Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami partners with many companies that provide financial support for the building of homes and communities.  Miami Habitat also has business partners that commit volunteers to the actual construction of homes for low income families.  Still other partners freely give their products or professional services as in-kind donations to facilitate specific aspects of Miami Habitat’s mission.

And then there are those very special partners that deliver on all three counts.  Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod, LLP, is one of these.

Bilzin Sumberg, a full service, nationally recognized law firm based in Miami, has worked with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami for over 11 years.  The firm has provided pro bono legal services to Miami Habitat’s mortgage and legal departments, helping draft the contracts that form the basis of the home ownership transaction.  Bilzin Sumberg has also advocated on behalf of the organization, acting as formal representation at zoning hearings and before other governmental panels.  Each year, the firm donates more than $150,000 worth of legal services to Miami Habitat.

The firm’s involvement doesn’t stop with its in-kind donations.  Dozens of attorneys, managers, paralegals and support staff volunteer their time helping to build homes during the annual Blitz Build and at additional sites throughout the year.  In 2008, Miami Habitat officially dedicated a Bilzin Sumberg House in honor of the firm’s involvement with the organization.  Bilzin Sumberg has also made direct financial contributions to Miami Habitat, providing the monetary support necessary to create home ownership opportunities for low-income families in Miami-Dade County.  Bilzin Sumberg volunteers will be participating in the 2011 Blitz Build, where the firm will once again be a house sponsor. 

Additionally, two Bilzin Sumberg Partners and one Bilzin Sumberg Of Counsel have served or are serving on the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami Board of Directors, one of whom served a year as board president.  Several Bilzin Sumberg attorneys and staff are also active in the Habitat Young Professionals Network. 

The prominent law firm has a reputation for exemplary community service.  Bilzin Sumberg Cares, the firm’s community involvement program, actively partners with many organizations that indirectly augment Miami Habitat’s community development aims, including Hands on Miami, Lawyers for Children, and Goodwill Industries.  This extensive involvement reflects Bilzin Sumberg’s commitment not only to the development of decent, affordable housing, but to the creation of sustainable communities.

Bilzin Sumberg is one of Miami Habitat’s most valuable partners, as the legal expertise the firm donates is critical to the success of the organization.  But it is Bilzin Sumberg’s willingness to go above and beyond – and to contribute on multiple fronts – that has earned them recognition as January’s featured sponsor. 

Thank you, Bilzin Sumberg!