Javier Coronado, included in the GIR 40 under 40 list of the world’s leading young investigations specialists, talks about his experience as a White-Collar Crime and Investigations partner.
A significant case I’ve worked on
I had the opportunity to work on my firm’s successful representation of Jaime and Yani Rosenthal, along with their companies, in their removal from the US Department of the Treasury’s office of foreign assets control’s (OFAC) specially designated nationals and blocked persons list.
The late Jaime Rosenthal was the founder of one of Honduras’s largest banks and served in several public offices including as vice president of Honduras. His son Yani had been a member of the Honduran Congress and a presidential candidate. In 2015, our clients were designated by OFAC under the Kingpin Act. The impact of the sanctions was profound, leading to the freezing of assets and negatively impacting the family’s business operations. Through persistent legal efforts, Diaz Reus was able to argue for the removal of these sanctions. Jaime was de-listed in 2020, followed by Yani in 2022. This case is a testimony to our firm’s expertise in sanctions and our commitment to providing vigorous legal representation.
A significant person in my career
I have been fortunate to be mentored by two exceptional attorneys at Diaz Reus, each embodying complementary approaches to the practice of law. Michael Diaz Jr, our global managing partner, is a force of nature. His approach to practice is assertive and creative, embodying a “make it happen” philosophy. Michael’s expertise in international investigations and litigation, coupled with his asset and visa recovery techniques, has profoundly influenced my practice. On the other hand, Robert “Bob” Targ, a founding partner, exemplifies the virtues of diplomacy and thoroughness, embodying a “dot-the-i’s” approach. His careful review of every aspect of a case, combined with his expertise in sanctions and corporate governance, has also been significant to my career. Both Michael and Bob are exceptional attorneys, and they are also generous mentors for whom I will always be grateful.
A piece of advice I would give to my 25-year-old self
My advice to my younger self would be to deepen my understanding of policy and geopolitical issues. The complexity of white-collar investigations, especially in areas such as sanctions, government investigations and white-collar crimes, demands a robust grasp of the global political landscape. Government investigations are not isolated; they are deeply influenced by political climates, international relations and economic policies across borders. I would urge my younger self to immerse in literature that sheds light on how geopolitical shifts shape legal frameworks and enforcement actions in the realms of sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. Understanding the geopolitical underpinnings is crucial for crafting effective legal strategies in international investigations. In essence, the advice I would give to my 25-year-old self is to never underestimate the power of geopolitical awareness.
