David Orta
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLPQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has achieved rapid growth in its Latin America international arbitration practice. The team has built an impressive record in post-M&A disputes and multi-jurisdictional cases, often those connected to government investigations. It has expanded its presence in commercial arbitrations, especially those involving Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Argentina, with a growing proportion now coming from Central America. Investment arbitration continues to form a major part of the practice, including large-scale cases under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The international arbitration team represents a large number of hedge funds and private equity funds, along with a range of businesses in the energy and infrastructure sectors. David Orta ('deadly in a hearing or trial') splits his time primarily between Washington DC and Miami, and chairs both the US and Latin America international arbitration practices; much of his focus is on Latin America and he has an immense reputation among clients. Also based in Washington DC and Miami, Juan Morillo provides further senior expertise in cases involving white-collar crime and government investigations. Daniel Salinas-Serrano is a native Spanish speaker and has a primary focus on Latin America international arbitration, both commercial and investor-state. Lucas Loviscek, dual-qualified in the US and Argentina, is another key member of the team. Houston and Washington DC-based Julianne Jaquith ('always professional and available') was promoted to partner in January 2024. All named individuals are either solely or partially located in Washington DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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 the courtroom.'
- '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. 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. Also, 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. In my experience, the Quinn Emanuel team uses technology effectively to complements their arguments, makes tasks easier, and removes chances for error. They don’t deploy (or charge for) flashy technology simply because they can.’
‘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 sees the world, and it becomes difficult for the other side to be persuasive.'
- 'Daniel Salinas-Serrano complements David Orta well. They have different styles that play well off each other. The other person is Julianne Jaquith. We worked closely with Julianne as she managed our account. Like David, she is always professional and available, and I trust her judgment. She did an incredible job managing all aspects of our case and it was apparent why Quinn Emanuel named her an up-and-coming attorney, recently promoting her to partner. ’
‘Quinn Emanuel's international arbitration team is excellent in its depth, knowledge, experience, willingness to work and pragmatism.'
‘Quinn Emanuel has an international arbitration practice that is unmatched by any other American firm. Their multidisciplinary, international and diverse team allows them to adapt to any situation and issue. They are always prepared and willing to offer not only legal strategies, but also work schemes and fees that are extremely aggressive and, therefore, attractive to clients.'
‘David Orta and Lucas Loviseck have extensive experience and are recognised by their peers throughout Latin America.'
Work highlights
- Represented Compañía Minera Orlandini (CMO) and Miguel Orlandini, a US/Bolivian national and 95% owner of the company, 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 United States, and Singapore, as well as in an international arbitration.
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David Orta