Crisis Management
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Ongoing investigations by different regulators and administrative bodies often abruptly interrupt the day-to-day operations of multiple entities. Such events, if not properly handled, can seriously impact the way an entity operates and its workforce. My experience as a CPA, fraud investigator, and litigator, allow me to help clients navigate through these difficult times.
Internal Investigations
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A strong compliance culture is a must in the 21st century. Whether it is a multinational company or a start-up, setting the correct tone makes a big difference and helps entities of all sizes mitigate the risks associated with asset misappropriations and internal fraud. I help my clients monitor the effectiveness of their policies and procedures and to identify (and strengthen) areas of risk.
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Complex and Commercial Litigation
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Legal disputes should be solved as early as possible, always having in mind the client’s needs and goals. For over ten years, I have been successfully assisting clients with complex disputes regarding distribution cases under Puerto Rico Dealer’s act (Law 75), insurance coverage disputes, tort cases, breach of contract claims, construction cases, contested foreclosures, class actions, and securities litigation.
PRACTICE AREAS
Heriberto López, Esq., CPA
ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW
I help corporate clients, entrepreneurs, and individuals solve their most difficult legal problems, including out-of-court disputes, legal actions, and internal investigations. My goal is to give them peace of mind so they can focus on their business and projects.
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Phone:
787.422.0243
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Email:
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EDUCATION
Executive LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulations,
Georgetown Law (GPA 3.50 | expected completion 2018)
2018
Master of Laws
2006
Juris Doctor
University of Puerto Rico Law School Magna Cum Laude
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus Major: Accounting Magna Cum Laude
2002
Bachelor's Degree
EXPERIENCE
SKILLS
Class Actions
E-discovery
Business Litigation
Securities Litigation
Contractual Disputes
Law 75 - Distribution Cases
FCPA
Internal Investigations
For over a decade, I have litigated cases for a wide-array of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, top local entities, and individuals. Throughout my career I have gained extensive experience in complex civil and commercial litigation in federal and state courts, as well as administrative forums, on matters related to franchise and distribution law, class actions, contractual disputes, insurance coverage, products liability, torts and contested foreclosures and collections, among other matters.
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I have also defended multiple contested securities claims before FINRA related to investments in closed-end funds, bonds, annuities, REITs and allegations of suitability; overconcentration; misrepresentation; non-disclosures; breach of fiduciary duties and failure to supervise.
REPORTED CASES
Johnson & Johnson Intl., et al v. PRHS, et al, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106198 (Dist. Puerto Rico 2017)
Acco Brands USA LLC, et al v. Piñeyro y Lara Comercial, et al, Civ. No. 13-1917 (FAB) (Slip Copy), 2014 WL 4983911 (Dist. Puerto Rico Oct. 3, 2014)
Acco Brands USA LLC, et al v. Piñeyro y Lara Comercial, et al, 27 F.Supp.3d (Dist. Puerto Rico June 24, 2014)
Lilly del Caribe, Inc. v. CRIM, 185 D.P.R. 239 (2012)
Pabón v. Rodríguez-Martínez, Civ. No. 12-1203 (JAG) (Slip Copy), 2012 WL 3073262 (Dist. Puerto Rico 2012)
Autogermana, Inc. v. BMW of North America, Inc., et al, Civ. No. 12-1542 (BJM), 2014 WL 2159557 (Dist. Puerto Rico 2014)
Estate of Pabon Lugo v. Am. Gen. Ins. Co., et al, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94914 (Dist. Puerto Rico 2016)
Rodriguez, et al. v. Perez, et al., 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 127427 (Dist. Puerto Rico 2017)
Since 2008, I have been planning, conducting and supervising dozens of internal investigations as outside counsel. My skills as a trilingual attorney, CPA, and fraud investigator, have enabled me to conduct in-depth investigations of a wide array of allegations throughout Latin America, including matters related to:
Educational activities
FCPA anti-bribery and books and records allegations
Public tenders
Marketing and entertainment activities
Conflict of interests
Accounting/Internal controls
Collusion
Business meals
INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS/COMPLIANCE EXPERIENCE
Turnover of employees
Expense reports violations
Kickbacks
​Forgery of invoices
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
Portuguese