Diaz Reus International Law Firm is a major player in the Miami market and has a substantial focus on Latin America, its activity being primarily centred on commercial disputes and white-collar crime cases. The firm has an impressive recent record in Section 1782 of Title 28 of the United States Code and enforcement of arbitral awards, with Gary Davidson having a fine reputation in this area. Cases involving Venezuela are something of a mainstay, along with Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The firm is also a giant in white-collar crime and sanctions matters thanks in large part to the presence of global managing partner Michael Diaz, who continues to represent a number of Venezuelans facing investigations and has also landed a series of major engagements from Central America; he continues to represent a number of government and ex-government officials and has additionally furthered the firm’s standing in Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-related matters and acting for individuals on the Engel list. Robert Targ provides additional senior expertise in Latin America-related litigation and white-collar crime cases; Marta Colomar-Garcia is another key practitioner for cross-border disputes and white-collar crime, as is Javier Coronado, who splits his time between Miami and Bogota. The corporate team frequently works on inbound investments from Latin America into Florida, including real estate assets, and has further expertise in bank regulatory and licensing matters. Of counsel Julio Barbosa is licensed to practice in Florida and Brazil, and specialises in international tax matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I can only say that the team, the legal assistance, the clarity in the contract, and the billing according to it, have been clear, professional and complete in all positive ways.’
‘I highlight the professionalism of the entire team, from the treatment that feels more “human” and less restricted to the client-team relationship.'
‘They work as a team and together, each one in their respective area, but they all follow up on the case, they speak different languages and understand each other in any country. There is complete diversity in the staff and they use high-end technology. I had not particularly found such an office, complete and so knowledgeable.'
‘In that they pay attention to every detail and do not miss anything, they also think outside the box and look for agile solutions.'
‘Mike Diaz and Ibrahim Amir are the ones I was able to meet with. Both of those gentlemen listened to my issues, came up with a plan and worked to get my case resolved. I had constant updates on my case from Ibrahim and when I have questions, both Mike and Ibrahim communicated back to me with answers. I will definitely contact this firm again if I ever need legal assistance. ’
‘The teamwork at the Diaz Reus law firm is stunning. From Michael Diaz to the junior associate, the closely knit teamwork is beyond exemplary. It is unmatched. I’ve worked with a lot of tier 1 law firms and can personally vouch that the Diaz Reus team is beyond comparison.’
‘From the outset Michael Diaz has been intricately involved with developing a legal strategy holding a powerful individual accountable for fraud, malicious prosecution, abuse of process and theft in a highly complex multi-jurisdictional case that spans decades of abusive practices. His leadership and support has been and continues to be highly valued.'
- 'Gary Davidson’s experience and legal submission are masterpieces. The case, the motions and memorandum of laws have been impactful, highly effective and irrefutable. His experience is impressive and it’s constantly displayed in his pursuit against injustices.’
Key clients
- Silmar Roberto Bertin
- Nodus International Bank
- Victor Herrera
- Eastern National Bank
- José Juan Renteria and Juan José Montes de Oca
- Raine Chacko
- eFinanzas
- Arturo Samayoa
- Felipe Alejos
- Alejandro Andrade
- Hector Nuñez
- Alejandro Zamora
Work highlights
- Represented the respondent, Silmar Roberto Bertin, in a $40m foreign arbitral award recognition and enforcement action in the Southern District of New York.
- Represented the board of directors of Eastern National Bank in two $23m lawsuits brought by minority and majority shareholders.
- Represented Alejandro Andrade, the former Treasurer of Venezuela who was recently released from a 10-year prison sentence, in the defence of the US government’s continued efforts to secure and forfeit assets and monies from third parties as part of the largest FCPA case in South Florida history.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael Diaz, Gary Davidson, Marta Colomar-Garcia