From Crime to Terror: How U.S. Terrorist Designations of Cartels Shape International Disputes, including International Arbitration

Presentation

Hybrid Conference on "From Crime to Terror: How U.S. Terrorist Designations of Cartels Shape International Disputes, including International Arbitration"

The discussion will examine how Terrorist designations, and the accompanying sanctions, complicate the landscape for companies doing business in the LatAm region, particularly in Mexico. Heightened legal and financial exposure are expected to increase the volume and complexity of disputes, particularly in cross-border transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions. The panel will discuss the effects on the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards, including increasing due diligence burdens and potential public policy defenses. Panelists will also address how these developments may affect investor-state disputes, contract drafting, and risk management strategies.The panel will offer practical insights for counsel, arbitrators, and institutions facing this shifting legal landscape.

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Program:

- 4:30 to 5:30 PM: Conference
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Drinks & networking

Speakers:

- Diego Durán de la Vega, Partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed (Washington office)

Diego Durán de la Vega is a partner of Hughes Hubbard based in Washington, D.C. and Co-Chair of the Latin American Disputes practice group. His practice focuses on international disputes, including white-collar defense matters, internal investigations, commercial litigation, and international arbitration cases—including investor-state arbitration. He also has experience in compliance, where he assesses exposure, designs and implements programs, and provides training.

- Ezequiel Vetulli, International Arbitration Practitioner

Ezequiel Vetulli is an International Arbitration Practitioner based in the US. He also serves as Director Secretary of the Argentine Lawyers Association and as Executive Director for the Cross-Examination Moot, a unique competition that challenges university teams from around the globe to showcase their mastery in international arbitration.

- Roberto Hernández-García, Managing Partner at COMAD

Roberto Hernández García, managing partner at COMAD, is an international construction lawyer with experience in 12 countries in Latin America as dispute board, arbitrator, trainer and consultant. He is certified by Fidic as adjudicator, trainer and procurement specialist. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Served as arbitrator under ICC, LCIA, ICDR and ICSID rules. Author of 4 books on construction Law and disputes as well as co- author of other 5 on Public procurement, construction and anticorruption. Professor of several universities. Fellow of the American college or construction lawyers and the International Academy of construction lawyers.

- Orlando F. Cabrera C., Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells (Mexico City)

With more than 10 years of experience, Orlando draws on his deep understanding of complex domestic and international disputes to effectively represent clients in State-to-State, ICSID, ICC, ICDR, LCIA, UNCITRAL, CANACO and Arbitration Center of Mexico (CAM) arbitrations in mining, energy, telecommunications, finance, construction, transport, national security, real estate assets, and government contracting. Who’s Who Legal describes him as “an excellent lawyer with great knowledge of Mexican law” who is “always looking for ways to help his peers and clients”.’ Orlando also frequently writes, speaks, and organizes events on international arbitration.

- Paola Aldrete, Partner and Founder of Aldrete Arbitration

With more than a decade of experience in international arbitration, including years working at top-tier global law firms, Paola has built her practice around handling complex, cross-border disputes in industries such as energy, M&A, construction, real estate, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Her experience as arbitrator and counsel spans both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations, under rules such as ICC, ICDR, LCIA, CAM, CANACO, and UNCITRAL.

Space is limited. Confirmed registrations needed to attend.