ABOUT US
Bishoy M. Habib, Esq., M.B.A.
Managing Partner
Licenses
‣ Active member of both the Florida Bar and the New York Bar.
‣ Licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida.
Professional Experience
Mr. Habib is a highly experienced real estate and business attorney with a proven track record of success. With over 11 years of legal practice in Florida and New York, Mr. Habib has represented prominent developers, investors, and financial institutions in over 1,000 diverse and complex transactions totaling $12 Billion.
Mr. Habib began his legal career in New York City, specializing in commercial real estate for a prominent Manhattan hotel developer. After deciding to move back to Florida to be with his family, he focused on finance law and handled complex financings for local governments, banks, underwriters, bondholders, and trustees. A few years later, he decided to focus exclusively to real estate and business transactions, providing comprehensive legal support to a diverse clientele, including developers, builders, lenders, and real estate brokerages.
Known as a skilled deal-maker, Mr. Habib possesses a unique ability to negotiate and structure deals to his client's advantage, making him the ideal advocate to have in your corner. His clients appreciate his investor-friendly approach, his responsiveness and his willingness to do what it takes to get a deal done.
Beyond Law
‣ Outside of the legal profession, Mr. Habib is co-founder and Broker of CapStar Real Estate, an entrepreneurial real estate brokerage based in Tampa Bay.
‣ Mr. Habib is also a co-founder and partner of CapStar Investment, a real estate investment company focused on off-market opportunities with an emphasis on sourcing land for builders and developers.
‣ Mr. Habib is the co-founder of a sports event management company with high-profile clients like Jameis Winston, Todd Gurley, Le’Veon Bell, DeSean Jackson, and the North Carolina Men's Basketball Team..
C.J. Frieg, Esq.
Attorney Of Counsel
Education
‣ Miami University, B.A. Political Science
‣ Michigan State University, Juris Doctorate
‣ Florida Title Agent License and Florida Real Estate License
Professional Experience
Mr. Frieg is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of legal experience in Florida, began his career as an Assistant State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit in 2009. His impressive courtroom skills have been demonstrated through the handling of thousands of cases and numerous trials.
Mr. Frieg's professional journey extends to impactful roles in multi-million and billion-dollar business and real estate negotiations with major global entities. Serving as an Executive Advisor for significant sports team purchase offers and as in-house counsel for tech and real estate companies, he has successfully navigated complex legal landscapes. With a focus on delivering exceptional service, Mr. Frieg draws on his comprehensive knowledge to guide clients through the intricacies of real estate and business transactions. His dual expertise, combining a wealth of courtroom experience with a deep understanding of the complexities of the business and real estate world, instills confidence in his clientele.
Beyond Law
‣ Beyond the professional scope, he enjoys traveling with his wife and cherishes being a dad to his two sons.
‣ Member of a Ground Zero Recovery Operation Disaster Response Team and Site Map Developer for the Staten Island 9/11 recovery operations.
‣ Small business owner and investor.
Christian Smith, Esq.
Attorney Of Counsel
Education
‣ B.A. in English Literature at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida
‣ J.D. from University of Dayton School of Law in Dayton, Ohio
‣ Licenses: Florida Bar licensure
Professional Experience
Estate Planning attorney Christian Smith helps families throughout the state of Florida. Christian was born in Jacksonville, Florida and was raised as a military brat while his mom was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville.
Christian graduated with high honors with a Bachelor’s in English Literature from University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Upon graduation, Christian moved to Ohio to take care of his aging grandpa and to attend law school. While attending law school at the University of Dayton in Ohio, Christian endured a very difficult probate process when his grandpa passed. The probate process took over a year to complete and cost tens of thousands of dollars. In addition to the expense and the delay, Christian saw firsthand how the death of his father figure drastically impacted the family dynamic. Christian felt a calling to help families avoid the immense emotional and financial burden that inevitably follows if one does not have their estate plan in order.
Beyond Law
‣ Christian resides in St. Petersburg near the Weedon Island Preserve where he frequently enjoys running and kayaking with his wife.
‣ He also enjoys playing tennis and ice hockey when he is not serving families and helping them accomplish their estate planning and asset protection goals.
Brent Baris, Esq.
Attorney Of Counsel
Education
‣ B.S. In Economics from the University of Florida
‣ J.D. from Stetson University, College of Law, graduated in 1996
‣ Licenses: Florida Bar, General Contractor, Realtor
Professional Experience
Brent Baris, a seasoned attorney with a diverse background in real estate and law, began his legal career working at a boutique law firm in Palm City, Florida, where he specialized in employment discrimination and commercial litigation. After five years in this niche, Brent formed Brent E. Baris P.A. in 1999, a firm initially focused on assisting friends and family with real estate transactions.
In 2002, Brent’s passion for home renovations and his deepening interest in the real estate market inspired him to earn his General Contractor license. While personally restoring historic homes in South Tampa, his firm expanded, helping others navigate real estate matters. In 2006, Brent returned to his alma mater’s community, Gator Nation, where he grew Brent E. Baris P.A. into a highly successful, multi-office title insurance firm, serving clients across Florida. The firm became renowned for its customer service, consistently receiving accolades from its underwriter.
In 2022, Brent decided to sell Brent E. Baris P.A. to dedicate more time to his family. However, for intellectual engagement and personal fulfillment, he still likes to help people with real estate matters.
Beyond Law
‣ Brent enjoys mountain biking and camping with his family.
‣ He continues to stay active in the real estate market by building spec homes.
