D'Empaire’s tax group is recognised for its breadth of expertise across both international and domestic tax matters. In particular, the team has significant strength in representing large corporations in high-profile administrative and judicial tax disputes, in addition to providing tax advice on major transactions and foreign investment projects, with a growing emphasis on the oil and gas sector. In the private client sphere, the team advises leading international private banks on tax matters for high-net-worth Venezuelan clients. The team is led by Humberto Romero-Muci, who brings extensive expertise in tax and transfer pricing litigation to the practice. José Manuel Valecillos is noted for his advice to Venezuelan companies, families and individuals on tax and estate planning matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is up to date on local regulations and, above all, on the way business is being done in the country. Our project involves negotiations with the public sector, and they have the knowledge to advise us professionally in new areas where there is little public information. They also use technological tools that allow for a quick response to our queries, which goes hand in hand with our organisation's culture.’
- ‘The main quality of the firm’s lawyers is their ability to advise us with a business mentality. While they have been clear in conveying risks, they go further to find innovative solutions that allow us to move forward while keeping our investment protected. There is also a very important culture of being available, providing quick responses, and a key strength is the teamwork between the firm's partners and lawyers, who work seamlessly together.’
- ‘Humberto Romero Muci's tax practice is distinguished by a rare combination of technical strength, strategic judgment, and a profound understanding of the Venezuelan institutional environment. His approach is markedly analytical, with an outstanding ability to anticipate scenarios and structure legal positions with strong doctrinal and jurisprudential support.’
- ‘One of the unique elements of his practice is his accumulated experience in both tax administration and private practice, which gives him a comprehensive and realistic perspective when dealing with complex litigation. For in-house lawyers, his ability to translate regulatory complexity into clear, executable strategies is particularly valuable, acting more as a strategic partner than an external consultant.’
- ‘What distinguishes Humberto Romero Muci and makes him stand out in the tax field is an exceptional combination of legal rigour, strategic vision, and an unusual dedication to detail. Unlike many competitors, he does not delegate the key aspects of cases; he is personally involved in the design and development of each strategy, thus ensuring a conceptual continuity and quality of argument that makes a difference.’
- ‘Among his most outstanding qualities are the clarity of his communication with the client, his ability to anticipate risks, and his unwavering commitment to a well-founded technical defence. He is a professional who provides reassurance in complex moments, not only because of his mastery of the regulatory framework, but also because of his ability to manage proceedings with serenity, common sense, and long-term vision.’
- ‘The D'empaire team in Venezuela excels with its deep understanding of local laws and a proactive approach to identifying potential issues, setting it apart from other firms. By integrating local expertise with international standards, they provide a competitive edge.’
- ‘The individuals I work with at D'empaire stand out due to their exceptional expertise and dedication. Notably, José's understanding of tax and compliance matters is unparalleled in Venezuela, making him a vital asset. Additionally, Mr. Fulvio is truly the best in the field, consistently demonstrating outstanding legal acumen.’
- ‘Dr. Romero Muci is a lawyer who exceeds expectations in terms of knowledge compared to other lawyers in the market. His academic background, professional competence, and technical knowledge make him a benchmark, and his advice is reliable.’
- ‘They compare favourably with the teams from other firms. They have a good relationship with company officials, possess extensive knowledge in financial and tax matters, are always ready to collaborate, and constantly review the criteria.’
Key clients
- Bekaert
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Maha Energy
- Weatherford
- Cobeca
- Fe y Alegría
- Beco
- ONGC
- KCA Deutag
- Cashea
- Vepica
- Tenaris
- Maurel & Prom
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Humberto Romero-Muci
Other key lawyers
José Manuel Valecillos