Mr. Meland co-founded the firm in 1993 with Peter D. Russin.  He is an accomplished real estate lawyer with a diverse client base representing financial institutions, private investors, lenders, real estate developers and multi-family housing developers.  He is also an accomplished corporate and transactional lawyer providing general corporate services to the firm’s corporate clients.

Mr. Meland is recognized as one of South Florida’s premier condominium law attorneys representing developers, building condominium projects, lenders financing development projects and purchasers of debt and distressed projects.  His representation of developers and investors also includes preparation and modification of condominium and homeowner association documents, successor developer, bulk buyer and bulk assignee filings and related state and federal filings.

Mr. Meland’s practice also involves distressed corporate and real estate matters, including workouts and bankruptcy for those negatively affected by the market or seeking to capitalize on the distressed market by acquiring debt or equity positions.  Mr. Meland acts as a court appointed Receiver for numerous entities and is an approved Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Trustee for numerous high profile companies.

Additionally, Mr. Meland represents individuals and businesses seeking to obtain capital for corporate and real property transactions.  He represents medical office, hotel, condominium, commercial and residential developers, buyers and sellers.  His lender representation includes both commercial and residential loan workouts and the financing of real estate acquisition and construction.

Mr. Meland’s practice further entails examination of title and general corporate representation, including the formation of corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships, drafting of partnership, operating and shareholder agreements.

Mr. Meland serves as general counsel and participates on advisory boards and boards for numerous businesses and charitable organizations.

EDUCATION

J.D., 1988, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

Senior Executive Editor, University of Florida Law Review Legal Research and Writing Fellowship Instructor

B.S., 1983, University of Florida

MEMBERSHIPS

Member, Florida Bar, Condominium and Planned Development Committee

Member, American Bar Association

Member, Miami-Dade County Bar Association

Member, Cuban American Bar Association

AWARDS/RANKINGS

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyer in South Florida, 2006-present

Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2004-present

South Florida Super Lawyers 2006-present

South Florida Business Journal Heavy Hitters in Real Estate 2004

PUBLICATIONS

Author: Note, “Constitutionality of Second Generation State Takeover Statutes – A New Life For State Regulation,” 40 Univ. Fla. L.R., 1988.

Co-Author of “The 50% Rule: A Primer For Real Estate Lawyers,” Volume LXVIII, No. 9; The Florida Bar Journal, 1994.

BAR ADMISSIONS

Florida

Southern District of Florida

COMMUNITY

Board of Trustees, Ransom Everglades School