
30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 United States of America
Chadbourne & Parke, S.C. Paseo de Tamarindos No. 400-B Piso 22 Col. Bosques de las Lomas 05120 México D.F. Mexico
+1 (212) 408-5399
oarmas@chadbourne.com
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Oliver
J.
Armas
Partner
Practice Description
Oliver Armas handles complex domestic and international disputes. He has an extensive practice in U.S. federal and state courts, as well as before regulatory agencies, such as the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Attorney General and state insurance regulators (including internal investigations, FCPA investigations, advice on OFAC and export controls, etc.).
A significant part of Mr. Armas's practice involves representing foreign and domestic clients in arbitrations before the ICC, AAA/ICDR, LCIA, ICSID, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and other arbitral tribunals.
Because he is fluent in Spanish (and can understand Portuguese), he routinely counsels clients on matters involving Latin America.
Mr. Armas has acted as a legal expert in certain aspects of U.S. law in foreign proceedings (e.g., Mexico and Peru), and has supervised litigation and conducted FCPA investigations in almost every country in Latin America.
Representative Matters
Litigation / Regulatory
Defending a Brazilian mining and metals company in litigation concerning materials imported to the U.S.
Representing a U.S.-based construction company and its Chilean subsidiary in litigation in Chile including an alleged defective mill in a copper mine.
Representing a U.S. pharmaceutical in patent infringement litigation in Brazil.
Representing Cayman-based and UK-based investment funds in litigation in Brazil, Bermuda and Uruguay relating to restructuring of debentures.
Representing shareholders of Stan Lee Media Inc., in a derivative suit against Marvel Comics in federal court in New York.
Representing U.S. asset-based lender against an Italian clothes manufacturer (Diesel) in a trial in the Southern District of New York.
Representing eight Argentine pension fund managers (and their Union) in an action to freeze their assets in New York and in subsequent appeals to the 2d Circuit.
Prosecuting claims on behalf of a sports association regarding copyright infringement and Lanham Act violations.
Representing a U.S. pharmaceutical in antitrust litigation in Mexico.
Representing U.S. multinational in FCPA investigations in Latin America.
Defending trademark infringement claims on behalf of a multinational corporation.
Representing the Brazilian subsidiary of a U.S. pharmaceutical in an indemnity case in Brazil.
Representing a U.S. pharmaceutical in an internal investigation regarding judicial corruption in Mexico.
Representing a South American company in SEC and DOJ investigations.
Representing a Chilean company in asset forfeiture case brought by DEA and Homeland Security.
Representing trustee of a future flow receivables trust (governed by Colombian law), and noteholders in landmark recharacterization litigation.
Defending a Colombian pharmaceutical in enforcement of arbitral award and related attachment of assets.
Representing a multinational technology company in an international fraud case on behalf of a German subsidiary.
Defending a multinational corporation in unfair competition and trade secrets litigation.
Defending a consortium of Spanish and Mexican companies that won the concession to operate twelve airports in Mexico in an action commenced by a losing bidder.
Representing a Chinese bank against the government of Iraq.
Defending one of the largest privately held companies in the world in a multi-million dollar litigation involving allegations of fraud and anticompetitive behavior.
Representing a bank and its directors against insurgent shareholders seeking to sterilize voting rights during a proxy contest for election of directors.
Defending London underwriters in two unrelated products liability actions involving catastrophic injuries from accidents with 30 ton capacity forklifts.
Representing largest U.S. retail tire distributor in products liability claims against German manufacturer.
Defending an investment bank which underwrote an initial public offering where the plaintiffs challenged the issuer's plan of conversion and public stock offering.
Representing an Italian manufacturer in a products liability case.
Representing an Argentine investment fund in confirmation and vacatur proceedings of an arbitral award involving "manifest disregard of the law" issues against a Spanish bank.
Representing one of the largest distributors of prepaid telephone cards for the U.S. Hispanic market in a breach of contract case.
Representing a Mexican company in anti-suit injunction case.
Arbitration
- Representing a Spanish solar (PV) energy company in a dispute with a U.K. company. (LCIA, London, English Law).
- Representing an owner in a construction dispute in Panama with its EPC contractor. (ICC, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing a U.S. insurance company against a Mexican sponsor/concessionaire of a toll road securitization. (ICC, New York, New York).
- Representing Cayman-based investment fund versus a Bermuda-based hedge fund in an ICC arbitration in São Paulo, Brazil. (ICC, São Paulo, Bermuda law, English).
- Representing an international medical device company regarding disputes about an exclusive distributorship agreement, intellectual property issues and related matters. (AAA, New York, English).
- Representing a global pharmaceutical company regarding disputes arising out of a development and license agreement concerning a proprietary compound. (JAMS, New York, English).
- Representing a Spanish solar energy company against a Chinese joint venture company. (ICC, New York, New York law).
- Representing a Dubai-based entity in a dispute involving the development of a port. (DIAC, Dubai, UAE law, English).
- Representing a UK-based multinational and its Mexican affiliate in a potential NAFTA dispute against Canada.
- Representing an Argentine investment fund in an arbitration against a leading Spanish bank in a dispute arising out of joint venture. (ICDR, New York, Spanish law, Spanish language).
- Representing a European company in an arbitration against a Japanese competitor in automotive industry. (ICC, Paris, Japanese law, English).
- Representing a Malaysian company in a dispute against a U.S.-based oil and gas company in a dispute involving a joint venture in Qatar. (LCIA, London, NY law, English).
- Representing a European manufacturer in an arbitration against a leading supplier from Spain in automotive industry. (ICC, Madrid, Spanish law, Spanish).
- Representing a graphic artist against a U.S. based hedge fund over an investment dispute. (AAA, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing a Swiss investment fund in an arbitration against a U.S.-based hedge fund over an investment dispute. (ICDR, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing a Mexican company in an arbitration against a U.S. conglomerate in a dispute over a joint venture. (ICC, New York, Mexican law, English).
- Representing a Colombian pharmaceutical company in an arbitration against a U.S. pharmaceutical in a dispute about product licensing and distribution in Latin America. (ICC, New Jersey, New Jersey law, English).
- Representing a large international investment bank in a NASD arbitration over the handling of certain notes from a Mexican issuer. (NASD, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing a UK-based media company and its U.S. subsidiary in an arbitration with its former CFO and in a related EEOC case. (AAA, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing world ranked tennis player from Argentina before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an appeal of an alleged doping violation. His initial two-year ban was reduced significantly. Eventually his suspension was overturned by the Swiss courts. (CAS, Switzerland, Swiss law, English).
- Representing a Colombian bank in a mediation in the Lehman bankruptcy. (JAMS, New York, New York law, English).
- Representing a U.S. steel company and its Mexican parent in an arbitration with its former CEO and president. (AAA, New York, New York law, English).
- In a case of first impression, representing the State of New York in a dispute filed in Mexico under the NAFTA side labor agreement. (NAFTA/NAALC, Washington D.C., English).
- Representing a Chilean natural gas company against an Argentine gas supplier. (ICDR, New York, Argentine law, English).
- Sole arbitrator in a music royalties dispute. (AAA, New York, New York law, English).
- Sole arbitrator in case involving alleged breach of a settlement agreement and related issues. (ICDR, Bahamas, New York law, English).
- Sole arbitrator in an international commercial dispute over Sharia financing and related issues. (ICDR, Bahamas, New York law, English).
- Special Master in an action between two Portuguese banks regarding contractual breaches relating to a failed merger. (ad hoc, New Jersey, New Jersey law, Portuguese).
- Co-arbitrator in a dispute involving a hotel development in Mexico. (ICDR, Mexico, Mexican law, English).
- Co-arbitrator in a joint venture dispute. (ICDR, New York, New York law, English).
- Co-arbitrator in a case involving breach of a distribution agreement in Central America involving retail and duty free cosmetics. (ICDR, New York, New York law, English).
- Co-arbitrator in case involving breach of a distribution agreement regarding pharmaceutical products (AAA, New York, New York law, English).
- Co-arbitrator in case involving the settlement of an estate in Central America (ICDR, New York, New York law, English).
- Co-arbitrator in case involving sale of wind turbines in Argentina and Brazil (ICC, New York, New York law, Spanish).
Honors
Mr. Armas is listed as a leading arbitration practitioner in:
- Chambers Global
- Chambers USA
- Chambers Latin America
- Who's Who of International Arbitration
- PLC Which Lawyer
- Guide to the World's Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration
Mr. Armas is also recognized as a leading litigation practitioner in:
- Who's Who of International Litigation
- Benchmark: Litigation (NY Star)
- PLC Which Lawyer
Mr. Armas is also on the roster of experts on Latin American issues of the Round Table Group, on the roster of International Arbitrators of the AAA/ICDR, designated as Honorary Fellow of the Center for International Legal Studies, and is rated AV (highest ranking) by Martindale-Hubbell.
Activities and Affiliations
Mr. Armas is on the Advisory Committee of the:
- Swiss Arbitration Academy (SAA)
- Argentine Commission of National and Transnational Arbitration (CARAT)
He is also a member of the:
- International Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association (International Law Section, Chair 2007 and current member of its Executive Committee)
- Association of the Bar of the City of New York (International Arbitration Committee)
- New York International Arbitration Club
- Hispanic National Bar Association (International Law Committee and Business and Securities Practice Committee)
- London Court of International Arbitration (the North American Users' Council and the Latin American Users' Council)
- USCIB of the International Chamber of Commerce
Publications
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"Expanding Enforcement: SEC Charges Non-U.S. Issuer with FCPA Violations in Historic Case," Client Alert, November 11, 2010
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"United Kingdom’s Ministry of Justice Accepting Public Commentary Regarding Recently Published Proposed Guidance under the UK Bribery Act 2010," Client Alert, October 15, 2010
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"Financial Reform Bill Bolsters Anti-Corruption Prosecution," Client Alert, July 2010
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"International Commercial Arbitration in New York," (James H. Carter and John Fellas, co-editors), Oxford University Press, 2010
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"Mexico," International Execution Against Judgment Debtors, Oxford University Press, (co-author), 2010
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"Expanding Enforcement: SEC Charges Non-U.S. Issuer with FCPA Violations in Historic Case," Client Alert, November 11, 2010
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"United Kingdom’s Ministry of Justice Accepting Public Commentary Regarding Recently Published Proposed Guidance under the UK Bribery Act 2010," Client Alert, October 15, 2010
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"Financial Reform Bill Bolsters Anti-Corruption Prosecution," Client Alert, July 2010
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"International Commercial Arbitration in New York," (James H. Carter and John Fellas, co-editors), Oxford University Press, 2010
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"Mexico," International Execution Against Judgment Debtors, Oxford University Press, (co-author), 2010
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"Contracts Are Binding—In Good Times, and Bad? Contractual Impossibility, Material Adverse Change Clauses and Adequate Assurances During Economic Crisis,", (co-author), Uniform Commercial Code Law Journal, Vol. 42, No. 3, June 2010
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"The United Kingdom’s Bribery Act 2010 and other Recent Anti-Corruption Enforcement Activity in the United Kingdom," May 3, 2010
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"Sovereign Debt – Judicial Cases in the United States," Global Financial Crisis: Navigating and Understanding the Legal and Regulatory Aspects, October 30, 2009
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"Grand Designs," Latin Lawyer, September 30, 2009
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"Foreign Judicial Corruption and Liability for Local Counsel," (co-author), New York Law Journal, September 9, 2009
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"Doing Business in Cuba: New Guidance on Embargo Rules," April 28, 2009
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"New Era for Choice of Court Agreements," (co-author), New York Law Journal, April 13, 2009
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"The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act--An Overview," International Law Practicum (NYSBA), Vol. 22, No. 1, Spring 2009
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"Limitations Lurking In Parties' Ability To Craft Arbitration Agreements: The Scope of Judicial Review of Arbitral Awards under the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act," (co-author), Revista del Club Espanol del Arbitraje, February 2008
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Setting the Stage for Successful International ADR, Inside the Minds Series: Best Practices for International Alternative Dispute Resolution, Aspatore Books, 2007
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International Execution Against Judgment Debtors in Mexico, Oceana Press, 2005
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"The Growth of International Commercial Arbitration in Latin America," The International Comparative Legal Guide to International Arbitration, January 1, 2004
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"Products Liability Law in Mexico," The International Comparative Legal Guide to Products Liability, 2003
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"Sponsorship Law in the U.S.," "Consumer Contracts in the U.S.," "Product Regulation, Safety and Recall in the U.S." and "Products Liability in the U.S.", Global Counsel Web, Practical Law Company, 2003
[ more publications ]
Speeches and Events
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"Advocacy in International Arbitration," PLI’s International Arbitration 2012 Program, New York, NY, March 5, 2012
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"Things to Consider When Choosing New York Law for Contracts," Chadbourne & Parke Breakfast Briefing, São Paulo, Brazil, November 30, 2011
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Business Transactions and Conflict Management: The US and Brazilian Perspectives,
São Paulo, Brazil, November 29, 2011
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PLI’s Commercial Arbitration 2011: New Developments and Strategies for Efficient, Cost-Effective Dispute Resolution,
New York, NY, October 12, 2011
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NYSBA Seasonal Meeting,
Panama City, Panama, September 22, 2011
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"Advocacy in International Arbitration," PLI’s International Arbitration 2012 Program, New York, NY, March 5, 2012
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"Things to Consider When Choosing New York Law for Contracts," Chadbourne & Parke Breakfast Briefing, São Paulo, Brazil, November 30, 2011
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Business Transactions and Conflict Management: The US and Brazilian Perspectives,
São Paulo, Brazil, November 29, 2011
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PLI’s Commercial Arbitration 2011: New Developments and Strategies for Efficient, Cost-Effective Dispute Resolution,
New York, NY, October 12, 2011
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NYSBA Seasonal Meeting,
Panama City, Panama, September 22, 2011
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Business Opportunities & Legal Challenges In Latin America,
July 28, 2011
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American Arbitration Association – Four Roundtables in Times Square,
New York, NY, June 13, 2011
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"Strategies to Minimize Risk in Litigation and Government Investigations in the United States," Chadbourne & Parke Breakfast Briefing, São Paulo, Brazil, February 24, 2011
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International Centre for Dispute Resolution’s International Roundtable Conference,
São Paulo, Brazil., October 27, 2010
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Annual Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) Boot Camp,
Silicon Valley, CA, September 29, 2010
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Arbitration in Construction Matters: From Theory to Practice,
Panama City, Panama, September 14, 2010
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How Corporate Counsel Can Avoid Common Pitfalls In International Litigation,
June 10, 2010
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"Mock Session: Anti-Suit Injunctions and International Arbitration," Practising Law Institute, New York, NY, March 23, 2010
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"International vs. Domestic Construction Dispute Resolution: The Practitioners’ Roundtable," Miami International Arbitration Conference, Miami, March 22, 2010
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"The FCPA and Other Federal Laws That Keep In House Counsel Awake at Night," ABA Conference on Current Issues in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Litigation, Kenilworth, NJ, November 12, 2009
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"ICDR International ADR Reporting Series," North American Roundtable, São Paulo, Brazil, October 27, 2009
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"The International and Domestic ADR: Legal Updates and Clause Design for Corporate Counsel," ICDR program hosted at Chadbourne, New York, NY, October 14, 2009
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"So You Want to Become an Arbitrator," International Chamber of Commerce’s Young Arbitrators Forum, New York, NY, October 13, 2009
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"The Ins and 'Outs' of Contractual Performance in Today's Economy," New York, May 19, 2009
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"International Arbitration and the Current Global Financial Crisis," International Arbitration Conference at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, April 4, 2009
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"Living with the FCPA in an Era of Enhanced Enforcement," New York, NY, December 17, 2008
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"Transatlantic Disputes: Is Arbitration an Effective Alternative to U.S. Courts for Europeans?," European American Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY, December 4, 2008
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EACC Conference on International Arbitration,
New York, December 3, 2008
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"Current Issues in Export Controls and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act," Managing Business Disputes and Legal Risk in Latin America Conference, Miami, FL, October 23-24, 2008
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"Investments Treaties and National Laws," Dispute Resolution in the International Oil & Gas Business Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 21, 2008
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"Focus on Argentina and Latin America," Forum on International Arbitration, Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 10, 2008
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6th Annual ICC Latin American Arbitration Conference,
Miami, FL, October 9-11, 2008
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"International ADR in North America," International ADR Reporting Program Series Conference, São Paulo, Brazil, August 11, 2008
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"Controversial Provisions in the NY Convention," 4th Rio de Janeiro Int'l Arbitration Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 13, 2008
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"Overcoming Corruption Challenges in Emerging Markets," American Conference Institute's Conference on FCPA and International Anti-Corruption for Pharma and Life Sciences, New York, May 1, 2008
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"International Litigation and Arbitration," International Legal Training Seminar, April 2008
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ICDR Miami International Arbitration Conference,
Coral Gables, FL, March 31, 2008
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"Anti-suit Injunctions," PLI International Arbitration Seminar, March 2008
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IBA's First Conference of the Americas, February 2008
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The ICDR's Latin American International ADR Roundtable,
Washington, November 2007
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ICDR's International Commercial Arbitration Report on Latin America,
New York, October 2007
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NYSBA's International Law Section's Meeting,
Peru, September 2007
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"Statement of Claim and Emerging Injunctive Relief," Arbitrating in Brazil AAA/ICDR Conference, July 2007
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"Anti-Suit Injunctions and Arbitration," Practising Law Institute, New York, March 2007
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"Tertulias: Developments in Arbitration in Latin America," ICDR 5th Annual Miami International Arbitration Conference, February 2007
[ more speeches and events ]
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Practice Areas
Litigation
International Arbitration
White Collar Defense, Regulatory Investigations and Litigation
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Regions
United States
Latin America
Europe
Education
- New York University, College of Arts and Sciences, B.A., with honors, 1986
- New York University, Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration, M.P.A., with honors, 1987
- New York University School of Law, J.D., 1990
Admissions
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1991
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New York
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1991
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U.S.D.C. - E.D.N.Y.
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1991
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U.S.D.C. - S.D.N.Y.
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1997
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U.S.D.C. - D. Hi.
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Languages
English
Spanish
Portuguese
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