Founded in 1946, McConnell Valdés LLC is one of the largest Hispanic-owned law firms in the world. With over 120 lawyers and a support staff of over 100, it is recognized as one of the top firms in the region, and the largest in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. With offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., McConnell Valdés is a full-service law firm with practice areas covering virtually every aspect of business. It is divided into six practice groups: Corporate; Environmental, Energy and Land Use; Labor and Employment Law; Litigation; Real Estate and Financing; and Tax.
Corporate: Our lawyers combine the firm’s extensive experience in corporate and commercial matters and transactional skills to serve clients in every type of business transaction. Our client base is varied in terms of size and industry, ranging from individuals and privately-held businesses to publicly-traded companies in the financial, health care, insurance, pharmaceutical, retail and consumer goods industries. Areas of practice include financial institutions, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, government affairs, health, securities and trusts, and estates.
Environmental, Energy and Land Use: The group has worked extensively on energy projects, combining its regulatory experience with a practical knowledge of the various legal disciplines that are essential for the establishment and operation of a successful energy company. The group also has a thorough understanding and years of experience in all aspects of environmental, zoning and planning laws and regulations, including counseling in location approvals, construction permitting and re-zoning procedures.
Labor and Employment: The group has led major union movement employer campaigns and elections and has championed court decisions that have resulted in leading case law in areas such as age, gender and disability discrimination, sexual harassment and workers’ compensation. Other areas of practice include workmen’s compensation, welfare benefits, ERISA and immigration laws.
Litigation: The group is well known for its ability to handle complex litigation, including class action matters, and for its handling of appeals before the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals and the Puerto Rico Supreme Court. The group is also highly experienced in federal court litigation at all levels. Specialty areas include intellectual property, bankruptcy, bids and procurement, construction, distribution and franchising, maritime and product liability.
Real Estate and Finance: The group has served as banks’ and borrowers’ counsel in most of the important financing transactions in Puerto Rico. The firm’s expertise in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotel and resort development, is unmatched, having participated in the financing of all major hotel and resort projects in Puerto Rico.
Tax: The group provides federal and local tax advice on the formation, operation, restructuring and disposition of business entities on the island. Our lawyers work closely with clients on the appropriate choice of entity upon initial business formation and provide advice in the areas of Puerto Rico and federal tax issues, excise and municipal licenses and taxes. Other areas of practice include tax exemption and employee benefits. |
