Diaz Reus International Law Firm remains a major force in white-collar crime and investigations, sanctions and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) matters, and asset recovery cases. The firm is also noted for broader commercial disputes and international arbitration. It has succeeded in achieving a series of solutions to sanctions cases and has worked on a number of asset recovery cases linked to bank collapses in Puerto Rico. Commercial disputes involving Latin American sovereigns and sub-sovereigns are another forte, while FCPA investigations into Latin American businesses and individuals remains a strength; it represented the individual board members of PDVSA Ad Hoc, the opposition government petroleum agency of Venezuela that manages PDVSA’s assets abroad, in defence of criminal investigations in the US and actions taken by Interpol at the request of the Republic of Venezuela. The firm is well known for representing government officials and former government officials in headline cases. With a formidable record in FCPA cases where he has an impressive record for securing declinations from prosecution, global managing partner Michael Diaz has an outstanding reputation in anti-corruption and money laundering cases. Robert Targ is also noted for anti-money laundering and OFAC cases, while senior figure Gary Davidson has a wide-ranging Latin America disputes practice. Marta Colomar-Garcia is also rated for anti-money laundering, asset recovery and a variety of Latin America-related cases, while Javier Coronado is noted for white-collar crime cases and international investigations, along with OFAC and anti-money laundering matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Availability and attention.'
- 'Effective.'
- 'Díaz Reus International Law Firm stands out for its exceptional command of the US judicial and regulatory environment, especially in complex federal litigation, sanctions compliance, enforcement of awards, and representation of foreign entities in US courts.'
- 'The greatest differential value of the Díaz Reus team is its ability to combine high-level legal expertise with strategic and institutional vision. They not only handle litigation or proceedings well: they understand the stakes for the client beyond the courtroom. This is especially important when representing public interests, sensitive assets, or litigating in the US federal environment with international ramifications. Their attorneys think like litigators, but also like trusted advisors, with a clear understanding of the political, reputational, and operational impact of each step. Rather than offering generic solutions, they propose realistic, executable paths aligned with the client's objectives.'
- 'I value their global perspective combined with deep-rooted, long-standing relationships across jurisdictions. The team is not only exceptionally skilled but also very connected, with a reputation for trust and collaboration that extends internationally.'
- 'One standout partner is Michael Diaz, a brilliant tenured attorney whose sharp legal mind is matched by his level-headed, solution-oriented approach. Michael has an exceptional ability to distill complex issues into clear pathways forward. Whether navigating high-stakes negotiations or advising on sensitive matters, I’ve found his judgment to be sound, his integrity unwavering, and his support invaluable.'
Key clients
- Nodus International Bank
- Ex-President Ricardo Martinelli
- Board of Directors Pdvsa/ Ad Hoc (Opposition government of Venezuela)
- IGB – international Global Bank
- Felipe Alejos
- Arturo Samayoa
- Auckland
- Driven
- CAPA (Consejo de Administración de Activos)
- Colombian Air Force
Work highlights
Advised Nodus International Bank and its liquidators, on an international $68m asset recovery litigation and investigation against the bank’s former shareholders and other co-conspirators in Miami, Puerto Rico, Panama, Spain and Venezuela.
Represented the individual Board Members of PDVSA Ad Hoc, the opposition government petroleum agency of Venezuela, in defence of any criminal investigations in the USA and actions taken by Interpol at the request of the Republic of Venezuela.
Represented Driven Advisors vin the US and internationally relating to asset recovery cases on behalf of failed financial institutions victimised by shareholders and director and officer malfeasance.
Practice head
Michael Diaz; Gary Davidson; Marta Colomar-Garcia; Javier Coronado