
Holland & Knight LLP

About
Managing Partner: Steven Sonberg
Senior Partner: Roberto R. Pupo, Latin America Practice Group Chair
Number of partners: 700+
Number of other lawyers: 640+
Firm Overview:
Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers and other professionals in 27 offices throughout the world. Attorneys provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. The Latin America team includes highly experienced multicultural and multilingual attorneys who are dedicated to helping clients succeed in the strategic areas of growth. The team counsels clients in all aspects of their inbound and outbound Latin America matters, and is regarded for its knowledge of the region's political nuances and legal structures with more than 35 years of representing clients.
Main Areas of Practice:
Banking & Financial Services:
The firm represents banks, nontraditional lenders, development financial institutions, project sponsors, financial sponsors and borrowers in connection with corporate financings, project financings and capital markets offerings in Latin America. The team has considerable experience with infrastructure and energy project finance matters. Projects the team has worked on in recent years in Latin America have been distinguished with several Deal of the Year awards. Lawyers regularly represent both borrowers and lenders on syndicated loans, acquisition financings and structured financings throughout Latin America. They have a strong practice advising Latin American airlines and multinational aircraft finance and leasing companies on transportation and asset finance deals.
Corporate Services, Mergers & Acquisitions, & Private Equity:
The M&A team provides comprehensive legal services to public and private companies and is enhanced by its experience in private equity. The team has participated in numerous M&A and joint venture transactions of highly regulated entities across all industry sectors, including finance, energy, retail and agribusiness, among others. The team also assists on fund formation, capital calls and investments, transaction structuring and negotiation, due diligence and daily general corporate matters.
Energy, Natural Resources, Oil & Gas:
The firm provides a full array of legal services throughout the Latin American energy, natural resources, and oil and gas sectors, with a focus on electricity, oil and gas contracts, regulatory structures and bid procedures, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewables, biofuels and government procurement. Lawyers have represented state-owned entities as well as private entities in several arbitration procedures, and currently represent multiple multinational and local industry participants. Additionally, they have developed efficient and innovative solutions to the commercial, legal, regulatory and structural challenges that have arisen as a result of Mexico's energy reform. The team has represented mining, oil and gas clients in many of Colombia's largest transactions and is advancing multiple renewable energy projects.
International Arbitration & Litigation:
Attorneys represent clients in all aspects of mitigating and resolving international disputes. The team has experience arbitrating complex disputes under many different rules and international administrative bodies, including the ICC, ICSID, ICDR, UNCITRAL, IACAC and WIPO.
International Trade:
The firm has vast experience in trade policy, trade law and international trade regulation that enables attorneys to work on both major trade lobbying initiatives as well as company and sector-specific concerns. The trade regulatory team is involved in all aspects of trade regulation, from export controls and sanctions on the outbound side to US Customs and foreign investment reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS).
Labour, Employment & Benefits:
The team advises Latin American companies as well as foreign companies establishing or conducting business activities in Latin America on day-to-day labour law matters. The team offers corporate diversity and equal employment opportunity counseling, advice on union-management relations, negotiating collective bargaining agreements with unions and assistance in all corporate immigration matters. Lawyers advise clients in administrative procedures before labour and social security authorities and have extensive experience in drafting employment agreements, preparing labour policies, performing labour due diligence and audits, labour training, executive compensation and employee benefits, noncompete/non-disclosure agreements and litigation, among many other areas.
Structured Finance & Securitisation:
Attorneys are seasoned in deals involving numerous international jurisdictions and handle every aspect of complex securitisation financing transactions. The team has extensive experience representing issuers and sponsors who originate or acquire financial assets, as well as the collateral managers, servicers and special servicers of such assets. Notably, the Mexico City team has been a key participant in the formation and development of the Mexican securitisation industry and has developed structures that are now the market standard in Mexico.
Transportation:
The team has a substantial track record in aviation, freight rail, infrastructure, maritime and shipping, mass transit and public transportation, as well as trucking and logistics. It also has significant experience with transportation project development, land use and zoning, transit-oriented development, and countryspecific governmental regulation. It has considerable knowledge of transportation project finance, bond issuances and public-private partnerships, as well as project delivery and procurement.
Languages:Afrikaans, Albanian, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Danish, English, Filipino, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Guarani, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Norwegian, Persian (Farsi), Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Taiwanese, Thai.
Clients:
Holland & Knight represents global and Fortune 500 companies, other public corporations, financial and insurance institutions, governmental agencies, emerging companies, startup entrepreneurial enterprises, private companies and major, internationally headquartered businesses.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Holland & Knight LLP
- Brandon524 Grand Regency Blvd Suite 3300, , Brandon, Florida, USA, FL 33510
- Web: www.hklaw.com
- Tel: +1 305 374 8500
- Fax: +1 305 789 7799
- View ranked office
- Atlanta1180 West Peachtree Street, One Atlantic Center, Suite 1800, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, GA 30309View ranked officeFort Lauderdale515 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, FL 33301View ranked officeJacksonville50 North Laura Street, Suite 3900, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, FL 32202View ranked officeLos Angeles400 South Hope Street, 8th Floor, Los Angeles, California, USA, CA 90071View ranked officeNashvilleNashville City Center 511 Union Street Suite 2700 , Nashville, Tennessee, USA, TN 37219View ranked officePhiladelphia2929 Arch Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, PA 19104View ranked officePortland2300 US Bancorp Tower, 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon, USA, OR 97204View ranked officeSan Francisco50 California Street, Suite 2800, San Francisco, California, USA, CA 94111View ranked officeStamfordOne Stamford Plaza, 263 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1400, Stamford, Connecticut, USA, CT 06901-3271View ranked officeTallahassee315 South Calhoun Street, Suite 600, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, FL 32301View ranked officeTysons Corner1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1700, Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, VA 22102View ranked officeWashington, DC800 17th Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, District of Columbia, USA, 20006View ranked officeWest Palm Beach222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 1000, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, FL 33401View ranked office
Holland & Knight LLP rankings














Articles, highlights and press releases
95 items provided by Holland & Knight LLP
Eighth Circuit Reversal in U.S. Virgin Islands Case Raises Important Statute of Limitation Concerns
The GILTI High-Tax Exception: Is it a Viable Planning Option?
The IRS issued the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) high-tax exclusion final regulations on July 20, 2020.
IRS Releases Proposed Regulations on Carried Interest Under Section 1061 of the Code
The Internal Revenue Service on July 31, 2020, published proposed regulations (Proposed Regulations) on the tax treatment of certain partnership interests held in connection with the performance of services (such interests commonly referred to as carried interest).
Breaking the "Equity Wall": Proposed Regulations Limit Chances to Minimize U.S. Withholding Tax
This Holland & Knight alert presents a brief overview of the 30 percent withholding tax and the current "anti-conduit" rules, then describes the key changes that the Proposed Regulations would make.
The ABCs of Expatriation in These Chaotic Times
Expatriation has increased significantly in 2020. The latest U.S. Department of the Treasury Report reflects that a record 6,047 individuals expatriated during the first three quarters of 2020. In addition, 834,000 "green card" holders became U.S. citizens in FY 2019, which reflects an 11-year high.
Tax Court Upholds Application of Subpart F Manufacturing Branch Rule
The case is important not only because of its explication of the branch rule but also because it continuing application under current law, particularly with respect to the interaction of the Subpart F rules rules with the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) provisions.
Business Tax Incentives and Relief Resulting from COVID-19 Response
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several legislative and regulatory measures have been promulgated in an effort to assist businesses during the economic downturn. Below is a summary of the most important tax-related measures that are available to businesses.
Foreign Investment in Distressed Debt: Unique Tax Opportunities, But Beware of Pitfalls
This Holland & Knight alert discusses some key potential U.S. federal income tax opportunities and challenges for foreign investors in U.S. distressed debt.
IRS COVID-19 Extensions of Time Provide Relief to Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided taxpayers with needed relief by delaying the due dates with respect to various filings and payments during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This alert summarizes the important aspects of recent IRS guidance, including Notice 2020-23.
The 2020 Stock Market Crash and PFIC Status
The recent drop in stock prices resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put certain foreign corporations at greater risk of being classified as "passive foreign investment companies" (PFICs). This alert provides a look at steps that can be taken to deal with the PFIC challenge.
Utilizing GRATs after a Market Downturn
Although drastic drops in the stock market can cause investor panic, they also present unique estate planning opportunities for gifting assets with reduced values. A particularly useful gifting vehicle in this economic environment is a GRAT.
U.S. Income Tax Residence and the Coronavirus
With the emergence COVID-19 pandemic, there are many non-U.S. individuals who will be spending significantly longer than expected in the United States this year. This alert addresses certain basic ground rules under current law for determining whether an individual is a U.S. income tax resident.
By 2021, it is likely that LIBOR will no longer exist, and even more likely that it will no longer be the leading global benchmark interest rate.
Corporate Jet Insurance and Liability Issues
An overview of insurance & liability issues for corporate jet owners, including elements of coverage, minimum liability limits, considerations when setting liability limits, premium cost, a case study & the possibility of transferring operational risk and liability to an aircraft management company
COVID-19: Executing Simple Agreements & Deeds Remotely Under English Law
Social distancing restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic mean that the majority of people working in financial institutions, leasing companies, law firms and the corporate departments of airlines and other aircraft operators, among others, are working remotely from home.
Laura Lewis Named "Rising Star" by Airfinance Journal
Holland & Knight Attorney Laura Lewis has been selected as a 2020 "Rising Star" by Airfinance Journal. The trade publication identifies "Rising Stars" each year by asking readers around the globe to nominate promising young attorneys whom they feel best serve the aviation industry.
Tax Reform Presents Opportunities for Foreign Investors in U.S. Businesses
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the TCJA), which was enacted at the end of 2017, dramatically changed the U.S. cross-border tax regime, including many reforms that focus on multinational corporations. However, some lesser known TCJA provisions apply to foreign individuals.
Tax Planning is Critical for Colombians Moving to the United States
Seth Entin explains that pre-immigration U. S. tax planning is critical for a high-net-worth Colombian who is considering moving to the United States. Mr. Entin shares that any pre-immigration plan will have to be designed and implemented with great care.
Goodbye to the Parking Tax! IRS Authorizes Refunds for Exempt Organizations
After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97) added Section 512(a)(7) to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the tax imposed by that section quickly became known as the "parking tax." This provision required every tax-exempt organization to increase its unrelated business taxable income
The No-Existence Theory and Pre-Immigration Check-the-Box Planning
Significant U.S. federal income tax planning is often recommended for a nonresident alien individual who plans to become a U.S. citizen or resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes (referred to as a U.S. person).
Wealth Succession Planning for Chinese Families
Without proper planning, many high-net-worth Chinese families may struggle to retain their wealth and maintain family harmony across multiple generations. This article addresses how to provide a grantor and his or her family the tools to develop a bespoke family governance structure.
New California Legislation for Trust and Estate Attorneys to Watch in 2020
New California laws, effective Jan. 1, 2020, include an increase in the maximum allowable amount for small-estate affidavits, the inclusion of broker-dealers and investment advisors as mandated reporters for elder abuse, and the elimination of a caretaker "loophole."
SECURE Act: Rethinking Estate Planning with Retirement Accounts
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the SECURE Act) represents the first major retirement legislation since 2006. The SECURE Act was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019, became effective Jan. 1, 2020
Virtual Currency: The Taxman is Coming
Virtual currency transactions are coming under intense scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).As a result, U.S. persons who have engaged in virtual currency transactions and failed to properly report or pay tax on these transactions should become U.S. tax compliant or face serious civil or
Thoughtful Estate Planning – Is It Really Necessary?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not a straight path to the goal. The modern family structure continues to evolve from the Leave It To Beaver days to a more complex version of the Brady Bunch, with blended families.
Sour Grapes: When Decanting Gives Rise to Litigation
By the end of 2018, there were 29 states that had enacted trust decanting statutes, with approximately 22 of those taking effect in the last decade. With the prevalence of decanting increasing, courts are increasingly being forced to consider the circumstances under which decanting is permissible.
Is the New IRS Expatriation Initiative Really Better than an Existing Program and Law?
On September 6, 2019, the IRS introduced an enhanced, streamlined program for certain U.S. citizens who have relinquished their U.S. citizenship or will do so in the future.
E-Filing Now Mandatory for All Exempt Organizations
The Taxpayer First Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 1, 2019, changed the requirements for tax-exempt organizations to require electronic filing of all returns in the Form 990 series and Form 8872.
Wealth Succession Planning for Chinese Families
Without proper planning, many high-net-worth Chinese families may struggle to retain their wealth and maintain family harmony across multiple generations.
Sour Grapes: When Decanting Gives Rise to Litigation
As decanting litigation continues to develop, there are common themes and potential issues that could arise in the future. Courts, trustees and trusts and estates practitioners should familiarize themselves with the current trends of decanting statutes.
Eighth Circuit Reversal in U.S. Virgin Islands Case Raises Important Statute of Limitation Concerns
The GILTI High-Tax Exception: Is it a Viable Planning Option?
The IRS issued the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) high-tax exclusion final regulations on July 20, 2020.
IRS Releases Proposed Regulations on Carried Interest Under Section 1061 of the Code
The Internal Revenue Service on July 31, 2020, published proposed regulations (Proposed Regulations) on the tax treatment of certain partnership interests held in connection with the performance of services (such interests commonly referred to as carried interest).
Breaking the "Equity Wall": Proposed Regulations Limit Chances to Minimize U.S. Withholding Tax
This Holland & Knight alert presents a brief overview of the 30 percent withholding tax and the current "anti-conduit" rules, then describes the key changes that the Proposed Regulations would make.
The ABCs of Expatriation in These Chaotic Times
Expatriation has increased significantly in 2020. The latest U.S. Department of the Treasury Report reflects that a record 6,047 individuals expatriated during the first three quarters of 2020. In addition, 834,000 "green card" holders became U.S. citizens in FY 2019, which reflects an 11-year high.
Tax Court Upholds Application of Subpart F Manufacturing Branch Rule
The case is important not only because of its explication of the branch rule but also because it continuing application under current law, particularly with respect to the interaction of the Subpart F rules rules with the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) provisions.
Business Tax Incentives and Relief Resulting from COVID-19 Response
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several legislative and regulatory measures have been promulgated in an effort to assist businesses during the economic downturn. Below is a summary of the most important tax-related measures that are available to businesses.
Foreign Investment in Distressed Debt: Unique Tax Opportunities, But Beware of Pitfalls
This Holland & Knight alert discusses some key potential U.S. federal income tax opportunities and challenges for foreign investors in U.S. distressed debt.
IRS COVID-19 Extensions of Time Provide Relief to Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided taxpayers with needed relief by delaying the due dates with respect to various filings and payments during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This alert summarizes the important aspects of recent IRS guidance, including Notice 2020-23.
The 2020 Stock Market Crash and PFIC Status
The recent drop in stock prices resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put certain foreign corporations at greater risk of being classified as "passive foreign investment companies" (PFICs). This alert provides a look at steps that can be taken to deal with the PFIC challenge.
Utilizing GRATs after a Market Downturn
Although drastic drops in the stock market can cause investor panic, they also present unique estate planning opportunities for gifting assets with reduced values. A particularly useful gifting vehicle in this economic environment is a GRAT.
U.S. Income Tax Residence and the Coronavirus
With the emergence COVID-19 pandemic, there are many non-U.S. individuals who will be spending significantly longer than expected in the United States this year. This alert addresses certain basic ground rules under current law for determining whether an individual is a U.S. income tax resident.
By 2021, it is likely that LIBOR will no longer exist, and even more likely that it will no longer be the leading global benchmark interest rate.
Corporate Jet Insurance and Liability Issues
An overview of insurance & liability issues for corporate jet owners, including elements of coverage, minimum liability limits, considerations when setting liability limits, premium cost, a case study & the possibility of transferring operational risk and liability to an aircraft management company
COVID-19: Executing Simple Agreements & Deeds Remotely Under English Law
Social distancing restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic mean that the majority of people working in financial institutions, leasing companies, law firms and the corporate departments of airlines and other aircraft operators, among others, are working remotely from home.
Laura Lewis Named "Rising Star" by Airfinance Journal
Holland & Knight Attorney Laura Lewis has been selected as a 2020 "Rising Star" by Airfinance Journal. The trade publication identifies "Rising Stars" each year by asking readers around the globe to nominate promising young attorneys whom they feel best serve the aviation industry.
Tax Reform Presents Opportunities for Foreign Investors in U.S. Businesses
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the TCJA), which was enacted at the end of 2017, dramatically changed the U.S. cross-border tax regime, including many reforms that focus on multinational corporations. However, some lesser known TCJA provisions apply to foreign individuals.
Tax Planning is Critical for Colombians Moving to the United States
Seth Entin explains that pre-immigration U. S. tax planning is critical for a high-net-worth Colombian who is considering moving to the United States. Mr. Entin shares that any pre-immigration plan will have to be designed and implemented with great care.
Goodbye to the Parking Tax! IRS Authorizes Refunds for Exempt Organizations
After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97) added Section 512(a)(7) to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the tax imposed by that section quickly became known as the "parking tax." This provision required every tax-exempt organization to increase its unrelated business taxable income
The No-Existence Theory and Pre-Immigration Check-the-Box Planning
Significant U.S. federal income tax planning is often recommended for a nonresident alien individual who plans to become a U.S. citizen or resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes (referred to as a U.S. person).
Wealth Succession Planning for Chinese Families
Without proper planning, many high-net-worth Chinese families may struggle to retain their wealth and maintain family harmony across multiple generations. This article addresses how to provide a grantor and his or her family the tools to develop a bespoke family governance structure.
New California Legislation for Trust and Estate Attorneys to Watch in 2020
New California laws, effective Jan. 1, 2020, include an increase in the maximum allowable amount for small-estate affidavits, the inclusion of broker-dealers and investment advisors as mandated reporters for elder abuse, and the elimination of a caretaker "loophole."
SECURE Act: Rethinking Estate Planning with Retirement Accounts
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the SECURE Act) represents the first major retirement legislation since 2006. The SECURE Act was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019, became effective Jan. 1, 2020
Virtual Currency: The Taxman is Coming
Virtual currency transactions are coming under intense scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).As a result, U.S. persons who have engaged in virtual currency transactions and failed to properly report or pay tax on these transactions should become U.S. tax compliant or face serious civil or
Thoughtful Estate Planning – Is It Really Necessary?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not a straight path to the goal. The modern family structure continues to evolve from the Leave It To Beaver days to a more complex version of the Brady Bunch, with blended families.
Sour Grapes: When Decanting Gives Rise to Litigation
By the end of 2018, there were 29 states that had enacted trust decanting statutes, with approximately 22 of those taking effect in the last decade. With the prevalence of decanting increasing, courts are increasingly being forced to consider the circumstances under which decanting is permissible.
Is the New IRS Expatriation Initiative Really Better than an Existing Program and Law?
On September 6, 2019, the IRS introduced an enhanced, streamlined program for certain U.S. citizens who have relinquished their U.S. citizenship or will do so in the future.
E-Filing Now Mandatory for All Exempt Organizations
The Taxpayer First Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 1, 2019, changed the requirements for tax-exempt organizations to require electronic filing of all returns in the Form 990 series and Form 8872.
Wealth Succession Planning for Chinese Families
Without proper planning, many high-net-worth Chinese families may struggle to retain their wealth and maintain family harmony across multiple generations.
Sour Grapes: When Decanting Gives Rise to Litigation
As decanting litigation continues to develop, there are common themes and potential issues that could arise in the future. Courts, trustees and trusts and estates practitioners should familiarize themselves with the current trends of decanting statutes.