Paul D. Gottfried
Attorney & Counselor At Law
Pembroke Pines,Florida
Summary
A results-driven Senior Real Estate Attorney with 30 years of comprehensive experience in residential and commercial real estate transactions and business transactional law, along with its allied areas of corporate and entity formation, succession planning, asset protection, title examination and curative matters, estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Demonstrated a consistent record of leading complex transactions with precision and legal rigor, ensuring full compliance while fostering collaboration among buyers, sellers, lenders, and landlords to achieve favorable outcomes. A deep commitment to excellence and personalized service has cultivated enduring client relationships built on trust, reliability, and a proven track record of results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Attorney
Kodsi Law Firm, P.A.
Pembroke Pines, FL
03.2002 - Current
- Transaction Management: Adept at structuring and closing complex residential and commercial real estate transactions from inception through closing, ensuring legal compliance and protecting client interests at every stage.
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Skilled in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of contracts and transactional documents, including purchase agreements, leases, operating agreements, and corporate formation documents.
- Entity Formation & Structuring: Experienced in forming and structuring business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, with a strategic focus on liability protection, tax efficiency, and long-term succession planning.
- Title Examination & Curative Matters: Proficient in conducting thorough title examinations, identifying defects and encumbrances, and implementing curative measures to ensure clear and marketable title.
- Asset Protection: Demonstrated ability to design and implement comprehensive asset protection strategies tailored to each client's unique financial and legal circumstances.
- Estate Planning: Well-versed in all phases of estate planning, including the drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to preserve and transfer wealth in accordance with client objectives.
- Probate & Trust Administration: Experienced in guiding clients through probate and trust administration proceedings efficiently and compassionately, minimizing delays and reducing estate exposure.
- Risk Mitigation: Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and transactional risk, providing clients with sound counsel that balances opportunity with protection.
- Multi-Party Coordination: Skilled at managing multi-party transactions, effectively coordinating among buyers, sellers, lenders, landlords, title companies, and opposing counsel to achieve timely and favorable outcomes.
- Client Relationship Management: Committed to building long-term client relationships grounded in trust, responsiveness, and personalized legal counsel that evolves with each client's growing personal and business needs.
Vice President/Attorney
Terra Title Corp.
Pembroke Pines, FL
03.2001 - Current
- Strategic Leadership — Set company vision, drove market growth, and built a culture of operational excellence and client-first service across all business lines.
- Business Development — Cultivated and expanded referral networks with realtors, lenders, builders, and attorneys, consistently growing market share and closing volume.
- Operational Oversight — Directed all title production, escrow, and closing operations, enforcing ALTA Best Practices and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely closings.
- Risk Management & Compliance — Maintained rigorous underwriting standards, oversaw escrow account integrity, and implemented wire fraud prevention and cybersecurity protocols.
- Financial Management — Managed company P&L, monitored revenue performance, controlled overhead, and diversified income streams to drive sustained profitability.
- Team Leadership & Development — Recruited, mentored, and retained top-performing attorneys, title examiners, and escrow officers while building a scalable, high-performance team.
- Technology & Innovation — Championed adoption of modern closing platforms, e-closing solutions, and RON capabilities to improve efficiency and client experience.
- Client Experience — Ensured exceptional service standards across all client touchpoints, personally resolving escalated matters and safeguarding the company's reputation.
- Underwriter Relations — Maintained strategic relationships with national title underwriters, navigating complex commitments and managing claims to protect the company's loss ratio.
- Industry Leadership — Represented the company at ALTA, state land title associations, and realtor boards, elevating brand visibility and professional standing in the market.
Education
LL.M - Real Estate Development
University of Miami
Miami, FL08-1995
J.D. - Law
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law
Lansing, MI05-1994
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL06-1990
Skills
- Title examination and curative work
- Resolution of underwriting issues
- Real estate finance strategies
- Asset protection
- Contract negotiation and review
- Drafting real estate agreements
- Due diligence management
- Transactional knowledge
- Estate planning portfolio drafting
- Corporate formation and governance
- Closing and title software proficiency
- AI proficiency
- Client counseling and relationship management
- Representation for lenders, buyers, sellers, and landlords
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Florida Bar, 1994, Member of the Business Law and The Real Property Probate and Trust Law Sections
- New York Bar, 1995
Scope
With 30 plus years of distinguished legal practice spanning real estate, business transactional law, and its allied areas, I bring a rare combination of breadth, depth, and practical experience that few attorneys can offer. My career has been defined by technical legal proficiency, steadfast commitment to compliance and risk mitigation, and a genuine dedication to understanding each client's unique goals and delivering results that stand the test of time. The enduring client relationships I have built are a testament to the trust placed in my counsel and the consistent value I bring to every matter I handle. I remain committed to delivering the highest standard of legal service with excellence, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
Timeline
Senior Attorney
Kodsi Law Firm, P.A.
03.2002 - Current
Vice President/Attorney
Terra Title Corp.
03.2001 - Current
LL.M - Real Estate Development
University of Miami
J.D. - Law
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of South Florida