Jackie Tornés
Of Counsel
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Miami
+ 1 (305) 788-4969
Jackie Tornés is a trusted legal advisor with over a decade of experience representing business owners, closely held family enterprises, hospitality groups, and private clients in matters at the intersection of business, litigation, and long-term planning. Her practice focuses on business and commercial law, estate planning, succession planning, hospitality law, and employment disputes.
Jackie brings a unique blend of legal and operational experience to her work. Alongside her private practice, she serves as General Counsel and Vice President of Operations to a closely-held, family-owned restaurant group with more than 40 locations and 2,000 employees. In this dual role, she navigated the legal and practical complexities of managing a family business—overseeing its growth, regulatory compliance, internal governance, and generational transitions, together with legal, litigation, and operations matters.
This firsthand experience enables Jackie to advise clients not only as a lawyer but also as someone who understands the business aspects as well as the emotional and structural considerations attendant to preserving family businesses and legacies. She counsels clients on succession strategies, family governance structures, and risk mitigation—ensuring that transitions in ownership and leadership are legally sound and thoughtfully managed.
Jackie regularly represents clients in commercial litigation and pre-dispute negotiation, and she is known for her ability to deliver actionable, forward-looking solutions that protect both business assets and personal legacies. She also works closely with
hospitality operators and investors on regulatory compliance, real estate and licensing issues, and operational agreements.
Jackie is fluent in Spanish and conversational in Italian, allowing her to work effectively with diverse and multigenerational clients. A longtime wine enthusiast, she holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the United States Sommelier Association—reflecting both a personal passion and a professional connection to the hospitality industry. She brings this insight to succession and legacy planning for restaurant groups and family-owned businesses.
Education
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J.D., Fordham University School of Law, Trial Advocacy Program
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B.S. in Hospitality Management, Florida International University, Cum Laude
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(Italy)Dean’s List, Florida Merit Scholar, Honors College Study Abroad Program
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Bar Admissions
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Florida
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Washington, D.C.
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New York (Pending Admission)
Court Admissions
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
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Pro Hac Vice, U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Leadership & Board Service
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National Restaurant Association – Board Member
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Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Executive Committee, Vice President of Restaurants
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Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – President, Miami-Dade Chapter