Movers & Shakers: Bilzin Sumberg Hires Michael Hanzman

Here’s the latest South Florida hiring news.

Michael A. Hanzman, the Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge who oversaw the litigation following the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, has joined Miami-based law firm Bilzin Sumberg as senior counsel, according to a press release. Hanzman tendered his resignation from his judicial office on March 14, multiple outlets reported. He approved more than $1 billion in payouts in the Champlain Towers case last year, to be distributed to families of those who died in the tragedy.

Hanzman had a 12-year run as a judge after being appointed to the position by then-Governor Rick Scott in 2011, and winning uncontested elections in 2012 and 2018. His previous work was in private law practice, the press release states. He will handle receiverships, dispute resolution and consult on litigation strategy in his new role, according to the release.

Law firms with real estate practices have been bulking up in recent months, including Holland & Knight, which added a partner to its Miami real estate team.

Carlos Velasquez and Chris Sutton are launching their own Miami-based commercial real estate firm, VS Real Estate, the pair confirmed. Velasquez will head the firm’s brokerage division, and Sutton will lead development, both as managing partners, they said.

Prior to the launch, Velasquez was executive managing director at Vivo Real Estate Group. Sutton was president of Flagler Global Logistics for nearly five years before leaving to start VS Real Estate, his LinkedIn shows.

The pair’s new firm specializes in business parks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and currently represents more than 12 million square feet of industrial space, Velasquez and Sutton said. They also have multifamily, office and retail projects in the works.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau promoted Joseph Yarzabal to CFO and senior vice president, according to a press release. He joined the marketing organization in 1990 as director of financial services, and most recently worked as vice president of financial services, the release shows.