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 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.
Welcome to the third 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 always, we remain inspired by our members’ many achievements, but also by their actions and by their wisdom. In this edition, our featured attorneys have shared the best advice they’ve ever received, and we invite you to read closely. Their focus on integrity, persistence, self-confidence, excellence and collegiality inspire us and we’re sure they will inspire you too! We are lucky to be part of such a diverse, fun and caring community within Holland & Knight and it is our privilege to be your friends and colleagues. Keep up the great work. ¡Adelante!
2024-2025 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 – San Jacinto +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 Camilo Riveira
Senior Counsel
Bogotá
+57.601.743.2175
juan.riveira@hklaw.com
Juan Camilo Riveira is a corporate attorney who provides tax advisory services to national and international organizations. Mr. Riveira also advises clients on domestic and international tax planning structures and regulations, as well as foreign trade regulations.
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
My Latinidad has influenced my career development in too many ways to list. I grew up in Barranquilla, Colombia, where everyone is warm, passionate and welcoming. The sense of hospitality and community is everywhere, and your friends always feel like family. As a lawyer, my clients and colleagues are my family, which significantly impacts my work’s success.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
My practice area is tax law. Tax law can make a real difference and is a rewarding career. The guidance I provide can help keep businesses afloat and families’ finances intact. Also, taxation touches all of us – it shapes our economic choices and funds governments. I am proud to serve, in a small way, this civilizing process and contribute to making our society a little better through fair taxation.
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?
As a lawyer, the best piece of advice I would give to others is that integrity is one of the most valuable traits you can have. If you build your reputation with integrity, you will always gain the respect of your clients and colleagues.
Natalia Suárez
Associate
Bogotá +57.601.745.5791 natalia.suarez@hklaw.com
Natalia Suárez is an attorney with more than 13 years of experience in contractual law, commercial law, and national and international agreements, particularly in the oil and gas sector. She advises foreign clients on corporate matters, negotiating a broad range of legal and commercial agreements and handling contractual and regulatory matters relevant to the energy sector.
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
During my 15 years of professional career, I have had the opportunity to work with foreign companies, and in addition to my skills as a lawyer in my area of practice, the trust and transparency that characterize our Latin culture have been a fundamental aspect that has allowed me not only to give my clients the appropriate advice, but also to transmit a message of trust within the framework of the business that has been carried out.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
My professional experience has focused on advising on contractual, commercial, environmental and regulatory matters, particularly in the oil and gas, natural resources and renewable energy industries. The most satisfying part has been the contributions I have been able to make to the materialization of the client’s objectives.
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?
One of the best pieces of advice I have received, and which I would like to share with my colleagues, is that an integral lawyer should prioritize discipline in order to strengthen his legal skills, taking into account values and principles without exception. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on clients, the work environment and society in general.
ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT
UNITED STATES
Jennifer Hernandez Partner
San Francisco
+1.415.743.6927
Century City
+1.310.201.8909
jennifer.hernandez@hklaw.com
Jennifer Hernandez has practiced land use and environmental law for more than 30 years and leads Holland & Knight’s West Coast Land Use and Environmental Group. She is a former longtime co-chair of the Firm’s national Land Use and Government Team.
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
I have always focused on how my work as a land use and environmental lawyer affects human health, worker safety and localized pollution conditions affecting working and lower-income neighborhoods and families. There is an extreme status quo bias against allowing anything to be built for any purpose in environmental law, particularly in California. This not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) legal bias hammers younger and less affluent people, and when critical housing and infrastructure are opposed “in the name of the environment,” it causes catastrophic losses in good paying jobs, including jobs in manufacturing and other heavy industries. My Latinidad has helped me become more involved and vocal on California’s discriminatory climate policies, which include explicit acknowledgement that cost burdens fall disproportionately on lower-income households (including mostly minority communities).
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it?
We have a fantastic team of lawyers in California and throughout the Firm working on environmental and land use issues. My practice focuses on California where the land use and environmental law regime seeps into anything built anywhere, from replacing windows or remodeling an existing home, to building a new carpool lane. Everything I do helps build what we need, and everything we build has to comply with the state’s stringent environmental/public health/labor/civil rights laws and regulations.
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?
Three candidates for best advice:
• We excel at doing what we love. Be patient with yourself and others along your journey.
• There is no substitute for a respectful work culture that recognizes the value of creativity and achievement, and embraces a shared work ethic.
• Share the work, share the glory, share the credit – we all do better when one of us does better because a rising tide does lift all boats.
Adolfo Jiménez
Partner
Miami
+1.305.789.7720
adolfo.jimenez@hklaw.com
Adolfo Jiménez is a litigation attorney whose practice focuses on international disputes. Mr. Jiménez leads Holland & Knight’s South Florida Litigation Practice Group, which includes more than 80 attorneys. He also leads the International Arbitration and Litigation Team.
How has your Latinidad influenced your career path and your approach to law?
I have always had a strong pull towards Latin America. It is what drew me to study International Politics in college and what led me to focus on international disputes as my primary practice area. I was born in Cuba and left when I was two years old. I saw during my youth the trauma, disruption and loss caused by a Revolution that had no respect for individual rights or private property. Growing up in Miami’s exile community made me keenly aware of the role law and politics play in world affairs. Law is foundational for our security and well-being as a society.
Can you tell us a little bit about your specific practice area and what you find most rewarding about it? My practice is primarily focused on international disputes. I have had the good fortune of working on international arbitrations throughout the world. I have also served as an arbitrator in cases at the International Criminal Court, International Centre for Dispute Resolution, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, Permanent Court of Arbitration and American Arbitration Association, in both English and Spanish. The experience has made me a better advocate for our clients. I also work on civil litigation matters in a variety of cases. I have experience in international litigation, maritime, media law and general litigation cases. I also represent buyers and sellers on yacht transactions. Connecting with other places and cultures is rewarding and developing an understanding of the differences is valuable and allows me to better serve our clients.
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?
Listen, think long term and always play the long game.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
BUSINESS SECTION
Holland & Knight’s Business Section is the largest of the Firm’s five sections and is involved in a wide range of legal services, including corporate transactions, finance and financial services and private wealth services.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
• Represented a technology company providing technology implementation, design and managed service capabilities in connection with its sale to a private equity-owned provider of next-generation mission support and information technology (IT) solutions to federal government clients in a transaction valued at $335 million
• Represented Florida client in the sale of its distribution business in Costa Rica
• Represented U.S.-based clients in obtaining export licenses to export products to the private sector in Cuba
• Represented Spanish holding with U.S. operations in connection with creating new corporate structure and advised under U.S. sanctions regulations regarding its Cuba operations
• Represented U.S. client in connection with corporate compliance obligations in Colombia and Ecuador
• Multi-office team involving Miami, Boston, New York and Mexico City offices representing a discount retail company expanding its operations in Mexico
• Multi-office, multi-disciplinary team closed the sale of a provider of behavioral health and wellness services operating in Florida and Ohio
J. Raul Cosio
Partner | Corporate - Latin America Practice Group Leader
Miami
+1.305.789.7705 raul.cosio@hklaw.com
Roberto Pupo
Partner | Corporate - Latin America Practice Group Leader; CorporateSouth Florida Practice Group Leader
Miami
+1.305.789.7750
roberto.pupo@hklaw.com
• Acquisition of a trust through a complex and innovative legal acquisition structure via the secondary market
• Advised a Mexican real estate and infrastructure trust (REIT) on its senior unsecured green bond placement for $600 million, the first of its kind issued by a Mexican REIT
• Advised a transportation and travel services provider based in the Washington, D.C., area in its sale to a private investment group
• Advised a Salesforce consulting partner focused on the higher education and nonprofit sectors in connection with a growth investment from a private equity firm
• Advised a provider of implementation, design and managed service capabilities and a portfolio company of a private investment firm in its sale to a digital transformation and IT solutions provider backed by a private equity sponsor
• Advised a consulting firm offering accounting, finance, risk, operations, cyber and technology-enabled transformation solutions in its add-on acquisition of a cloud-based business management software provider with professionals in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom
Jose Sirven Partner | Business Section Leader Miami
+1.305.789.7784
jose.sirven@hklaw.com
Francisco Sanchez Partner | Corporate - Trade Regulation Practice Group Leader Tampa
+1.813.227.6559 Washington, D.C.
+1.202.469.5221
francisco.sanchez@hklaw.com
George Mencio Partner | Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group Leader Miami
+1.305.789.7702
george.mencio@hklaw.com
MEMBER HONORS AND SUCCESSES
• Partner Vanessa Madrid (MIA) was recognized as a 2025 “On the Rise” honoree by the Daily Business Review’s annual Florida Legal Awards. This award recognizes the state’s most promising Florida lawyers under the age of 40.
• Senior Counsel Jose Almanzar (NYC) spoke at a 90-minute Strafford continuing legal education (CLE) webinar focused on initiatives by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect against lead exposure. The Jan. 14 discussion, “EPA Final Rules to Reduce Lead Exposure: Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, Lead-Based Paint Dust Standards,” explored the two rules recently issued by the EPA to reduce exposure to lead in homes and drinking water and the impact of the rules on affected entities such as water systems, property owners, childcare facilities and landlords.
• A multi-office team of Holland & Knight attorneys and professionals recently represented an affiliate of Kennedy Lewis Investment Management in a $103.5 million land banking transaction for 179 finished lots in Mountain House, California, with Taylor Morrison as the builder for this to-be-developed housing community. The transaction closed on Jan. 10. Partner and Land Banking Team Co-Chair Alexis Alonzo (CCC/LAX) led the representation, supported by Associate Samara Harris (LAX).
• Partner Alexis Alonzo (CCC/LAX) has also been selected by the Los Angeles Business Journal as Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys for 2025. Alexis is a real estate attorney and co-chair of the Firm’s Land Banking Team, whose practice focuses on complex real estate transactions, particularly in homebuilder finance, joint ventures, the acquisition and financing of multifamily and student housing, and other commercial real estate matters.
Partner Alejandro Arias (MIA) recently participated as a speaker for the St. Thomas Law Review Spring 2025 Symposium, titled “Housing Crisis: The Effects of Land Use Planning and Development on Buying and Renting Homes.” The event was held Feb. 7 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Alejandro is a real estate attorney and regional co-chair of the Firm’s national Land Use and Government Team.
• Partner Brian Briz (MIA) has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Miami International Arbitration Society, an organization founded to promote international arbitration and mediation in Miami and the resolution of commercial and investment disputes relating to the Americas. Brian is a business litigator with broad experience representing domestic and foreign clients in complex, commercial disputes in federal and state courts and domestic and international arbitration proceedings.
• Partner Frances De La Guardia (MIA) was awarded the 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Award by the Daily Business Review
A team of real estate and joint venture attorneys from Holland & Knight’s Miami office advised One Thousand Group on its recent $53 million acquisition and financing of a 1.6-acre site in the East Edgewater neighborhood of Miami for its newest mixed-use development, Tower 36. The deal was announced on Dec. 10. Partner Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz (MIA) led the Firm’s representation of One Thousand Group. She was assisted by Partners Isabel C. Diaz and Danielle Price, as well as Associates Tomas Castellanos and Stephanie Sanchez (all MIA).
• Partner Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz (MIA) was also been elected vice chair of the board of trustees for Florida State University.
• A team of attorneys from multiple Holland & Knight offices represented Colombia-based transportation companies Distrito Express SAS and its affiliate Consorcio Express SAS as co-obligors in connection with a recent $53 million secured financing arranged by Natixis Bank. Consorcio Express is the largest provider of public transport services in the Integrated Public Transport System (SITP) in Bogotá. The matter was originated by Partner Enrique Gomez-Pinzon (BOG/WAS), who is the relationship partner for Distrito Express and Consorcio Express. Partner Lara Rios (MIA/NYC) led the financing team, with support from Associate Maria De Bedout (NYC) and former International Law Clerk Cristobal Morales (MIA).
• A multi-office team of Holland & Knight attorneys advised The Apollo Group, a leading provider of full-service hospitality management services to the cruise industry, on a significant growth investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The deal was announced on Jan. 7. Partners George Mencio (MIA), Kelsie Knight (HOU) and Christopher Froelich, with Associate Katya Mingov (both NYC), led the Firm’s representation of Apollo. They were assisted by Partner Isabel C. Diaz (MIA).
MEMBER HONORS AND SUCCESSES
• Associate Amber Morton (LAX) was selected to the list of Southern California Super Lawyers for 2025 for Estate and Trust Litigation.
• Associate Amanda Naldjieff (MIA) (fifth from right) was inducted as a member of the board of directors for the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA).
• A team of Holland & Knight attorneys from the Washington, D.C., New York, Mexico City and Miami offices represented Banco Santander, BBVA Mexico and Citigroup Global Markets as joint lead arrangers, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as parallel lender and sustainability coordinator, and a group of 11 banks in a $545 million syndicated financing to Corporación Inmobiliaria Vesta, a leading industrial real estate company in Mexico. Partners Norberto Quintana (WAS/NYC) and Alejandro Landa Thierry (MEX) led the representation, along with Senior Counsel Aldo Gonzalez (MEX), Associate Maria De Bedout (NYC), and former International Law Clerks Cristobal Morales and Mario Rojas (both MIA).
• A multi-office team of Holland & Knight attorneys recently filed an amicus curiae brief representing a range of prominent public-health organizations, healthcare professionals, experts and attorneys from across the country in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that involves the preventative services requirement of the Affordable Care Act. The brief supports the request of the U.S. Solicitor General to overturn the decision at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The amicus brief had to be assembled in a very quick turnaround, with work led by Of Counsel Christopher Riano (NYC) and Partners John Wood (WAS) and Kate Skeele (NYC). They were assisted by Associates Jacob Barrera (SFO), Kaatje Greenberg (MIA), Curran Butcher (ORL), Danielle Giaccio (HOU/AUS) and Amy O’Brien (WAS).
Partner Miriam Soler Ramos (MIA) served as transition counsel for Rosie Cordero-Stutz, the newly elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County, as the sheriff worked to establish an independent Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. CorderoStutz took office effective Jan. 7. As transition counsel, Miriam negotiated an interlocal agreement with the county. She also negotiated a legal representation agreement between the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and the MiamiDade County Attorney’s Office. Partner Jose Casal (MIA) served as transition counsel for the Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections.
• Associate Vanessa Suarez and Partner Orlando Segura (both AUS) won a contentious sanctions motion in which the judge ordered $10,000 in sanctions against the defendant.
• Associate Vanessa Suarez (AUS) also worked with Partners Anita Mosner (WAS) and Judy Nemsick (NYC) and won a Take Nothing Judgment against the plaintiff in a trial in which the Firm represented Qatar Airways.
• A team of attorneys from Holland & Knight’s Bogotá office advised Repsol on the sale of its remaining 45 percent stake in the CPO-09 Block to Ecopetrol S.A. for $452 million. The transaction, which was announced on Feb. 5, represents one of the most significant energy deals in Colombia so far in 2025. Partner José Zapata led the team that advised Repsol with Senior Counsels Daniel Fajardo Villada and Claro Cotes (all BOG).
