Hal H. Kantor

Shareholder, Lowndes, Orlando

Kantor started in real estate law before becoming a commercial litigator and has been with Lowndes for more than 50 years, serving on the executive committee and in other leadership positions. For the past 25 years, he has focused his practice on land use and zoning approvals. He’s also devoted much of his personal time to arts and cultural organizations, including having served as Board Chair for WMFE/90.7 Public Broadcasting, the Orlando Museum of Art and United Arts.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (BBA), University of California at Berkeley (MBA), University of Florida (JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I’d appoint a statewide commission to address the biggest issue facing Florida — how to effectively handle the state’s explosive growth.

MENTOR: Firm founder John Lowndes, who passed away in 2021, was my mentor and friend, and we all miss him terribly. John was a huge influence on my professional development. His program to rotate young attorneys among different practices helped me become a more well-rounded, capable attorney. He also set a stellar example of what it means to give back to the community, influencing my commitment to the arts.

READING: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Work hard. Play well. Love your family. Cheerlead your friends. Be kind. Support your community. Win. Do the right thing.