Department profile
Akerman LLP

Corporate/Commercial: International Firms

Latin America Guide 2027 : Cuba


Akerman LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/Commercial: International Firms - Cuba

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Akerman's market-leading practice group elicits outstanding market support. The firm has a solid Cuba practice based in Miami. The team accompanies US company executives on trips to Cuba to explore permissible business activities, advising them on obtaining Office of Foreign Assets Control licences to set up commercial operations in Cuba. The department is particularly active in the retail, tourism and transportation sectors, with a strong track record of helping cruise liners to set up routes between Florida and Cuba.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Akerman represented Carnival Cruise Lines in litigation brought by Havana Docks Corporation under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act in a Florida court arising from cruise operations in Cuba.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Akerman is a strong partner for us, providing thoughtful and practical advice. They demonstrate a very good understanding of the practical challenges of dealing with Cuba, have access to excellent resources, and show a willingness to take a creative approach.

    Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America
  • Akerman demonstrated strong knowledge of the Cuban market and US-Cuba regulatory landscape and was instrumental in helping us navigate evolving legal and compliance considerations. They provide clear, commercially viable solutions in an area that is often legally and politically complex.

    Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Augusto Maxwell
    Band 1Augusto Maxwell

    Augusto Maxwell

    Distinguished partner and co-head of department Augusto Maxwell enjoys widespread market acclaim. He frequently assists US multinationals with obtaining OFAC licences to do business in Cuba. He is also adept at handling remittance claims.

    • Augusto Maxwell stands out for his exceptional combination of technical expertise, strategic judgement and client service. He has deep knowledge of the US-Cuba regulatory framework and provides sophisticated yet practical advice in an area that is legally and politically complex.

      Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America
    • Augusto Maxwell offers his clients strong client service and commercial vision. He knows our business well and helps us navigate complex issues in an evolving environment such as Cuba.

      Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America
  • Band 2Pedro Freyre
    Band 2Pedro Freyre

    Pedro Freyre

    Pedro Freyre enjoys a prominent profile in the market and continues to receive strong endorsement from peers and clients alike. He is based out of Akerman's Miami office and frequently advises on Title III-related claims or Helms-Burton cases. He also offers extensive experience assisting clients with obtaining OFAC licences.

    • Pedro Freyre is an exceptional lawyer and a highly trusted adviser on cross-border matters involving Cuba. He brings deep experience, strong strategic judgement, and a sophisticated understanding of the regulatory and commercial issues that arise in this space.

      Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America
  • Associates to watchOdette Ponce
    Associates to watchOdette Ponce

    Odette Ponce

    Associate-to-watch Odette Ponce is recognised for her work in the corporate and commercial arena, particularly in matters relating to export, sanctions, distribution and regulatory compliance in Cuba.

    • Odette Ponce demonstrates extensive knowledge of the corporate sector in Cuba and is exceptionally responsive.

      Corporate/Commercial: International Firms respondentLatin America

Ranked Individuals at Akerman LLP (3)

Cuba

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