White & Case secures nearly US$15 million victory for Shoma in Coral Gables development dispute

Global law firm White & Case LLP has secured a nearly US$15 million final judgment for Shoma Coral Gables, LLC in a long-running dispute arising from a Coral Gables condominium development venture.

In 2013, Shoma agreed to acquire property adjacent to The Collection, a luxury automotive dealership in Coral Gables. Shoma and Gables Investment Holdings LLC (CMC) formed a joint venture to develop the property as a condominium project.

The dispute arose after Gables Investment Holdings proposed that the joint venture sell retail and garage space to The Collection at a below-market price. After Shoma declined the proposal, the project did not proceed, and Shoma brought claims against CMC and affiliated entities.

On the eve of trial, the trial court entered judgment for the defendants. White & Case, initially retained as appellate counsel, secured a unanimous reversal from Florida's Third District Court of Appeal. The Firm subsequently served as trial counsel and took the matter to trial within six months.

Following a five-day trial in October 2021, the jury found in Shoma's favor and awarded US$10 million in damages. Two months later, the trial court granted a directed verdict for the defendants and dismissed the action, leaving Shoma with nothing. White & Case again represented Shoma on appeal. The Third District Court of Appeal again unanimously reversed, directing the trial court to reinstate the jury's verdict.

In September 2024, the trial court denied the defendants' remaining post-trial motions and entered a final judgment of nearly US$15 million for Shoma. This time CMC appealed, and White & Case again represented Shoma. After briefing—and without scheduling oral argument—the Third District, again unanimously, affirmed the judgment by order without writing an opinion.

"This result reflects eight years of determined advocacy through multiple appeals, a five-day jury trial and post-trial proceedings," said White & Case partner Jim Robinson. "We are pleased to have represented Shoma successfully every time."

The White & Case team was led by Litigation partners Raoul Cantero, Jim Robinson and Zachary Dickens, and included associate David Rifkin (all in Miami).

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