Holland & Knight Welcomes Former Ministry of Economy General Counsel Carlos Véjar in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (September 7, 2016) – Domestic and international trade attorney Carlos Véjar has joined Holland & Knight as senior counsel in its Mexico City office. Mr. Véjar previously served in Mexico's Ministry of Economy as general counsel for international trade.

For the past six years, Mr. Véjar was responsible for coordinating Mexico's participation in trade and investment disputes and providing legal advice on international trade negotiations and foreign trade matters arising under the WTO, NAFTA and other free trade and bilateral investment agreements. Mr. Véjar also served as an economic counselor in the Permanent Mission of Mexico Before the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2004 to 2009.

"Carlos' arrival is a huge coup for Holland & Knight," said Boris Otto, executive partner of Holland & Knight's Mexico City office. "With nearly 20 years working in the Mexican government, there is no one more knowledgeable about trade and foreign investment. We are very pleased to be adding his expertise, which includes international arbitration, to our growing portfolio of services in Mexico."

At Holland & Knight, Mr. Véjar will counsel domestic and international companies on international trade strategies, including investments, government procurement, regulatory compliance, unfair trade practices, intellectual property and customs procedures. He will also assist clients in commercial (private), investor-state and international trade arbitration matters.

"I'm excited to start a new chapter of my career at Holland & Knight, where I will join a distinguished network of professionals helping clients do business around the world," said Mr. Véjar. "As Mexico implements its new energy reform laws and new opportunities are created by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it is important to be represented by someone who understands all aspects of international trade. I look forward to counseling clients in this ever-changing area of law."

Mr. Véjar received his law degree from the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico and a master's degree in international relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

Holland & Knight's Mexico City office was established in 2013 and now includes 21 attorneys primarily focused on corporate finance, energy, project finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, litigation and private equity.