The powerhouse corporate practice at McConnell Valdés LLC remains a leader in the marketplace, channeling the experience of its team to advise insurers, national and multinational financial institutions (including Citibank) and corporates involved in high-value, cross-border transactions. With a client roster spanning such sectors as hospitality, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, aviation and manufacturing, the group’s full offering covers matters ranging from M&A, restructuring and insolvency to municipal financing, creditors’ rights, government affairs and securities. The team is headed by corporate group chair Rubén Méndez-Benabe, who brings expertise to representing national banks, institutional lenders, financial institutions and borrowers in complex financings, and corporate vice-chair Lizzie Portela-Fernández, who provides expertise in matters involving distribution and sales representative laws, insurance and healthcare services. Other key figures include Ricardo García-Negrón, a specialist in capital-raising transactions and securities regulatory compliance; Samuel T. Céspedes Jr., who leads the M&A and corporate and public finance groups; Ernesto Mayoral, who handles complex commercial real estate acquisitions and securities offerings; and Jaime González-Suárez, who manages municipal finance transactions. Counsel Osvaldo Medina-Hernández joined the firm in October 2024, after serving as an advisor for Senator Juan Zaragoza Gómez.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Key clients

  • Abertis Infraestructuras
  • Citibank
  • Oriental Bank
  • FirstBank Puerto Rico
  • Dorado Beach Resort
  • Popular / Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
  • Insigneo Financial Group
  • Taubman Properties
  • Paulson Puerto Rico
  • Aerostar Airport Holdings

Work highlights

Assisted with the request for proposal and the negotiation and closing of the contract for the operation of Puerto Rico’s electronic lottery.
Assisted with the parcel acquisition and financing of a project for two new hotels valued at $78m.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Rubén Méndez-Benabe; Lizzie Portela-Fernández