Jim Shimberg, Partner, Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group
In an interview with Invest:, Jim Shimberg, partner at Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group, outlined factors that make Tampa Bay an exciting place to be, how technological innovations have impacted their operations, and how they leverage the two groups complementary expertise, legal and non-legal, to offer specialized services.
How do the Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group collaborate here in Tampa, and what are your goals and objectives with this expansion?
When discussing Shubin Law Group, I always like to include The Euclid Group, as the two entities complement each other and provide a unique perspective that sets us apart in our space. Shubin Law Group is a law firm that focuses primarily on land use, local government, and high-stakes real estate and land use litigation. Paired with it is The Euclid Group, a sister company composed of best-in-class professionals, including former city managers, planning and zoning directors, education leaders, and young, smart analysts. These individuals, primarily non-lawyers, work alongside us to advance specific projects. We represent private clients, developers, municipalities, counties, and local governments, and we also work on public-private partnerships.
Late in 2023, after a decade at Strategic Property Partners (SPP), I explored several opportunities and decided to reconnect with my longtime friend, John Shubin. We had collaborated on Euclid Group matters over the past year, and John, who had always had Tampa on his radar, saw the potential to expand. He previously had an office here when he started his practice. Together, we decided to open a Tampa office for Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group, complementing our existing offices in Miami and West Palm Beach. This move allowed us to cover three of Florida’s most dynamic markets.
What makes Tampa a unique city to live in, develop, and start or relocate a business?
Indeed, I was born and raised in Tampa, attended the University of Florida for both undergraduate and law school, and then returned to work here. For much of my career, I was a partner at Holland & Knight, specializing in land use and real estate. I later had the privilege of serving as the city attorney for Mayor Bob Buckhorn from 2011 to 2013. Subsequently, I joined the Tampa Bay Lightning and worked with Jeff Vinik and his team as they partnered with Cascade Investment and developed Water Street Tampa. My career has given me a front-row seat to Tampa’s evolution. When I started in law during the mid-1980s, Tampa was often referred to as “America’s Next Great City.” Back then, under Mayor Sandra Freedman, the city had immense potential, but it took time to fully realize it. While there were significant milestones, such as the growth of companies like ReliaQuest, Tampa did not initially attract the large-scale operations or entrepreneurial energy it has today. The Water Street Tampa project has been instrumental in changing that narrative. It has helped place Tampa back on the radar as a hub for development and innovation. Similarly, the organic development in downtown St. Petersburg has contributed to the region’s growth.
The aftermath of COVID-19 also played a role. When the pandemic hit, many feared that projects like Water Street Tampa would falter. Instead, the opposite happened. Tampa’s appeal grew as people sought places where they could live and work remotely while enjoying a high quality of life. This shift brought a renewed focus on Tampa as a desirable location for both living and doing business.
What are the top services that clients are looking for when they come to Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group?
We handle a wide variety of matters as clients primarily approach us for our expertise in navigating the complex intersections between real estate, government, and politics. For example, we are currently assisting a client with a statewide workforce housing initiative, which is a pressing need in Florida. As we see significant growth and wealth entering the region, many individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. My late father, who was a prominent home builder and developer in Tampa, created the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing at the University of Florida. This research organization has been influential in shaping state statutes, such as the Live Local Act, by identifying jurisdictions with critical housing needs. Our work often involves leveraging our expertise to connect our clients with municipalities and counties, utilizing our knowledge of how these entities operate. We also integrate research, including insights from publications like Invest:, to identify areas where workforce housing is most needed. The goal is to place housing closer to jobs, especially for individuals earning below six or seven figures annually.
We are also working with a client in South Florida on a significant public-private partnership aimed at redeveloping a large area. Our role is to ensure our client is positioned as the best fit to bring this project to life. We focus on complex projects that require navigating the intersection of real estate, government, and politics. For example, we assist clients in submitting unsolicited proposals to cities or counties under recently amended state statutes, providing compelling arguments for development projects in prime locations. We also distinguish ourselves by focusing on complex, large-scale projects.
Unlike firms that handle smaller cases such as variances or smaller rezonings, Shubin Law Group takes on intricate matters requiring a deep understanding of land use and governmental processes. This specialization positions us as a valuable resource for projects that demand a high level of expertise and strategic thinking. Another aspect that sets us apart is our collaborative philosophy. Rather than competing with other firms, Shubin Law Group often works alongside them, providing specialized knowledge in land use and governmental matters or in high stakes litigation involving these projects. This collaborative spirit enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions and ensures that clients receive the most effective representation possible.
Additionally, The Euclid Group brings a distinctive advantage to the table by incorporating the skills of non-lawyer professionals. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to offer additional value to our clients, combining legal expertise with insights from other relevant fields.
What are some regulatory changes or legislative developments that are having the greatest impact on your clients or business?
Florida is undergoing significant changes, with the state government increasingly limiting the authority of cities and counties. A notable example is the Live Local Act, which was amended again in 2025 to encourage the development of workforce and affordable housing. This legislation allows developers to bypass rezoning processes if they dedicate at least 40% of units to affordable housing on industrial or commercial properties. While this approach aims to address the housing crisis, it has faced pushback from local governments that wish to maintain control over zoning decisions. The challenge lies in balancing state initiatives with local concerns. For instance, increasing housing density can create more affordable units, but it often meets resistance from residents who do not want new developments in their neighborhoods. Navigating these dynamics has been a cornerstone of my career.
What are your primary goals for the next two to three years, and what is your outlook for the firm?
We are very optimistic about the future. In 2024, we experienced significant growth, including opening new offices, hiring additional team members, and expanding into new areas. We aim to strengthen our presence in Tampa and South Florida by connecting clients with opportunities in these regions. Additionally, we are exploring projects outside Florida, including in Colorado, Texas, and Washington, D.C. The collaboration between Shubin Law Group and The Euclid Group has been a major asset. These entities support each other seamlessly, enabling us to provide comprehensive services. For example, The Euclid Group’s planning experts, architects, and former city managers offer valuable insights for redevelopment projects. We are also fortunate to have Knox White, the long-time mayor of Greenville, South Carolina, affiliated with us as he brings his expertise to other cities, helping them craft strategies for downtown redevelopment.
Recently, we have hired several new and experienced attorneys. This reflects our confidence in the firm’s trajectory. We are committed to fostering collaborations with other firms, companies, and local governments to achieve shared goals. The next two to three years hold tremendous promise, and we are excited to see what the future brings.
