Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has continued to establish its presence in Miami, through a distinct emphasis on international arbitration along with white-collar crime and investigations. Colombian Juan Morillo, co-chair of the white-collar crime and corporate investigations team, now splits his time between Miami and Washington DC, and is building the firm’s standing in representing corporates and individuals (including former government officials), in headline white-collar cases and significant investigations. On the international arbitration front, the highly rated David Orta also divides his time between Miami and Washington DC; he enjoys an established reputation for Latin America disputes, including post-M&A conflicts, multi-jurisdictional cases and proceedings linked to government investigations. The practice is particularly noted for investment arbitration, especially cases under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and continues to grow its profile in commercial arbitration.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Few dominate international arbitration as much as Quinn Emanuel. David Orta leads the international arbitration practice for the Americas, and in our experience, he is unrivalled in this area.'
- 'Quinn Emanuel excels in all steps of the arbitration process – due diligence, strategy, written arguments, trial preparation, oral arguments and cross examinations. Few attorneys are as articulate and compelling as members of the Quinn Emanuel team. Their arguments are thorough and well supported, leaving very few (if any) areas where opposing counsel can chip away at an argument. We have worked with attorneys from other top firms who, at times, can be difficult to follow in the written submissions and/or oral proceedings. The opposite is true for Quinn Emanuel. Every argument and every line of questioning from the Quinn Emanuel team isn’t wasted and blazes a clear roadmap for how they are going to win and win big.'
- 'Quinn Emanuel does an outstanding job of working with and preparing witnesses and experts. After completing trial preparation with Quinn Emanuel (which is gruelling because they know exactly how to attack you), cross examination at the hearing is easy and can actually be enjoyable. Their team is among the most diverse I’ve had the pleasure of working with, not only from racial and ethnic backgrounds, nationality, gender, etc, but also in experience and skill set. Everyone speaks up, regardless of seniority, and contributes.'
‘I cannot speak highly enough about David Orta. He is deadly in a hearing or trial. He ensures he knows every aspect of your case and the law, how it can be challenged, and more importantly, what the tribunal needs to understand in order for you to win. Because of his preparation and delivery in the courtroom, David Orta operates at an entirely different level than the most elite lawyers. Watching him perform in a hearing is like watching a movie unfold. Everyone is at the edge of their seat listening to David. Afterwards, the arbitrators see the world as David Orta sees the world, and it becomes difficult for the other side to be persuasive.'
- 'David Orta has always been available (day, nights, weekends) and quickly responds to all my questions, regardless of where we are in our engagement. His mastery of law leaves me feeling confident that whatever he advises is the best course of action. I have the upmost respect for David Orta and his team. There is no one in the world quite like David Orta.’
‘David Orta make all the difference in the Miami office. Leading international arbitration in Latin America from that office allows for a more direct approach and contact with your lawyers.'
‘David Orta; Outstanding in knowledge, customer response, adaptability.'
‘The firm's attorneys are known for their ability to develop creative and effective strategies to obtain the best results for their clients. They have excellent oral and written communication skills, which allows them to present their arguments convincingly before judges, arbitrators and juries. They are based on trust and open communication with their clients, providing them with a personalised and high-quality service. The firm has offices in 34 countries, which means that its lawyers have experience working in different cultures.'
Work highlights
- Represented Miguel Orlandini, a US/Bolivian national and 95% owner of Compañía Minera Orlandini (CMO) and the company itself in an investment-treaty arbitration under UNCITRAL Rules against Bolivia, arising from Bolivia’s breaches of international law under the US-Bolivia BIT.
- Represented 37 US investors in B-Mex, a company invested in gaming casinos in Mexico, in an international investment arbitration against Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
- Represented Oro Negro’s US shareholders and former officers and directors in a cross-border, billion-dollar dispute arising from Oro Negro’s bankruptcy, with litigations currently ongoing in Mexico, the US, and Singapore, and in an international arbitration.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Orta