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José A. Meléndez

Mr. Meléndez is an attorney and ex-Oil Company professional with extensive business legal background handling energy related issues across Latin America. He is knowledgeable of all facets of the oil and energy business since his beginnings in the industry with The Shell Company in 1992, until becoming the Operations Manager for Sol Company Puerto Ltd. In 2008, he began his private practice servicing a small number of corporations as independent in-house counsel. His practice entailed handling commercial matters, human resources, contracts and government affairs and compliance. He advised a major oil company in developing within the local market, and in the acquisition of another oil company, which included corporate reorganization. After serving as Special Counsel for Estrella in the Corporate division, Mr. Meléndez moved to the Latin America Regional Office of a major oil company to develop its In House department. As Head of Legal for Latin America Mr. Meléndez acquired extensive experience managing foreign and cross-border transactions. In addition to understanding the local laws and regulations governing the business in many foreign jurisdictions, Mr. Meléndez provides real-time assistance to clients dealing with the demanding legal requirements to achieve its business goals. With a focus in risk management and preventive measures, Mr. Meléndez returned in March 2022 to continue developing tailored and unique solutions for our clients in the Corporate Practice Area. He recently assume the role of Director of Operations at the Firm and is also heading the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group.

Education

  • University of Puerto Rico Law School / JD / 2005
  • University of Puerto Rico-Graduate School of Business / Courses towards MBA – Administration, Organizational Behavior / 1989-1992
  • University of Puerto Rico / BBA – Administration / 1989

Professional Affiliations

  • Puerto Rico Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Asociación de Notarios de Puerto Rico

Representative Experience

  • Represented The Placco Co. long term lease with PR government agency 2009
  • Represented Puma Energy CAPECO Asset Acquisition 2011
  • Advised Puma Energy Chevron PR Acquisition 2012
  • Development of Puma Energy Latin America Legal Department 2018
  • Represented Puma Energy sale of Peru business to Repsol 2019
  • Advised Puma Energy Paraguay market exits 2018
  • Advised Puma Energy liquidation bitumen company Chile 2019
  • Advised Puma Energy Regional Asset carve-out 2021

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Fundación Padre Juan Jose Santiago, Board Member / 2013
  • CMV Casa sin Fronteras, Legal Advisor
  • Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial