Jimmy Morales

Jimmy Morales is Special Counsel at Bilzin Sumberg and a strategic advisor whose work spans government affairs, public-private partnerships, infrastructure, real estate development, labor and union negotiations, land use, transportation, housing, economic development, complex commercial transactions, and regulatory matters. Drawing on decades of senior public-sector leadership, sophisticated legal experience, and business judgment, Jimmy helps clients navigate high-value opportunities and sensitive challenges at the intersection of law, government, infrastructure, and commerce. A former chief executive of major local government entities, elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner, city attorney, and corporate transactions attorney, he brings clients a unique combination of strategic insight, institutional knowledge, political acumen, and practical problem-solving.

For companies, developers, investors, public agencies, and civic institutions seeking counsel in Florida, Jimmy offers senior-level guidance on matters requiring coordination across legal, political, regulatory, and business stakeholders. He advises on projects involving government-owned land, public approvals, intergovernmental collaboration, community engagement, capital planning, procurement, operational execution, and regulatory strategy. His experience strengthens the Firm’s ability to serve clients throughout Florida, including in Miami-Dade County, Miami Beach, Broward County, and Palm Beach County, especially where business objectives depend on understanding how government decisions are made, negotiated, approved, and implemented.

Before joining Bilzin Sumberg, Jimmy served as Chief Operating Officer of Miami-Dade County, where he oversaw eight departments and chaired the County Mayor’s Infrastructure Group, directing major capital initiatives and cross-departmental priorities for one of the nation’s most dynamic local governments. In that role, he played a key part in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and oversaw significant public infrastructure initiatives, including a major capital program at Miami International Airport and the SMART Program to expand public transit.

Earlier in his career, Jimmy served as City Manager of Miami Beach, where he led transformative capital and infrastructure projects, including the Miami Beach Convention Center renovation and major water, sewer, and stormwater improvements. He also served as City Attorney for the cities of Doral and Marathon and as an elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Across these roles, Jimmy developed a distinguished record of advancing complex public and private initiatives, resolving multifaceted legal and operational challenges, and delivering results in highly visible, high-pressure environments. Clients rely on him for authoritative, business-oriented counsel on matters that require legal judgment, government fluency, and the ability to move complex projects from concept to execution.