MIAMI, FL—September 2, 2005- LAWFUEL – The Law News Network -Former Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli has joined the international corporate law firm Fowler, Rodriguez & Chalos as managing partner of its Miami office, immediately solidifying the firm’s growing commercial practice, the company announced.
Valdes-Fauli is also joined by highly-respected colleagues Juan E. Serrales and Nathan Kutt, leading Miami attorneys in matters of real estate, construction, banking and commercial law.
“His outstanding reputation and track record is well known throughout South Florida and Latin America and we believe that his experience provides a powerful complement to our clients and indeed to our firm,” said the firm’s founding partner, Cuban-born, George J. Fowler, III, recognized as a leading international attorney. Among Mr. Fowlers best-known South Florida clients are MasTec, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean.
“It’s an important time for South Florida and for Latin America and the opportunity to shape and fashion the region’s next premier law firm is especially exciting,” said Valdes-Fauli, adding that banking, real estate and Latin America will be an emphasis for the Coral Gables office.
With an established reputation, offices in five U.S. cities and affiliates throughout Latin America, the 60-attorney firm is well positioned to serve the hemisphere’s leading companies and private clients with attention levels exceeding that of its largest competitors. In addition, the Fowler and Valdes-Fauli combination joins two of the country’s most influential Cuban Americans in one firm, noted Senior Partner Antonio Rodriguez.
“It’s a strategic win for everyone involved,” added Senior Partner Michael G. Chalos, best-known for his successful defense of the master of the Exxon Valdez and involvement in some of the world’s most notable maritime cases. “Raul’s contacts will find a good home, our clients will gain an invaluable resource and the firm’s ability to deliver on its objectives is greatly strengthened.”
Fowler, Rodriguez & Chalos
Fowler, Rodriguez & Chalos (http://www.frc-law.com) is internationally renowned for major, complex litigation and its work in the areas of maritime, business, energy, insurance and reinsurance, environmental, construction, product liability and criminal law.
Fowler, Rodriguez & Chalos has offices in New Orleans, New York, Houston, Mobile, Miami and Bogotá. The firm’s prominent South Florida clients include MasTec, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean.
Raul J. Valdes-Fauli, P.A.
Raul Valdes-Fauli’s legal practice is focused in the areas of corporate law, securities and finance, banking, domestic and international litigation and arbitration. Valdes-Fauli has worked in private practice since 1971, most recently as a partner at the law firms of Steel Hector & Davis LLP and Gunster, Yoakley, Valdes-Fauli & Stewart. A graduate of Harvard University Law School (JD 1968), he is a member of the Florida Bar and the New York Bar and is active in several professional, trade and civic groups.
Throughout a career spanning 35 years he has held several elective offices including Mayor of the City of Coral Gables, Vice Mayor and City Commissioner. His corporate governance experience includes board positions with BBU Bank where he is currently Chairman, Foamex International, Eastern National Bank, and Plaza Bank.
Mr. Valdes-Fauli began his professional career as a Tax Counselor for Standard Oil company in the 1960’s and later went on to become Senior Tax Counselor for Creole Petroleum Corporation of Venezuela. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards including The Dante Alighieri Award (Italy), Ufficiale nell’Ordine Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France), Orden del Libertador San Martin, Gran Oficial (Argentina), Encomienda de la Orden del Merito Civil (Spain) and is also Honorary Consul of the Republic of El Salvador.
