Miranda & Amado opens criminal law practice

The new practice is headed by José Luis Velarde and Rafael Díaz, both of whom are specialists in corporate criminal proceedings and litigation. The practice will focus on corporate criminal and economic law, risk mitigation, litigation and compliance.

Clients’ demand for litigation and regulatory compliance has increased considerable in Peru, in particular due to regulatory changes to fight corruption and the commitment of companies to respect codes of ethics as part of their organizational culture,” the firm said in a statement.

José Luis Velarde and Rafael Díaz Ochoa join the firm to lead the new practice, and who both have a renowned professional and academic background, as specialists in preventive consultancy and litigation, as well as the design and implementation of compliance programs to prevent legal contingencies, the firm said.

"The incorporation of Rafael and José Luis will strengthen our leadership in comprehensive corporate services, expanding our offer in litigation and compliance, and their profile is perfectly aligned with the style of litigation and counsel that our firm has always offered, keeping us close to our clients and with the highest ethical standards,” partner director of the firm Alberto Delgado said.

José Luis Velarde focuses his practice on preventive counsel and legal compliance, as well as defense in highly complex litigation cases, particularly regarding economic law. He has advised clients on compliance and the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as anti-corruption systems for his clients.

He has held the position of regional vice-chair for Latin American and the Caribbean of the Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group of Lex Mundi, and has been a member of the compliance committee of the American Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to joining Miranda & Amado he had worked as a lawyer at Estudio Villegas Abogados, as an in-house counsel at Scotiabank, a partner at Estudio Olaechea and a founding partner at law firm Facto Litigios & Compliance.

He is a law graduate of the Universidad de Lima and has a master’s degree in criminal law from the Universidad de Barcelona and the Universidad Pompeu Fabra.

For his part, Rafael Díaz has more than 15 years’ experience as a lawyer in criminal processes and has defended corporate clients in highly complex litigation cases.

He has also worked as an in-house counsel at Scotiabank, as an associate at Estudio Olaechea, a senior associate at law firm Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano, and a partner at Facto Litigios & Compliance.

He is a law graduate from the Universidad de San Martín de Porres, and holds a master’s degree in international economic criminal law from the Universidad de Granada in Spain.