A litigator who has served as lead counsel in over 80 jury trials throughout Florida, Mitch Burnstein is one of the state’s most influential lawyers in lawsuits involving eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and a broad range of disputes concerning title, regulation, development, valuation, encumbrances, and improvements upon real property.  

Mitch has served as lead counsel in hundreds of condemnation matters across Florida on behalf of public sector clients, private property owners, businesses and utilities. His condemnation experience covers a wide range of governmental purposes, including transportation, right-of-way creation, and roadway expansion; construction of schools, libraries, civic centers, jails, public works, utilities, and electrical facilities; community redevelopment; affordable housing; environmental protection; drainage; watershed; and recreation. He has litigated all categories of damage claims (value of property taken, severance damages, business damages, cost to cure, apportionment, federal and state relocation benefits, trade fixtures, attorney’s fees, expert’s fees, and litigation costs) involving a broad range of property interests (fee, tenancy, easement, concession, and restrictive covenants).  

For more than thirty years, Mitch has advised property owners and litigated on their behalf on a wide range of legal issues that “touch” their real property.  He represents both private and public sector clients in disputes over leasehold estates, easements, entitlements, vested rights, littoral and riparian rights, covenants, access, regulatory and physical encumbrances, and issues that impact marketable title.

He has been called upon to serve as an expert witness in matters concerning eminent domain litigation and disputes over property rights.

Professional & Community Involvement

• The Florida Bar, Trial Lawyers Section, Executive Council, 2019- present
• Stephen R. Booher American Inns of Court, Barrister, 1994- present
• TeamFL Transportation and Expressway Authority, 2019- present
• American Jewish Committee, Venture Council Member, 2024-present

Awards and Recognitions

• Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, Notable Managing Partner, 2024- present
• South Florida Legal Guide, 2017-present 
• Best Lawyers in America, 2022 – present
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2016-present
• Best Lawyers in America, 2022 – present
• Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyer,” 2020-present
• Best Lawyers in America, 2022 – present
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
• South Florida Business Journal, Power Leaders in Law & Accounting, 2016-2017
• Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2013-present
• South Florida Top Rated Lawyers, Top Rated Lawyer, Banking & Finance, 2012
• South Florida Business Journal, Leading Lawyers, 2011-2012

Representative Experience

• Successfully represented the City of Port St. Lucie in significant, long-running litigation involving the City’s prior solid waste collection contract, resulting in a $31 million resolution and complete closure of the dispute.

Florida, 1989

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 1990

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, 1995

University of Florida College of Law, J.D., 1989

Emory University, B.A., Economics, 1986