Javier Fernández, who served as chief of staff to former City of Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in the firm’s South Florida Government Advocacy & Development Group. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, he was a shareholder with Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.

“Javier has a terrific reputation as a hard-working, diligent attorney who has handled large and notable matters throughout the City of Miami,” said Miguel De Grandy, leader of Holland & Knight’s South Florida Government Advocacy & Development Group. “His political background and understanding of the nuances of politics and policy will assist him in crafting effective solutions to achieve our clients’ goals.”

Mr. Fernández represents clients in all aspects of the land use and zoning entitlement process, including  in the preparation and approval of planning and zoning applications, platting and other permits required by a variety of federal, state and local agencies. He also has successfully represented clients in a variety of administrative and quasi-judicial hearings, code enforcement hearings, and public hearing processes related to the procurement of government contracts and public incentive agreements. Mr. Fernández is recognized by Chambers USA as notable Up & Coming attorney in the area of zoning and land use.

“I’ve long admired the Holland & Knight government and land-use team and its influence in Miami-Dade County,” said Mr. Fernández. “My focus on the City of Miami perfectly compliments the team’s existing strengths and creates a full-service practice that benefits all of our developer clients.”

In the community, Mr. Fernández is a member of the TransitAlliance Miami board of directors. He also serves as the co-chair of advisory board of the Miami chapter of the New Leaders Council and as a member of the Leadership Council for Miami chapter of The Posse Foundation. 

Mr. Fernández received his J.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Law and his B.A. degree from Colby College.

About Holland & Knight LLP:  Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,200 lawyers and other professionals in 27 offices throughout the world. Our lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.