Carlos R. Lago, who received his Juris Doctor from the Florida International University College of Law in 2009, focuses his practice on land use, zoning and governmental affairs.
Lago recently discussed his career path and what led him to his current position at Greenberg Traurig.
What was your career path? What led you to your current position?
After law school, I worked in local government. I began at the city of Miami as a legislative aide for Commissioner Francis Suarez, advising him and working with staff members on land use and zoning matters, including the enactment and implementation of the city’s new zoning code, Miami 21.
That led me to Jackson Health System, where I was asked to serve as Chief of Staff to Jackson’s newly appointed President and CEO, Carlos Migoya. I was attracted to the opportunity to be a part of the financial turnaround of such an important public institution in South Florida. Prior to the new management’s arrival, Jackson had reported losses of more than $80 million in 2011, and by the following fiscal year, the health system had accumulated a surplus of more than $8 million.
After almost four years in the public sector, I felt a strong desire to apply what I learned to the practice of law. My experience had been in local government, so joining the Land Development Practice Group at the powerhouse law firm Greenberg Traurig was a natural match.
