Baker McKenzie handles a broad range of contentious matters, including civil litigation, commercial arbitration and international investment disputes, with notable strength in cases involving cross-border elements. The team draws on the firm’s global platform to coordinate effectively with colleagues in Paris and New York, particularly in ICSID and UNCITRAL investment arbitrations involving Venezuela. María Eugenia Salazar-Furiati often leads these cross-office efforts. The firm is also active in compliance-related disputes, with Jesús Dávila, Jesús Villegas, who was promoted to the partnership in July 2025, and senior associate Adriana Gonçalves advising on investigations and developing defence strategies in cases in heavily regulated sectors. Investment arbitration is also a focus for senior associate Héctor Martínez, while Eugenio Hernández-Bretón and Gabriel De Jesús continue to play key roles on high-stakes mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Baker McKenzie team is particularly distinguished by its extraordinary service, providing personalised attention and offering practical solutions tailored to our needs. The Baker team is undoubtedly a key player in the Venezuelan legal sector.'
‘Jesús Villegas stands out for his extraordinary knowledge and experience in the area of compliance. He has become a reference in this field in Venezuela.'
'The responses from Baker McKenzie's lawyers have been quick, accurate, and efficient.'
Key clients
- Longreef A.V.V.
- Sucesión Heemsen
- Agroinsumos Ibero-Americanos, S.L.
- Ingersoll Rand Company
- Procter & Gamble
- Hyundai Motor Company
- AstraZeneca
- Colgate Palmolive
- TCA Services, C.A
- Telefónica Venezuela, C.A (Movistar)
- Industria Láctea Venezolana, C.A.
- Delivery Hero Panamá, Sucursal Venezuela, S.A.
Work highlights
Represented Agroinsumos Ibero-Americanos in annulment proceeding against the award rendered by an ICSID tribunal in favour of the client regarding the expropriation of the Agroisleña Group by Venezuela in 2010.
Representing BRF S.A., a company incorporated in Brazil, in a debt collection lawsuit for $63m plus interest against the Venezuelan government for the lack of payment for food acquired by the Venezuelan government in 2014.
Representing Procter & Gamble in a lawsuit filed by a Venezuelan subcontracted company that is claiming damages because of an alleged breach of contract, caused by the merger of P&G and Gillette.
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.
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
Eugenio Hernández-Bretón; Gabriel De Jesús; María Eugenia Salazar-Furiati; Jesús Dávila
Other key lawyers
Jesús Villegas; Adriana Gonçalves; Héctor Martínez