Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP > Miami, United States > Firm Profile

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Miami Elite > International corporate and M&A

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 1

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP serves a diverse client base across the industrial, manufacturing, energy, and conservation sectors, offering expertise in air, natural resources, water, and chemical matters. The practice is jointly led from the Washington DC office by Eric Murdock and Deidre Duncan. Murdock is a seasoned practitioner in environmental compliance and risk management, while Duncan is known by clients for her knowledge of water and natural resource compliance and permitting matters. Other notable practitioners at the DC office include Kerry McGrath, a natural resources and environmental lawyer who assists clients on environmental statutes including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act; Matthew Leopold, who handles air quality, chemicals, and hazardous substances and site cleanup mandates; and Charles (Chuck) Knauss , who advises energy, automotive, and manufacturing clients on compliance and risk management. Over in San Francisco, Shannon Broome co-chairs the ESG and climate change practice, advising renewables, manufacturing, and oil and gas clients on regulation and risk management. Also operating out of the San Francisco office is Samuel Brown, who focuses on the development and implementation of corporate climate change-related strategies, and Clare Ellis, whose knowledge of emission credit and trading programs positions her to advise the transportation and energy sectors.  

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP advises clients on data privacy law compliance at the state, federal and global level, including advising clients on their data transfer strategies under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. The firm also assists with cybersecurity preparedness plans and handles data issues around AI and biometrics. Lisa Sotto, the practice head, focuses on cybersecurity incident response and AI governance projects. In the Washington DC office, Phyllis Marcus is a market-leading expert on children’s privacy, specializing in the impact of adtech and digital environments on children. Aaron Simpson supports private equity firms and pension funds on transatlantic privacy and data security matters. Brittany Bacon is noted for her knowledge in comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity projects. Adam Solomon is an expert on privacy and data monetization compliance programs, whilst Michael La Marca focuses on matters regarding emergent technologies, such as machine learning. Danielle Dobrusin regularly advises clients on the CCPA and CPRA. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 2

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s administrative law team is active on environmental issues, from policy to litigation, both in the US and globally. The team guides clients through a range of challenges, including air, water, waste, chemicals, and climate change, offering expertise in environmental permitting, enforcement, and complex disputes. Deidre Duncan,  leads the environmental practice, specializing in water, natural resources, and regulatory compliance, including Clean Water Act permits, NEPA, ESA, and endangered species issues, with a focus on energy transition and carbon capture. Also leading the practice is Eric Murdock  – a veteran environmental attorney with great experience in compliance, transactions, and litigation. The pair sit in the Washington DC office. Samuel Brown, a former EPA attorney, based in San Francisco, co-leads the firm’s energy transition practice, advising clients on decarbonization, renewable energy, and ESG risks. Clare Ellis has assisted a diverse set of clients with navigating complex environmental laws and focuses on transportation and energy project planning.

Finance > Project finance

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP fields a dedicated team of experts in primary and secondary transactions involving public-private partnerships. The firm takes a multi-sector approach in representing a wide array of lenders, equity sponsors, procuring authorities and sub-contractors. Prowess in toll road PPPs is one of the hallmarks of the practice group, and it has also had a recent flow of notable rail project financing. For energy project financing the team has carved out a strong presence in clean energy, especially solar projects and battery storage facilities. It excels in tax equity financing. The energy team is led by Jeff Schroeder in Washington DC, while infrastructure and PPPs are overseen by David Horner at the same office. Laura Jones is based in Richmond and focuses her practice on tax equity financing of renewable energy projects. Further key names on the energy side include New York-based George Borovas, head of the nuclear practice, and Geoffrey Lorenz in Washington DC, who assists with electric-generating facilities employing renewable technologies. Senior figure on the infrastructure side, John O’Neill in Richmond is a veteran of the field, and Mark Arnold has broad public law and real estate knowledge. The agency finance group is led by Jamie Head in Washington DC, while Andrej Micovic in Miami stands out for his ‘innovative, commercial approaches’ to complex PPP and privately-owned projects in the US and Latin America. At a more junior level, Ryan Pedraza at the Richmond office assists with the full range of major infrastructure financing.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Clients praise the ‘superb knowledge, practicality, technical expertise, strategic positioning and creativity on work’ of the securitization practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. The team fields in-depth expertise across a full spectrum of securitization services, including CMBS, RMBS and REO securitizations, synthetic credit risk transfer securitizations, and a gamut of ABS classes, such as agricultural, auto loans, credit card receivables, small business loans, and in particular, mortgage-related financing. Richmond-based Mike Nedzbala has a long track record in securitization transactions, with notable expertise in residential mortgages. He co-heads the team with Brent Lewis , who is based out of New York, and is highly regarded among issuers and underwriters for his expertise in RMBS-related transactions, along with Brit Mohler Dufilho, also from New York. Thomas Hiner brings deep experience in esoteric and emerging asset securitizations, while  Cecelia Phillips Horner is well-versed in mortgage, auto and student-loan based securities and resecuritization. Janet Sadler McCrae is retained by purchasers, issuers, dealers and investors in a variety of credit risk transfer, residential and commercial mortgage-backed transactions. Shannon Daily is a key member of the team for ABS-based securitizations, especially those involving novel assets.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 2

Led by versatile litigator Syed Ahmad, the Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP team exclusively acts for policyholders, trying and appealing coverage disputes across almost all commercial lines of insurance. Noted for their success in COVID-19 business interruption cases, such as those for food and retail giant Bloomin’ Brands, the group has a strong track record recovering vast sums for a varied selection of policyholders in high-stakes disputes with their insurers. On the team are reputed coverage expert Lorelie S. Masters, Michael S. Levine, who leverages a decade of past experience representing carriers to strategize for policyholders, Miami-based Walter J. Andrews, and Lawrence J Bracken, who handles a range of matters, including issues at the convergence of bankruptcy and insurance from the Atlanta office. Andrea DeField is trusted by executives facing cybersecurity crises, natural disasters, and bet-the-company allegations, and Koorosh Talieh‘s varied practice spans D&O, product liability, and an array of first-party property and business interruption disputes. In the Boston outpost, Geoffrey Fehling is highly experienced with D&O and management liability insurance, and in Washington DC, Latosha M. Ellis specializes in cyber and media liabilities, and Jorge R. Aviles counsels corporate and governmental policyholders on issues such as cyber risks. Based in Atlanta, Rachel E. Hudgins is occupied by coverage and bad faith litigation.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to be involved in high-profile, multimillion-dollar transactions for a diverse range of clients that includes Fortune 100 companies. The outsourcing and technology practice is well-versed in IT, HR, finance and accounting, CRM, procurement, manufacturing, facilities, SaaS, and cloud deals. The firm’s  in Richmond office is home to a deep bench of talent. Veteran practitioners Jeffrey Harvey, who leads the practice, and Randall Parks, who provides ‘sound, practical business guidance’, are go-to lawyers for global brands seeking advice on complex technology and outsourcing transactions. Andrew Geyer is particularly adept in ITO deals. Among his recent highlights is a major strategic technology outsourcing deal for a large chemical company, which involved the management and support of its critical infrastructure at more than 50 locations. Up-and-coming partner Christina Edwards handles both ITO and BPO transactions, as well as drafting commercial contracts, licensing and technology agreements. Cecilia Oh  in Washington DC lead the firm’s work in mobile payments and fintech.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 2

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to represent lenders in major developments of all asset types including data centers, retail, and multifamily. The team is well versed in advising on mortgage and mezzanine financings as well as preferred equity investments. Brett Gross and Laurie Grasso lead the New York practice while co-head Howard Schreiber is in charge of the Dallas practice. Gross focuses largely on securitized and portfolio mortgage lending and co-lending and participation arrangements. Schreiber is noted for his extensive knowledge of construction and permanent lending. Also in Dallas, Kathleen Wu is trusted by a wide range of clients, from borrowers and lenders to servicers, buyers, and sellers. Peter Mignone has a dual-sided practice, advising institutional lenders on the origination of mortgage and mezzanine loans and counseling clients on the restructuring of distressed loans. Real estate finance specialist Matthew Halal is noted for his expertise in all aspects of securitized financings.    

Real estate Tier 2

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP's real estate and development team handles a range of high-value projects, complex transactions, and developments. The firm leverages its broad experience to assist clients with the acquisition, financing, and development elements of transactions. Adapting to the changing market, the firm is well-positioned to assist clients with their needs related to data centers, sustainable C-PACE financing, life sciences, and healthcare sectors, as well as distressed assets. Laurie Grasso leads the practice as co-chair of the global real estate practice, acting out of the New York office, with experience in transactions throughout the real estate market. Alongside Grasso is Brett Gross, also co-chair of the global real estate practice and based in the New York office, who is well-regarded for assisting lenders and investors and has a practice focusing on all aspects of secured financings. Based in the Dallas office, Howard Schreiber acts as co-chair of the global practice; he advises a variety of institutional investors and lenders, and is valued for his knowledge of construction, permanent lending, and office leasing mandates.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP combines its strengths in product liability litigation and in trial settings to defend against a variety of tort litigations ranging from multi-plaintiff suits, to multidistrict litigation and class actions. In the toxic torts space, trial lawyers have litigated claims involving allegations of cancer, neurological damages and long-latency diseases, while in PFAS litigation, Richmond's Alexandra Cunningham and Boston-based Daniel Stefany are active in litigating PFAS cases around the country in both individual claims and class actions often involving environmental liability and product liability. Cunningham is also active in defending industrial clients in asbestos litigation, having been involved in claims dealing with all forms of asbestos filters. Georgia Lucier in Houston and Tom Waskom in Los Angeles and Richmond are both key names.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s energy regulation practice is highly experienced in representing clients in federal and state regulatory proceedings, including litigated rate cases, corporate change-in-control proceedings, and permitting applications. The team regularly advises on regulatory compliance for commercial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and financings, with substantial experience before FERC, PUCT, and other energy regulators. Clients include traditional electric utilities, independent system operators, regional transmission organizations, and wholesale power generators. Practice co-head Myles Reynolds specializes in counseling electric utilities and energy companies on regulatory matters, based across Houston and Dallas. In Dallas, Tab Urbantke provides strategic guidance on regulatory risks in project development and energy transactions. Kevin Jones focuses on competitive wholesale markets, working across Richmond and New York, while Ted Murphy, in Washington DC, brings expertise in capacity market power mitigation and reliability issues. Also in DC, John Shepherd has over two decades of experience, represents public utilities, transmission owners, and state agencies in complex regulatory and enforcement matters before FERC and federal courts.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

With a ‘depth and diversity of expertise that is unmatched,’ Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s renewables and clean power department stands out for its robust offering which covers a wide array of energy transactions ranging from M&A and joint ventures to debt and equity offerings and project financing. The group continues to attract new and notable clients to its roster including commercial banks, export credit agencies, and institutional lenders. Jeff Schroeder, based in Washington DC, heads up the team and concentrates on project development as well as asset, stock, and portfolio acquisitions. In Richmond, Laura Ellen Jones is the main contact in the practice and specialises in tax equity financings for renewable energy projects, while Washington DC-based Geoffrey Lorenz is adept at handling the financing, acquisition, and development of electric-generating facilities. On the tax credit front, David Lowman is the go-to practitioner in Washington DC and Robert McNamara is the primary liaison in Houston.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP advises oil and gas majors, state-owned enterprises, and financial institutions on transactions, financings, and regulatory matters across the upstream, midstream, and LNG sectors. The firm’s broad practice spans onshore and offshore developments, with a growing focus on energy transition projects, including carbon capture initiatives. Co-head Michael O’Leary, who also has an impressive capital markets practice, provides skill in M&A and PE transactions, while co-head Carl Von Merz adds further domestic and cross border transactional expertise across the upstream and midstream. Jordan Hirsch has a strong track record acting as underwriters counsel for significant debt and equity capital raises for major energy companies. Cheryl Phillips is noted for her skill in commercial contracts, overseeing joint operating agreements, drilling arrangements, and oil and gas leases. All individuals are based in Houston.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Noted for its ‘depth and diversity of expertise that’s unmatched,’ the renewables and clean power practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is adept at advising on the whole life cycle of renewable energy and clean power projects including financing, development, and acquisitions, as well as lending, investments, and hedging matters. The group’s wide-ranging expertise, alongside its cross-border capabilities, is a draw to new clients such as commercial banks, institutional lenders, and export credit agencies, among others. The ‘skilled and personable’ Jeff Schroeder heads up the team in Washington DC and stands out for his aptitude for handling project finance transactions alongside acquisitions, divestitures, and development. In Richmond, Laura Jones is the main contact in the department and specializes in tax equity financing, while in Washington, DC, Geoffrey Lorenz concentrates on sale and leaseback transactions, tax credit transfers, and investments. Other key practitioners include Houston-based Robert McNamara and New York’s George Borovas and Cheng Jean Liang.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

With a long history of representing major investors, domestic issuers, and underwriters, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has extensive expertise in handling at-the-market programs and complex common stock offerings. The firm fields specialists in the energy, real estate, and financial services sectors, with co-head Courtney Cochran Butler located in Houston. The other joint leads- Peter O’Brien in New York and Robert Smith in Washington DC- have vast experience in REITS and SEC compliance matters, whilst James Davidson stands out for his advice on corporate governance matters from his base in Houston. New York’s Michael Fitzpatrick concentrates on privately placed offerings of equity, and Steven Friend is highlighted for his liability management work.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Representing initial purchasers on offerings under Rule 144A and convertible senior notes, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP routinely handles multi-jurisdictional transactions across Canada and Central America. The team frequently manages capital markets transactions ranging from SEC-registered debt offerings of senior notes to Rule 144A. Courtney Cochran Butler, Peter O’Brien, and Robert Smith co-lead the outfit, while Houston-based James Davidson primarily focuses on securities market regulation. In New York, Michael Fitzpatrick specializes in subordinated and convertible debt, and Steven Friend is knowledgeable in the energy and utility industries.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s strengths lie in financial products and payments work, as well as its transactional capabilities. The practice is led by Erin Fonté in Austin, who advises both bank and non-bank fintech market participants on corporate and regulatory matters, including product development and launches, and has been involved in creating various financial services products and payment networks. In Dallas, Peter Weinstock focuses on transactional work, BaaS, and enforcement matters, while Jarrett Hale specializes in litigation and compliance within financial services, with an emphasis on all aspects of consumer protection law. In New York, Lisa Sotto heads the firm’s privacy and cybersecurity practice, supported by Brittany Bacon.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

Capable of advising across all phases of litigation, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP fields a varied practice that spans unusual color and design trademarks, trademark infringement and false advertising litigation. Co-leading the group from Washington DC are Tyler Maddry and John Gary Maynard, the latter of whom is considerably experienced on the software litigation side. Richmond-based Stephen Demm holds a wealth of experience in the realm of tech litigation and New York-based Jeremy Boczko is active across a myriad of sectors, from banking and financial services to entertainment and sports. Also in New York is Armin Ghiam, a strong choice for tech and cosmetics companies.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Excelling at handling marks, logos, slogans and sound marks, among others, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP capitalizes on these skills to operate across the tech, media and financial services industries. Spearheading the firm’s offering from Washington DC, John Gary Maynard is adept at handling brand protection, software audits and domain name counseling, and Tyler Maddry is esteemed in the tech industry. Stephen Demm, who is active in the firm’s Richmond office, enjoys a multi-faceted arsenal of skills across clearance, registration and management issues. Jonathan Reichman and Jeremy Boczko are both active in the New York office.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP concentrates its practice around US immigration sponsorship, global immigration and compliance. Its client roster spans numerous industries, but the group has notable expertise in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, banking and healthcare. Both jointly leading the practice, Ian Band specializes in temporary visas, permanent visas, US citizenship and I-9 compliance and Adam Rosser focuses on practice management issues. Key players supporting Band and Rosser include Suzan Kern, whose expertise lies in the creative, banking, manufacturing and biotech industries; Shaena Rowland, who excels in the development of US immigration program compliance; Brooke Hollmann and Farah Egal. Lieselot Whitbeck is a name to highlight in the Miami office, which benefits from her global immigration knowledge. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s labor and employment group is best known for its expertise in union and labor matters before the NLRB and the courts. Other areas of focus include wage-hour issues, the implementation of arbitration agreements, sick pay and leave laws and restrictive convenient agreements. Emily Burkhardt Vicente and Kevin White jointly lead the practice from the Los Angeles and Washington D.C offices, respectively.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 3

With ‘deep experience’ in the M&A practice, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP works in coordination with its capital markets and data security departments to advise on M&A due diligence, regulatory matters, and corporate restructurings. Counting mortgage and utilities companies amongst its client roster, the team’s scope of work also includes REIT M&A, energy M&A, and public and private transactions. The group is co-led by Richmond lawyer Steven Haas, who covers strategic acquisitions and divestitures, shareholder activism, and public company sales, and Washington DC-based Steven Patterson, a key contact for public and private securities offerings. In Houston, Michael O’Leary is skilled in private equity, joint ventures, and spin-offs, while Miami-based Fernando Alonso handles M&A in the finance sector, often representing foreign clients in their US acquisitions.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s real estate capital markets, tax, and M&A practices come together to assist its mainly publicly traded REIT client base with real estate capital market transactions, M&As, and IPOs. The cross-departmental team is praised as providing ‘the full suite of’ advice and in particular demonstrates capabilities in equity and debt transactions as both issuer’s and underwriter’s counsel. The department shines in the mortgage REITs space, advising an array of publicly traded mortgage REITs as company counsel, alongside its strong emphasis on hotel REITs.  Operating from Washington DC, well-respected capital markets lawyer Robert Smith comfortably handles public REIT transactions and jointly leads the team with Kendal Sibley from Richmond who is an expert in the federal tax aspects of structuring equity and mortgage REITs. In Richmond, Kate Saltz is a key figure in corporate finance and public and private securities offerings while George Howell in the tax team also comes recommended.  

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 4

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP boasts a strong energy litigation practice, representing integrated oil and gas companies, pipeline operators, producers, and marketers in high-stakes disputes. The firm frequently appears before FERC and advocates for clients before key federal agencies, including the EPA and the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Interior. The practice is co-led by Deidre Duncan in D.C., Michael Morfey in Houston, and Myles Reynolds in Dallas. San Francisco-based Shannon Broome, a former chemical engineer, brings technical insight to regulatory, enforcement, and litigation matters in the oil and gas sector.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP represents a diverse range of clients in the oil and gas sector, including integrated energy companies, natural gas producers, pipeline operators, and marketers. The firm has extensive experience handling FERC regulatory matters, including LNG facilities, storage, and interstate natural gas pipelines, and also advocates for clients before federal agencies such as the EPA and the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Interior. The team collaborates with environmental attorneys to advise on compliance, permitting, and infrastructure maintenance. Dallas-based practice head Myles Reynolds focuses on regulatory counsel for natural gas utilities and midstream companies. Shemin Proctor provides regulatory representation before FERC and strategic guidance to major energy companies and pipeline operators. John Shepherd specializes in regulatory litigation, certification, and enforcement matters before FERC and federal courts. Unless otherwise stated, all mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 4

The Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP team has significant experience handling employment litigation, representing clients before the courts and administrative agencies in matters involving the theft of trade secrets, breach of restrictive covenants, discrimination, harassment and wage and hour compliance. Emily Burkhardt Vicente and Kevin White both sit at the head of the practice. Vincente works from the Los Angeles office and has significant experience taking hybrid class and collective action causes to jury trial. White is situated Washington DC and brings specialist knowledge of the retail and consumer products industry to the group. Supporting White in Washington is Ryan Bates, who handles class actions, collective actions and bet-the-company litigation. M. Brett Burns is a key figure in the San Francisco office and focuses his practice on wage and hour class and collective actions. Michele Beilke departed in June 2024.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has a strong record in emerging tech, advising on a wide range of tech-related issues, including transactions, IP, AI, Internet of Things, and cybersecurity. The team advises clients across industries such as e-commerce, mobile tech, software licensing, and privacy and has worked with prominent companies such Google, guiding them through complex matters from enterprise IT contracts to M&A. Jeffrey Harvey  in Richmond is adept in outsourcing transactions, offering expert guidance on e-commerce, commercial agreements, AI, and cutting-edge tech solutions for top global brands.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

The tax practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, jointly chaired by Cecelia Philipps Horner in Richmond and Houston’s Robert McNamara, is noted for its capabilities in energy and transactional tax matters, working on REITS, securitizations, and major commercial deals. Horner leverages a wealth of corporate finance experience in her practice and is very active in the real estate sector, working on several mortgage back securitizations for firms like JP Morgan. Mcnamara has a strong presence in the renewable energy space and has established experience in advising clients on a broad spectrum of work including tax equity investments, joint ventures, and partnerships.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 5

With capabilities covering both plan design, implementation and administration counsel as well as regulatory, compliance and day-to-day benefits advice, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s executive compensation and employee benefits practice is well-suited to deal with a broad range of needs. The practice is capably led by the multidisciplinary skills of Austin’s Anthony (Tony) Eppert, who specializes compensation and benefits with particular expertise in ESOPs, and is also experienced in drafting and administering 401(k), 403(b) and defined benefit plans. In the Washington DC office, Jessica Agostino leads on regulatory compliance matters when issues arise regarding plan redesign and integration amid transactions, and Michelle Lewis drafts plan documentation and resolves compliance, negotiation and litigation problems facing retirement, health and welfare plans.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s bankruptcy, restructuring and creditors’ rights department features a substantial team of experts that cover both transactions and litigation. The team represents clients in key bankruptcy and restructuring hubs such as Houston, Dallas, Richmond, New York and Delaware; it is particularly known for its experience in cases before the Texas courts and is further recognised for its work in the energy and financial institutions sectors. The group has developed core expertise in consumer finance and has achieved further growth in cryptocurrency-related matters. It represents an impressive array of creditors and debtors. Richmond based Tyler Brown and Timothy Davidson, who is located in Houston, co-head the bankruptcy and restructuring department. Deputy managing partner Robin Russell and emerging talent Ashley Harper are also key names and are also based in Houston.

Industry focus > Education

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing

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

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

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP's core Latin America practice is located in Miami, where the team has an extensive background in M&A and corporate transactions, financings, securities offerings and fund formations. The Miami practice has experienced an uptick in engagements from private equity houses and Latin American family offices with investments across the region. Its deep connections have led to a number of intra-regional deals and it has maintained its formidable record in bank M&A, including inbound transactions into the US; it represents a multitude of large Latin American banks on M&A transactions, securities offerings, fund formations and financings from international banks. It also acts for a series of US-based banks and financial institutions in connection with their Latin America interests, including financings. The Miami group continues to be active in agency-led financings, most notably for Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest), a regular client for Uriel Mendieta, who is also noted for digital infrastructure, including subsea fibre optic cables and terrestrial cables; Fernando Margarit is a specialist in this area and is also active in Latin America. As head of the Latin America practice, Fernando Alonso is a leader in M&A, financings and securities offerings, with the corporate team being best known for transactions in Central America, the Andean region and the Caribbean, along with a growing deal flow in Brazil.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to make considerable progress in representing commercial and agency lenders in Latin America financings, while also expanding its borrower client base. It is the 'go-to law firm for development finance institutions based in Washington DC' and recently advised IDB Invest in relation to multiple financings to Latin American financial institutions. The firm also frequently advises Latin America-based banks in connection with accessing funding. It  remains at the forefront of financings in the digital infrastructure sector and impresses in the wider energy and infrastructure areas, including the financing of desalination plants and other major projects; it advised the lenders on the financing of Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile’s (Codelco) desalination plant in Chile. Fernando Alonso is chairman of the Latin America team and has an established record in big-ticket financings. Washington DC-based Vera Rechsteiner is key to many of the firm’s agency lender relationships, along with Uriel Mendieta and Washington-DC’s Alejandro Silva, who has close connections to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), having previously been assistant general counsel at the organisation. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP's dedication to Latin America brings it a wealth of inbound and outbound deal engagements, along with a number of intra-regional matters. It has an experienced team in Miami that has served the region for decades, complemented by colleagues in New York, Washington DC, Houston and elsewhere. The practice is particularly noted for cross-border financial institutions M&A, including Latin American banks acquiring assets in the US. It is also at the forefront of digital infrastructure deals, and is growing its presence in representing family offices and private equity funds; the firm has advised a series of Latin American family offices on their investments into the US and is increasingly active in fund formation engagements for Latin American financial institutions. Moreover, it is widely recognised for its advice to multilateral agencies in connection with their investments in Latin American entities. Long having had a focus on Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean region, the team is now gaining increasing profile in southern Latin America - particularly Chile. Fernando Alonso chairs the Latin America and Iberia practice groups and has an outstanding reputation in M&A, joint ventures and other corporate transactions. Fernando Margarit is a leader in subsea and terrestrial networks, while Uriel Mendieta has further developed the team’s position in digital infrastructure deals and remains active on a broad range of corporate deals.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 3

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to see growth in its practice, driven in part by its strong connections to multilateral agencies and DFIs. It remains active in Central America project financings and has landed a series of substantial engagements relating to projects in Guyana. The firm is additionally at the forefront of digital infrastructure and subsea fibre optic cable projects; as well as being noted for public-private partnership transactions and other key areas such as desalination plants. Fernando Alonso is chair of the Latin America group and a real authority on transactions in the region, including project financings and energy M&A. Washington DC-based Vera Rechsteiner has an extensive record in Latin America projects and is a key relationship partner for IDB Invest, alongside Uriel Mendieta, who is noted for subsea fibre optic cable systems, terrestrial fibre projects and other digital infrastructure matters. Fernando Margarit is another key name on telecoms and subsea cable systems, while Washington DC’s Alejandro Silva is a regular adviser to International Finance Corporation on Latin America project financings. The firm is also rated for projects in Chile, with New York counsel Christian Rudloff being admitted to practice in Chile, Mexico and New York; along with Washington DC associate James Channing, who is dual qualified in Chile and New York. Since publication, Rudloff has left the firm - effective as of February 2025.