further enhance the city’s reputation as one of the most desirable locations in the world to live, work and vacation, said Alfredo J. Gonzalez, a lifelong Miami Beach resident and Greenberg Traurig Shareholder, who also serves on the Executive Board of Governors of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Gonzalez has focused his practice primarily on Miami Beach for the past 13 years, dealing with all facets of land development, including land use board approvals, code violations, building code issues text amendments, licensing, complex conditional use permits, and procurement issues. Gonzalez also works in numerous nearby jurisdictions, such as Surfside, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbour and Aventura.
“Driving through Miami Beach, past all the projects GT and I have been part of, and seeing how they have shaped what is today’s Miami Beach is truly satisfying. We look forward to helping clients develop Miami Beach into the future,” he added.
Gonzalez is part of a team of Greenberg Traurig attorneys working on Miami Beach projects that includes Shareholder Ethan Wasserman, Shareholder Robert S. Fine, and Associate Zaba St. George Castro.
Wasserman, a second generation Miami Beach native who lives in the city and is raising his family there, focuses his practice on land use and general real estate matters. He represents clients in all aspects of the development approval process, including acquisition due diligence, planning and zoning applications, platting, environmental and construction permitting. He also assists with licensing and code enforcement matters. Wasserman has served as a Board Member of the Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation’s Young President’s Club and is active in the Urban Land Institute and Israel Bonds organizations.
“It’s a pleasure to facilitate client needs from start to finish. Our team greatly enjoys advising clients in Miami Beach on a wide range of business and legal issues while helping to make this a better community,” Wasserman said. “For many of us, Miami Beach is home. We are pleased to have many opportunities to share in its success and look forward to always taking an active role in our special city.”
