Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP's Miami office continues to grow with a series of hires and relocations. The office has a significant focus on Latin America, particularly in international arbitration, along with white-collar crime and investigations. It has an extensive record in cross-border disputes, representing corporates and individuals. Splitting his time between Miami and Washington DC, David Orta has an outstanding reputation in Latin America-related international arbitration, especially investor-state arbitration, and is a growing force in commercial arbitrations; he is noted for post-M&A conflicts, multi-jurisdictional cases and government investigations-related matters. Also based in Miami and Washington DC, co-chair of the white collar and corporate investigations practice, Juan Morillo, is noted for representing individuals (including government officials and corporate executives) along with corporates in major enforcement and internal investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Few dominate international arbitration as much as Quinn Emanuel. David Orta leads the international arbitration practice for the Americas, and in our experience, he is unrivalled in the courtroom. Quinn Emanuel excels in all steps of the arbitration process – due diligence, strategy, written arguments, trial preparation, oral arguments and cross examinations. Few attorneys are as articulate and compelling as members of the Quinn Emanuel team. Their arguments are thorough and well supported, leaving very few (if any) areas where opposing counsel can chip away at an argument.'
- 'Every argument and every line of questioning from the Quinn Emanuel team isn’t wasted and blazes a clear roadmap for how they are going to win and win big. Also, Quinn Emanuel does an outstanding job of working with and preparing witnesses and experts. After completing trial preparation with Quinn Emanuel (which is gruelling because they know every way to attack you), cross examination at the hearing is easy and can actually be enjoyable.'
- 'Their team is among the most diverse I’ve had the pleasure of working with, not only from racial and ethnic backgrounds, nationality, gender, etc, but also in experience and skill set. Everyone speaks up, regardless of seniority, and contributes. In my experience, the Quinn Emanuel team uses technology effectively to complements their arguments, makes tasks easier, and removes chances for error. They don’t deploy (or charge for) flashy technology simply because they can.'
- 'I cannot speak highly enough about David Orta. He is deadly in a hearing or trial. He ensures he knows every aspect of your case and the law, how it can be challenged, and more importantly, what the tribunal needs to understand in order for you to win.'
- 'David Orta operates at an entirely different level than the most elite lawyers. Watching him perform in a hearing is like watching a movie unfold. Everyone is at the edge of their seat listening to David.'
Work highlights
Represented Miguel Orlandini, a US/Bolivian national and 95% owner of Compañía Minera Orlandini in an investment-treaty arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules against Bolivia arising from Bolivia’s breaches of international law under the US-Bolivia BIT.
Represented 37 US investors in B-Mex in an international investment arbitration against Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Represented Oro Negro’s US shareholders and former officers and directors in a cross-border, billion-dollar dispute arising from Oro Negro’s bankruptcy, with litigation in Mexico, the US and Singapore, along with international arbitration.
Practice head
Olga Vieira; Samuel Williamson; John O’Sullivan; David Orta