Commercial Real Estate
Whether you own a single commercial property, manage an expanding portfolio, or are involved in a sophisticated development or investment project, commercial real estate ventures represent a substantial investment of time, money, and resources. At Lieser Skaff, commercial real estate law has been a mainstay of our practice for nearly two decades. Although our attorneys handle both residential and commercial real estate matters, we have extensive experience representing commercial property owners, landlords, investors, developers, and businesses. That experience is further strengthened by attorney and partner Stephanie Martin, who is Board Certified in Real Estate Law by The Florida Bar.
Our long-term representation of multiple Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), including one of the largest commercial real estate property owners in the United States has provided our attorneys with invaluable insight into the legal issues associated with managing substantial commercial portfolios. We bring that same level of attention and knowledge to every client, including owners of smaller commercial properties who face many of the same lease, management, enforcement, and litigation concerns.
Comprehensive Commercial Real Estate Representation
A commercial property can create legal issues throughout its entire life cycle from issues that may arise while negotiating an acquisition, arranging financing, or drafting a lease, managing the property, enforcing lease obligations, and the eventual sale of the asset. At Lieser Skaff, we understand the complex financial and legal concerns involved at every stage of commercial real estate ventures.
We approach commercial real estate matters with the goal of protecting your legal rights at the forefront while also remaining focused on the practical and financial objectives associated with cashflowing your property and the deal making that involves. Attempting to save money on legal representation at the beginning of a transaction or dispute can prove extraordinarily expensive if an avoidable error results in litigation, lost rent, or the need to start an eviction proceeding again.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial real estate purchases and sales can involve significantly more complexity than ordinary residential transactions. Buyers and sellers may need to address financing contingencies, due diligence, inspections, and environmental issues in addition to title concerns, zoning and permitted uses, and various closing requirements. Because we have dedicated a significant portion of our practice to commercial real estate law, we can assist clients with matters involving:
- Commercial Leasing (Landlord Representation)
- Commercial Evictions & Rent Recovery
- Commercial Lease Disputes & Litigation
- Construction Liens & Construction Defects
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions (Buying & Selling)
- Commercial Real Estate Financing, Loan Workouts & Foreclosure
- Real Estate Litigation
- Property Operations, Easements & Compliance
- Property Ownership Structures & Co-Owner Disputes
The Advantage of Working with an Attorney Who Is Also a Mediator
Jeffrey Lieser has served as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator since 2010 and is also a Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediator. His experience sitting in the neutral chair in real estate, lease, construction, and other civil disputes gives him a perspective that is unusual for an attorney whose practice includes extensive representation of commercial landlords and property owners.
Years of observing disputes from the neutral chair provides a unique benefit to his clients, allowing Jeff to make an early assessment as to whether a commercial real estate conflict is likely to justify the cost and risk of litigation or whether the client’s business interests may be better served by pursuing an efficient resolution. That assessment can be particularly valuable before a property owner has spent substantially more on attorney’s fees than the economic difference between settlement and continued litigation.
Experience Representing Large and Small Commercial Property Owners
Both a national REIT with a substantial portfolio and a smaller investment group with just a handful of shopping centers, office buildings, or warehouses may encounter many of the same legal issues, but a single dispute can have a much greater economic impact on the investment group.
Lieser Skaff has substantial experience serving sophisticated commercial property owners, including long-term work for one of the country’s largest commercial real estate owners. The firm also serves as legal counsel to REITs, developers, individual owners and property management companies, always providing tailored representation to sophisticated real estate investment organizations confronting the legal and operational issues associated with commercial property ownership and management. That experience has required familiarity with the recurring legal issues involved in operating and protecting commercial property on a significant scale, resulting in knowledge that can be advantageously applied to smaller commercial real estate owners.
Regardless of portfolio size, commercial property owners and maangers need accurate documents, timely enforcement, practical advice, and counsel who understands that legal decisions ultimately affect the property’s financial performance.
Qualifications and Awards
As co-founder and Co-Managing Partner of Lieser Skaff, Jeffrey P. Lieser’s law practice concentrates on complex business and real estate litigation. Before co-founding the firm, Jeff practiced at a full-service statewide law firm, where his litigation experience included representing Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and insurers in state and federal courts. He is admitted to practice in Florida as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and has been honored to receive a variety of awards and recognition, including:
- The Best Lawyers in America: Recognized for 2025, 2026, and 2027 in areas including Real Estate Law, Real Estate Litigation, Construction Litigation, and Commercial Litigation.
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating: Awarded in 2026
- Super Lawyers: Selected from 2021 through 2026 after previously being named a Rising Star each year from 2013 through 2017.
- Florida Trend Legal Elite: Recognized from 2017 through 2022. The Legal Elite roster represented fewer than 1.5 percent of active Florida Bar members during the period identified in the firm’s materials.
- Florida Trend Notable Managing Partner: Recognized in 2024 and 2025.
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator: Certified since 2010.
- Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediator.
His experience and commentary on legal issues have been featured on conuntless media outlets.
The depth of the firm’s real estate practice extends beyond Jeff. Lieser Skaff attorney and partner Stephanie Martin is Board Certified in Real Estate Law, a distinction held by fewer than one percent of practicing Florida attorneys as well as acting as a Florida Bar Pro Bono Real Estate Certified Lawyer on Call. In addition, Stephanie has received the honor of being named to Super Lawyers from 2022–2026 as well as a Florida Trend Notable Women Leaders of Law in 2024 and 2025.
Holistic Commercial Real Estate Counsel
At Lieser Skaff, we are acutely aware that the outcome of a legal matter frequently has far-reaching ramifications for a commercial property owner. For example, an eviction is not simply a lawsuit because it affects occupancy and rental income. Likewise, a lease is not merely a contract given that it determines how risks and operating expenses may be allocated for years to come and a legal dispute can impact revenues and tie up capital, potentially creating a devastating ripple effect for a property owner.
Lieser Skaff brings nearly two decades of experience to those legal issues, with commercial real estate remaining a central component of the firm’s practice. Our attorneys understand both the transactional and contested sides of commercial property ownership and provide representation designed around the practical realities facing landlords, owners, developers, investors, and businesses.
Whether you need assistance negotiating a commercial real estate transaction, preparing or enforcing a lease, or litigating a significant property dispute, our experienced legal team can help you identify risks early and determine the most effective path forward.