Richard J. Sarafan
Richard J. Sarafan concentrates his practice in the areas of complex commercial, corporate, bankruptcy and real property litigation as well as local government law. With 30 years of litigation experience, he has been involved in a wide range of matters including contract disputes, condominium related litigation, construction litigation, foreclosures, banking law, tort actions, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, partnership disputes and landlord tenant matters, among many others.
Mr. Sarafan is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been repeatedly named one of South Florida's top lawyers by the South Florida Legal Guide. He has also served as the Village Attorney for Miami Shores Village, Florida, since 1998. In that position, he has dealt with virtually all municipal issues, ranging from zoning and land use litigation, defense of police misconduct claims, municipal bond work, code enforcement issues and other areas of local government law.
Mr. Sarafan is a member of the Florida Bar and admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third and Eleventh Circuits, the General, Bankruptcy and Trial Bars of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the Bar of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law, with honors, in 1979 and his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida in 1976.
Areas of Practice
- Bankruptcy Litigation
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Municipal Law
- Real Estate Litigation
Litigation Percentage
- 75% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1980
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 1981
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1994
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1994
Education
- University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, Florida
- J.D. - 1979
- Honors: With Honors
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- B.S. - 1976
Representative Clients
- Miami Shores Village
Honors and Awards
- AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- One of South Florida's Top Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Village Attorney, Miami Shores Village, Florida, 1998 - Present
- Florida Bar, Member
Past Employment Positions
- Richard and Richard, Partner, 1979 - 2002
Languages
- English
Fraternities/Sororities
- Phi Delta Phi












