William E. Scheu

SHAREHOLDER

Professional Experience / Bio

Bill specializes in representing national retailers in the acquisition and leasing of stores throughout the State of Florida.  He principally practices in the areas of real estate and real estate-related business transactions, with an emphasis on the acquisition, development, and leasing of shopping centers and office buildings.  Bill examines titles for real property for prospective buyers and title insurers.  Because Bill has experience on both sides of the proverbial leasing table, he is uniquely qualified to advise landlords and tenants alike.  In addition to his considerable real estate experience, Bill is a certified Circuit-Civil Mediator and has deep knowledge of state and federal election law.

Recently, Bill represented a publicly held real estate investment trust in the acquisition, development and leasing of shopping centers and office buildings throughout the Eastern U.S.

He has also represented a regional national bank in the acquisition, management, leasing, and disposition of its banking and other properties throughout the State of Florida.  Through his expertise of real estate law and real estate business sales, he coordinated the sale of a prominent shopping center in West Jacksonville.  Bill takes a vested interest in the Jacksonville community and regularly uses his expertise to better it and its surrounding areas.  As such, he maintains ongoing representation of a condominium association and serves on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Hillside Development, and Open Space Committees in Jacksonville, Florida.

Representitive Matters

  • Represents a publicly held real estate investment trust in the acquisition, development and leasing of shopping centers and office buildings throughout the Eastern U.S.
  • Represents a regional national bank in the acquisition, management, leasing and disposition of its banking and other properties throughout the State of Florida.
  • Examines titles to real property for prospective owners and title insurers.
  • Represents national retailers in the acquisition and leasing of stores in Florida.

Education

  • University of the South A.B. cum laude, 1967
  • University of Florida College of Law J.D. with honors, 1970

Awards & Distinctions

  • AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Prize for Civic Engagement, The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, 2014
  • Florida Trend Magazine, “Legal Elite” (Real Estate Transactions), 2008, 2010
  • Florida Super Lawyers® (Real Estate), 2006-2014
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Real Estate Law), 2009-2014, 2016-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Litigation – Real Estate; Tax Law), 2021-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Mediation, Commercial Finance Law), 2022-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Banking and Finance Law), 2024
  • Order of the Coif
  • Lawyer of the Year Award, Financial News and Jacksonville Bar, 1992, 2005
  • Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1995
  • “Twelve Who Care” Award, Gannett/Channel 12, 1994
  • Unity in Diversity Award, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is, 1994
  • Equal Opportunity Award, Jacksonville Urban League, 1993
  • New York Marathon Finisher, 1980
  • Associate Editor, University of Florida Law Review, 1970

Bar Association Membership

  • The Florida Bar

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Supervisor of Elections, 2004 Election, Duval County, Florida
  • Ruling Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Riverside Presbyterian Church
  • Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless
  • Chair, Board of Trustees, Columbia Theological Seminary
  • Chair, Board of Directors, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
  • Board of Directors, Past President, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.
  • Board of Trustees, Jacksonville Public Libraries
  • Board of Directors, Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida, Inc.
  • Chair, The Community Foundation, 2004-2005
  • General Counsel, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 1991
  • Member, Leadership Jacksonville
  • Member, Rotary Club of West Jacksonville