Ornella Bernabei
D'Empaire
More informationD'Empaire handles a wide range of matters within the public law field, including advising on freedom of speech issues for one of Venezuela’s largest telecoms players and on nationalisations and expropriations affecting major domestic companies. Alongside this, the firm has engaged in a number of matters in the pharmaceutical sector, providing regulatory advice to major clients including Pfizer and Bristol-Myers. The team is also well regarded for its experience in negotiations with the Venezuelan government (where associate Daniel Bustos is particularly active). José Valentín González represents clients in constitutional and administrative litigation, as well as regulatory matters, and is described as ‘always able to connect the dots between jurisdictions’, while José Humberto Frías is knowledgeable in regulatory issues. Francisco Bolinaga, who focuses on advising multinationals and Venezuelan companies on environmental law, and associate Ornella Bernabei, who has expertise in communications and technology law, are also noted contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Undoubtedly, D'Empaire is the leading firm in Venezuela, at least for client matters or those cases with cross-border implications. Regarding public law and compliance, José Valentín González stands out - he is recognised locally and internationally.’
‘José Valentín González stands out for his ability to solve the most complex issues in a simple way.’
‘The team is amazing. They are always on top of things and up to date on all aspects of public law.’
‘José Valentín González is our go-to person there. Practical, always on point, and delivers excellent advice.'
'We always go to D'Empaire and to José Valentín González and we are always amazed by their quality! As a plus, José Valentín is always able to connect the dots between jurisdictions, which is not that easy to find.’
'José Valentín González is brilliant and provides outstanding advice.'
'The public law practice of the firm is excellent, both in terms of its legal advice and its customer service.'
Key clients
- Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), Radio Caracas Radio (RCR)
- TI Sparkle Venezuela
- JMF Consulting
- Premeca
Work highlights
- Advising Google on the regulatory implications of launching new services or features in Venezuela.
- Providing regulatory advice to RCR on its operations as an online radio after the renewal of its broadcasting licence was denied by the Venezuelan government, as well as to RCTV on certain content matters.
- Advising TI Sparkle on telecoms regulations and on information requests received from the Venezuelan telecoms authority.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Daniel Bustos
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
José Valentín González
Partner
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
José Valentín González, José Humberto Frías