Jaret Davis, Senior Vice President, Greenberg Traurig

In an interview with Invest:, Jaret Davis, senior vice president of Greenberg Traurig and co-managing shareholder of the firm’s Miami office, discussed the firm’s significant expansion into the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, its industry-focused practices, evolving legal challenges in Miami’s tech ecosystem, and the city’s growing role as a hemispheric hub.

What have been the most significant milestones for Greenberg Traurig over the last year and a half?

We’ve expanded significantly in recent years in the Middle East and Asia, with new offices in Riyadh, Dubai, and Singapore, alongside a recent opening in S£o Paulo. Internationally, we’re growing strategically in markets where we see opportunities. Our strategy, which has guided our growth for almost 60 years, is not about acquiring firms outright, but selectively recruiting top talent and building around them. This organic growth methodology has been highly effective.

The overall health of Greenberg Traurig and most AmLaw 20 firms in 2024 was strong, reflecting broader industry trends. Given the breadth of our practice offerings and geographical markets, we are able to take advantage of natural hedges in demand for legal services: M&A activity and capital raising typically thrive during economic expansion, while bankruptcy work and litigation often increase during downturns. Our real estate practice also remains very strong, reflecting the strength of the Miami real estate market and continued interest from developers and investors. Although there was a dip early last year in capital markets transactions, we’re seeing renewed activity due to lower interest rates. Additionally, private credit is growing, with private equity funds increasingly competing with traditional banks.

In Miami, we remain committed to growing our industry-focused practices to help better serve our clients. For instance, we added Josh Forman, who is highly experienced in IT infrastructure and data centers. Additionally, Lisa Lanham, a fintech leader, joined us in New York and Miami to complement Marina Olman-Pal, the global co-chair of our financial regulatory and compliance practice. Our focus on recruiting talent with a deep range of specialized experience in targeted industries continues to be successful in meeting client needs. 

We are also focused on working collaboratively with our colleagues by sector, bringing together attorneys across disciplines who work in a specific industry. It allows us to provide clients with a holistic approach to meeting their needs and solving any legal challenges. This shift enhances synergies, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing across teams.

What trends are you seeing in cross-border transactions?

We’re still seeing substantial activity in Latin America, much of it tied closely to governmental shifts. With new leadership, that often leads to capital flight into the United States, typically through Miami.

Beyond that, there’s a general increase in cross-border activity. In tech, for example, certain Latin American countries are home to exceptional developer talent, and that talent is becoming more recognized in the technology sector. As a result, we’re seeing more engagement, acquisitions, and cross-border synergies in the tech space.

What are some factors driving Miami’s tech ecosystem, and how is Greenberg Traurig contributing?

Miami’s growth has been fueled by multiple factors. Tourism was historically central, and while still important, the South Florida economy has diversified into various areas including trade, logistics, healthcare, and financial services. Miami boasts one of the largest health districts in the United States and has evolved from an international banking hub to a destination for private equity and venture capital, with global firms like Apollo and Thoma Bravo opening offices and I Squared Capital relocating their headquarters here.

The tech sector, closest to my heart, has also exploded. Twenty years ago, Miami lacked a tech ecosystem; now, it’s a defining feature. Our firm has been integral in this transformation, co-founding eMerge Americas, a major tech conference, and facilitating significant tech deals in South Florida.

As a firm founded in Miami, Greenberg Traurig is uniquely positioned and committed to supporting Miami’s growth as a tech and financial hub.

What are some unique legal challenges tech companies face, and how is your team addressing them?

Non-compete agreements are under ongoing debate at both the federal level and in Florida.  Florida’s pro-business environment supports the enforceability of non-compete agreements, providing tech companies with certainty that investments in specialized talent, like data scientists, are protected. However, this limits the fluid talent ecosystem seen in places like Silicon Valley, where non-competes are largely unenforceable. There’s an ongoing discussion within Miami’s tech sector about adopting a similar approach.

Data privacy and AI are increasingly significant. Miami, like many jurisdictions, is grappling with AI’s ethical and legal implications. Governments globally, including the United States, the UK, and the European Union, are moving toward regulation, recognizing both AI’s transformative potential and its risks. A key issue is explainability: firms must explain what AI does with data, not just how it functions. This is vital for privacy and accountability, and something we’re monitoring closely for our clients.

How has the growth of the local capital landscape influenced the strategies and opportunities for businesses seeking funding in your region?

A more robust capital landscape means greater growth opportunities. For CEOs, especially those leading startups or small to medium-sized businesses, finding capital is a major part of their focus. This is what I do every day in my legal practice. Capital-raising takes time; you might meet 50 investors to secure funding from 10 if you’re lucky. Access to a strong local capital network is invaluable.

There’s a reason Sand Hill Road in Silicon Valley, known for its concentration of venture capital firms, is so special. A decade ago in Miami, you’d exhaust potential local capital resources quickly and then need to fly to New York, Austin, or Silicon Valley. Now, you can spend weeks or months in South Florida, engaging with local investors. We now have everything from angel investors to growth equity firms locally, providing a comprehensive capital ecosystem. Having South Florida investors on your cap table also sends a powerful signal to other stakeholders, indicating strong local support and recognition within a burgeoning investment community.

What are your top priorities for the Miami office over the next couple of years?

We plan to continue adding industry leaders — lawyers with deep corporate experience and specialized knowledge — to create valuable entry points with businesses. Another priority is expanding our presence in Latin America, particularly in S£o Paulo and Mexico City, and pursuing growth in Asia.

We’re also focused on expanding our private equity capabilities. Our practice is strong, and we aim to continue to grow, as well as expanded our focus on the private credit industry. On the litigation front, we have some of Miami’s top trial lawyers, and plan to maintain this strength. As one of the country’s strongest real estate practices, we’ll continue to lead in that area as well.

As the only global firm founded and grown here, our deep roots provide us with stability in Miami’s legal market. We also offer clients the unique combination of unmatched local knowledge, coupled with the depth and breadth of our firm’s global reach.

Clients and business leaders appreciate our role in building Miami, from the civic infrastructure to the legal landscape. For nearly 60 years, we’ve helped shape the city’s growth, and as new firms arrive, we continue expanding our presence. Greenberg Traurig’s role in Miami’s legal evolution is a unique story we’re proud to keep shaping.

What is your vision for Miami over the next decade, and what role will Greenberg Traurig play?

In “A Tale of Three Cities: The Rise of Dubai, Singapore, and Miami Compared,” Alejandro Portes argues that the era of individual city-states is over, and the future belongs to hemispheric hubs. He identifies that in the 21st century, there will be three emerging hubs: Dubai, Singapore, and Miami. My 10-year vision for Miami aligns with this idea — becoming a hemispheric hub that bridges Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central America, leveraging our unique position and regional connections.

At Greenberg Traurig, we’ll remain the go-to law firm for companies establishing themselves in Miami, supported by a relocation task force to guide newcomers. Our differentiator that we offer an unmatched combination of deep local penetration and global sophistication. As more financial and tech players arrive, we’ll be their trusted partner, helping them integrate into Miami’s business and social circles, just as we did with earlier business waves.