Isabel C. Diaz
Partner
Overview
Isabel C. Diaz is a Miami real estate attorney who focuses her practice on complex commercial real estate transactions and commercial lending. Ms. Diaz has extensive experience in acquisitions, sales, leasing and financing of commercial properties.
Ms. Diaz handles loan closings for commercial and construction loans, including the drafting and negotiation of loan documents, as well as the review of all applicable due diligence items. She prepares and negotiates commercial real estate contracts in the representation of both purchasers and sellers. Ms. Diaz also drafts and negotiates lease agreements in the representation of landlords and tenants, including government entities, financial institutions and restaurant owners. Her practice also involves the representation of various real estate investment firms in joint venture projects as they continue to grow their real estate assets. In addition, she represents several international clients interested in investing in the United States, with a special focus on Spanish clients.
In addition, Ms. Diaz assists her education clients on leasing, construction, acquisition and sale transactions involving state-owned properties and privately owned properties used or to be used for a public purpose. She also has experience in negotiating campus development agreements with local municipalities, as well as in structuring and negotiating public-private partnerships as financing alternatives.
Ms. Diaz currently serves as the co-chair of Holland & Knight's Hispanic Affinity Group. She previously served as senior counsel at Holland & Knight from 2012-2014 before joining Florida International University (FIU) as associate general counsel from 2014-2017. In her role at FIU, she provided legal support on university contracting matters, with an emphasis on real estate and construction. Ms. Diaz handled the structuring and negotiation involved in business transactions, property sales and acquisitions, lease agreements and related matters on behalf of the university. She also managed and advised the university on all facility-related legal matters.
Representative Experience
- Represented an affordable housing developer in negotiating lease agreements with Miami-Dade County for transit-oriented developments, structuring bifurcated leases and addressing legal obligations for nearly 1,000 affordable housing units
- Represented an investor in the acquisition and future development of a residential community, negotiating joint venture documents and reviewing title-related and due diligence matters, including environmental and construction-related issues
- Represented a university in the acquisition of an office condominium in South Miami, which was received as a gift
- Represented a buyer in the $32.65 million purchase of a newly constructed 246,636-square-foot industrial warehouse with office space, as well as in securing a $24 million loan for the acquisition, including the preparation of a lease agreement for the property
- Represented a tenant in lease negotiations for office space, securing prominent exterior signage, negotiating a build-out and obtaining a right of first refusal for additional space
- Assisted in the negotiation of lease agreements and related documents for the construction and development of a soccer stadium, along with related office, hotel and amenities
- Represented a tenant in the lease of office space in Houston, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida, negotiating terms and space allocation
- Represented a landlord in negotiating lease amendments for extensions and relocations in several shopping centers
- Represented a tenant in a lease agreement for premises to be used for distribution, warehousing and office use
- Represented a borrower in refinancing a $90 million loan, advising on loan negotiations, due diligence and post-closing matters
- Represented a bank in a loan transaction for the construction of a townhome project and prepared loan documents, reviewed title and assisted in the closing of the transaction
- Represented a bank in a loan transaction for the refinancing of properties in Hollywood, Florida; the representation involved preparing loan documents, reviewing title and corporate documents, and assisting in the closing
- Represented a bank in a loan transaction for the acquisition of multifamily properties and handled loan documentation, corporate documents, title review and closing
- Represented a bank in a loan transaction for the acquisition and renovation of a multifamily portfolio and reviewed loan documents, title, corporate documents and assisted in the closing
- Represented a bank in refinancing a private loan for an office/warehouse building, which will be used as a daycare and eventually a private school
- Represented a lender in a multimillion-dollar construction loan and revolving line of credit for the construction of an aluminum can manufacturing facility in Winter Haven, Florida, and a loan modification with a future advance, while handling title review and diligence matters on behalf of the lender
- Represented a party in forming a joint venture for the acquisition of real estate to be developed into a multifamily rental project, handling joint venture documents, due diligence and loan negotiations
- Represented a client in the acquisition and development of a multifamily project in Atlanta's Upper Westside, negotiating joint venture documents and overseeing all aspects of the closing for acquisition and financing
- Represented an investor in negotiating joint venture documents and handling all due diligence related to the acquisition and future development of a residential community
Credentials
- University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
- Florida International University, B.A., English, summa cum laude
- Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Leadership Florida, Cornerstone Class 42, Southeast Region, 2024-2025
- Judicial Advisory Commission, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)
- Cuban American Bar Association, Board of Directors 2009-2013; Secretary, 2011-2012
- Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project, Inc., Chair, 2012-2013
- Florida International University Alumni Association
- The Florida Bar
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Real Estate Law, 2024, 2025
- On the Rise Honoree, Daily Business Review Professional Excellence Award, 2020
- FIU Educational Leadership Enhancement Program Cohort, 2015-2016
- The Women's Fund (Miami-Dade) Mujeres Giving Back, Honoree, 2014
- Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Associate to Watch, Excellent Client Service, 2012
- 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of Miami-Dade County, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2012
- Hispanic Woman of Distinction Award, 2009
- Cuban American Bar Association, Outstanding Member, 2008
- Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer of the Year, Eleventh Judicial Court, Division 01, 2008
- Roger Sorino Award, University of Miami School of Law
- Phi Beta Kappa
