Pierson Ferdinand Launches Latin America Practice

Pierson Ferdinand Launches Latin America Practice

Boutique litigation firm aims to tap booming cross-border demand across arbitration and trade law in Latin America.

AuthorNithya Shri MohandassMay 16, 2025, 12:37 PM

Newly formed U.S. law firm Pierson Ferdinand has launched a Latin America Practice, reinforcing its global ambitions just months after its inception. The practice will be led by Miami-based arbitration partner Yine Rodríguez Pérez, one of more than 130 lawyers who recently split from FisherBroyles to establish Pierson Ferdinand.

The move signals a growing interest among U.S.-based and international law firms to expand into Latin America, where cross-border disputes, trade negotiations, and arbitration are rising. The firm aims to provide services in international arbitration, cross-border commercial disputes, and compliance advisory, focusing on debt recovery, contract enforcement, and global trade disputes.

Capitalizing on the Region's Legal Momentum

Latin America has seen an uptick in foreign direct investment and international litigation. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the region attracted over $215 billion in foreign investment in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year. This has increased demand for commercial lawyers and litigation law firms with cross-border legal experience.

Latin America is “on the radar” for multinational corporations and investors seeking effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

Strategic Leadership and Global Vision

Pierson Ferdinand launched in early 2025 following a mass exodus from FisherBroyles, marking one of the most significant lateral shifts in the U.S. legal industry in recent years. The firm was established to build a high-powered boutique focused on complex litigation, international commercial law, and regulatory defence.

The Latin America Practice is expected to collaborate closely with the firm's existing teams, handling contract dispute matters, cheque bounce cases, cheque dishonour litigation, and cross-border trade resolution.

Legal Services Aligned with Market Demands

The practice will offer a broad range of services, including:

  • Commercial dispute resolution

  • International arbitration under ICC, ICSID, and UNCITRAL rules

  • Drafting and review of Incoterms and cross-border contracts

  • Debt recovery strategies for foreign creditors

  • Contract dispute resolution and breach of contract litigation

  • Legal consultation on sanctions, export controls, and trade compliance

  • Advisory for U.S. and EU clients engaged in Latin America markets

This expansion comes when businesses increasingly rely on legal experts to mitigate the risks of regional instability and currency fluctuations.

Expert Insight

Commenting on the move, Sunil Ambalavelil, a top-tier lawyer in Dubai for multinational clients and Chairman of Kaden Borissapplauded the development:

“With Latin America’s role in global trade evolving, this is a timely move. The region is ripe for structured legal solutions involving contract enforcement, trade law, and cross-border disputes.” 

He added that the firm’s strategy mirrors what top law firms are doing globally—building specialized regional desks to deliver legal services with agility and insight.

A Competitive Legal Landscape

Pierson Ferdinand’s move aligns with a broader industry trend. Major law firms across the U.S., UK, and Europe are eyeing Latin America, often through alliances, best friend networks, or liaison offices

Many top 100 law firms have already strengthened their foreclosure attorney desks, commercial litigation arms, and cross-border mediation capabilities in anticipation of future demand.

Yet, the region's legal environment remains complex. Regulatory differences, slow judicial systems, and political uncertainty challenge international players. This makes the role of civil litigation lawyers, contract enforcement teams, and debt recovery units crucial.

Looking Ahead

Pierson Ferdinand's move is bold, but it’s also calculated. By focusing on jurisdictions with rising legal needs and aligning with bilingual, regionally-rooted talent like Rodríguez Pérez, the firm is setting a model for sustainable expansion.

With this Latin America Practice, Pierson Ferdinand is not just following the market trend—it’s helping shape it.

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