Overview
John Hart is a litigator with more than 33 years of trial experience. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate litigation, contract and business disputes, trust and estate matters, commercial leasing, property management, and distressed assets and loan workouts. He also has substantial experience in commercial real estate transactions with an emphasis on the representation of lenders, landlords, and other property owners.
John strives to provide a high level of personalized, responsive service. He aims for effective, cost-efficient solutions for clients while protecting their interests and business needs.
As the managing shareholder of the firm’s West Palm Beach office, he views success as satisfied clients who rely on Carlton Fields for team-oriented legal services from a diverse group of top-tier attorneys who provide practical, value-added solutions in a variety of specialized industries.
During his career, John has been involved in multimillion-dollar lawsuits and transactions in a wide range of areas. His substantial trial experience includes both bench and jury trials in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration proceedings. He has represented companies and individuals in disputes involving:
- Business contracts
- Commercial foreclosures
- Lender liability claims
- Shareholders’ agreements
- Misappropriation of trade secrets and covenants not to compete
- Revocation of wills and trusts in adversarial proceedings
- Receiverships
- Homeowner and condominium associations
- Leases and landlord/tenant litigation
Born and raised in Miami, he spent the first seven years of his career practicing in Miami-Dade after graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1986. During his career, he has represented clients throughout the state of Florida, having litigated cases in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Monroe, St. Lucie, Indian River, Orange, Lake, Alachua, Brevard, Duval, Leon, Jefferson, Escambia, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Lee, and Collier counties.
John also remains active in his local community, chairing the Southeast Advisory Council for Camp Boggy Creek (a camp in Eustis, Florida, for children with severe illnesses) since 2015 and serving as a volunteer mock trial coach for students at Miami Lakes Middle School and Barbara Goleman Senior High School. Outside the office, John can be found playing amateur jai alai in Miami, where he’s been a dedicated supporter of the sport for the past 20 years.