Ambar Diaz

Practice Areas

Mrs. Diaz is a Cuban native who holds Juris Doctor degrees both from the University of Havana (1993) and the University of Miami (2003). For the past nineteen years, Mrs. Diaz’s practice has revolved around Cuban issues effectively assisting U.S-based companies to enter to the Cuban market by obtaining the required licenses and authorizations and advising them about the permitted activities in the island under the U.S. Embargo. Mrs. Diaz regularly provide legal opinions and advise on different topics of Cuban law, including but not limited to corporate, real estate, maritime, probate, and immigration law. Mrs. Diaz also assists with registering trademarks, organizing humanitarian projects, and entering into agreements with Cuban counterparts, among others matters, within the boundaries of what U.S. laws permit.

Career

• 05/2021 to present: SMGQ Law, Partner – Chair, Cuba Practice Group

• 03/2006 to 05/2021: Ambar Diaz, P.A. Partner

• 11/2003 to 03/2006: Houck, Hamilton & Anderson, P.A.; Litigation Associate

• 07/2000 to 11/2003; Hayden & Milliken, P.A.; Law clerk

• 05/1995 to 03/2000; In house counsel, P&I Claims division. Seguros Internacionales de Cuba, S.A. (ESICUBA) Havana, Cuba. In charge of administering P&I claims for the Cuban merchant fleet, which at the time was reinsured with the North of England and the West of England P&I Clubs. Dealt extensively with administrative regulations pertaining to Cuban port and maritime operations as well as airports and air cargo claims.

Professional Memberships

• 2003- The Florida Bar, Member

• 2005- Southern District of Florida, Member

Work Highlights

• Obtained first OFAC license for a U.S. company to invest in Cuba. CleBer LLC. (2016). Obtained first OFAC license authorizing a U.S.

company to provide loans to private entrepreneurs in Cuba. (2023)

• Serves as expert on Cuban law on Helms Burton Title III litigation cases. (2020-present)

• Represents commercial airline in their operations and flights to Cuba

• Negotiated settlement with OFAC on behalf of Chisu International obtaining a significant reduction of fine imposed.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220421 (2022)

Education