Barry E. Somerstein
FORT LAUDERDALE/DAVIE, Fla. – Barry E. Somerstein, J.D., partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP, has been named general counsel and vice president for legal affairs at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He will join the university on July 21.
Somerstein has more than 48 years of experience in finance, leasing, corporate sports, land use, and real estate transactional law.
“I’ve known of NSU and worked with many of its trustees and leaders over many years of strategic growth here in South Florida, and I’m inspired by President Moon’s clear vision for the university,” Somerstein said. “I believe it’s more important than ever for an organization to have its own general counsel to contribute not only to addressing legal priorities but also to provide this essential perspective to the institution’s leadership on a continuous basis.”
Somerstein joined Greenspoon Marder and its predecessor in interest Ruden McClosky in 1977 and became partner in 1982. He will remain counsel to Greenspoon Marder.
Somerstein has been frequently cited as a top lawyer and top-ranked real estate lawyer in national and Florida publications and associations. His practice areas have included banking and finance, construction, corporate, hospitality, land use and zoning, real estate, and reorganization law. A substantial part of his practice has involved leasing and leasing financing, as well as asset-based financing and structuring partnerships and joint ventures. Top-ranked by Chambers & Partners “USA Guide for 23 years in Florida: Real-Estate Zoning/Land Use,” Somerstein has been “consistently praised for being adept at navigating complex issues.”
“I believe Barry Somerstein will bring valuable insight, expertise, and focus to the broad and deep legal needs of a multifaceted university like NSU,” said the university’s President and Chief Executive Officer Harry K. Moon, M.D. “We will continue to work with our longtime and highly valued counselors at Panza Maurer Law, as well as other external legal experts as needed, to help support and address our wide-ranging legal needs. Having Barry on board as our own, full-time general counsel, who can be fully embedded in all we do, will be of great advantage for our planning and operational oversight.”
Somerstein is a member of the American Bar Association, Broward County Bar Association, and the Broward County Commission for the Homeless. He is on the Executive Committee and is General Counsel for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and was past president and now board member of the Broward Performing Arts Authority Foundation. He is a member of NSU’s Levan Ambassador’s Board and is an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees of NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law.
Somerstein received his J.D. from the University of Miami’s School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University.
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Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest private research university in Florida and a top employer in the state, with more than $5 billion in projected economic impact. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation among universities with the highest level of research activity. Visit www.nova.edu
MEDIA CONTACTS
Irvin B. Harrell | Assistant Director of Public Relations
Nova Southeastern University
954-262-5355 (office) | 954-945-6471 (cell)
iharrell@nova.edu | www.nova.edu
Kyle Fisher | Vice President, Public Relations
Nova Southeastern University
954-214-5495 (text or calls)
kfisher@nova.edu | www.nova.edu
