The dispute resolution team at DLA Piper Puerto Rico pairs a global network spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region and the bench strength of its team to assist local authorities, financial institutions, individuals, and national and multinational corporates in the energy, apparel, financial services, tech, education and life sciences sectors (including Luma Energy, Nike and Tesla) in high-stakes arbitration and commercial litigation. The firm’s full offering covers claims related to breach of contract, bidding processes, employment law, distribution agreements, intellectual property and consumer rights. The team is headed by experienced litigator and arbitrator Margarita Mercado-Echegaray, who previously served as the Solicitor General for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and deputy office managing partner Nereida Melendez-Rivera, who, along with Sonia Torres Pabón, a former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, brings expertise to white-collar crime matters. Also of note is of counsel Mariana Muñiz-Lara, a specialist in intellectual property and employment cases.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Their lawyers are approachable and effective. They analyse our company's needs and provide us with the best solutions.'
‘We worked with Margarita Mercado-Echegaray, who was always available to us despite the time difference and has expert knowledge of all the consultations and analyses required.'
'They are tremendous lawyers who make sure they understand the details of their cases.'
'They stand out for their attention to detail.'
Key clients
- Julio Herrera-Velutini
- Pearson PEM
- Walmy Rivera Santiago
- Luma Energy
- Stryker
- Haleon
- Solver4 Global Payment
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
- Chiara and Victor Manuel Marcial Martínez
- Hologic Sales and Service
- Harman International Industries Incorporated
- Dyson Direct
- Nike
- Tesla
Work highlights
Acted for Julio Herrera Velutini, who is charged with allegedly having given an illegal donation to the former governor of Puerto Rico in exchange for removing the regulator that oversaw the international banking entity under his ownership.
Secured the dismissal of charges against a client accused of health care fraud.
Representing Walmy Rivera Santiago in an action brought by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Margarita Mercado-Echegaray; Nereida Melendez-Rivera