Akerman Broadens International Reach with Addition of Real Estate Partner Israel Alfonso

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Akerman LLP, a leading law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that Israel ("Izzy") Alfonso has joined Akerman as a partner in the firm's Real Estate Practice Group in Miami. He joins the firm from Greenberg Traurig and is the fifth partner to join Akerman's national Real Estate Practice Group since June and the 17^th lawyer to join the Practice Group during the past twelve months.

Alfonso focuses his practice on real estate and corporate matters, including the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, and management of a variety of real estate assets, as well as M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions. He has represented foreign investors and family offices from Latin America and Europe in a wide array of real estate matters in connection with luxury hotels and retailers on Fifth Avenue in New York; on Madison Avenue in Chicago; on Union Square in San Francisco; in Coral Gables and downtown Miami; and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills; among others.

"Izzy's impressive practice compliments the many strengths of Akerman's real estate team – a team that has become one of the most widely recognized in the U.S., particularly for the representation of international investors," said Richard Bezold, chair of Akerman's Real Estate Practice Group. "Not only will Izzy help to bridge opportunities for Akerman clients seeking to expand in luxury demand centers like Miami and New York, but his reputation throughout Spain and Latin America will further Akerman's work in cross-border transactions and disputes."

Within Akerman's Real Estate Practice Group, Alfonso will collaborate with industry teams experienced in lodging, restaurant and retail matters.

"Akerman is widely regarded as a premier law firm for real estate and corporate law," said Alfonso. "In addition, the firm's expansive reach across the Americas provides the ideal platform for my clients as they seek additional growth opportunities."

The Akerman Real Estate Practice Group offers comprehensive and fully-integrated project counsel services to clients across the United States and in Latin America. With substantial industry experience and prominent local presence, Akerman represents clients in complex real estate transactions and financings, development and redevelopment projects, public private initiatives, and litigation. Recognized as a national tier one law firm for Real Estate Law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers, the group advises investors, developers, builders, lenders, retailers, owners, and corporate end users, often in high profile matters.

About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 550 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 19 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2013). Akerman also is ranked among the top 100 law firms for diversity by MultiCultural Law magazine (2012) and recognized as the Law Firm of the Year for Diversity – South by Benchmark Litigation (2012). More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.

SOURCE Akerman LLP