Biography
Javier Vázquez-Morales is a Member and Head of the Corporate Department at O’Neill & Borges LLC. He first joined the firm in 1999, and after serving as Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) from 2009 to 2010, he rejoined in 2010. With more than two decades of experience, he advises clients on corporate, real estate, renewable energy, and government and regulatory affairs, and is widely recognized as a leading figure in Puerto Rico’s legal market. He was named Best Lawyers® 2020 Lawyer of the Year in Energy Law for Puerto Rico.
Javier’s practice is broad and multidisciplinary. He advises both foreign and domestic companies on how to establish and do business in Puerto Rico, including structuring transactions to take advantage of local tax and investment incentives. He has substantial experience guiding clients through project development and contract negotiations, including joint venture agreements, power purchase agreements (PPA), construction contracts and public-private partnership agreements. His transactional practice covers mergers and acquisitions of commercial and renewable energy projects. In the area of government and regulatory affairs, Javier helps clients design and implement strategies to address policy issues and navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
As Executive Director of PRIDCO, Javier spearheaded Puerto Rico’s investment promotion efforts in the manufacturing, science and technology, and export services sectors, with a particular focus on the life sciences (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology) and renewable energy industries. He also served as a trustee of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust and a member of the Boards of Directors of the Puerto Rico Trade Company, the Economic Development Bank, Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and Puerto Rico Land Administration. Earlier in his career, from 1995 to 1996, Javier worked in the governmental affairs practice group of a Washington, D.C. law firm, assisting private and public sector clients in monitoring and lobbying federal legislation and programs.
Javier’s leadership extends beyond his legal practice. He served on the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA) for six years and is current Board of Directors member of CRECE, a think tank organization founded by former Governor Luis G. Fortuño affiliated with the Governor’s gubernatorial library. He has also authored several law review articles on corporate and real estate law.
Javier is recognized for his deep knowledge of Puerto Rico corporate and energy law, as well as his ability to navigate the intersection of public policy and private investment. Clients rely on him for strategic, business-focused counsel in structuring transactions and advancing complex projects across multiple industries.
- Represented a private equity fund in an asset purchase transaction for the acquisition of the assets of the Cadillac Uniforms and Services, the largest industrial laundry services and contract manufacturing of textile articles for use in industrial laundry services in Puerto Rico.
- Represented HMS Ferries, Inc., a subsidiary of HMS Global Maritime, Inc., in a public-private partnership (P3) transaction with the Puerto Rico Maritime Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority for the operation and management of MTA’s ferry vessel transportation services between mainland Puerto Rico and the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra, and between Cataño and San Juan.
- Advised IBD Energy LLC in negotiating and closing a Microgrid Management Agreement with the Local Redevelopment Authority of Roosevelt Roads, for the creation of an independent renewable energy microgrid at the former U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads.
- Represented OB Development, Inc. in the $60 million asset purchase of a portfolio of self-storage warehouses in Puerto Rico.
- Advised Sovereign Bank, N.A. in regulatory and real estate matters related to the financing of the Punta Lima Wind Farm Project, a 23.4 MW wind turbine project in Naguabo, Puerto Rico.
- Advised the Puerto Rico Housing Department and Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration in the largest mixed-finance low-income housing tax credit transaction for the modernization of public housing units in Puerto Rico.
- Represented SBA Network, Inc., a subsidiary of SBA Communications Corp., in the $15 million acquisition of a portfolio of 12 telecommunications towers and wireless infrastructure facilities in Puerto Rico.