Franchesco (Frank) Soto

Partner

fsoto@haber.law

Franchesco Soto is a Partner with the firm and Chair of the Construction Department handling matters involving construction litigation and real estate litigation. Mr. Soto has represented owners, contractors and sub-contractors in various construction disputes in State and Federal Courts throughout the State of Florida.

In addition, Mr. Soto has represented developers, associations, contractors and sub-contractors in all aspects of construction litigation, including turnover, chapter 558 litigation, contract and lien disputes. Mr. Soto has also represented individuals and corporations in various contract, negligence and fraudulent conveyance claims and has defended residential mortgage lenders and other financial institutions in various claims involving, breach of contract, business torts, bankruptcy, claims involving alleged violations of the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, state consumer fraud and anti-predatory lending laws, and consumer privacy claims.

PRACTICE AREAS

  • Construction Law
  • Real Estate Law
 

Education

J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 2002

  • Honors: Jessup Moot Court Association, 2001-2002 Law Review: Journal of International and Comparative Law, Associate Editor

B.A., Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 1998

 
 

ADMISSIONS

  • Florida
 
 

RECOGNITION

  • South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyer 2020
  • Best Lawyers in America for Litigation - Construction and Construction Law, 2018 - 2020
  • Super Lawyers, 2014 – 2020
  • Rising Star Recognized by the Super Lawyers, 2010 – 2014
 
 

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

  • Cuban American Bar Association (CABA)
  • Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
  • Dade County Bar Association (DCBA)
  • Children’s Home Society of Miami (CHS)
    Board Member
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA)
    Past Trustee Member
  • Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
    Past Trustee Member
  • Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Past Trustee Member
  • Latin Builders Association
 
 

Published Works

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Languages

Spanish

 
 

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

  • Construction Defect Litigation. Represented homeowners’ association in Palm Beach with the most parties in Palm Beach County history, primarily involving stucco and glazing water intrusion issues, and achieved $22.5 million global settlement on the second day of jury selection.
  • Construction Defect Litigation. Represented high-rise condominium in Downtown Miami and the corresponding master association in construction defect case primarily involving post-tension cable and various MEP issues, and obtained a settlement totaling approximately $3.6 million.
  • Post-Turnover Owner Representation. Representing developer of luxury Miami Beach condominium in pre-suit Chapter 558 process and turnover dispute against condominium association, general contractor, subcontractors, and design professionals, which includes the negotiation of settlements with the various parties and negotiations with the client’s insurance carrier to obtain the highest level of coverage available under the applicable general liability policy.
  • Construction Law. Represented subcontractor in construction defect dispute where $3.9 million was claimed by plaintiff, and negotiated outstanding lien claims and alleged construction defects relating to the work performed by subcontractor.
  • Construction Law. Chair of Construction Department. Oversee entire firm’s construction litigation case load and direct case strategy in order achieve favorable resolutions for the firm’s clients.