Overview

Robert Stern joined the firm’s Real Estate and Lending Transactions Group in 1990 and is one of the firm’s shareholders. Robert represents clients in all aspects of real estate, distressed property, and financing commercial work. His practice focuses on commercial real estate, with an emphasis on transactional and financing matters. His clients include developers, lenders, investors, and retailers. Robert has served as an expert witness, receiver, mediator, and adjunct professor of law. He strives to add value to every deal as a trusted advisor for his clients, based on negotiation skills and practical experience honed over twenty years of buying, developing, financing, permitting, leasing and selling commercial real estate.

Honors and Distinctions

  • Tampa Magazine’s Top Lawyers List, 2023
  • Chambers USA Ranked, Real Estate, 2017-2020, 2022
  • Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer by the Florida Bar, 2000 – Present
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2010-2023
  • Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2008-2012, 2015-2016
  • Florida Super Lawyers, 2006-2022 (10+ year recognition)
    • Top 50 Tampa, 2020
  • The American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)
  • “40 Under 40” Award, Tampa Bay Business Journal – for accomplishments and community service
  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Tampa Gator Club, 2007
  • Goodwill Industries International, Board Leader of the Year, 2007
  • Fleming Award for Outstanding Service to the University of Florida Community, 1990

Professional Involvement

  • Adjunct Professor, Stetson University College of Law
  • Adjunct Professor, University of South Florida College of Business Administration, Business Law
  • Served as an expert witness/consultant in several cases
  • Mediator – Sarasota Ritz Carlton Hotel (appointed by US Federal District Judge Stephen D. Merryday)
  • Property Receiver (appointed by Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Christopher Sabella)
  • Southwest Florida Water Management District, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
  • The Florida Bar, Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section, 2001-present
    • Executive Council, 2009-2010
    • Chairman, Real Estate Certification Review Course Committee, 2003-2006
    • Chairman, Land Trust & REIT Committee, 2006-2009
    • Vice-Chairman, Mortgages and Encumbrances Committee, 2010-2012
    • At Large Member, 2012-present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2000-present
    • President, Young Lawyers Division, 1996-1997
    • Chairman, Law Week
    • Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees
  • National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
  • University of Florida, College of Law
    • Trustee, Law Center Board of Trustees, 2009-present
    • Law School Alumni Council, 1991-2009
  • University of Florida Real Estate Advisory Board
  • Tampa Chamber of Commerce
    • Sports Council, Steering Committee
    • Representative Committee of 100
  • Real Estate Investment Council of Tampa Bay, Board of Directors, Secretary
  • Former Banker, 1986-1987, Wachovia Bank c/k/a Wells Fargo

Community Involvement

  • Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Board of Directors, 2012-present
  • Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association, Board of Directors, 2013-present
  • Tampa Downtown Partnership, Board of Directors, 2013-present
  • Tampa Gator Club, 2000-present
    • President, 1995-1999
  • Goodwill Industries Suncoast
    • Board of Directors, 1995-present
    • Chairman of Board, 2006-2008
  • University of Florida National Alumni Association
    • Board of Directors, 1995-present
    • President, 2005-2006 (During term as President, UF won both the NCAA Basketball and Football National Championships)
  • University of Florida Student Affairs Advisory Board, 1998-present
    • Chairman
  • University of Florida President’s Council, 1987-present
  • Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
    • Ordained Elder, 2009
    • Member of Session, 2009-present
    • Commissioner, Upward Basketball League, 2010
  • Tampa Yacht and Country Club
    • Secretary
    • Board of Directors
  • University Community Ministries
    • Board of Directors, 2005-2010
  • UF Government Relations Advisory Council
  • Hillsborough County Regional Advisory Council
  • Florida Flagship Council
  • UF Regional Legislative Task Force, Chairman
  • Plant High School Athletic Foundation, Board of Directors, 2012-present

Public Service

  • State of Florida, Post Secondary Education Planning Commission (Appointed by Governor Bush)
  • City of Tampa, Civil Service Board (Appointed by Mayor Freedman)

News

Thought Leadership