Latin America - Latin America: International firms
Miller & Chevalier Chartered
Washington DC firm Miller & Chevalier Chartered is an established leader in corporate crime and investigations. The firm has an outstanding record in anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, sanctions, compliance and governance. It has a considerable emphasis on Latin America, with more than 20 lawyers that have a major focus on the region, many of which are Latin America natives (or have lived and worked in the region), and speak fluent Portuguese or Spanish. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru are among the firm’s primary markets. Fluent Spanish and Portuguese speaker Matteson Ellis is at the pinnacle of the market, leads the Latin America practice and is a recognised authority on FCPA cases. James Tillen is also at the forefront of investigations and compliance programmes, bringing extensive Latin America experience from the Lavo Jato scandal and many other high profile matters. Alejandra Montenegro Almonte is a pivotal member of the team and has been instrumental in building the firm’s compliance and investigations practice in Central America. Jeffrey Lehtman, William Barry and Margarita Sánchez are also key members of the Latin America-facing practice; along with fluent Spanish-and-Portuguese speaker and emerging talent, Gregory Bates. Counsel Leah Moushey is another impressive practitioner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Miller Chevalier might be considered a "small firm" by U.S. standards, but they have, in my opinion, the most qualified and prepared team to deal with Compliance & Investigations with which I have ever work. I have already worked with plenty of U.S. law firms in FCPA related matters and Miller is, by far, the one that delivers the most. One other thing that really differentiates them from competitors is their capabilities to render services in Latin America. They have several professionals not just fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, but also used to the culture of each of the countries in which they have to work. I have worked alongside several of their professionals, including James Tillen, Matt Ellis, Kate Atkinson, Matt Reinhard, Greg Bates, Leah Moushey, Will Barry, Richard Mojica, Ann Sultan and even with their latest hire, Jeff Lehtman. I have probably forgotten a few great professionals and this is a clear evidence that they have an elite team. They are my No. 1 firm when I have to refer a U.S. law firm to any of our clients.’
- ‘James Tillen - he is an oracle when it comes to FCPA knowledge. In addition to that, he is extremely experienced, objective and knows where the problems are. He really knows how navigate in an internal investigation without boiling the ocean and incurring unnecessary costs. In addition to that, he has great negotiation skills that are extremely useful when a company seeks a DoJ/SEC resolution. Matt Ellis - he is a legend when it comes to Latin America FCPA related cases in Latin America. The very best a company can find if an investigation is needed in the region. Will Barry - very experienced when it comes to large problems involving Brazilian companies and their Boards; he does a fantastic job. Leah Moushey - an associate that delivers like a partner. She speaks fantastic Portuguese, is extremely responsible and the work she performs is outrageous. She is certainly a future member of the firm. Kate Atkinson - a natural born leader. She is extremely gentle in her interactions, but at the same time has the ability to technically convince the client of her point. Matt Reinhard - I have been involved with him in a Brazil related investigation and he impressed me every day with his capabilities to go straight to where the problems were.’
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Work highlights
- Advised on the indictment of Daisy Rafoi, a Swiss National and private wealth advisor, who was arrested in Italy on an international arrest warrant issued by the US related to corruption and money laundering issues in Venezuela.
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