Miami Beach Appoints Next City Attorney

Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday, April 3 to appoint Harvard Law graduate Ricardo J. Dopico to succeed City Attorney Rafael A. Paz, who plans to return to private practice next month. Dopico will serve as acting city attorney until Paz’s departure on May 3.

“I’m honored that the commission has selected me to serve as the next city attorney,” Dopico said. “Rafael has been an incredible mentor and I look forward to advising the city on its most pressing legal issues going forward. I vow to do everything I can to ensure our exceptional team of attorneys and legal staff continues to provide the same excellent legal service the city has grown accustomed to.”

The City Attorney is responsible for all legal affairs of the city and provides legal counsel to the mayor, city commission, all of the city’s administrative departments and some 40 boards, agencies and advisory committees.

“Our City Attorney’s Office consistently exceeds expectations,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “I want to express my gratitude to Rafael Paz, who leaves behind a strong legacy. I look forward to working closely with Ric Dopico and his team on important legislation.”

Dopico joined the City Attorney’s Office in December 2021 and has handled transactional, real property and general business matters for various city departments, including Economic Development, Procurement, Tourism and Culture as well as the Office of Capital Improvements and the Finance Department.

Prior to joining the city, Dopico was vice president and general counsel for multimedia entertainment company Estefan Enterprises Inc., which is owned by famed Miami Beach residents Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Prior to that, Dopico was vice president of Latin Music at the Recording Industry Association of America, the trade group that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of major music companies in the United States.

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