Carlton Fields Strengthens South Florida Real Estate Practice with Addition of Miami City Commissioner Francis X. Suarez

Miami, Fla. – Carlton Fields announced today that Francis X. Suarez, a City of Miami commissioner and 2017 Miami mayoral candidate, has joined the firm’s Miami office as of counsel. His arrival heralds an important next step in the growth of Carlton Fields’ Real Estate and Commercial Finance practice group, coming just a few weeks after the firm welcomed Brian A. Hart, also a top practitioner in the practice area.

“The arrival of Francis and Brian strongly underscores our commitment to grow our Miami office and to continue expanding our footprint throughout South Florida,” said Steven J. Brodie, co-managing shareholder of Carlton Fields’ Miami office. “The combined experience of these two lawyers, and their rich community relationships, draws us even closer to the pulse of the city, further establishing Carlton Fields as an intrinsic part of the fabric of Miami and the state.”

Suarez is a transactional lawyer with more than 13 years of experience in real estate and corporate finance, covering the gamut of clients’ real estate needs, from acquisitions and financing to sales and joint ventures. He has also served as outside general counsel to a variety of companies. Suarez joins the firm from GrayRobinson.

“Francis has great legal practice skills and deep roots in the community — exactly the right combination to enhance our successful real estate practice,” said Robert S. Freedman, co-chair of Carlton Fields’ Real Estate and Commercial Finance practice group. “We anticipate that Francis will be a key player for us as we continue to expand this practice across the region.”

Suarez, who serves as Commissioner for the City of Miami (District 4), is currently a candidate for Miami mayor. His civic accomplishments, on behalf of the city in which he was born and raised, are extensive. Prior to his election as Commissioner in the fall of 2009, he served on the Orange Bowl Restoration Committee, the Coral Gate Home Owners Association, the Miami Behavioral Center, Inc., and Spectrum Programs Inc. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization and immediate Past President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.  

“I am so pleased to be joining a firm that I have come to know and respect over the years,” said Suarez. “Carlton Fields will provide a national platform for my practice. The firm is committed to growth and sound business practices — but not at the expense of the people who work here. It is a powerful practice in a great working environment.”

“I am also keenly aware of the firm’s commitment to and tradition of community service, which are very important to me,” Suarez added.

A member of The Florida and Federal Bar, Suarez began his law career as an associate at the Miami law firm of Haley, Sinagra, Paul and Toland, PA., focusing on commercial litigation cases and general transactional matters. He went on to serve as general counsel to Doctors Management Group, a consulting services firm.

“Francis is a great hire for so many reasons — not just his skill as a lawyer but his honesty, humanity, and the respect he generates,” said Amy E. Furness, co-managing shareholder of Carlton Fields’ Miami office. “He brings value for our clients and proven leadership for the firm.”