Holland & Knight LLP > Miami, United States > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 1

A destination practice for middle-market M&A, Holland & Knight LLP’s prolific national group represents buyers and sellers across all 50 states, while its international platform further equips it to handle cross-border work. Widely regarded as a force in transactions at the intersection of healthcare and private equity, the team also shines in deals concerning the aerospace and defense, energy, technology, and automotive sectors. The wider corporate, M&A and securities department is led jointly from Miami by George Mencio, who focuses on corporate and international work, and corporate and private equity specialist David Barkus. The team also draws on the expertise of firm chair Robert Grammig, who splits his time between Tampa, Washington DC and New York. From Denver, Stephen Dietrich steers the practice for the Central West Region, where he is noted for his record in the automotive field. In Fort Lauderdale, Tammy Knight recently advised Conduent on four significant transactions totaling more than $1bn. Other key names include Tysons-based Adam August, who heads the team for the Mid-Atlantic Region, and Tampa’s Alyse Latour, whose experience spans the manufacturing, consumer products, technology and aerospace and defense areas. Paul Jaskot left the firm in August 2024.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Holland & Knight LLP possesses expertise regarding the unique zoning laws, regulatory compliance, and approvals and permits necessary for developing land in multiple states. The land use and zoning practice is led by real estate heads, Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz and Joe Guay, based in Miami and New York, respectively. Miami’s Joseph Goldstein and New York’s Kenneth Lowenstein advise developers, companies and owners on zoning changes, governmental permits and approvals, and air rights. In Washington DC, Christine Shiker offers guidance throughout mixed-use and multiphase projects, including securing discretionary entitlements, while DC’s Kyrus L. Freeman assists developers and owners throughout the regulatory review and approval processes. Dividing her time between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Jennifer Hernandez is conversant in the environmental issues affecting land use, permitting, and housing litigation. Miami’s Pedro Gassant also advises on environmental compliance and development permits.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 1

Holland & Knight LLP ‘has one of the most reputable, dedicated aviation practices with a deep bench covering trading, leasing, finance, insurance, regulatory and restructuring’, led by Phillip L. Durham out of Chicago and New York. The team boasts a diverse client base, serving international banks, aviation corporations, and investment funds with any and all matters relating to the sector. Durham has strong credentials in leasing and acquisition work and directly advises some of the industry’s largest investors such as Nordic Aviation, AerCap, and BBAM Aircraft Management. Nathan Leavitt works out of the San Francisco office and is considered an authority in the Latin American aviation market, with a wealth of experience with bankruptcy proceedings, insurance matters, and aircraft leasing. In New York, Richard Furey is a dual-qualified attorney with considerable asset finance expertise and is heavily involved in a lot of the team’s portfolio financing work whilst John Pritchard is a widely respected figure in aviation, who acts for a variety of stakeholders in complex securitization transactions. Rounding out the New York office, Danielle Santucci focuses on complex leasing transactions and is particularly well-known in the Latin American market. Asset finance specialist Audrey Sung bolsters the firm West Coast presence alongside Brian Daigle who excels at arranging lending transactions for airlines and funds. In Dallas, Cynthia Liu excels at commercial aircraft finance and is able to advise clients on compliance with international trade regulations.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 1

The full-service maritime practice at Holland & Knight LLP comprises a deep bench of ‘individually excellent’ lawyers, working across client-specific teams to represent leading vessel owners, charterers, energy and utility companies, oil and gas service providers, as well as banks and other financial organizations. The team leverages particularly extensive experience representing clients in major litigation and proceedings before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). New York-based Christopher Nolan leads, recommended for his ‘rare depth of knowledge’ in shipping matters, notably shipping disputes and marine insurance; Michael Frevola represents clients in major arbitration and commercial litigation; James Power harnesses international law expertise to advise on cross-border marine insolvency cases; and the ‘excellent’ Vincent Foley is an expert in marine environmental issues. In the Washington DC office, Gerald Morrissey III and Sean Pribyl come recommended for litigation and regulatory compliance in the maritime and international trade sectors. Other key figures include New York-based Michael Cavanaugh, Houston-based Julia Haines and Matthew Vafidis in San Francisco.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Advising clients across the full oil and gas spectrum, including exploration, development, production, and transportation, Holland & Knight LLP handles complex transactions and routine operational issues, with added experience in guiding clients through the evolving energy transition to lower-carbon solutions. Jim Noe leads the team from Washington, DC. Co-head Seth Belzley splits his time between Denver and Houston and is highly regarded by companies operating in the midstream sector, with recent work focused on the acquisition of production facilities, terminals, and pipelines. Co-head Robert Dougherty operates from Dallas and brings extensive experience handling transactions across various basins, advising both domestic and international oil and gas players. Dallas’ Andrew Derman, whose work spans domestic and cross-border M&A as well as commercial agreements, is praised as one of the ‘very best’ oil and gas lawyers, with a ‘unique understanding of the industry‘. Ram Sunkara rotates between Dallas and Atlanta and has a diverse practice that spans upstream and midstream acquisitions and disposals, as well as project counsel, with a particular focus on the LNG sector.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Specializing in renewable energy project development, the energy and natural resources team at Holland & Knight LLP offers assistance on the full life cycle of renewable energy projects including construction, project finance, and tax, as well as environmental, regulatory, and transactional matters. The group’s breadth of expertise and capabilities have won over new clients to its roster comprised of energy companies, government entities, and financial institutions including the likes of EDF and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Practice co-chair Stephen Humes, based between Stamford and New York, stands out for his deep experience handling project development and financing involving grid-scale and net-metered solar photovoltaics, while in between Boston and Washington DC, Mark Kalpin heads up the group and concentrates on the development of onshore and offshore wind and solar generation projects with a focus on purchase agreements and EPC contracts. Washington DC-based Amish Shah also co-leads the department and is noted for his aptitude advising on all tax-related matters such as production tax credits and investment tax credits.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 2

Holland & Knight LLP is home to ‘excellent litigators and construction attorneys’ who advise on industrial, resort, mixed-use, power generation, and major infrastructure projects. The firm’s recent highlights include representing the New York Thruway Authority in its defense of the construction of the highly-publicized Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The multi-state practice is led by Stephen Shapiro, who divides his time between Washington DC and New York, and Ben Subin, based in Orlando and Miami. Robert Bernstein heads the New York team with his expertise in heavy construction, infrastructure, and real estate development. He is joined by Adam Paterno, whose transactional practice includes the representation of owners, developers, contractors, and designers across the country. Operating from Boston, Gina Fonte and Edwin Hall assist with both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Orlando’s Monte Starr and Nashville’s Joe Watson and Mark Bell have litigated a variety of construction issues involving defects and delays, contracts and payments, and liens and bonds. The team also has a Chicago presence where Gregory Meeder advises developers, contractors, and corporations on high-value projects.

Real estate Tier 2

The real estate practice at Holland & Knight LLP fields a large and dedicated team of lawyers, with the capabilities to handle complex real estate transactions. The development team has key expertise advising clients on all types of projects across the US, from due diligence on sites to financings, acquisitions, construction issues, and sales. The team also has a deep bench able to offer advice on a range of asset classes such as hospitality and retail properties. The team is jointly led by Joe Guay in New York, who also co-chairs the hospitality, resort, and timeshare group, and Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz in Miami, who has particular expertise in South Florida, handling developments, acquisitions, and dispositions. Elsewhere, Mark Sloan is based in the Dallas office with standout work including acquisitions and developments for shopping center owners and multifamily developments.

Tax > Not-for-profit (Fortune 1000 private foundations, national trade associations, and charities) Tier 2

Holland & Knight LLP represents a broad range of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including universities, donor-advised funds, community foundations, healthcare providers, and museums. The practice assists clients with corporate governance, excise taxes, intermediate sanctions, IRS audits, endowments, joint ventures, and other legal matters impacting tax-exempt organizations. Jason Havens and Kelly Hellmuth jointly lead the practice in Jacksonville, while David Rosenberg and Jonathan Blum head the Dallas office. Hellmuth and Blum guide tax-exempt organizations through every aspect of the complex nonprofit law and tax exemption landscape, with Hellmuth focusing on matters involving unrelated business taxable income, self-dealing, fundraising regulations and endowments. Key member of the New York office, Christina Cahill, advises domestic and international clients on the tax aspects of charitable giving and complex fundraising strategies.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 2

Holland & Knight LLP  ‘cover the entire gamut of legal needs in aviation’, showcasing a strong track record in handling crash investigations, passenger lawsuits, and regulatory compliance. Jointly led by Christopher Kelly and Steven Raffaele in New York and Anita Mosner in Washington DC the experienced team boasts market leaders in their clientbase such as Qatar Airways, Volaris, American Airlines, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. The practice has had recent successes in the dismissal of putative class action suits, most notably in the US District Court in a case relating to ticket refunds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mosner boasts a wealth of experience as an aviation consultant before the commencement of her tenure at the firm, contributing to her stellar reputation as a ‘knowledgeable and eloquent lawyer’ and an expert in aviation regulation, FAA regulations, and DOT compliance. Kelly receives praise for his work on complex commercial and tort litigation cases, his successful representation of Air France in a suit against Rochester County was a notable highlight. Raffaele too is a seasoned litigator who advises major domestic and international airlines alongside significant insurers in the market. Partners Benjamin Allen in Washington D.C and, Marc Antonecchia, Judy Nemsick, and Sarah Korapaty in New York are other key names that strengthen the practice.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 2

Holland & Knight‘s rail & road litigation and regulation department is a strong choice for product liability, environmental and private class actions, particularly among auto suppliers and freight rail market participants. Jacksonville-based William Byrne and Jameson Rice co-head the team; Byrne’s expertise in rail, road, and maritime logistics, equipment and supply chain issues operating alongside Rice’s experience in the transportation arena’s litigation and regulatory matters. Based out of Dallas, Charles Shewmake is an expert in rail-related disputes and regulations, having previously advised clients before the state and federal level, up to the Supreme Court. Linda Auerbach Allderdice, operating out of Los Angeles, is highly active in transport regulatory issues pertaining to employment, environmental, pre-emption, independent contractor and other areas of regulation, and is noticeably experienced in advising on independent contactor owned-operator drivers in class actions and lawsuits. Kristine Little is also a key member of the team.

Transport > Shipping: finance Tier 2

With an impressive clientele of US and foreign banks and investors, the team at Holland & Knight LLP is routinely called upon to advise in major international shipping transactions, Jones Act compliant financing matters and shipping group restructurings. A growing area of focus for the firm involves representing non-traditional sources of ship financing, including private equity transactions, governmental finance support entities and underwriters in capital markets. The team also leverages key expertise in Marshall Islands and Liberia-related tax issues. New York-based Jovi Tenev leads the ship finance practice, handling the full spectrum of shipping and offshore matters for notable banks and financiers; Richard Furey focuses upon US and global asset and infrastructure finance, acting for vessel owners, lenders and charterers; and Washington DC-based Gerald Morrissey III is recommended for his ability to ‘quickly and creatively’ respond to the needs of clients in a range of maritime investments and acquisitions, regulatory compliance matters and Jones Act transactions. Another key contact is senior counsel Cynthia Liu. Mike Timpone, Sophia Agathis, and Kurt Plankl joined the team in April 2025.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP represents oil, gas, and energy industry clients, including major oil companies, national oil companies, and independents on litigation matters throughout the US. The team also serves as experts, mediators, and arbitrators in domestic and international energy disputes. Austin-based co-head of the team, Juan Alcalá, focuses on international litigation and arbitration with a particular focus on disputes involving Latin America, including matters pending in international tribunals, foreign courts, and US courts. Also co-heading the team is Dallas-based Greg Binns, who focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on disputes involving oil, gas, and other energy-related matters. He is experienced in all aspects of the energy industry including allocation wells, title issues, joint operating agreements, and midstream disputes.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 3

A trusted adviser in the middle-market private equity space and known for its deep industry knowledge and cross-border capabilities, Holland & Knight LLP advises funds, investors, and portfolio companies on complex transactions, with a standout reputation in healthcare deals. David Barkus leads the team from Miami who is a key contact for many of the firm’s top clients. Bryan Gadol advises from Newport Beach and is well-placed to act on deals across a variety of sectors, including tech, healthcare and manufacturing. The ‘fantastic’ Aaron Slavens sits in Miami and is noted for his expertise in the insurance space, while Rick Bange has a deal sheet that features buyouts, growth equity investments, and disposals, advising clients from Charlotte. Chattanooga’s Roddy Bailey is active across early stage and late stage investments, and Miami’s Jordan Taylor has recently been engaged with healthcare and professional services-related transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP expanded its diverse client base. James Paine in Atlanta leads the practice, and his work on ITO and BPO matters is highly rated by peers and clients alike. Chicago-based data strategy and business partner Glynna Christian also plays a key role in advising key clients on launching new technology and digital products, including blockchain, data products, and payment solutions. Allie Parnell joined the Dallas office in 2024, bringing extensive experience in strategic ITO and BPO deals, as well as managed and cloud services, including platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), device as a service (DaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) transactions. The team is also adept in managed network services (MNS) and supply chain and logistics matters.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP’s broad international tax practice covers aspects of foreign tax planning, structuring, compliance, audits and litigation, across a vast range of industries including energy, software, and technology. William Sherman, Stewart Kasner, William Sharp, and Kevin Packman all jointly lead the team out of Florida, with Sharp also sitting in Georgia and California. Sherman focuses his practice on tax planning for mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, joint ventures, as well as investments for clients in diverse industries, including hospitality, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals Kasner focuses on high-net-worth foreign and domestic clients who require assistance with cross-border investments. Sharp regularly acts as lead counsel in offshore compliance matters and  tax litigation and he also represents financial institutions on international tax enforcement and compliance initiatives. Packman’s practice includes advising high-net-worth private clients with tax, trusts and estates. Mark Melton, who is based in Dallas, represents a diverse range of clients in mergers and acquisitions,  as well as inbound and outbound cross-border investments.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP continues to build its tax controversy and litigation practice, which has a strong focus on the energy sector, but also handles complex in many other industries. Its recent success for Exxon Mobil in a proceedings brought by the IRS in the wake of of the company’s restructuring of its partnership with the state of Qatar is a prime example of its ability to handle complex matters, but so is its work for major airlines, technology companies, high-net-worth individuals, and real estate developers. Mary McNulty in Dallas, who led the Exxon case, and Atlanta-based William Sharp, who is frequently lead counsel in offshore compliance matters,  are the lead partners. Up-and-coming partner Lee Meyercord in Dallas and energy sector specialist Amish Shah in Washington DC also play pivotal roles in the practice. Also in DC, Christopher Rizek joined from Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered, where he co-led the tax controversy practice.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Offering tax structuring work for a broad spectrum of clients, the ‘remarkable’ team at Holland & Knight LLP has strong expertise in cross-border M&A, transfer pricing planning, structuring, and federal, state, and foreign tax planning. William Sherman co-heads the group from Florida alongside Stewart Kasner, where he focuses on sophisticated tax planning for a diverse range of clients, including in the petrochemicals, real estate, pharma, and aluminum industries. In Dallas, co-head Mark Melton has considerable experience in the private equity and hedge fund sphere, advising on fund formation, deal acquisitions, and audit representation. Sean Sullivan in Tennessee advises on ESOPs, employee benefits, and pension and retirement plans. Amish Shah in Washington DC and Houston’s Roger Aksamit are particularly active in the energy sector, alongside Ryan Phelps, who joined the firm in June 2024 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Christopher Rizek has also joined the group from Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered in March 2024.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 4

The sizeable practice at Holland & Knight LLP is noted for its experience in acquisition finance, cash flow-based loans, and lending transactions. In Atlanta, Cindy Brazell is a key port of call for banks and financial institutions on asset-based lending and leveraged finance, most notably, in the healthcare sector. Working out of Dallas, Matthew Fontane is experienced in structured finance issues and consumer lending, while Nashville-based Abbey Ruby is knowledgeable of acquisition financing, bridge loan facilities, and mezzanine loans. Operating out of Chicago, Wade Kennedy is proficient in leveraged finance, sponsor-driven acquisitions, and unitranche facilities. Located in Houston, Parker Young is informed in bridge loans and syndicated lending facilities, while Andy Flint is knowledgeable in debt financing. Jonah Price co-leads the practice.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

With a strong emphasis on healthcare acquisitions and joint ventures between private and non-profit providers, Holland & Knight acts for a diverse client base of surgery centers, dental organizations, and outpatient care clients. Nashville-based practice co-lead Brent Hill is well-placed to assist physician services and outpatient provider clients with joint ventures and the regulatory aspects of healthcare transactions, co-head Jennifer Weaver is recommended for her vast knowledge of Medicare audits and government investigations, and Colbey Reagan stands out for his knowledge of AKS and regulatory reimbursement issues. In Miami, co-head Maria Currier has longstanding experience in HIPAA, and fraud and abuse matters on both a state and federal level, while Jeffrey Mittleman co-leads from the Boston office. Julia Hesse, John Saran, and Rachel Gartner joined the group from Choate, Hall & Stewart, Ropes & Gray LLP, and McDermott Will & Emery LLP respectively in 2024.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 4

Led by Atlanta-based trial lawyer Todd Wozniak, who defends companies, fiduciaries and public institutions throughout the US, Holland & Knight LLP is active in representing a wide variety of clients, from plan sponsors to trustees and plan administrators in all aspects of ERISA, ESOP and employee benefits litigation. The team is regularly engaged with litigation arising out of retirement, as well as health and welfare benefit plans brought by plan participants, medical providers and issues arising from the Affordable Care Act. One key matter the firm has been engaged in includes representing defendants from Torgerson Properties dealing with a novel issue of whether the sale of the stock held by the TPI Employee Stock Ownership Plan was a prohibited transaction. In Chicago, Chelsea Ashbrook McCarthy and Atlanta-based Lindsey Camp are active in defense in ESOP matters and 401(k) plans alleging claims of breach of fiduciary duty and prohibited transactions.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 4

Holland & Knight is well positioned to advise on a range of business immigration matters, as well as immigration enforcement and compliance. The group is lauded for its depth of knowledge of the healthcare industry. The team responsible for heading the practice is formed of Vinh Duong, who specializes in I-9 employment verification and Nora Katz, who is a key contact for hospitals, health systems and healthcare providers out of the Nashville office; Leon Fresco, who focuses his practice on global immigration representation in Washington DC; Marc Klein, who excels in the transfer of executives, managers and specialized personnel in the Dallas office and Tara Vance, who stands out for her expertise in immigration compliance matters in New York.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Holland & Knight LLP’s real estate finance practice represents US and foreign banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and debt funds on a range of commercial real estate asset types. Heading the team is Joseph Guay in New York. David Packer in Century City represents lenders and borrowers in the full gamut of financings, including permanent, bridge, construction, and mezzanine. Located in the Charlotte office, David Iacuzio oversees CMBS and CLO programs. John Decker, David Jacobs and Vivian Arias in Charlotte, Dallas, and New York respectively are also highlighted.        

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 5

The ‘responsive and collaborative’ team at Holland & Knight leverages the firm’s strong relationships with institutional investors to shine in advising venture capital funds and private equity clients on investment transactions. On the company front, the group supports entrepreneurs on formation, funding, and securities matters. From Century City, Tim Poydenis co-heads the department and acts for both growth companies and investors on fundraisings, acquisitions, exits, and governance issues. Boston is the seat of fellow national co-head Jeffrey Seul, who additionally chairs the technology and telecoms area; he frequently represents technology start-ups in financing rounds. From Miami, Danielle Price and Enrique Conde co-head the practice for south Florida.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 6

Holland & Knight is adept at advising venture capital clients on fund terms as well as advising natural resources managers on the tax-efficient structuring of their general partner vehicles. These clients range from start-ups to large cap funds. Bradley Van Buren, who has a strong track record of advising emerging fund managers and Olesya Bakar, who is head of the firm’s real estate fund Formation practice and is described as ‘responsive and creative with real estate fund issues’, head up the team. The pair work out of Boston and Washington DC respectively.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions

Holland & Knight's corporate trade regulation team, which operates predominantly out of Washington DC, provides counsel on a range of cross-border matters. Notably, the team has been active in the emerging technology space, with clients spanning the AI, cyber, Biotech, and space sectors. Robert Friedman acts as lead counsel to some significant clients and leverages a diverse background as both a private sector practitioner and former government official. Antonia Tzinova has experience assisting technology exporters and research universities on export compliance programs. Andrew McAllister, Jonathan Epstein, and Ron Oleynik are key members of the team.

Latin America: International firms > City Focus - Miami Tier 1

Holland & Knight LLP is a titan of the Miami legal market with a rich history of Latin America engagements. The Miami office has a background in corporate transactions, financings, project development and international arbitration. The firm has continued to advise on headline and high-value M&A and private equity transactions, with Latin America group head Roberto Pupo having a pivotal role in the firm’s cross-border deals. The team has achieved further prominence in inbound transactions into the US for Latin American clients, along with growth in intra-regional deals; its offices in Mexico and Colombia give it additional regional presence. Aymee Valdivia is another key member of the cross-border transactional group and of the Cuba action team, with Jose Sirven and Alexandra Aguirre providing further senior credibility to the regional practice. In international arbitration, Adolfo Jimenez leads a team that has an extensive record in cases involving multiple Latin America jurisdictions and is further noted for its expertise in energy, infrastructure, transport and hospitality disputes. Katharine Menéndez de La Cuesta is also rated for international arbitration. Miami and New York-based Norberto Quintana has an outstanding record in infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy project financings. Enrique Conde has departed the firm.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP has ‘extensive knowledge of the markets‘ and ‘extensive experience in all types of financing‘, with an established record in syndicated lending, aviation finance, acquisition finance, project finance, structured finance and securitisations, and trade finance. With the Latin America banking and finance team spread across its New York and Miami offices, it is making further progress in sustainability-linked financings and in syndicated loans to financial institutions. The firm has close links to major commercial banks, agency lenders and DFIs in the Latin American market such as Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (BLADEX) and IDB Invest, along with financial sponsors and Latin American borrowers. New York-based Stephen Double is a big name in syndicated lending and ESG-linked financings. Norberto Quintana (‘brings a lot of experience to the table‘) is also recognised for his depth of experience in energy and infrastructure financings, along with debt restructurings. Lara Rios (‘stands out for her technical mastery of negotiation and her dedication to the client‘) is another key partner and is becoming increasingly prominent in the market. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise. Since research concluded the firm has further strengthened the practice group with the September 2024 hire of corproate and structure finance specialist José Tadeo Martínez, an ex-BID external advisor, to its Washington DC office.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 3

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Holland & Knight LLP has a major focus on Latin America through its New York, Miami, Mexico City and Bogota offices. It has attracted a wealth of Latin American clients along with a range of financial investors. The firm’s exposure to the region, brings it a steady pipeline of inbound and outbound deals, along with intra-regional transactions; it advised Peru-based Oben Holding Group on its $116m purchase of Brazil-based flexible packaging films business Terphane. Roberto Pupo is co-chair of the Latin America group and has an extensive record in M&A, joint-ventures, private equity transactions and venture capital investments. Enrique Conde is co-head of the emerging companies and venture capital group in South Florida, providing further Latin America experience, along with Aymee Valdivia, who is noted for her experience in Latin America transactions and Cuba matters. Alexandra Aguirre is recognised for private equity and venture capital investments in Latin America.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 5

Holland & Knight LLP has major focus on Latin America and an established international arbitration practice to match. With offices in Mexico and Colombia it has a history of cases involving the two jurisdictions, along with Argentina, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. The ‘fabulous team‘ is further noted for its experience in energy, infrastructure, transport and hospitality cases. The group features multilingual practitioners trained in both common and civil law. Adolfo Jimenez leads the team, which includes Katharine Menéndez de La Cuesta, who is licensed in Florida, New York and Spain; both Miami-based partners are described as ‘simply extraordinary‘. Washington DC and Bogota-based Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón is another key member of the department, along with New York partner Marisa Marinelli, who is also highly rated by clients.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

Holland & Knight LLP has a diversified Latin America capital markets practice. With senior capital markets practitioners in New York, Miami, Mexico City and Bogota, it has carved out a significant market share of capital markets deals in the region, including in Mexico’s Fibra market, in project bonds, and in liability management transactions in Argentina. The team has also developed a strong record in ESG, notably green bonds and sustainability-linked bond offerings. It has close links to financial institutions and Latin American issuers. Stephen Double is an experienced practitioner with a major emphasis on bank lending, along with debt and equity offerings, project bonds, debt restructurings, exchange offers, structured finance and securitisation transactions; he has strong connections to international and Latin American financial institutions, along with a number of Latin American issuers. New York and Miami-based Norberto Quintana is another Latin America specialist with a fine record in project and infrastructure bonds. Associate Maria De Bedout is key team member on many of the team’s notable transactions. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.