2. De La Peña Group, P.A. is a law firm providing the highest quality of professional services and
personal attention to individuals, their families and their businesses regardless of size, status or
complexity of their particular matter.
4. As a business-minded law firm, our mission is to offer more than just solutions. We provide a
collaborative team of legal professionals who share a personal interest in our clients’ successes.
We are committed to providing the highest and most efficient level of service to all firm clients,
regardless of the size or complexity of the matter. This undertaking demands the personal
involvement and immediate responsiveness of our multi-cultural lawyers to assure a
comprehensive and strategic understanding of the facts and circumstances of each and every
case.
The firm has been effectively serving clients throughout Latin and Central America, Eastern and
Western Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as American corporations dealing with foreign
jurisdictions. As international disputes increase due to business expansion in foreign markets, we
have combined legal, business and political skills to provide integrated solutions for clients
worldwide.
At De La Peña Group, clients will find the legal sophistication, experience, and standards of a
large, multi-national firm with the flexibility and personal attention of a smaller practice.
It is this consistent high level of personal care and professionalism that allows us to provide top-
quality legal representation.
Leoncio E. de la Peña
Founder/CEO
The Mission
6. De La Peña Group is a full-service law firm possessing substantial experience in the most
complex legal matters in a manner that is both effective and efficient. The firm, headed by Leoncio
E. de la Peña, is located in the prestigious Brickell World Plaza. The firm’s lawyers have diverse
backgrounds and skills which provide for a well-rounded mid-sized law firm.
Three vital elements highlight the approach that the professionals assembled at De La Peña
Group utilize on their clients’ behalf: understanding facts, minimizing risks, and providing solutions.
The firm diligently represents clients with this approach in mind in the belief that such a focus,
combined with cost-effective research and timely and accurate advice, provides its clients with the
best possible legal representation.
The Firm
7. The Principal
Leoncio E. de la Peña, wasborn in Cuba. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of
Florida, with high honors and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Shepard Broad Law Center
at Nova Southeastern University. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1984.
De la Peña has extensive experience representing clients in litigation involving a wide range of
complex problems. His practice includes dispute resolution arising in such contexts as mergers
and acquisitions, shareholder relationships, venture capital, trademark infringement and other
financing and securities transactions, partnership dissolutions, real estate transactions,
construction projects, as well as a broad range of commercial litigation matters concerning
banking issues, securities, business torts, patent infringement, breach of contract, insurance and
fidelity-bond coverage. His client list consists of the “who’s who” of Latin America.
De la Peña has a history of active involvement in social, charitable, corporate, and political
organizations. He is currently a board member for Voices for Children and remains an active
member of the Republican Party of Florida Team 100, chairing many political campaigns. He was
instrumental in arranging the attendance of President Aznar of Spain at the U.S.-Spain Chamber
of Commerce Gala to receive the “2003 Hombre del Año” award.
De la Peña was honored as a recipient of the Ronald McDonald House “Twelve Good Men”
distinction in 2004. In 2006 he was one of the finalists for the Daily Business Reviews “Most
Effective Lawyers,” and in 2009 he was selected as an AV-Rated Attorney—the Highest Rating in
Legal Ability & Ethical Standards by Martindale-Hubbell. De la Peña was listed in the 2011 edition
of the most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, Best Lawyers in America.
8. Otto C. de Córdoba, was born in Cuba and immigrated with his family to the United States in
1960. He grew up in Queens, New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia
University in 1980 and his law degree from Columbia University in 1984. After he was admitted to
the New York Bar in 1985, he worked at a prestigious law firm for several years before he decided
to move to Miami, Florida. Over the greater part of fifteen years, De Córdoba has been partner at
several prestigious firms where he has represented several Fortune 500 Companies including,
State Farm, Chevron, Ford Motor Company, Teacher Pension and Annuity Fund and the Florida
Department of Insurance in both state and federal court. De Córdoba has expertise in handling
complex commercial litigation, class action, product liability and employment discrimination suits.
De Córdoba has served as South East Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar from
1995-1997 and as Director of the Cuban American Bar Association from 1998-2000. He is the
recipient of the Cuban American Bar Association’s “Pro-Bono Award,” and is an active member of
the Cuban Chapter of the Knights of Malta, a Catholic organization that engages in charitable
works around the World.
The Attorneys
9. Tracy Pérez graduated Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law
Center in 2004 with a Juris Doctor degree. Pérez was a member of the rigorous and distinct circle
of Nova Law Review and served as an Articles Editor on the 2003-2004 Editorial Board. During
her studies at Nova, she was the recipient of several honors including an MPLE scholarship, a
Goodwin scholarship, Dean’s List, Pre-Trial Practice Book Award, and a Pro Bono Award for over
125 hours of service.
Pérez received her Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University in 2000 with a degree in
Political Science and a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Pérez is a member of the Florida Bar and the Cuban American Bar Association. Prior to becoming
a member of the Florida Bar, she attained valuable experiences in the legal field. In the summer of
2002, she was a judicial intern for the Third District Court of Appeal. In 2003, she worked for the
Miami law firm of Cole, Scott &Kissane, P.A., specializing in insurance-defense matters.
Pérez has been with De La Peña Group since 2004 and brings a tremendous amount of dynamic
energy and a will to serve clients with the best legal advice possible. Her fields of concentration
include commercial litigation, business transactions, and real estate matters. In June 2010, Florida
Super Lawyers selected Pérez as a “Rising Star” in Florida.
The Attorneys
10. Arturo Alvarez is Of Counsel to De La Peña Group. Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba. He
received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 1970 from the University of Florida as
well as his Juris Doctor in 1972.
After law school, Alvarez became an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, Eleventh
Judicial Circuit from 1973 until 1977. He joined the Office of the City Attorney, City of Miami in
1977 as an Assistant City Attorney, where he headed the Litigation (Torts) division.
From the time he left government employment, Alvarez has had a litigation practice that has
included both criminal defense and a broad spectrum of complex-civil litigation.
In addition to his legal career, Alvarez was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court as a member
of the Article V Task Force in 1994, the committee responsible for suggesting revisions to Article V
of the Florida Constitution. He has also been appointed to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit JNC (by
Governor Lawton Chiles), the Third District Court of Appeal JNC (by the Florida Bar) and two
terms to the Supreme Court JNC (by Governor Jeb Bush).
Alvarez was one of the founding members of the Cuban American Bar Association (“CABA”). He
was President of CABA in 1994, and remains actively involved with the organization and its
present leadership. Most recently, Alvarez was inducted into the City of North Miami Hall of Fame,
as part of the city’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
The Attorneys
11. Attilio M. Costabel, Of Counsel to De La Peña Group, graduated summa cum laude from the
University Of Genoa School Of Law in 1962. In 1987, he attended University of Miami School of
Law, graduating with cum laude honors. From 1974 to 1985 he was a correspondent of Lloyd’s
Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly for Italy and France.
Costabel co-authored the Klower book series on Admiralty law, printed for the International Bar
Association. He published highly acclaimed articles such as “Maritime law uniformity and
federalism after Yamaha V and DOHSA amendment: For whom the bell tolls?” in the St. Thomas
Law Review, “Himalaya Strain?” Forensic Examinations of Norfolk Southern Railway Co. vs.
James N. Kirby, Pty LTD and Doe v. Celebrity Cruises Inc published in Tulane Maritime Law
Journal, The “Himalaya” Clause Crosses Privity’s Far Frontier.
Costabelis a member of Maritime Law Association of the USA, Southeaster Admiralty Law Institute
and the American Arbitration Association. Being the co-founder of the Miami Maritime Arbitration
Board, Founding Member and Director of Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, and having
served in various court cases as an expert witness on Italian Law has given him great knowledge
to become an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University, School of Law in Miami teaching
Comparative Law, International Business Transactions, and Transnational Litigation.
The Attorneys
12. Robert G. Ricco is Of Counsel to De La Peña Group. Ricco received his undergraduate degree
from Columbia College in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law in
1988.
Ricco started his legal career with the New York-based firm Carter Ledyard & Milburn and
thereafter practiced with Kardaras& Kelleher LLP where he became a member in 2001.
In 2005, Ricco opened his own New Jersey based practice while serving as Of Counsel to De La
Peña Group. Ricco’s fields of concentration include insurance coverage, business, product liability,
and admiralty litigation.
The Attorneys
13. Litigation
The firm specializes in complex commercial litigation with emphasis in the field of
telecommunication, securities, construction, banking and real estate related matters. The firm also
handles litigation matters in the following areas:
• Corporate and Partnership
• Class-Action Defense
• Professional Malpractice
• Insurance
• Environmental
• Construction
With significant clients throughout Latin America, our litigation team is adept at managing all forms
of international disputes including international arbitration and mediation, and other alternative
dispute resolution methods. Our resources include a network of correspondent offices throughout
Central and South America, as well as in Spain.
The Practice
14. Real Estate
The firm’s real estate transactional expertise is an integral part of the legal services available at
De La Peña Group. Over the last decade of tremendous growth in Florida, the firm has developed
a diversified and accomplished real estate practice.
The firm handles all levels of real estate transactions, from the sale of a private residence, to the
land acquisition and development stages of the largest office buildings. The firm’s broad range of
practice offers the in-depth experience, qualifications, and organization needed to handle the most
demanding real estate matters including:
• Permanent and Bridge Financing
• Workouts and Restructuring
• Developer Representation
• Documentation
• Acquisition
• Disposition Exchange
• Structuring of Real Estate Transactions
• Homeowners and Condominium Documentation
• Commercial Leasing
• Title Matters and Closing Services
The firm regularly advises clients in real estate transactions and values the opportunity to apply its
expertise in this area on their behalf.
The Practice
15. International Law
From its inception, the firm has been actively involved in representing local, national, and foreign
clients in many phases of commerce, investment, and industry. Its lawyers provide expert and
cost-effective representation on issues that arise for United States entities or residents with
international business. Our representation includes a wide array of matters relating to:
• Formation and Management of Foreign Companies
• Foreign Debt-Swap Transactions
• Selection of Investment Vehicles for U.S. Assets
• Tax Planning
• Offshore Trusts and Financial Planning
• Real Estates and Business Investment
• Offshore Corporations
The attorneys in the firm are continually involved in structuring transactions and resolving conflicts
that cross national boundaries. The firm represents and counsels foreign clients in their
commercial and personal activities, and assists clients in both inbound and outbound transactions.
The firm has numerous multi-national and foreign corporations, foreign individuals, financial
institutions and foreign governments among its clients.
To best serve its international clientele, the firm has established numerous correspondent
relationships with law firms located throughout South and Central America, as well as in Spain.
These foreign firms are available to assist the firm whenever the need arises.
The Practice
16. Financial Institutions
In this arena, the firm represents both Florida-based financial institutions and foreign financial
service providers that have a presence in the United States or are attempting to establish one.
The firm’s expertise in this area is not limited to banks but extends to trust companies, brokerage
firms, investment companies, consumer finance companies, federal banking regulators, and other
members of the financial service industry. The firm’s lawyers have experience acting in various
capacities in the following areas:
• Lending and Financing Transactions
• Asset Securitizations
• Real Estate
• Commercial and Asset Based Lending
• Mortgage and Title Insurance
• Banking Regulations
• Loan Repayments
• Project Sales
• Bankruptcy Matters
• Foreclosures
Public Finance
The firm has served as disclosure bond counsel for Miami-Dade County and its various
authorities. In this capacity the firm has acted as disclosure bond counsel for the $248,890,000.00
Water and Sewer System Revenue Refunding Bonds, and for the $400,000,000.00 Miami-Dade
County Aviation Bonds.
The Practice
17. Corporate
The firm acts as general counsel and special counsel for companies of all sizes. Our lawyers have
extensive expertise in dealing with corporate matters. By effectively combining legal expertise,
business insight and the estate planning goals of the client, the firm is able to provide advice on all
phases of structuring a business. Our corporate practice has expertise in the following areas:
• Non-Disclosure Agreements
• Partnership Agreements
• Limited Liability Company Operating Agreements
• Shareholder Agreements
• Non-Competition Agreements
• Management Agreements
• Disclosure Documents and Agency Reports
• Employment Agreements
• Stock-Purchase Agreements
• Licensing Agreements
• Merger and Acquisitions
• Leverage Buyouts
• Divestitures and Spin-offs
• Combinations and Reorganizations
The firm provides sophisticated corporate and business advice to its clients at all stages. The firm
prides itself with its prompt, yet comprehensive advice to its clients on business matters.
The Practice
18. Internet Law
The firm works with start-up ventures and more established companies seeking to take advantage
of the opportunities presented by the internet. The firm routinely advises its clients on a variety of
issues involving or relating to the internet, including:
• Defining Corporate and Business Structure
• Introducing Sources of Capital
• Protect and Exploit Trademarks
• Patentable and Copyrightable Material
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property
• Licensing of Content and Software
• Structuring and Documenting Stock Options Plans
• Compensations and Incentive Arrangements
• Negotiating and Documenting Contractual Arrangements
• Designing Legal Aspects of Websites
• Advising on Date Privacy Issues
• Database Security Issuesand Domain Name Disputes
• Co-Branding and Advertising Agreements
• Drafting and Negotiation Website Development
In addition, the firm provides counseling with regards to online business liability issues by
developing internal internet and site use policies.
The Practice
19. Government Relations
We have built a governmental and legislative relations practice in response to our clients’ needs
before governmental agencies and the Florida legislature. The firm’s political expertise has
positioned our attorneys to provide representation at all levels of government. We work closely
with private sector clients and their in-house counsel to provide cost-effective legal services based
on our understanding of governmental affairs and the governmental process.
The Practice
20. Brickell World Plaza
Suite 1750
600 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: 1-305-377-0909
Facsimile: 1-305-377-1771
contact@dlp-law.com
http//:www.dlp-law.com