Michael D. Joblove
Michael's real estate litigation practice covers a wide range of matters, including major construction defect cases, land use and zoning matters, development concurrency issues, claims involving construction financing of condominium developments, and foreclosures of commercial properties. He has successfully defended against class action suits alleging construction defects and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Michael has lectured at numerous conferences of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the International Franchise Association (IFA) on franchise law topics. He has served on the board of governors of the ABA's Forum of Franchising and on the executive committee and board of the IFA. He co-wrote Annual Franchise and Distribution Law Developments, a book published by the ABA, has co-authored other ABA franchise law books, and has published articles on franchise law for the National Law Journal, New York Law Journal, Franchise Times, the ABA, and the IFA. He is also a former executive editor of the University of Florida Law Review and editor of the ABA’s Business Torts newsletter.
Michael is partner-in-charge of Venable’s Florida offices. He has held leadership roles in numerous community groups, including the United Way, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the American Jewish Committee, and the Miami Music Association.
Michael was appointed by the Florida House of Representatives as a commissioner on the Florida Commission on Ethics. The independent nine-member commission interprets and applies Florida’s ethics laws by taking action on the disposition of complaints, the recommendation of penalties, and the issuance of legal opinion. He is the former chair of the Florida Bar Subcommittee on appellate judge evaluations.
Experience
Government Experience
- Commissioner, Florida Commission on Ethics
Representative Clients
- Burger King Corp.
- Subway
- Gap, Inc.
- Minto Communities
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
- Planet Fitness
- iHeartMedia
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Executive editor, University of Florida Law Review
- B.A. George Washington University
Bar Admissions
- Florida
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court of North Dakota
Professional Memberships and Activities
- American Bar Association
- Former member, Board of Governors, Forum of Franchising
- Former editor, Business Torts Newsletter
- Former member, Executive Committee and Board, International Franchise Association
- Fellow, Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, Litigation Counsel of America
- Former chair, Florida Bar Subcommittee on Appellate Judge Evaluations
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Commercial Litigation, 2025
- Franchise Law, 2025
- Litigation - Intellectual Property, 2025
- Litigation - Real Estate, 2025
- Lawyer of the Year, Franchise Law, Miami, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2024
- Chambers USA, Franchising (Band 1), National
- Super Lawyers
- Franchise and Dealership, 2008 – 2023
- General Litigation, 2008 – 2023
- Who’s Who Legal
- International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers
- International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers
- Florida Trend, Legal Elite
- South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyer
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Peer Review Rated
Community
Volunteerism
- United Way
- Miami Music Association
- Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Personal Activities
- Eating, exercise, and family!