The Miami-based Diaz Reus International Law Firm has strong connections to Latin America, frequently representing individuals and former government officials in connection with government declinations of criminal prosecutions through pre-indictment resolution strategies. It is also noted for asset recovery litigation, including in relation to bank failures in Puerto Rico. The firm has an extensive background in cases linked to Venezuela and the broader region; it recently represented Hector Nuñez, a former PDVSA official and oil trade manager, in an active FCPA investigation by the Eastern District of New York and the DOJ FCPA Division. The firm is further noted for its expertise in Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) matters and for the defence of money laundering charges. Global managing partner Michael Diaz has an outstanding record in defending businesses, executives and government officials against allegations of corruption and money laundering. Robert Targ is another senior practitioner in anti-corruption and money laundering cases, while Marta Colomar-Garcia is also a recognised anti-money laundering specialist. Javier Coronado is an additional emerging talent in white-collar cases and investigations. All named individuals are based in Miami.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm's relationships with US security, protection, and intelligence officials are unique in the region, ensuring that its clients' concerns and cases are heard and addressed. It also has a team of professionals (attorneys, investigators, asset hunters) who can offer clients a wide range of services through a single point of contact.'
‘They have both academic and practical training in specialised areas of investigations, money laundering, and compliance. Their partners are pioneers in the field in Latin America and Florida, holding prominent positions in the ABA, FIBA, and other specialised forums. Additionally, they have former agents from United States investigative departments on their staff, giving them a comprehensive understanding of each matter handled on behalf of their clients.'
'They have a team dedicated to serving each client, and the team covers other countries and languages. They are well-structured.'
'Javier Coronado, Michael Horn, A.M. Serra, Gabor Gazs, Von Klingspor, Michael Diaz make an excellent team.'
Key clients
- Driven Advisors
- CAPA (Consejo de Administración de activos)
- Nodus International Bank
- Ex-President Ricardo Martinelli
- Board of Directors Pdvsa/ Ad Hoc (Opposition government of Venezuela)
- Hector Nuñez
- Arturo Samayoa
- Felipe Alejos
- Alejandro Zamora
Work highlights
Represented Puerto Rico-based Driven Advisors in commercial litigation and criminal investigation matters worth hundreds of millions of US dollars relating to asset recovery on behalf of failed financial institutions victimised by shareholders and director and officer malfeasance.
Represented the individual Board Members of PDVSA ad hoc in defence of any criminal investigations in the US and actions taken by Interpol at the request of President Maduro, the Republic of Venezuela and their allies.
Represented the former president of Panama in his efforts to overturn criminal charges against him as a result of his extradition from the USA to Panama where he was tried and convicted.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Diaz; Robert Targ; Javier Coronado