MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global
law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A. has expanded its real estate
practice in Florida and nationally
by adding eminent domain and property rights veteran attorney Mark.
A. Tobin, who is a member of the firm's Litigation Practice and
Real Estate Practice.
Tobin, who was formerly with Akerman LLP and previously with the
former eminent domain law firm of Brigham Moore LLP, has
represented hundreds of property and business owners over three
decades, devoting his career exclusively to the protection of
constitutional property rights in eminent domain and property
rights protection matters. His wide-ranging experience includes the
protection of various property types and businesses, ranging from
gas station and convenience store owners and operators to hotels
and resorts, as well as restaurants, health care facilities, and
other property types. Tobin also has experience in public-private
partnerships.
A Florida native and graduate of the University of Miami Business and Law Schools, Tobin
grew up in a family with a multi-generational real estate
investment and development business, started by his grandfather,
Ben Tobin.
"We are very pleased to welcome Mark, who brings experience
handling eminent domain matters for companies and individuals,
throughout Florida and nationally," said Matthew B. Gorson, senior chairman of Greenberg
Traurig. "This is a particularly important area of legal practice
at a time when many governments are moving forward with
transformational infrastructure projects to meet the needs of
growing populations. By adding Mark's knowledge of eminent domain
to our already award-winning real estate team that has been a
pillar of the firm's success, we look forward to continuing to
enhance our ability to proactively address our clients' needs."
Tobin's previous clients include international tire
manufacturers, shopping center owners and developers, homebuilders,
family offices, and many others with national scope.
A few of the notable matters Tobin has handled include:
- Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton: Represented an affiliate of The
Blackstone Group, LP in defense against the taking of the Fort
Lauderdale Airport Hilton for the expansion of the airport runway.
Vigorously fought Broward County
with the former National Director of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), and discovered that the county was seeking to
take more property than it needed. While defending against the
taking, Tobin secured an early settlement. The county's initial
offer was $40,000,000 and Final
Judgement was entered for $62,000,000, plus additional non-monetary
concessions worth in excess of $10,000,000, thereby avoiding the time, costs,
and energy inherent in substantial litigation.
- Soroa Orchids: Represented a Cuban immigrant who came to
the United States with nothing and
built a thriving exotic orchid business, Soroa Orchids. The
Department of Transportation (DOT) widened Krome Avenue and
eliminated critical retail customer front parking. Tobin found a
way to redesign the site and provide nearby customer parking,
thereby saving the business. Initial Offer: $6,000/Final Settlement: $294,000.
- International Aircraft Tire Manufacturing and Distribution
Facility: Tobin represented an international aircraft tire
manufacturer when DOT took a substantial portion of its industrial
aircraft tire production facility. The taking would not permit
continued operation on site. Client needed to avoid business
interruption. Tobin secured the ability to remain in rent-free
possession of the existing facility as well as sufficient funds up
front allowing the client to construct a new° facility and transfer
operations without interruption to its business. Initial Offer:
$3,800,000/Final Settlement:
$10,500,000.
"Having always been passionate about protecting property rights
for my clients, I am both privileged and excited to combine my
experience, skills and resources with the extraordinary real estate
and land use platform of Greenberg Traurig," Tobin said. "I am
eager to collaborate with Greenberg's impressive and highly
respected full service real estate practice to protect property
owners facing an increasing number of eminent domain projects both
in Florida and nationally."
Tobin is a frequent lecturer and author on condemnation matters,
including serving as an interim professor at the University of Miami School Law, University of Miami Business School, and
Florida International University. He is
a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Miami School of Architecture, Master
of Real Estate Development and Urbanism. He also is an active
member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, and has
served on the Florida Programming and Government Affairs
Committees. He has also been a member of The Florida Bar Eminent
Domain Committee since 2003.
Tobin was a finalist for the Daily Business Review's "Most
Effective Lawyer Award." He has been previously recognized among
Florida Trend's Legal Elite in the
area of eminent domain and as a top lawyer by the South Florida
Legal Guide and Super Lawyers magazine.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has
approximately 2100 attorneys in 41 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia,
and the Middle East. GT has been
recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation,
and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the
Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web:
http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
SOURCE Greenberg Traurig, P.A.