Frank Soto I Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation I Haber Law

Franchesco (Frank) Soto

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

Partners David Haber & Franchesco Soto, along with law clerk Brett Silverberg, authored 'Supreme Court's Latest Construction Defect Decision and Its Impact on Construction Insurance Claims," published in the Daily Business Review. - January 16, 2018
Partners David Haber and Franchesco Soto, along with law clerk Brett Silverberg, authored 'Florida Supreme Court's Latest Construction Defect Decision: Triggering the Insurer's Duty to Defend in the Pre-Suit Process,' published in the statewide Florida Community Association Journal. - January 12, 2018
Haber Law Partner Frank Soto selected to the 2018 list of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Construction Law - August 15, 2017
Helms Burton Act, The final piece to the tyrant’s regime, 8 ILSA J. Int’l & Comp. L., 237, 2001

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.