Litigation & Trial Practice

Puerto Rico Litigation and Trial Attorney

Courtroom practice in Puerto Rico is unique, where proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit are conducted in English, while proceedings in Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, lower courts and administrative agencies are conducted in Spanish. At GAC, our trial lawyers are fluent in both Spanish and English and provide skilled representation in either judicial system.

Attorneys in our Litigation Practice Group appear before a wide variety of administrative agencies, representing clients in hearings involving regulatory matters, land use and planning and review of awards of government contracts and licenses, and in administrative investigation issues. We serve clients in health care, telecommunications, Internet services, retail, manufacturing, tourism and other industries.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Our lawyers are experienced with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and advise clients to resolve issues through efficient, cost-effective and discreet processes such as negotiation, arbitration and mediation when appropriate.

Banking and bankruptcy

Our litigation attorneys protect our clients’ interests during banking litigation involving lender liability, collections and mortgage foreclosures. The lawyers are assisted by a capable staff of legal assistants who concentrate on banking litigation and ensure close daily monitoring of cases. Computer programs developed by members of the firm provide additional support, quality control and uniformity in handling banking litigation. Members of the department also represent lenders and other creditors in bankruptcy matters, including litigation of adversary proceedings.

General litigation and risk prevention services

The Litigation Department also handles complex matters, including health care, telecommunications and Internet law litigation, compliance and related matters before Puerto Rico and federal courts and administrative agencies. Through risk management counseling, we assist our clients in preventing litigation and, should litigation ensue, allow the clients to be in stronger positions.

Our trial lawyers are also active in other areas including distribution and franchising contracts under the Dealers Contract Act of Puerto Rico (Law 75) and the Sales Representative Contract Act of Puerto Rico (Law 21), antitrust and unfair trade practices, construction contract disputes, directors’ and officers’ liability, products liability, lender liability, insurance, medical malpractice, aviation, trademark infringement, UCC disputes, breach of contract, defense of discrimination, covenants not to compete and employment disputes.

As members of a full-service law firm, our litigators provide our clients with seamless and comprehensive legal representation, working closely with members of other GAC practice groups:

Members of the Litigation and Trial Practice Department:

Rossell Barrios ∙ Solymar Castillo-Morales ∙ Edgardo Colón-Arrarás ∙ Rosanna Rivero-Marín ∙ Wilda Rodríguez-Plaza ∙ Carlos A. Rodríguez-Vidal ∙ Katherine E. Ruiz-Díaz

Members of the group may collaborate with members of other practices at our firm to provide comprehensive solutions to individual clients.

Members of the firm appear on behalf of clients before federal and Puerto Rico courts, government agencies, and in domestic and foreign transactions. GAC’s offices are in the American International Plaza Building in the heart of Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico’s financial district. If you would like to speak with a member of the firm or have any other question, please contact the firm to arrange a consultation with an attorney with the appropriate experience.