José Ugaz

Practice Areas

• Criminal Law

• White-Collar Crime

• Corporate Compliance

Career

Renowned as one of the Founding Partners at BVU, José Ugaz has played an instrumental role in propelling the firm's ethics and achievements. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to combating corruption and a steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of integrity and transparency. Dr. Ugaz has notably served as the Ad-Hoc Attorney General for the Republic in several high-profile corruption cases in Peru, including the Fujimori-Montesinos case (2000-2002), INABIF (1997), Zanatti (1993-1994), and CLAE (1994).

In addition to his legal practice, he has held leadership positions in prominent organizations dedicated to anti-corruption efforts. He served as the President of PROETICA, a civil society organization focused on combating corruption, and held positions on the boards of Transparency International and its branches in Brazil and Ukraine. His international experience includes serving as a Senior Official in the Institutional Integrity Office of the World Bank (2004-2006) and as a consultant for the World Bank.

Furthermore, José Ugaz has made significant contributions to human rights missions and initiatives. He served as an External Consultant for Dutch organizations HIVOS and NOVIB, conducting evaluations on human rights in Costa Rica and Sri Lanka (1990-1991). He also worked as a Human Rights Officer for the United Nations Peace Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) in 1992 and was a member of the United Nations Electoral Observer Mission for El Salvador in 1993.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has actively participated in various commissions focused on justice administration reform, the Criminal Procedure Code, and penal policy. Notably, he co-authored the Torture Prevention Law, reflecting his enduring commitment to the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice.

Professional Memberships

• Lima Bar Association, 1984.

• Member of the Advisory Council of the legal journal IUS ET VERITAS.

• Member of the Press and Society Institute.

• Member of PROETICA, Peruvian Chapter of Transparency International.

• President of Transparency International.

• Member of the Faculty Council of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.