General Business Law
Leading Firms
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera

Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez
Band 1: Luis R Pellerano
Band 2: Marielle Garrigó
Band 2: Ricardo Pellerano

General Business Law: Dispute Resolution
Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez
Band 2: Hipólito Herrera Vasallo

Celebrating its 55^th anniversary, Pellerano & Herrera remains a market leader. The largest team in the country, it possesses “ample personnel covering all areas of law, with solid experience and great prestige throughout.” Clients are attracted to its ability to “efficiently handle complex deals with an exceptional turnaround time.” Core practice areas include high-end M&A, securities, litigation, tourism and mining. It recently advised Shell on the sale of 50% stake in a national oil refinery to the Dominican government, a deal valued at USD180 million. It acted for the lenders in the debt restructuring and consolidation of Dominican Republic sovereign debt. Marquee client Barrick mandated the team with the ongoing Pueblo Viejo gold mining project which, at USD2.7 billion, is the largest foreign investment in the history of the Dominican Republic.

Luis Pellerano was lauded from all corners of the market: “He brings a highly dynamic style to matters and communicates excellently with all parties.” A “resourceful and capable lawyer who always keeps his eye on the prize,” he led the team for Barrick and worked for Shell alongside Norman de Castro. De Castro is highlighted for his much-applauded work for Omnilife, Forbes and Manhattan and ABN AMRO, among others. Marielle Garrigó is “easy-going and impressive, demonstrating a can-do approach and commitment to the task at hand.” Clients a were pleased by this “energetic, articulate and well-spoken lawyer,” who has taken on may regulatory and capital markets matters in addition to high-end M&A. Managing partner Ricardo Pellerano often works on the administration side, but his “superb responsiveness, crystal-clear advice and empathy with clients” make him an essential name in the market. Sources expressed endless admiration for Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez. “Vastly experienced and influential,” he is “eminent in the market” and “the best name in litigation.” He works alongside the head of the disputes practice group Hipólito Herrera Vasallo, “a seasoned litigator who deserves considerable praise”.

Corporate/Commercial
Leading firms
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Juan Manuel Pellerano
Band 2: Luis Rafael Pellerano

Dispute Resolution
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Juan Manuel Pellerano

The Firm: With 50 lawyers and eight partners, the corporate heavyweight remains a trusted port of call for global clients in big-ticket transactional work. A never-ending flurry of deals and market endorsement has cemented the firm’s position “at the very top of the legal tree in the country”. Born as a litigation group, commentators also highly extol the trailblazing diversification over the years to a more mainstream practice. Daily workload now comprises “first-class counsel” in capital markets, project finance, IP and M&A. “Global exposure, technological awareness, US-style quality standards and 24/7 partner availability” are the firm’s draw cards, according to clients.

The Lawyers: Dubbed “the best and most prestigious lawyer alive in the Dominican Republic”, Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez continues to impress with his “world famous” litigation skills. He scooped market praise for his role in the instruction phase of the Baninter fraud case. Founding partner Pellerano Gómez remains active, advising clients in the banking, insurance, communication and maritime industries.  At the helm of the international practice and foreign investment department, Luis Pellerano thrives on top M&A work. According to observers, he shares the credit for the firm’s current high visibility with managing partner and head of the banking department Ricardo Pellerano. The latter and Luis Pellerano are pegged as “an explosive winning combination of knowledge, prestige, excellence, expertise and availability.”

Clients/Work Highlight: Top mandates this year include counselling the lenders in a USD140 million airport project finance transaction and advising buyers in the acquisition of leading domestic insurer Seguros Popular. Elsewhere, Shell instructed the group on joint venture negotiations with the Dominican government. The team continues to act for luxury hotelier PUNTACANA, which this year mandated the group in a land property litigation matter. Other litigation cases included acting for carmaker Isuzu in a liability lawsuit, and representing Empresa Brasilera de Aeronautica in a matter arising from the executive embargo of an aeroplane. The firm’s prowess in IP-related issues was evident this year in the representation of BAT in both trade mark and copyright infringement in the Dominican Republic, and in the defence of Laboratorios Magnachem against correctional patent complaint. The firm’s list of select clientele also boasts Sol Meliá, Morgan Stanley, Carrefour and Banca Intesa.

Corporate/Commercial
Leading firms
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Juan Manuel Pellerano
Band 2: Luis Rafael Pellerano
​Band 3: Ricardo Pellerano

The Firm: Commentators draw parallels between this “five-star” legal powerhouse and New York-based firms, citing its “first-class expertise and standards of service” as winning factors. With one of the biggest headcounts in the country and quality across the corporate sphere, the team has won mandates in many country’s biggest transactions of recent years. “Premium advice” in litigation, IP, M&A, capital markets and project finance is on the daily menu for clients.

The Lawyers: Founding partner Juan Manuel Pellerano is “the most prestigious lawyer alive in the Dominican Republic”, according to peers. Famed for a “legendary” litigation practice, his workload also covers banking and M&A. Luis Rafael Pellerano succeeds in “bringing his point across positively to foreign investors and their lawyers” and has great insight into the domestic market. He has advised hotelier Grupo Punta Cana in all its operation in the country, as well as guiding American Beverage Corporation in its acquisition of local PepsiCo operations. Managing partner Ricardo Pellerano is credited with steering the firm to its leading market position. He recently advised Scotiabank in several local financing deals.

Clients/Work Highlights: This firm also boasts British American Tobacco and Mexican Frozen food giant Sigma Alimentos SA de CV as key clients.

Chambers Latin America 2012
Corporate/Commercial
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano
Band 1: Norman De Castro
Band 1: Luis R Pellerano
Band 1: Marielle Garrigó
Band 2: Ricardo Pellerano
Up-and-coming individuals
Laura Féliz

THE FIRM This firm is an incontestable leader in the Dominican legal market, with a long history of participating in many of the country’s most complex transactions. Sources affirm that the firm offers first-rate, international-standard legal services. The 20-strong corporate team advises on an array of issues across several different sec­tors, including telecoms, environmental law and business start-ups. Recent highlights include advising on securing financing for a Barrick gold mine operation and assisting Sol Meliá in the financing of a loan for the expansion of its local assets through Banco Popular Dominicano. On the M&A front, the firm acted as counsel to Shell in the spin-off of the company’s remaining opera­tions in the country, including the sale of 340 petrol pumps. Other representative clients include Scotiabank, Barceló Crestline and Odebrecht.

Sources say: “The firm is undoubtedly first- rate and handles many of the most important matters in the country. It has a strong pres­ence, an excellent understanding of the mar­kets and a host of talented lawyers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marielle Garrigó focuses her practice on corporate affairs and project financing. Sources regard her as “knowledgeable and very responsive.” Managing partner Ricardo Pellerano is praised for his business acumen and strategy in corporate matters. Sources highlight Luis Pellerano as one of the strongest lawyers in the country in this field, while Norman De Castro stands out for the international plavour of his practice. Founding partner Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez “is a lawyer of true stature,” according to sources. He has enviable experience in the market and continues to be active in select­ed matters for the firm. Laura Féliz is seen as “a highly efficient lawyer, a fast learner and a lawyer who is unafraid of challenges.”

Dispute Resolution
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano

The dispute resolution practice group is at the very core of this legal powerhouse. It is widely respected in the market, with some young peers “wishing they could be like them when they grow up,” while others attest that “they land many of the country’s largest cases.” Long-standing client Barrick retained the firm in a number of multimil­lion-dollar disputes relating to a mining project in the country. The team also suc­cessfully defended Shell against a USD9 million lawsuit filed by the Association of Petroleum Retailers for allegedly supplying fuel which was delivered at a temperature which promoted evaporation and impuri­ties. In other matters, the firm has been active in pro bono litigation: it represented the largest coalition of plaintiffs in the country’s history, including students, teachers, NGOs, members of congress and other citizens, in a lawsuit against the national education budget for allegedly violating fundamental rights guaranteed by country’s constitution and general education legislation. Founding partner Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez is working on the case, which is now on appeal. Pellerano is a highly respected lawyer and a reference point in both arbitration and litigation circles.

Intellectual Property
Associates to watch
Meris Francisco

Meris Fracisco impresses clients with her excellent response rate and high level of commitment at leading law firm Pellerano & Herrera. She is an associate with a growing profile in the sector and recently worked closely with the firm’s litigation team to advise Visa in a trade mark dispute.

Labour & Employment
Leading Firms
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Norman De Castro
Associates to watch
Isabel Andrickson

This respected Dominican powerhouse has a leading labour and employment department which advises a host of large international and domestic players. Clients laud the firm’s tried and tested commercial knowledge and also highlight its depth, which results in constant availability to the client ― in line with international expectations. The team assisted AFP Popular in a precedent-setting matter concerning losses and damages arising from the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It also advised the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays baseball teams in independent labour lawsuit settlements.

Other highlights include assisting food corporation General Mills with recommendations on the feasibility of applying schemes currently operated in the USA in the Dominican Republic. Pellerano & Herrera also provides day-to-day assistance with labour matters for the likes of Ericsson, GlaxoSmithKline and Wells Fargo. Sources say: “This firm’s strengths are the combined experience of highly competent professionals and exemplary client relationships. The advice rendered is excellent and there is a first-rate culture of service.” Partner Norman De Castro leads on many of the firm’s most significant labour matters. “De Castro is key in this field. He has an excellent Knowledge of the system and is always willing to give the client personal attention.” Associate Isabel Andrickson is also extremely active in this area. Sources highlight that “she delivers quality work and advice.”

Real Estate & Tourism
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Luis R Pellerano
Band 2: Norman De Castro
Band 2: Marielle Garrigó
Associates to Watch
Laura Féliz

This firm dominates much of the Dominican legal market, and real estate and tourism is no exception. Sources say: “Pellerano & Herrera is a leader in any field in this country. The firm has an excellent, responsive and knowledgeable team specialized in real estate and tourism law.” The outstanding nine-strong team advises major international and domestic players on an impressive and broad array of real estate and tourism matters. Headline cases include providing ongoing advice to Portuguese group Visabeira on its EUR100 million project to refurbish a large baseball stadium, construct a museum and develop a five-star hotel. The team also assisted Barrick with land agreements and a 140-contract negotiation related to an electrical line, extending from the south of the coun­try to Cotui. It also defended the mining corporation against a USD100 million Iawsuit filed by local landowners. Other representative clients include Hyatt Holels, Sol Meliá and Grupo Punta Cana. Partner Luis Pellerano is seen by sources as “one of the strongest lawyers in the country― he is impressive, meticulous and proactive.” Clients highlight partner Norman De Castro for his “quality work and sound advice.” Marielle Garrigó is also particularly active in this field, while associate Laura Féliz has latterly been assisting some of the senior partners on several significant real estate and corporate transactions.

Corporate/Commercial
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano
Band 1: Luis R Pellerano
Band 1: Ricardo Pellerano
Band 1: Marielle Garrigó
Band 2: Norman De Castro
Associate to watch: Juana Barceló
Associate to watch: Laura Féliz
Associate to watch: Urania Paulino

THE FIRM Pellerano & Herrera is the undisputed leader in the Dominican legal market. The firm has a highly experienced 40-strong team dedicated to corporate and commercial work and provides a world-class service, according to clients. It is involved in almost all the market’s major transactions and projects, and advises many of the most important international clients in the coun­try, such as Barrick and Shell. It is also a long-standing legal adviser to Banco Popular Dominicano. The team recently represented JetBlue Airways in obtaining clearance and validation for its airport safe­ty and security plans. It also filed for an amended corporate charter of the country’s largest insurance company, Seguros Universal, the first filing conducted under new legislation. Other highlights include assisting Bloomberg with the regulatory issues involved in setting up operations in the country. The firm employs state-of-the- art technology and maintains strong inter­national ties through networks such as Lex Mundi, World Services Group, Lataxnet and International Business Consortium.

Sources say: “Pellerano & Herrera is the best firm in the country, It has years of experience; the attorneys are open-minded and creative, provide an excellent service and can handle the most specialised transactions. It is also always ahead in terms of technology, creating systems to improve the service provided.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marielle Garrigó is “a spectacular lawyer— she is proactive, knows the region and is a true asset at the negotiation table,” according to clients. Luis Pellerano is “a truly amazing lawyer, probably the best in the country he is highly intelligent and his reasoning is bril­liant.” Norman De Castro is a distinguished lawyer with a strong international practice covering both transactional work and litigation. Ricardo Pellerano heads the department and is the brain of the team, according to sources, who praise his commercial mindset and strategi­cal thinking. Clients also highlight his excel­lent working relationships with the govern­ment, local authorities and both local and foreign attorneys. Founding partner Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez has unparalleled experience in the market and continues to participate in the firm’s trans­actions. Juana Barceló represents a new generation at the firm and is a “skilled, hard-working and intelligent attorney.” She specializes in the energy sector and works closely with Luis Pellerano in all matters handled for Barrick. Two other young attorneys, Laura Féliz and Urania Paulino, also stand out and are quickly making names for themselves in the market.

Dispute Resolution
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Senior Statesmen: Juan Manuel Pellerano
Band 3: Luis Rivas

It comes as no surprise that the country’s leading firm has a highly distinguished liti­gation team. The team acts for a high-profile clientele, including Shell, Cadbury Schweppes, Colgate-Palmolive and Seguros Universal, and has been busy handling a range of commercial litigation, arbitration and white-collar crime cases, among others. It has also represented clients before the antitrust authorities; for example, it acted for the association of soft drinks bottlers, Asibegas, in the much-publicized Embotelladores case. The team also success­fully represented Stream International in a lawsuit brought against a criminal gang, the first time that a Dominican court has ruled on cyber crime. Juan Manuel Pellerano Gómez heads the team and is involved in its most sophisticated cases. Clients highlight his exceptional expertise across the board. Luis Rivas focuses on dispute resolution and is widely praised by sources.

Real Estate & Tourism
Leading Firm
Band 1: Pellerano & Herrera
Leading Individuals
Band 1: Luis R Pellerano

It comes as no surprise that the market’s leading full-service firm has an exceptional real estate practice. The well-established ten-strong real estate team attracts major inter­national and local clients and is backed up by lawyers from the firm’s finance, tax and litigation practice groups. Clients say: “The team is excellent ― the lawyers are knowledge­able and responsive, and provide fundamental support on project development in the coun­try”. The team has been involved in an exten­sive list of transactions and projects, despite the market downturn. It represented Portuguese group Visabeira in the creation of a consortium with Dominican architec­tural and engineering firm Rodríguez Sandoval, which will refurbish the largest baseball stadium in the country, build a baseball museum and develop a five-star hotel in the vicinity of the baseball complex. It also advised real estate developer Group Metro on the USD27 million issuance of bonds to finance the construction of a golf club and residential development. Luis Pellerano heads the team and is a tremendous attorney with the knowledge and skill to negotiate in this area, according to clients.

Financial & Corporate ― Tier 1

Pellerano & Herrera gets high marks from competitors and glowing praise from clients.

Over the past year, the firm promoted 14 paralegals to associates to address an increase in complex cases. Partner Hipolito Herrera left the firm in 2010.

One client notes that Pellerano & Herrera benefits from a significant number of North American-trained lawyers who take local sensitivities into account when giving advice: “They help explain, guide and translate a transaction to make it successful.” One peer says the firm’s lawyers are, “very competent and good professionals”. Another notes succinctly, “They have their finger on the pulse.”

In one notable transaction, partner Luis Rafael Pellerano advised the Canadian-based Barrick Gold, the largest gold mining company in the world, on $1.04 billion in financing for the Pueblo Viejo gold mine. The firm also advised Barrick on a related special lease agreement with the government giving it mining rights. The Canadian company is the single largest foreign investor in the Dominican Republic’s history.

In a refinancing deal that closed in December 2010, Partner Marielle Garrigó advised Compañía de Electricidad de San Pedro de Macorís (CESPM), a subsidiary of the largest energy company in the country, Cogentirx, on its $150 million loan from the Interamerican Development Bank.

Leading lawyers
Norman de Castro
Marielle Garrigó
Luis Rafael Pellerano
Ricardo Pellerano

Local prestige with international outlook
Established: 1952
Total lawyers: 39
Partners: 7

The oldest firm in this chapter, Pellerano & Herrera has grown from its family roots to become a firm with a reputation for providing high quality legal services thanks to the wealth of internationally educated lawyers it employs. The firm’s business-minded service style and manpower across a broad range of practice areas see it feature on the country’s most significant transactions, and plans for further growth should ensure this remains the case.

PEOPLE & PRACTICES
The firm has taken advantage of flourishing mining industry to build a strong practice group in that sector, led by Luis Pellerano, who wins praise from his US clients – one said he would not even consider hiring other Dominican counsel. Pellerano led the financing of a US$2.7 billion deal for Canadian miner Barrick Gold, demonstrating an ability to succeed in large-scale international project finance work. He also takes charge of aviation, where he regularly advises JetBlue Airways, as well as helming the environment department. Pellerano also oversees the labour and sports practices, which include a number of baseball teams in their client portfolio. Longstanding managing partner Ricardo Pellerano leads the banking and finance area alongside Marielle Garrigó. The pair helped toll road operator Boulevard Turístico del Atlántico obtain a US$150 million loan from development banks; a project that took two years to be completed and has been a major boost to Dominican infrastructure. Ricardo Pellerano also leads in insurance and reinsurance.

Juan Pellerano, also founder, is known for his litigation work and has a consulting role at the firm today, where he supports Luis Pellerano and Lucy Objio, who was promoted to partner at the beginning of 2012. The team’s knowledge has led one commercial litigation client to describe the firm as being “well connected and having real experience”. An uptick in M&A activity has ensured the area remains firmly on Pellerano & Herrera’s radar with plans for expansion on the horizon. The firm’s (and indeed the country’s) headline deal for last year  was undoubtedly its role advising Anheuser Busch InBev’s Brazilian unit AmBev, in its purchase of a controlling stake in Dominican brewer Cervecería Nacional Dominicana for US$1.2 billion. Luis Pellerano, Marielle Garrigó and Mariangela Pellerano led the work. Since February 2012 the M&A department has been overseen by Objio, who also works the maritime area. Adolfo Toca, who was made partner in the same round of promotions as Objio, leads the taxation area, while also contributing to telecoms, corporate and sports law advice. Mariangela Pellerano, promoted at the same time, leads a strong IP department and works in corporate, M&A, project finance and mining. The firm also boasts a capable tourism and real estate department.

CLIENTS
Demonstrating Pellerano & Herrera’s strength in mining is the fact that prominent miners such as Canada’s Barrick Gold and Australia’s Perilya are on the firm’s books. Around 70 per cent of clients are international, with Shell another notable name. The firm continues to advise French renewable energy company Bionersis, and has recently picked up solar power producer Sonnedix as a client. The International Finance Corporation is also a valued client, as are tourism company Rock Resorts, Brazilian brewer AmBev and airport manager Aerodom.

ALLIANACES & NETWORKS
Pellerano & Herrera is the Dominican member of the Club de Abogados network, alongside membership of Lex Mundi and the World Service Group.

PRO BONO
The firm has gained recognition for representing journalist Alicia Ortega in a case against a Dominican government official who was accused of violating her rights to freedom of the press, access to information, and freedom of expression and dissemination of thoughts. The charge related to threats to stop sponsorship and advertising on Ortega’s news programme. Lawyers at Pellerano & Herrera have also been actively involved in the Dignified Education Coalition’s campaign to see 4 per cent of GDP allocated to education. Other pro bono clients include the navy and The Nature Conservancy.

Local prestige with international outlook
Established: 1952
Total lawyers: 39
Partners: 7

The oldest firm in this chapter, Pellerano & Herrera has grown from its family roots to become the Dominican Republic’s largest firm with a reputation for providing high quality legal services thanks to the wealth of internationally-educated lawyers it employs. The firm’s business-minded service style and manpower across a broad range of practice areas see it feature on the country’s most significant transactions, and plans for further growth should ensure these remains the case.

PEOPLE & PRACTICES
The firm has taken advantage of a flourishing mining industry to build a strong practice group in that sector, led by Luis Pellerano, who wins praise from US clients – one said he would not even consider hiring other Dominican counsel. Pellerano led the financing of a US$2.7 billion deal for Canadian miner Barrick Gold, demonstrating an ability to succeed in large-scale international project finance work. Longstanding managing partner Ricardo Pellerano leads the banking and finance area alongside Marielle Garrigó. The pair helped toll road operator Boulevard Turístico del Atlántico obtain a US$150 million loan from development banks; a project which took two years to be completed and has been a major boost to Dominican infrastructure. An uptick in M&A activity has ensured the area remains firmly on Pellerano & Herrera’s radar, with plans for expansions on the horizon. Since February 2012 the department has been overseen by Lucy Objio, who also works in the maritime area. Objío replaced Luis Rivas, who left the firm to start a new venture with Norman De Castro, who formerly headed up Pellerano & Herrera’s labor practice and sports work. Juan Pellerano, also a founder, is known for his litigation work and maintains a consulting role at the firm today. The team’s knowledge has led one commercial litigation client to describe the firm as being “well-connected and having real experience”.

New partner Adolfo Toca leads Pellerano & Herrera’s taxation area, while also working in telecoms, corporate, and sports law. Mariangela Pellerano joined the partnership this year, working in corporate, M&A, project finance and mining. The firm is also strong in IP, tourism and real estate.

CLIENTS
Demonstrating Pellerano & Herrera’s strength in mining is the fact that prominent miners such as Canada’s Barrick Gold and Australia’s Perilya are on the firm’s books. Around 70 per cent of clients are international, with Shell another notable name. The firm continues to advise French renewable energy company Bionersis, and has recently picked up solar power producer Sonnedix as a client. The International Finance Corporation is also a valued client, as are tourism company Rock Resorts and airport manager Aerodom.

ALLIANACES & NETWORKS
Pellerano & Herrera is the Dominican member of the Club de Abogados network, alongside membership of Lex Mundi and World Services Group.

PRO BONO
The firm has gained recognition for representing journalist Alicia Ortega in a case against a Dominican government official who was accused of violating her rights to freedom of the press, access to information, and freedom of expression and dissemination of thoughts. The charge related to threats to stop sponsorship and advertising on Ortega’s news programme. Lawyers at Pellerano & Herrera have also been actively involved in the Dignified Education Coalition’s campaign to see 4 per cent of GDP allocated to education. Other pro bono clients include the navy and The Nature Conservancy.

Within Corporate and finance, Pellerano & Herrera is a first tier firm:

Pellerano & Herrera’s client portfolio includes Jet Blue Airways, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Avon Products, and Smurfit Kappa Latin America, among other high profile corporations across the energy, mining, telecommunications, tourism and real estate sectors. Department head Luis Rafael Pellerano displays ‘excellent knowledge of the market and brings years of experience into all his dealings’. He recently acted as local counsel to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, as underwriters, on the purchase of a promissory note issued by the Dominican State in favour of Banco de Reservas to secure a $500m bond issuance. In other highlights, Pellerano and Mariángela Pellerano assisted Citibank on a $260m syndicated loan granted to Dominican Power Partners. Ricardo Pellerano is another name to note.

Within Dispute resolution, Pellerano & Herrera is a first tier firm:

Pellerano & Herrera’s dispute resolution practice is co-led by of counsel Vitelio Mejía Ortiz and Lucy Objío. The team (which includes founding partner Juan Manuel Pellerano), works for a blue-chip client base including Abbott Laboratories, Universal Sweets, Jet Blue Airways, and Avon Products. The team recently represented Wartsila Dominicana in a $1.8m lawsuit filed by Colegio Dominicano de Ingenieros, Arquitectos y Agrimensores. Expanding its presence in the sports sector, the practice also recently acted as counsel to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets in labour lawsuits filed by former players.

Within Real Estate and tourism, Pellerano & Herrera is a second tier firm:

Offering a full-spectrum real estate practice, Pellerano & Herrera primarily provides clients with assistance on purchasing, leasing, renting, and planning real estate projects. Department head Luis Rafael Pellerano is acting as counsel to RC24 Foundation in relation to the construction of a school, including advice on the acquisition of the real estate property, zoning permits, and associated tax matters. Other clients include Amhsa Marina Hotels and Resorts, VFS Dominicana, Jet Blue Airways Corporation, and Grupo Vidanta. Luis Pellerano, Mariángela Pellerano, and Ricardo Pellerano are also recommended.

Within Corporate and finance, Pellerano & Herrera is a first tier firm:

At Pellerano & Herrera, ‘superstar’ practice head Luis Rafael Pellerano is supported by the ‘extremely competent’ Marielle Garrigó and Mariangela Pellerano. A key strength is the firm’s ability to work on different sides of one transaction simultaneously and, recently, it has been active in the financial services and tourism sectors, advising buyers and sellers on transactions, counselling borrowers, lenders and underwriters on financing matters and carrying out due diligence. Among recent highlight instructions, it assisted JetBlue Airways with expanding its operation through the launch of new flight routes, and acting for Citigroup Global Markets and Deutsche Bank Securities as underwriters in a $1bn sovereign bond offering by the state. Patricia Báez is ‘efficient and responsive’, senior counsel Urania Paulino does ‘a great job on aviation matters and has excellent relationships with various regulators’.

Within Dispute resolution, Pellerano & Herrera is a second tier firm:

Labour cases, shareholder disputes, real estate and tax litigation, and consumer rights issues have all been active areas for Pellerano & Herrera lately. The firm gained several new clients from the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, and foreign-based investors account for a sizeable share of its largely international client base. Practice co-heads Juan Manuel Pellerano and Lucy Objío recently won a case for Aerodom in a precedent-setting administrative and constitutional matter against the District of La Caleta after it tried to impose new fees and taxes on the airport. In addition, the firm represents JetBlue Airways in all lawsuits filed in the Dominican Republic. Aviation expert Vitelio Mejía Ortiz joined as of counsel in March 2014 from Mejía, Armenteros & Abreu.

Within Intellectual property, Pellerano & Herrera is a third tier firm:

Pellerano & Herrera’s IP team handles all aspects of consensual and contentious issues regarding intellectual property, such as trade marks and trade names, patent registration, copyright, advice and enforcement of IP rights, as well as the purchase, sale, and licensing of IP rights. Contentious matters such as copyright piracy and industrial property counterfeiting are also covered. Lucy Objío is the key partner.

Within Real estate and tourism, Pellerano & Herrera is a second tier firm:

Pellerano & Herrera expertly handles due diligence, financing, and hospitality-related transactions for owners, developers and financial institutions, as well as local individuals and foreign high-net-worth individuals. Notewforthy assignments include advising Carnival Cruise Line on the development and construction of a $65m sea port in Puerto Plata, (handling finance, tax structure, Free Zone Park, development, and construction issues), and assisting Amhsa Marina with a $23m hotel sale to British investors. Key lawyers include team leader Luis Rafael Pellerano, Marielle Garrigó, Mariangela Pellerano, and Ricardo Pellerano.

This is the first awareness campaign ever launched by a law firm in the Dominican Republic. This campaign addressed to the general public, has the goal of making people aware of their rights and duties as are consigned in the Constitution and other laws, in order to contribute to the legal knowledge of the population.

Press release: “Pellerano & Herrera launches awareness campaign”