Our Latin America team is led by partner and co-founder Joana Rego, who has over 15 years’ experience supporting complex disputes coming out of the region across various sectors. With an extensive track record working with clients across Latin America, we have acted in several of the region’s most prominent disputes of the past decade.
The Latin America team is made up of native and fluent Portuguese and Spanish speakers who have both lived and worked in the region, which allows us to routinely incorporate on-the-ground research and a nuanced understanding of the inner workings of the region into our investigations. This continual presence drives our clients’ dispute strategy.
“Their contributions often create new leads in matters and provide a fresh approach” – Chambers UK, Litigation Support: Business Intelligence & Investigations.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
Supported counsel in a multibillion-dollar claim against a Latin American sovereign state. Gathered documentary and testimonial evidence demonstrating the flow of funds between the state and a state-owned company. These funds were used to service debt, pay suppliers and corporate loans, and replenish the sovereign wealth fund. Worked on evidencing the commercial purpose and intended use of the relevant accounts.
Acted for counsel in defense of their client in an unfounded multimillion-dollar claim for breach of contract. Found evidence of corruption in the activities of the counterparty, namely in attribution and execution of the contract with the Client. Examined witness statements for discrepancies. Our investigation also supported a wider strategy to discredit the counterparties’ arguments against the Client.
Engaged at the outset of discussions around filing the arbitration given concerns over challenges to enforce a potential award. Identified assets and developed a strategy alongside counsel on potential evidence gathering and enforcement targets. Worked with lead and local counsel in several jurisdictions across the Americas; briefing each counsel and actively participating in wider strategy discussions. Supported the drafting of Norwich Pharmacal Orders and ensuing variations in the Caribbean. Provided evidence of risk of asset dissipation and more broadly, investigated and monitored events around the Respondent, including investigations into corrupt connections and activities as part of the Odebrecht scandal.
In support of the enforcement of a judgement against an industrial group in the Caribbean, identified assets of the group, focusing on the operations and shipments of specialist materials produced by a factory in the Caribbean. Crucially identified upcoming shipments, trade partners, payment and shipping terms. As part of exercise, also investigated relationships between the Group’s management and the Executive in power, in light of suspicions of corruption which assisted the negotiation strategy.
Led an investigation into a Latin American UHNW accused of fraud. Provided evidence supporting disclosure applications and freezing injunctions in the Caribbean and investigated the UHNW’s lifestyle and operations to evidence dissipation of assets.
