Leslie Tomczak

About Leslie Tomczak

I have had the pleasure to represent a wide range of developers, project owners, owner\'s representatives, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals on a variety of complex construction and design contract negotiations, project administration and litigation matters, including but not limited to matters involving the design and construction of shopping centers, office facilities, hotels and condominiums, houses of worship, airport projects, custom homes, senior living facilities, cultural arts centers, stadiums, arenas and more. In summary - my practice starts with the drafting and negotiation of the applicable design and construction agreements between the developer/owner and the various construction managers, contractors and design firms. As construction progresses, I provide assistance with project administration and consult on matters relating to delay, claims of lien, contract interpretation and other issues. In the event of a dispute, I can assist my clients in seekng out an amicable resolution, or can represent them in any applicable dispute resolution process (including but not limited to arbitration and litigation).In my free time (what is left of it), I like going to the beach with my family, traveling and hanging out with our Labrador Retriever.

Experience

1. Office Managing Partner

   Akerman LLP

   Feb 2018 — Present · Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

   Lead construction counsel for a vertically integrated hotel conglomerate comprised of a privately held construction fund and hospitality management company, that acquires and develops hotel assets throughout the United States to be operated under the Weston, Staybridge, Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, InterContinental, Choice Hotel and Wyndham hotel brands. Representation over the last 18 months has included agreements for the conversion of office space into hotel use, the ground up construction of a new beachside hotel and resort in Florida, and a new hotel in Mission Valley, California.I served as lead construction counsel in Akerman\'s representation of one of the country\'s leading investment firms with over a billion dollars of real estate investments across the United States, including representation of the company with respect to development, construction and design agreements for the development of multi-family apartment communities and related improvements. Ongoing projects include the drafting and negotiation of the design and construction agreements for communities to be located in Sarasota, Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee.A key member of the team of Akerman lawyers representing a major cruise line as primary construction counsel for the design and construction of a state-of-the-art mega cruise terminal located at Port of Miami. The project includes two cruise terminals, two berths for vessels with a capacity of up to passengers each; parking, intermodal areas and roadway infrastructure; provisioning and ground transportation facilities; and offices to serve as the company\'s US headquarters.I serve as lead construction counsel for the largest volume used car dealer in Florida (top 10 dealer nationwide). I represent the company with respect to showroom expansion and other construction projects throughout the state, as well as with respect to other real estate needs.

Education

• Florida Atlantic University

  Bachelor's degree

• University of Florida - Fredric G. Levin College of Law

  Juris Doctor

Skills

• Construction Law