D'Empaire‘s public law practice is well versed in aiding clients with obtaining fair compensations from the Venezuelan government through lawsuits filed with the administrative courts following nationalisations and expropriations. The team has frequently advised clients on relaunching their operations in Venezuela in compliance with the current legal framework, including advising on foreign exchange and price control issues. Core areas of expertise include the pharmaceutical sector, as well as the media and telecoms industries. In addition, the department is skilled in providing legal services to foreign investors seeking to operate in the Venezuelan mining sector, advising on the implications of US and EU sanctions. José Valentín González and José Humberto Frías lead the team, while associate Daniel Bustos is also a key name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘José Valentín González is an excellent lawyer, with a lot of knowledge of the business environment. D'Empaire has managed to remain well positioned despite Venezuela's difficulties.'
‘They are the best.'
‘José Valentín González is brilliant and provides outstanding advisory services.'
‘The public law department of the firm is excellent, both in its legal advice and its customer service.'
‘The combination of depth with the practicality of its legal analysis is for me the main differentiating factor compared to other firms of its level in Venezuela.'
‘D'Empaire sets the standard for compliance work in Venezuela.’
‘José Valentín González is my go-to adviser in Venezuela - a true expert and excellent lawyer.’
'Very deep knowledge in the public law area, and they always deliver practical solutions to clients' challenges. José Humberto Frías is excellent at managing our account, and he always gives us smart and useful advice.'
Key clients
- Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), Radio Caracas Radio (RCR)
- TI Sparkle Venezuela
- JMF Consulting
- Premeca
- AIG USA
- Helmerich & Payne USA
- Repsol Venezuela
- Copa Airlines
- In2Metals Explorer
Work highlights
- Preparing a lawsuit against PDVSA on behalf of Coapetrol over the infringement of several works contracts to be filed with the Political and Administrative Chamber of the Venezuelan Supreme Court.
- Acting for JMF Consulting in filing a lawsuit with the Political and Administrative Chamber of the Venezuelan Supreme Court against Corporación Venezolana de Comercio Exterior (Corpovex) for infringement of an import finance contract relating to parts for the national transportation system.
- Prepared a legal opinion for Copa Airlines on the applicability of money-laundering regulations to its operations in Venezuela.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Daniel Bustos
Practice head
José Valentín González; José Humberto Frías