AFFINITY GROUP WHO’S WHO
HISPANIC AFFINITY GROUP CO-CHAIRS
Isabel C. Diaz Partner
Miami
+1.305.789.7477
isabel.diaz@hklaw.com
Eddie A. Jauregui Partner
Los Angeles
+1.213.896.2455
eddie.jauregui@hklaw.com
Isabel C. Diaz is a Miami real estate attorney who focuses her practice on complex commercial real estate transactions and commercial lending. Ms. Diaz has extensive experience in acquisitions, sales, leasing and financing of commercial properties.
Eddie A. Jauregui is a litigation attorney in the Los Angeles office and co-chair of the firm’s White Collar Defense and Investigations Team. A former federal prosecutor, Mr. Jauregui focuses his practice on government and internal investigations, corporate compliance and training, white collar criminal defense and complex business disputes.
Bienvenidos! Welcome to the second edition of our Hispanic Affinity Group Newsletter, where we spotlight members from across the U.S., Mexico and Colombia, highlight teams in which our members are leading and thriving, and share information about our members’ activities within the firm and in the community. As co-chairs, we are deeply impressed with our members’ professional and personal accomplishments and their insights, and we are thrilled to share them with the group and the broader Holland & Knight community. In this edition – the final look at 2024 – we also want to acknowledge everyone who contributed to such a successful year for our Affinity Group. It is our privilege to serve as co-chairs and be inspired every day by you! Keep up the great work. Abrazos a todos!
HISPANIC AFFINITY GROUP OFFICE LIAISONS
Jose Almanzar Senior Counsel
New York
+1.212.513.3552
jose.almanzar@hklaw.com
Fernando Butler Associate Tysons
+1.703.720.8036 fernando.butler@hklaw.com
Vanessa Suarez Associate Austin
+1.512.647.4395 vanessa.suarez@hklaw.com
Ari Alvarez Partner
Fort Lauderdale
+1.954.468.7849
ariadna.alvarez@hklaw.com
Jessica Gonzalez Associate Houston
+1.713.244.8217
jessica.gonzalez@hklaw.com
Peter Tabor Senior Policy Advisor Washington, D.C.
+1.202.469.5438
peter.tabor@hklaw.com
Jacob Barrera
Associate San Francisco
+1.415.743.6992
jacob.barrera@hklaw.com
Amanda Naldjieff Associate Miami
+1.305.789.7462
amanda.naldjieff@hklaw.com
Special thank you to our newsletter editor, Associate Vanessa Suarez (AUS).
ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT
COLOMBIA
Juan Casallas Partner
Bogotá
+57.601.745.5726
juan.casallas@hklaw.com
Inés Elvira Vesga Partner
Bogotá
+57.601.745.5943
ines.vesga@hklaw.com
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
In my case, and especially for international arbitration matters, my Latinidad has helped me explain how this sometimes crazy system works and how others can approach the understanding of the law from a continental civil law system.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it? I practice public law (constitutional and administrative law) and international arbitration, mostly regarding Colombian issues. I also have extensive experience in energy and environmental litigation.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other lawyers?
The best piece of advice I could offer is to be like a train in order to achieve what you want. Stay focused, respect your peers and your teammates, and always show respect for opposing counsel. Also, the practice of law could take you to unexpected places.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
My area of practice is corporate law and natural resources and energy, to which I have been dedicated for more than 20 years. First as in-house counsel for an oil and gas company and then in private practice with my own firm and in other international firms. What I like most about my practice is the possibility of combining the legal work with other aspects of the client’s business, such as the technical, social, environmental and environmental components.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? OR What is the best piece of advice you would give to other lawyers?
The best advice I received, and that I want to share with those who come after me, is that the vocation to serve enhances any professional activity, and gives meaning to all the sacrifices and difficult moments of the profession’s exercise and multiplies the satisfaction of the achievements obtained, because they are for someone else.
ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT
MEXICO
Jaime Moreno
Partner
Monterrey
+52.81.8215.7712
jaime.moreno@hklaw.com
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
My cultural background has provided me with a unique perspective and has influenced not only the way I approach the law but also how I interact with my clients. My knowledge of Latin culture has played a key role in shaping my career, especially in my focus on helping foreign companies establish and start businesses in Mexico. This expertise allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal and cultural nuances that can be essential for international clients entering the Mexican market.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
My primary area of practice is corporate and business law, with a particular focus on helping foreign investors establish and start operations in Mexico in a wide variety of business and industry sectors. I work closely with international companies as they face the complexities of Mexican law to set up their operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations while aligning their business strategies with the Mexican market. What I find most rewarding about this work is the opportunity to assist clients in transforming their business ideas into tangible, successful ventures in a foreign market. I enjoy the challenge of not only addressing complex legal matters – such as structuring entities, tax considerations (which for the Mexican market is a very important driver), and contracts – but also guiding clients through cultural and business complexities to overcome potential obstacles that are crucial for success in Mexico.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? OR What is the best piece of advice you would give to other lawyers?
The best piece of advice I ever received came from a mentor who told me: “Always remember that as a lawyer, your job is not just to find solutions; it’s to help clients build lasting success.”
To younger lawyers, particularly those in corporate law, I would emphasize the importance of not just focusing on the technical aspects of law but also understanding the broader business context. Building a deep knowledge of your clients’ industries and helping them achieve their strategic objectives is just as important as offering legal solutions. Be a trusted advisor who can contribute to their growth, and not just a problem-solver for immediate challenges.
Genoveva Silva
Associate Mexico City
+52.55.3602.0622 genoveva.silva@hklaw.com
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
My Latinidad has deeply influenced my career and approach to law by shaping me with a global perspective and a comprehensive understanding of regional issues that impact how clients conduct their business and how we practice law. Having lived in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Mexico, I’ve developed a first-hand appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Latin American culture and this allows me to approach legal matters from a well-rounded perspective. Being Colombian, I also carry a strong sense of “berraquera” (a colloquial term for tenacity), that drives me to tackle challenges with determination and resilience.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
As part of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, I work with clients across various sectors and industries worldwide, often involving complex arbitration and litigation. This practice is rewarding as it requires mastering the legal framework and being immersed in specific industries to become knowledgeable in these areas.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received – and would pass on to others – is to focus on competing with yourself. Strive to grow as a professional compared to who you were a month or a year ago and keep a proactive attitude when confronting challenges. The true measure of success is personal growth, and the only way to add consistent value to your team, your clients and your profession is to improve on a personal and professional level continuously.
ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT
UNITED STATES
Lara Rios Partner
Miami | +1.305.789.7772
New York | +1.212.513.3462
lara.rios@hklaw.com
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
My father, retired New York Supreme Court Justice Jaime Rios, deeply shaped both my career path and my approach to law. My father, whose parents were born in Puerto Rico, was the first member of the Latino community to be elected as a judge in Queens, New York. Growing up, his example instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to serve my community and mentor, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It’s also shaped my approach to problem-solving – bringing a blend of fairness and fair dealing, persistence, and creative thinking to the legal challenges I tackle.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it? I am a banking and finance lawyer, and over the years, my practice has evolved to focus on supporting clients in securing financing for renewable energy projects and other clean infrastructure initiatives. What I find most rewarding is knowing that my work is contributing to the creation of sustainable jobs and helping build a greener, more equitable future. In a world where environmental challenges are increasingly urgent, being able to play a role in financing projects that not only benefit the economy but also help protect the planet is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a way to make a meaningful impact while working on cuttingedge, transformative projects.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? OR What is the best piece of advice you would give to other lawyers?
The advice I would give to young lawyers is to always ask questions. Our goal is to have an expert understanding of the issues at hand so that we can communicate effectively with our clients. We spent years in school, working hard to understand difficult concepts. So if something is not making sense to you, it’s probably because it doesn’t make a lot of sense and the person who is explaining it doesn’t understand it either. Speak up. Question. Verify – double check. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. The advice I’d give to more senior lawyers is it’s okay to say no. And what I’d say to everyone is: always run spell check.
Angela Jimenez Associate Tysons
+1.703.720.8638
angela.jimenez@hklaw.com
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
My Latinidad has deeply influenced my career and approach to law, especially in pro bono work focused on immigration law and helping small businesses with government contracts and grants. Growing up in a Hispanic family with my mother’s 20 siblings, I learned the importance of community and advocating for those without a voice. I often supported my family, neighbors and friends through challenges like language barriers and job searches. These experiences taught me the value of standing up for others, especially when they lack resources or representation. My cultural background has given me a unique perspective, helping me connect with diverse clients and understand the cultural factors that impact legal issues. Ultimately, my Latinidad has given me a strong sense of duty to support underrepresented communities, particularly through immigration advocacy and helping small businesses navigate the world of government contracts.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it? I specialize in government contracts, investigations, grants and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, with a focus on government contracts. My practice area involves helping businesses navigate complex regulations and investigations, obtain grants and ensure compliance with legal requirements. What I find most rewarding is not only resolving government disputes but also assisting small businesses in obtaining grants and guiding them through the compliance process. It’s fulfilling to see these businesses thrive by accessing legal resources they need to grow and stay compliant. I also enjoy the intellectual challenge of this practice area, as it requires constant learning, adaptability and problem-solving, making every day an opportunity for growth.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to “listen more than you speak.” In the practice of law, it’s easy to focus on asserting your perspective, but truly listening to clients, colleagues and even opposing sides often offers valuable insights. This has helped me build stronger relationships, better understand complex issues and find more effective solutions. My advice to other lawyers is to stay curious and open to learning. The legal field is constantly changing, and being adaptable helps you give your best to both clients and colleagues. It’s also important to ask questions – no matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to learn, and asking questions helps you fully understand the case and provide the best legal guidance.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
REAL ESTATE TEAM
Holland & Knight lawyers have served the legal needs of the real estate industry for more than 100 years. With approximately 350 real estate professionals throughout the firm, we utilize a team approach that includes lawyers across the United States who work in collaboration to address all the legal needs of clients engaged in the development, construction and operation of real estate projects around the globe.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
• Represented a client in negotiating and closing on several loan refinances from an institutional lender, totaling more than $40 million as part of a portfolio of loans related to the refinance of eight different industrial properties owned by the client throughout Florida, California and Washington
• Represented a real estate developer in connection with a $10 million loan for the redevelopment of property in Florida
• Represented a client in a loan modification of an existing construction facility in the amount of more than $110 million made in connection with the construction of a luxury multi-family project in Houston
• Assisted a developer in the negotiations of lease agreements and ancillary documents related to the construction and development of a soccer stadium, office, hotel and related amenities in Miami
• Represented a client/business owner in the purchase and financing of a newly constructed cold storage warehouse with office space, consisting of nearly 250,000 square feet on a 24-acre parcel of land located in Florida, with a purchase price of more than $30 million; subsequently, assisted the client/business owner in drafting and negotiating a warehouse lease for the property
• Represented a developer in structuring and negotiating a bifurcated lease agreement for the Phase I development of a transitoriented affordable housing development project, enhancing connectivity and delivering more than 140 affordable housing units to the community
• Provided support as an environmental law specialist environmental law specialist to a team representing the purchaser of a portfolio of 17 industrial sites in New Jersey, with environmental due diligence playing a key role in the transaction due to the industrial nature of the assets that required analysis of multiple environmental reports and related materials for each property; the transaction was also overlaid by New Jersey’s Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA), which required the parties to negotiate complex pre- and post-closing obligations for both seller and purchaser to ensure compliance with ISRA
• Represented hotels in connection with hotel operation matters such as drafting of hotel management or group sales agreements and dispute resolution relating to owners, managers and guests
• Represented a national lender in the restructuring of a multi-million dollar loan secured by a lower Manhattan commercial property through a special servicer, including subordinate notes, a mezzanine loan and an intercreditor agreement
• Represented lenders and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) special servicers in connection with workouts, including modifications, loan sales, loan payoffs and sales of real estate-owned (REO) properties
• Represented a holder of dual collateral loan secured by commercial real estate in New York in Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) foreclosure sale of membership interests in borrower entity
• Represented a developer and its affiliate entities in the acquisition, financing and corporate structuring of three different properties, consisting of a gas station, vacant lot and multi-family rental property, wherein the client intends to build a mixed-used condominium tower with branded residences, a variety of commercial and retail uses, private members club, multiple food and beverage offerings, and wellness and recovery amenities, together with a rooftop helipad and related amenities
HISPANIC AFFINITY GROUP REAL ESTATE TEAM MEMBERS WITH FIRM LEADERSHIP ROLES
Global Roles
Vivian de las Cuevas Diaz
Partner | Deputy Section Leader of the Real Estate Section
Miami
+1.305.789.7452
vivian.cuevas@hklaw.com
Office Specific Roles
Vivian M. Arias
Partner | New York Diversity Committee Co-Chair
New York
+1.212.751.3325
Boston
+1.617.854.1462
vivian.arias@hklaw.com
Isabel C. Diaz
Partner | Hispanic Affinity Group Co-Chair
Miami
+1.305.789-7477
isabel.diaz@hklaw.com
Hugo Arza
Partner | Billing and Collections Partner for the Real Estate - Miami Practice Group
Miami
+1.305.789.7783
hugo.arza@hklaw.com
Christine A. Crousillat
Partner | Fort Lauderdale
Women’s Initiative Coordinator
Fort Lauderdale
+1.954.468.7892
christine.croussillat@hklaw.com
MEMBER HONORS AND SUCCESSES
• Partners Alexandra Aguirre (MIA/NYC) and Aymee Valdivia (MIA) have been selected by Latinvex for its 2024 Latin America’s Top 100 Female Lawyers ranking. Recognized for their work in Corporate/ M&A, Alexandra has been included on the list for six consecutive years, and Aymee has been listed four times. This year, honorees represented 14 different practice areas and 60 firms based in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and the Cayman Islands.
• Partners Juan Alcalá (AUS), Carlos Ochoa, Senior Counsel Daniel Jimenez and Associates Luis Melgar (all MEX) and Vanessa Suarez (AUS) represented Chevron Combustibles in its lawsuit against the Mexican Secretariat of Energy (SENER) regarding SENER’s failure to grant Chevron certain permits to import gasoline and diesel from the U.S. into Mexico.
• Partners Juan Alcalá and Mark Davis (both AUS) participated in a panel discussion titled “New Political Landscape: Doing Business in Texas” at the ANADE Conference led by Partner Oscar QuirozChavez (MTY) and hosted by Holland & Knight’s Austin office.
Senior Counsel Jose Almanzar (NYC) participated in a panel discussion titled “Equitable Workforce Development for a Just Energy Transition” at Deloitte Climate Week NYC 2024. The panel, which addressed vital workforce development challenges within the sustainability sector, included a Q&A session and interactive solutioning tables aimed at crafting actionable strategies.
• Partner Ed Arista (MIA/WAS) gave a fireside chat on Latin American tax trends and legal structures at Merrill Lynch’s annual retreat for international private bankers in Los Angeles.
• Partner Isabel C. Diaz (MIA) has been named to Leadership Florida’s 2024-2025 class in the Southeast Florida region. Leadership Florida is an organization committed to providing meaningful ways for members to share information, viewpoints and opportunities that have a lasting impact on the state and their local communities.
• Partners Brad Hancock (HOU/AUS), Mark Davis (AUS), Anthony Sirven (MIA) and Robert Hill (DAL), as well as Associates Gabriel Godoy (MIA) and Maria Gil (HOU), successfully defended an Israeli EV company, REE Automotive, against Israeli-based competitor OSR Enterprises in a bet-the-company trade secrets dispute filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
• Partner Jennifer Hernandez (SFO/CCC) has been named to the board of directors of BRIDGE Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, stable and affordable housing in California, Oregon and Washington.
• Partners Gregory Hallmark and Amy Fuentes, along with Deputy General Counsel Kara Ariail, teamed with Associates Angela Jimenez and Fernando Butler (all TYS) to secure a long-awaited green card for Madelin, a pro bono client referred by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). The pro bono team had worked on the case since October 2018. Madelin fled her home country of El Salvador as a minor after receiving death threats from the gang MS-13 after refusing to become a gang member’s girlfriend.
MEMBER HONORS AND SUCCESSES
• Partner Alejandro Landa Thierry and Senior Counsel Aldo González, along with Associates Santiago Noriega and Paulina López (all MEX), represented Mexico’s Instituto del Fondo Nacional para el Consumo de los Trabajadores (FONACOT), a government consumer lending agency for workers, on its recent issuance and placement of 37 million bonds on the Mexican Stock Exchange valued at 3.7 billion pesos (approximately $190 million).
• Partner Alejandro Landa Thierry (MEX) also advised the North American Development Bank (NADBank) in connection with the bond purchase financing of four Mexican nonregulated entities and multiple purpose financial institutions: Proaktiva, Servicios y Financiamiento Agrícola (SEFIA), Soluciones Financieras Internacionales (SFI) and Crédito Especializado al Campo (CRESCA).
• Partner Juan Alcalá and Associate Vanessa Suarez (both AUS) introduced client Walmart to a Boston-led Holland & Knight team that closed three significant deals that will enable the client to install and operate a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide.
• Partners Kevin Houlihan, William Levay (both WAS), Elizabeth Gaskins (CHI) and Mark Goldschmidt (DEN), assisted by Associates Amelia Occhino (WAS) and Stephanie Torres (NYC), advised Stephens Inc., as lead book-running manager and Piper Sandler & Co., as book-running manager in Mid Penn Bancorp’s $70 million public offering of common stock. The offering consisted of 2.375 million shares of common stock at a public offering price of $29.50 per share.
• The same team advised three underwriters on the $40 million Chain Bridge Bank initial public offering (IPO). The multi-office team advised Piper Sandler Co. as lead book-running manager, Raymond James & Associates Inc., and Hovde Group LLC as book-running managers.
• A team of attorneys represented Las Mercedes Medical Centers on its acquisition of Pasteur and Wellmax Medical Centers, some of the largest Medicare-focused staff model medical centers in South Florida. Partner Roberto Pupo led the firm’s representation of Las Mercedes Medical Centers, along with Partner Alberto Hernandez and Associates Gabrielle Engel and Amanda Siciliano (all MIA). Partner Jorge Escobar handled the real estate components of the transaction, along with Associates Tomas Castellanos and Stephanie Sanchez (all MIA). Also assisting with the transaction were Partners Ari Alvarez (FTL), Christine Gay (MIA) and Christopher Marotta (BOS), along with Senior Counsel Albert Sueiras (MIA). With the acquisition, Las Mercedes Medical Centers expands its reach to more than 22,000 elderly members across 26 facilities.
• Partner Miriam Soler Ramos (MIA) was recently appointed to the executive board of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce as parliamentarian for the 2024-2025 term. Miriam has been active with the chamber since 2023 and has held several roles with the City of Coral Gables spanning nearly eight years.
Miriam (center) was also tapped and inducted into the University of Miami’s Iron Arrow Honor Society. Two Holland & Knight Iron Arrow members, Associates Misch Cetoute and Alessandria San Roman (all MIA), attended her tapping ceremony.
MEMBER HONORS AND SUCCESSES
Associate Vanessa Suarez (AUS) (right) spoke at the recent Lawtina Network Summit hosted by St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Vanessa, the new Region XII Governor of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), talked about her role in the organization, the importance of Latina leadership in the legal profession and leveraging your Latinidad to make it a “superpower” in your practice.
• Associate Stephanie Torres (NYC), under the supervision of Partner Mark Goldschmidt (DEN) and with assistance from Associate Cristina Salazar (DEN), advised leading investment bank Piper Sandler & Co. as the sole placement agent in the offering and sale of $25 million of 9 percent fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2034 by Northpointe Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Northpointe Bank.
Partner Adrianne Waddell (AUS) (second from right) was recently honored by Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (VLS) for her commitment to pro bono service. Adrianne received the J. Chrys Dougherty Award at the 2024 Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards Reception on Oct. 24. The prestigious award is given annually to a volunteer attorney for exemplary dedication and commitment to the principle of access to justice for all people regardless of income. In 2023, Adrianne provided more than 100 pro bono hours and closed five or more pro bono cases, including that of an elderly tenant who, with the help of Adrianne, was able to avoid eviction and received moving and rental assistance in the amount of $6,000.
• Partners Juan Casallas, Enrique Gómez-Pinzón, Rafael Lafont, Danilo Romero Read, Juliana Saa, Inés Vesga and José Zapata (all BOG) have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Colombia, marking the second consecutive year that each has been selected.
• Forty-four attorneys from Holland & Knight’s Mexico City and Monterrey offices, spanning 23 practice areas, have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico. Hispanic Affinity Group attorneys listed are Partners Selene Espinosa, Adrián Gay Lasa, Eugenio Grageda, Alejandro Landa Thierry, Octavio Lecona, Carlos Ochoa, Turenna Ramírez Ortiz, Luis Rubio, Rodolfo Rueda, Guillermo Uribe Lara, Associates Jorge González, Uriel Martinez, Josafat Paredes and Senior Counsel Aldo González, Daniel Jiménez (all MEX) and Jose Luis Villareal (MTY).
• Holland & Knight has again been recommended as one of Latin America’s top international law firms, including Colombia and Mexico, in The Legal 500 Latin America 2025 edition. Thirty lawyers received recognition in the guide. Partner José Zapata (BOG) earned the “Hall of Fame” title for his Environment practice in Colombia. Hispanic Affinity Group attorneys listed as “Leading Partners” are Partners Enrique Gómez-Pinzón, Danilo Romero Raad, José Zapata (all BOG), Turenna Ramírez Ortiz, Luis Rubio and Guillermo Uribe (all MEX). Hispanic Affinity Group attorneys listed as “Next Generation Partners” are Partners Juan Casallas, Juliana Saa, Inés Vesga (all BOG), Adrián Gay Lasa, Eugenio Grageda, Rodolfo Rueda (all MEX) and Lara Rios (MIA). Hispanic Affinity Group attorneys listed as “Leading Associates” are Associates María Camila Aponte, Camila López, Senior Counsel Estefanny Pardo (all BOG) and Aldo González (MEX).
RECENT EVENTS
• Holland & Knight had a notable presence at this year’s International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, held in Mexico City. Partner Alejandro Landa Thierry (MEX) was part of a workshop titled “Employment Law Issues That Arise in Cross-Border Restructuring and Insolvency Scenarios.”
Partner Turenna Ramirez Ortiz (MEX) (center) participated on a panel “Supply Chain Challenges of the 2020s: Lessons Learned and How Will the Metaverse/Generative AI Mitigate Supply Chain Discontinuity.”
• Holland & Knight hosted a successful Women in Law Networking Brunch during the recent 2024 International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference in Mexico City. Holland & Knight co-hosted the event with international law firms Cuatrecasas, Niederer Kraft Frey and Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría.
The networking event brought together more than 130 members of the IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee (WLC). The brunch featured delicious Latin cuisine and provided an opportunity for women attorneys from around the world to connect and collaborate. Partner Alexandra Aguirre (MIA/NYC) (center), who coordinated the event and serves as the Latin American Regional Forum liaison officer for the IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee, was joined by Partners Rebecca Wilsker (BOS) and Selene Espinosa (MEX) (left).
Holland & Knight’s Miami office hosted the seventh annual South Florida Real Estate Market Update. The premier roundtable discussion brought together top real estate developers, lenders, government officials and business leaders to talk about critical topics impacting the region’s real estate landscape. Executive Partner Willy Ferrer (MIA) welcomed guests, with Partner and Real Estate Deputy Section Leader Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz (MIA) providing an introduction. Partners Alejandro Arias, Jorge Escobar and Miriam Soler Ramos (all MIA) served as moderators for the panel discussions.
RECENT EVENTS
• Holland & Knight’s Miami office recently hosted its annual Young Partners Retreat, where it welcomed 39 attorneys from Latin American law firms in 15 countries for informational training sessions.
Partner Roberto Pupo (MIA) (second from left), co-chair of the firm’s Latin America Practice, moderated a general counsel panel during the Nov. 5-7 retreat that included Grupo Mariposa Vice President of Legal Affairs Oscar Arroyo-Arzu, PepsiCo Latin America Senior Vice President and General Counsel Suzette Recinos, Wizeline Chief Talent Experience Officer Lin Cherry and Chefs’ Warehouse General Counsel Alexandros Aldous.
Associate Vanessa Suarez (AUS), the new HNBA Region XII Governor, hosted the Hispanic National Bar Association at the Region XII Holiday Party & Toy Drive followed by the HNBA’s quarterly Board of Governors meeting. Deputy Managing Partner Tiffani Lee (MIA) and Partner Ashley Phillips (AUS) welcomed the HNBA providing the official opening to the meeting. Other Holland & Knight attorneys in attendance included Partners Orlando Segura, Juan Alcalá (both AUS) and Adrianne Waddell (AUS/HOU), along with Associate Heather Montoya (AUS). All toys collected were donated to Texas Children’s Hospital.
• Senior Counsel Jose Almanzar (NYC), along with seven other Holland & Knight attorneys, attended the LatinoJustice PRLDEF’s Annual Awards Gala at Pier 60 in New York. The firm is a longtime proud sponsor of LatinoJustice PRLDEF. This year’s gala celebrated champions and allies advancing justice and equity in the Latino community and highlighted the transformative impact of dedicated individuals and leaders who support LatinoJustice PRLDEF. The gala raised more than $300,000 in cash donations that evening, which will go directly toward advancing LatinoJustice PRLDEF’s mission.
• Partners Brad Hancock and Theresa Wanat were joined by Associate Miguel Escobar (all HOU) in representing Holland & Knight at the Houston Bar Association’s (HBA) annual Student Interview Readiness Panel and Employer Meet and Greet. Brad served as a speaker on the panel that addressed questions and concerns from first-year law students about the interview process, and the three Holland & Knight attorneys met Houston-area law students during the networking reception that followed. Miguel served as co-chair of the event that was organized by the HBA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.