Carlton Fields Jorden Burt is pleased to announce the addition of prominent corporate and real estate attorney, Frank J. Cerza, a shareholder in the firm’s New York office. Cerza is member of the firm’s Business Transactions practice group. He will also work closely with the firm’s International and Real Estate and Commercial Finance practice groups and he will chair the firm’s Italian Desk.

With a legal career spanning more than three decades, Cerza has a multifaceted practice, though he primarily represents Italian companies and individuals in cross border transactions between the U.S. and Italy. He also represents retail and private companies in connection with their corporate, real estate, commercial, employment, privacy, litigation, and IP matters. He serves as outside general counsel to Italian and international companies doing business in the U.S. and assists American companies in their business endeavors in the U.S., Italy, and elsewhere in Europe.

Cerza’s experience includes business and strategic planning and joint ventures; formation of U.S. companies and partnerships; leasing and sales of retail stores, offices, showrooms, and other commercial properties; acquisitions and sales of businesses and negotiation of contracts of employment, sales representation, distribution, franchising, and licensing.

He joins from Pepper Hamilton LLP where he was co-chair of their Italian Desk.

“Frank is a highly experienced and well-respected corporate and real estate attorney,” said Brian Rosner, managing shareholder of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt’s New York Office. “The breadth and depth of his unique practice, paired with his strong Italian client base, will enhance the firm’s presence in New York, Florida, and California, and further expand our burgeoning international practice.”

According to Cerza, Italy has the 9th largest global economy and is the United States’ 11th largest trading partner. New York City continues to serve as the gateway for Italian investments, followed closely by California and Florida.

“I am impressed by Carlton Fields Jorden Burt’s strong platform, dynamic and collaborative attorneys, and vision for strategic growth,” said Cerza.

The firm’s merger in 2014 resulted in the additional of offices in Hartford, Connecticut; Los Angeles, California; and Washington, D.C. Carlton Fields Jorden Burt continues to have a solid presence in the Southeast with five offices throughout the state of Florida and an office in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The synergies between the firm’s market share and my practice and goals for growth dovetails perfectly,” added Cerza. “I’m very excited to be here and look forward to working with my new colleagues.”

Cerza’s ties with Italy stem from his Italian-American background and his father who imported furniture from Italy. Cerza lived in Italy and worked at Studio Legale Carnelutti in Milan and opened their New York office in the mid-1980’s. He later established his own law firm, Frank J. Cerza Law Offices, and subsequently joined the New York office of Day Pitney LLP as a partner in their corporate department. Cerza currently serves as the local representative of the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy for the State of New York and is a former director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce in New York City. He is also a member of the National Italian American Foundation and is fluent in Italian.