JOSE ANTONIO MORENO RUFFINELLI, born Asunción, Paraguay, March 10, 1939; admitted to bar 1963, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1962; Doctor in Law, with honors for maximum qualification, 1967). Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay. Former President of the MERCOSUR Arbitration Court, appointed by the unanimous concurrence of its member countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. President, Center for Studies of Law, Economics and Politics (CEDEP). Former Member of the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Former President: National Codification Committee; House of Representatives of Paraguay. Former Vice President, Latin American Parliament. Former Legal Advisor to the Paraguayan Central Bank and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former Ambassador to Brazil. Arbitrator, Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce. Member, National Group of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague. Law Professor, National University of Asunción and Catholic University of Asunción (graduate and post-graduate) with several books and legal articles published. MEMBER: Inter-American Bar Association; International Bar Association; Paraguayan Bar Association; Paraguayan Banking Law Institute; A.P.A.P.I.; CEPEI (Paraguayan Center for International Studies). LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Arbitration; Civil Law; International Commercial Law; Banking Law; International Business Transaction; International Commercial Contracts; Corporate Law; Government Contracts; Contracts; Public Bids; Trademarks; Patents; Communications Law; Leasing; Mergers and Acquisitions; Finance; Administrative Law; Distribution Agreements; Media Law; International Trade; Privatization; Eminent Domain; Family Law. EMAIL: jmorenoru@moreno.com.py
JOSÉ ANTONIO MORENO RODRÍGUEZ, born Asunción, Paraguay, on November 14, 1966. Admitted, 1991, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1990, Medal of Honor Award); Doctor of Law, summa cum laude, 1995); Harvard Law School (LL.M., 1993). Member of the Working Group of the Hague Principles on choice of law in international contracts. Secretary General of the American Association of Private International Law (ASADIP). Author of several books and legal articles published in Paraguay, the United States, Spain, Perú, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil, on international contracts, arbitration, foreign investments, international trade, banking law, capital markets and conflict of laws, among others. Executive Director, Center for the Study of Law, Economy and Politics (CEDEP). Visiting Professor, Heidelberg Center in Chile, Universidad de Buenos Aires and CEDIC (Río de Janeiro). Arbitrator, Paraguayan Center of Arbitration, “Parana River Commission” (COMIP) and Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission. Representative before the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) in its 39th session, and the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Specialized Conferences on Private International Law (CIDIP VII). MEMBER: International Academy of Comparative Law, Paraguayan Bar Association, Paraguayan Banking Law Institute. LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese, French, Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Foreign Investments; Banking Law; Capital Markets; International Business Transactions; Finance; Corporate Law; Petroleum; Administrative Law; Natural Resources; Energy Law; International Sales of Goods; International Law and International Trade Law; Trusts and Estates; Arbitration; Securities; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Franchises; Finance; Legal Management; Mining and Metals. EMAIL: jmoreno@moreno.com.py
CARLOS DARIO RUFFINELLI CESPEDES, born Asunción, Paraguay, October 19, 1963; admitted to bar 1991, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1990); Georgetown University (LL.M., 2000; Graduate Paper on Alternative Dispute Resolution); Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (Graduate Course on Constitutional Law, 2002). Fulbright Scholar, 1999-2000; Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Asuncion, 2004-2011. Professor of Constitutional Law, National University Law School. Arbitrator, Commercial Arbitration of the Inter-American Commission, Center of Mediation and Arbitration Paraguay. Arbitration Expert, MERCOSUR Arbitration Court. Coordinator for various academic programs and projects with universities, multilateral and international organizations such as IADB, UNDP, US Department of State and AECI. Founder and Council Member, Center for Studies of Law, Economics and Politics (CEDEP). Former Legal Counsel to the Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the Organization of the American States, 1999-2000. Legal Counsel to the Committee of Legislation of the Senate of Paraguay, 2008-present MEMBER: Paraguayan, American, International and Inter-American Bar Associations. LANGUAGES: German, English, Portuguese and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Negotiation; Mediation; Arbitration; International Commercial Law; Foreign Investment; Petroleum Law; Natural Resources; Admiralty and Maritime Law; Aviation and Aerospace; Media Law; Legislative Practice; Environmental Law; Maquila; Family Law; Immigration; Zoning, Planning and Land Use; Education; Mining and Metals; Legal Management. EMAIL: cruffinelli@moreno.com.py
ROBERTO MORENO RODRIGUEZ ALCALA, born New York City, U.S.A., December 27, 1976; admitted to bar 2001, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University of Asunción (Lawyer, Valedictorian, 2000); University of Oxford Faculty of Law (Magister Juris, 2003, First Class Honours, awarded a Distinction); Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina (Post-graduate Course, 2001); Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (Post-graduate Course, 2002); National University of Asunción (Notary Public, 2001). Arbitrator, Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce. Law Professor: Catholic University of Asunción; Princeton University, 2005; Universidad de Buenos Aires, 2006. Author of several articles published in international and national legal publications. MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association; Paraguayan Banking Law Institute. LANGUAGES: English, French and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Agency and Distributorship; International Commercial Contracts; Bond Issues; Securities; Securitization; Security Interests; Corporate Law; Commercial Law; Administrative Law; Bankruptcy; Energy Law; Mergers and Acquisitions; Products Liability; Environmental Law; Agricultural Law; Industrial and Farm Equipment. EMAIL: rmoreno@moreno.com.py
GERARDO A. PLANAS GALEANO, born Asunción, Paraguay, October 6, 1945; admitted to bar 1970, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1969). Former Legal Advisor to the Paraguayan Social Security System Institution. MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association. LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Social Security; Labor and Employment; Government Contracts; Petroleum Law; Natural Resources Law; Energy Law; Media Law; Aviation and Aerospace; Insurance; International Business Law. EMAIL: gplanas@moreno.com.py
LILIANA MARIA MORENO RODRIGUEZ, born Asunción, Paraguay, September 1, 1971; admitted to bar 1996, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, with honors, Gold Medal Award for Top Graduate of Class, 1995); Harvard Law School (LL.M., 1998). Law Professor, National University of Asunción. MEMBER: International Bar Association; Paraguayan Bar Association. LANGUAGES: English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Banking Law; Commercial Law; Business Law; Labor and Employment; Maquila Law; Public Bids; Distribution Agreements; Computer Technology; Internet Law; Real Estate; International Trade; Media Law. EMAIL: lmoreno@moreno.com.py CURRENTLY ON LEAVE FROM THE FIRM
RAUL FERNANDO BARRIOCANAL, born Asunción, Paraguay, April 26, 1950; admitted to bar 1976, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1975; Doctor in Law, summa cum laude, 2001). Law Professor: National University of Asunción; Paraguayan School of Magistrates. Member, Law School Board of Directors, National University of Asunción. Former Appellate Judge: Court of Appeals of Asunción; First Instance Court of Asuncion. President, Commission for the Paraguayan Civil Procedure Reform. Member, Council of Ethics for Judges. Former Member, Council of Magistrates. MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association. LANGUAGES: Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Litigation; Arbitration; Contract Law; Real Estate; Administrative Law; Civil Law; Construction Law; Products Liability; Commercial Law; Trusts and Estates; Wills; Probate; Bills of Exchange; Appellate Practice; Bankruptcy. EMAIL: rbarriocanal@moreno.com.py
JUSTINA ISABEL GODOY GIMENEZ, born Asunción, Paraguay, February 1, 1974; admitted to bar 1998, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University (Lawyer, 1997); Candidate for Doctorate degree in Legal Studies, Catholic University (doctorate course completed, 2000-2002); Catholic University (Postgraduate studies, Public Notary, 2002). Professor, History of Law, Catholic University, 1999-2002. Technical Adviser, Legal Department, National Stock Exchange Commission, 1997-1999. Director, Legal Department, National Stock Exchange Commission, 1999-2004. Member, Paraguayan delegation, MERCOSUR Stock Exchange meetings, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004. LANGUAGES: Spanish and Portuguese. PRACTICE AREAS: Stock Exchange Law; Securities; Trusts and Estates; Investments; Taxation; Government Contracts; Administrative Law; Fiduciary Law; Banking Law; Insurance; Business Law; Maquila; Privatization; Industrial and Farm Equipment. EMAIL: igodoy@moreno.com.py
MARIA DEL ROCIO PENAYO ZARZA, born Asunción, Paraguay, December 20, 1965; admitted to bar 1994, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1993); National University of Córdoba, Argentina (Graduate Course on Mercosur, 1995); University Torcuato Di Tella (Graduate Course on Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods, Asunción, 2002). Professor of Labor Law, Columbia University of Asunción, Paraguay. MEMBER: Association of Labor Lawyers of Paraguay (Vice President, 2006-2008). LANGUAGES: English and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Labor and Employment; Occupational Safety and Health; Employee Benefits; Workers Compensation; Family Law; Commercial Law; Corporate Law; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Immigration. EMAIL: rpenayo@moreno.com.py
MARIA INES SEGURA, born Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 20, 1953; admitted to bar 1978, Argentina. EDUCATION: Catholic University, Argentina (Lawyer, 1977). Assistant Professor, Commercial Law, Universidad del Salvador, Argentina. Law Professor: Universidad Americana; Universidad del Norte, Paraguay. Former Attorney, Mortgage Bank of Argentina. MEMBER: Argentinean Bar Association; Competition Forum. LANGUAGES: English, French and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Communications Law; Telecommunications; Media Law; Insurance Law; Banking Law; Labor and Employment; Antitrust and Trade Regulation; Taxation; Natural Resources; Wireless Communications. EMAIL: msegura@moreno.com.py
MARIA ESMERALDA MORENO RODRIGUEZ ALCALA, born Brasilia, January 22, 1980; admitted to bar 2005, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University of Asunción (Lawyer, Valedictorian, 2004); Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (Post-graduate Course, 2005); Stanford University (LL.M. in Law, Science and Technology). MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association; Paraguayan Association of Cyberlaw and Technology Law. Assistant Professor, Commercial Law and Labor Law, Catholic University of Asunción. Author of several articles published in national and international publications. LANGUAGES: English, French and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Intellectual Property; Communications Law; Internet Law; Internet & E-commerce; Technology and Science; Computer Software; Patents; Franchises; Biotech and Life Sciences; Pharmaceuticals; Wireless Communications; Alternative Dispute Resolution; International Business Transactions; Commercial Law; Labor Law; Investments; Securities; Health Care. EMAIL: mmoreno@moreno.com.py
JORGE JESUS ENCISO VERA, born Asunción, Paraguay, July 18, 1972; admitted to bar 1996, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1995); Universidad Americana (Masters in Business Administration). Law Professor, Universidad Americana. MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association. LANGUAGES: French, Portuguese, English and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Corporate Law; Insurance Law; Labor and Employment; Real Estate. EMAIL: jenciso@moreno.com.py
TERESA MARIA BENDLIN MUSSI, born Asunción, Paraguay, October 18, 1966; admitted to bar 1992, Paraguay. EDUCATION: National University of Asunción (Lawyer, 1991). Director of ISO 9001 Quality Control Department. LANGUAGES: Spanish and English. PRACTICE AREAS: Civil Law; Commercial Law; Intellectual Property; Litigation. EMAIL: tmoreno@moreno.com.py
HUGO ENRIQUE AMARILLA MARTINEZ, born Asunción, Paraguay, August 25, 1977; admitted to bar 2001, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University of Asunción (Lawyer, Awarded Distinction, 2000); Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (Graduate Course on Civil Law, Torts, 2002); University of Rosario, Argentina, (Master in Private Law 2006-2007). LANGUAGES: Spanish and Portuguese. PRACTICE AREAS: Labor and Employment; Commercial Law; Torts; Litigation; Products Liability. EMAIL: hamarilla@moreno.com.py
LUIS ARMANDO JUNIOR GODOY DURIA, born Asunción, Paraguay, February 17, 1978; admitted to bar 2003, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University of Asunción (Lawyer, 2002); National University of Rosario Argentina (Candidate, Master Course in International Private Law, 2007-2008). MEMBER: Paraguayan Bar Association. LANGUAGES: Spanish and English. PRACTICE AREAS: Litigation; Admiralty and Maritime Law; Insurance; Environmental Law; Family Law; Government. EMAIL: lgodoy@moreno.com.py
GERARDO PLANÁS RODRÍGUEZ ALCALÁ, born Asuncion April 8, 1981; admitted to bar 2007, Paraguay. EDUCATION: Catholic University of Asuncion, (Lawyer, Graduated with Distinctions); International Master in Management, Law, and Humanities of Sport (FIFA Master 2009); Course on International Sports Law (Austral University, Buenos Aires, 2007); Legal English Specialization Course (George Washington University, 2007). LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese and Spanish. PRACTICE AREAS: Sports Law; Entertainment and Sports; Sports Contracts; Sports and International Commercial Arbitration; Corporate Law, Banking and Financial Law, Litigation and International Commercial Arbitration. EMAIL: gplanasra@moreno.com.py
MIGUEL DARIO ESQUIVEL MEZA, born Asuncion, Paraguay, October 11, 1982; admitted to bar 2009. EDUCATION: National University of Asuncion (Lawyer; 2009) LANGUAGES: Spanish and English. PRACTICE AREAS: Litigation, Civil and Commercial Law, Civil Procedure. EMAIL: mesquivel@moreno.com.py
PAULA MARÍA VELILLA RIVAROLA, born Asuncion, Paraguay, January 10, 1986; admitted to bar 2010. Education: Catholic University of Asuncion, (Lawyer, Graduated with Honors); LANGUGES: Spanish, English and Guaraní. PRACTICE AREAS: Litigation, Civil and Commercial Law, Civil Procedure.
FABRIZIO FRANCO LOPEZ MOREIRA, born Asuncion, Paraguay, March 1st, 1986; admitted to bar 2011. EDUCATION: National University of Asuncion (Lawyer; 2010) LANGUAGES: Spanish and English. PRACTICE AREAS: Litigation, Civil and Commercial Law, Civil Procedure.
