Marcelo Buendía Vélez
Diaz Reus International Law FirmThe white-collar crime and compliance team at Diaz Reus International Law Firm is composed of ‘excellent lawyers, who have extensive knowledge’. Distinguished by its cross-border capability, the Bogotá arm of the USA-headquartered firm provides access to an international network of attorneys and other experts, including a team of former US prosecutors and government agents. The Colombia group alone contributes strong experience in representing high-profile business figures and corporations in white-collar investigations — both as defendants and victims. It also handles a significant volume of corporate governance and compliance matters. Qualified in Florida, New York and Colombia, up-and-coming specialist Javier Coronado splits his time between Bogotá and Miami; he is noted for his expertise in anti-corruption, tax evasion law, anti-money laundering and OFAC sanctions. Other key names include Bogotá office head Marcela Blanco, who is admitted in Florida, Kansas and Colombia; and associate Marcelo Buendía Vélez, who was formerly a prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney General.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team offers excellent services. It is also composed of excellent lawyers, who have extensive knowledge that they demonstrate on their cases.’
‘It is a firm that is always available to the client and charges quite competitive fees for the market.’
‘We value the team for its diversity, fully bilingual lawyers, experience in federal law and procedure, personal responsibility and ability to work closely with clients.’
‘A team of honest, transparent lawyers, who always act within the framework of legality, even in a complex world such as criminal law. The team includes lawyers who were prosecutors, which ensures their strategies are informed by their understanding of the relevant institutions.’
‘Javier Coronado, Marcela Blanco and Marcelo Buendía Vélez develop effective communication with their clients, which ensures that they conduct the case effectively. Communication is direct with them.’
‘Lawyers are always available, they immediately update us with news about the process. They are also very transparent in the process.’
‘The team is friendly, it explains the processes simply to non-lawyers, it is knowledgeable and it shares information constantly.’
Key clients
- Edwin Nolan Holmes
- Ciudadela Comercial Unicentro
- Allianz Seguros & Allianz Seguros de Vida
- Grupo CTO
- Karisma Latam Hotels and Resorts
- Colserauto
- HAE Group
- Santiago Vélez & Asociados (Corredores de Seguros)
- Ciudadela Comercial Unicentro
- Laboratorios Biogen de Colombia
- Machinetronics
- Consultores Unidos Asociados
- Construcciones Monserca
- Incomser
- Collaboration Betters the World
- BVP – Birdseye International Corp.
Work highlights
- Advised Allianz Seguros de Vida on approximately 12 criminal investigations — as representatives of both victims and defendants — and also on compliance and crime prevention strategies.
- Advised Collaboration Betters the World on regulatory compliance matters.
- Represented Grupo CTO in various criminal cases and conflicts and also advised it on day-to-day compliance matters.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Javier Coronado
Diaz Reus International Law FirmPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael Diaz Jr, Marcela Blanco