D'Empaire is well versed in investor-state arbitration, including cases before ICSID and UNCITRAL tribunals concerning state measures and nationalisations. The team also handles commercial arbitration under ICC and AAA rules, among others. Its litigation practice covers civil and commercial disputes, with experience in proceedings before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. José Humberto Frías focuses on arbitration, while Pedro Perera acts in litigation involving civil, commercial, IP and constitutional issues. Other key team members are José Valentín González and associate Daniel Bustos, who supports the group’s arbitration work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘D'Empaire's dispute resolution practice is unparalleled by other firms. Their lawyers know the legal processes to perfection, and equally understand the practical realities of a legal process in Venezuela. The service they provide is extraordinary.’
- ‘Jose Frias and Fulvio Italiani are outstanding. Jose Frias provides unparalleled support in high-stakes arbitrations involving Venezuela. He is my go-to lawyer and is capable of delivering practical advice to major companies.’
- ‘Besides having an excellent knowledge of how legal processes work in Venezuela, they provide exceptional service. Jose Valentin Gonzalez and Jose Humberto Frias are always available to help with legal issues, and the client never has to follow up as they constantly keep us informed about the case.’
- ‘José Humberto Frías is one of the best litigators in the country. His written submissions are excellent: persuasive and elegant.’
- ‘Both José Frias and Daniel Bustos are great lawyers with a very pragmatic and client-friendly approach – they have a great knowledge of Venezuelan law, resolve queries quickly and effectively, and communicate in a clear and succinct manner.’
- ‘Experience and cohesion. It is the market-leading firm in almost all disciplines.’
- ‘They are the leading arbitration practice in Venezuela.’
- ‘Victorino Marquéz is a very competent litigator with significant experience in arbitration, and Fulvio Italiani is highly regarded as a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the Venezuelan legal system very well.’
- ‘An excellent team, with a very high level of work, both in terms of quality and availability.’
- ‘D'Empaire has a diverse and multidisciplinary team. The team is large compared to other options.’
Key clients
- Lufthansa
- Smurfit Kappa
- Liberty Mutual
- Clorox
- María de la Concepción Felipe Velásquez, et al.
- Diamante Trading Investments
- Dick Abanto Ishivata
- Luis García Armas
- RCTV
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
José Humberto Frías; Pedro Perera
Other key lawyers
José Valentín González; Daniel Bustos