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Edward H. Davis Jr. and Andres H. Sandoval assess the Panama Papers leak’s impact on transparency and why asset recovery lags due to evidentiary challenges and litigation hurdles. Panama Papers update: progress and impediments Open Legal Insights Open November 10, 2017 7 minutes read Sequor Law Scandalous revelations of suspicious financial activity exposed by the Panama Papers have toppled political leaders, induced regulatory reforms and prompted greater cooperation from Panama itself towards international efforts to combat tax evasion. But Edward H Davis Jr and Andres H Sandoval would like to see more headway in the area of asset recovery. In April 2016 the Suddeutsche Zeitung released the ground-breaking publication covering the ‘Panama Papers’ – a massive leak of 11.5 million documents from the Panamanian Mossack Fonseca firm and its affiliates, formerly the world’s fourth-largest provider of offshore incorporation services. Shortly thereafter, due largely to the efforts of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), limited information extracted from the Panama Papers was digitised and disseminated to the public in the searchable Offshore Leaks Database maintained on the ICIJ’s website. [1] The impact of the Panama Papers leak in the political, journalistic, investigative and financial arenas is plain to see. However, well over a year later, the Panama Papers fervour is only now creeping into the asset recovery arena. That it has taken this long to arrive is frustrating, but perhaps predictable in light of evidentiary concerns and the inherent difficulty in commencing litigation. Regardless, this signals the next step in combating tax evasion, corruption, fraud and money laundering in the wake of the historic leak. Facts and figures The global effect and pervasiveness of the Panama Papers leak is unrivalled. The 11.5 million leaked documents, dating back nearly 40 years, contain information on more than 214,000 offshore entities, in more than 200 jurisdictions, created by Mossack Fonseca. Major financial institutions alone drove the creation of nearly 15,600 offshore entities. Of these financial institutions, HSBC and its affiliates were responsible for the creation of more than 2,300 offshore corporate vehicles. Others, such as Banque J Safra, UBS AG and Societe Generale, were not far behind. The Panama Papers also exposed 140 politicians from over 50 countries to charges of bribery and corruption for allegedly improper ties to offshore corporate vehicles in no fewer than 21 financial havens. As a result, 14 current and former heads of state as well as over 30 current and former politicians or public figures have come under scrutiny by governmental bodies. Several top government and corporate officials have cracked under the pressure, including, notably, the former Prime Minister of Iceland, Sigmundur Davia Gunnlaugsson, who resigned just days after the initial media coverage of the Panama Papers leak. Other political figures have been faced with high- profile investigations, including Argentina’s Mauricio Macri, Ukraine’s Petro Poroshenko and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. These investigations are bearing fruit. In late July 2017, Pakistan’s Supreme Court deemed Sharif unfit to be a member of parliament for reasons of dishonesty and corruption. The Supreme Court’s decision is the culmination of months of proceedings sparked by the Panama Papers leak, which linked Sharif’s family members to purchases of luxury real estate in London through offshore corporate vehicles. Further, on 31 July 2017, the National Accountability Bureau, Pakistan’s top anti-corruption unit, announced it would file formal corruption charges against Sharif, his children, son-in-law and the former Pakistani Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar. Beneficial effects Among the seemingly more positive effects, the Panama Papers leak has fuelled a global push towards transparency and accessibility of information regarding the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of opaque offshore entities and accounts. Just weeks after the leak, the United States executive administration under former President Barack Obama announced it would implement regulatory reform to increase financial transparency and combat tax evasion, corruption and money laundering. Among the various measures, in May 2016, the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) promulgated new rules on customer due diligence requirements, which require financial institutions to identify any natural person beneficially owning more than 25% of, or otherwise controlling, the institution’s legal entity customers. Similar initiatives are being pushed in the United Kingdom, Germany and others in the G20 group. Only time will tell if these initiatives prove to be effective or are just window dressing. Cleaning the backyard The Panama Papers leak has also exerted pressure on countries previously resistant to increased financial transparency – namely, Panama. In 2016, Panama’s Vice President Isabel de Saint Malo pledged Panama’s willingness to sign the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters – an agreement developed jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe to combat tax evasion through the automatic sharing of residents’ financial information. Holding fast to that pledge, on 3 March 2017, Panama deposited with the OECD its instrument of ratification of the Convention, which came into force in Panama on 1 July 2017. Panama has also signed an information-sharing treaty with Mexico and continues its negotiation of similar agreements with Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK and Switzerland. As of 12 June 2017, the OECD reports 112 jurisdictions currently participating in the Convention. Delayed Recovery Where the Panama Papers have had much less impact than was originally hoped for is in the asset recovery arena. Following the leak, early commentators predicated litigation in the financial havens themselves, such as the British Virgin Islands, Jersey, Hong Kong and Panama, as well as financial centres that may house assets or UBOs, such as Switzerland, the UK and the US. However, now over one year later, this litigation has largely yet to be seen. This is disappointing in light of estimates that as much as 8% of the world’s financial wealth (approximately US$7.6 trillion) is held in financial havens. Further, according to Gabriel Zucman, economist, professor and author of The Hidden Wealth of Nations, as much as 80% of that hidden wealth is not reported to the tax authorities of any country. Equally astounding, the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative – a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to promote international efforts to end financial havens for corrupt funds and prevent the laundering of the proceedings of corruption – estimates that up to US$40 billion per year is stolen by corrupt public officials around the world. Those most affected by this hidden wealth are the citizens of the governments susceptible to tax evasion, corruption and the illicit diversion of funds, as well as the victims of fraud where the opaque corporate structures are used to hide the proceeds of these crimes. As a result, these jurisdictions often suffer from undeveloped infrastructure, failing health facilities and inadequate educational institutions. While it may be no less important to investigate and expose the corrupt actors that prey on these governments, there must also be a focus on and concerted effort to recover the value that has been secreted in financial havens and often elsewhere. A Start There may be signs of change, however. On 14 July 2017, the US Department of Justice commenced a civil forfeiture proceeding against approximately US$144 million in assets – primarily, a luxury yacht and Manhattan real estate-allegedly representing the proceeds of corruption, bribery and money laundering. The allegations concern prominent businessmen Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore, and Nigeria’s former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The US alleges in part that Aluko and Omokore purchased, luxury real estate in London and high-end furniture for Alison-Madueke’s benefit and, in return, Alison-Madueke used her influence to steer lucrative state oil contracts to companies ultimately owned or controlled by Aluko and Omokore. The ICIJ’s Will Fitzgibbon first reported in July 2016 on the links between Aluko, Omokore and Alison-Madueke as detailed in the Panama Papers. This led to investigations in Nigeria, the UK and elsewhere. Evidence and privilege concerns So, what is the reason for the tardy arrival of the Panama Papers’ impact in the asset recovery arena? Firstly, a lack of competent evidence. The ICIJ’s Offshore Leaks Database largely, if not entirely, lacks source documentation. The same is true of the ICIJ’s database for the ‘Swiss Leaks’ and the ‘Luxembourg Leaks’ in previous years (other than documents expressly approved by Luxembourg authorities). Similarly, it is unclear to what extent, if at all, the Panamanian authorities have disseminated to the public or shared with authorities of other countries the documents seized from Mossack Fonseca’s offices following the initial leak. While there may be legitimate reasons for restricting the disclosure of source documentation, the availability of only extracted and secondary information poses hearsay, trustworthiness and other evidentiary problems for authorities, asset recovery professionals and victims in constructing asset recovery cases. More must be done to allow access to this critical information. Secondly, it is an open issue as to whether information taken from the Panama Papers is privileged or protected. Additionally, the issue is complicated by the possible application of foreign law, making it difficult to know which privilege rules apply. Though exceptions to privilege may exist, such as the crime-fraud exception under US law or the iniquity exception under English law, this issue must be weighed carefully. Rather, a best practice would be to treat the Offshore Leaks Database as an important tool in the investigative toolbox and a springboard to pursue additional disclosure in the appropriate jurisdiction. In this respect, emerging asset tracing techniques in recent years can assist greatly in closing the fence around intricate offshore structures. With respect to the US, these techniques include pursuing disclosure proceedings in aid of foreign litigation under 28 USC § 1782, the subpoenaing of information from banks in order to trace the flow of monies through different jurisdictions, and seeking recognition of foreign bankruptcy proceedings under the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. By using the Model Law, foreign bankruptcy trustees can gain access to US-style discovery and broad turnover powers of assets within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Whatever the reason for the delay, the fervour to see positive change prompted by the Panama Papers must now enter the next phase: concerted efforts to pursue – on behalf of the victims of tax evasion, corruption, fraud and money laundering – the vast hidden wealth that has been secreted through the use of opaque offshore corporate vehicles. Such efforts are long overdue. Click to view the full article. Notes: Panama Papers Website Edward H. Davis Jr (+1 305 372 8282, Ext. 228, edavis@ sequorlaw.com) is a founding shareholder of Sequor Law. Davis was recognised as the Asset Recovery Lawyer of the Year by Who’s Who Legal in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. With nearly 30 years of experience, he focuses his practice on asset recovery, financial fraud and the pursuit of misappropriated assets throughout the world on behalf of the victims of fraud. Davis is also a leading member of the ICC Commercial Crimes Services FraudNet Network. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Chambers & Partners ranked firm with Band 1 attorneys in Asset Recovery and Bankruptcy Litigation. ICC FraudNet member. Board-certified in international litigation. Relentless. Global. Pursuit. Sequor Law is an international law firm representing financial institutions, sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, public and non-public companies, insolvency practitioners and individual clients in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, insolvency and financial services litigation. 25 25 25 years years years After years of experience in powerhouse firms, Founding Shareholders Edward H. Davis Jr. and Gregory S. Grossman recognized a distinct need in the international Asset Recovery and Cross-Border Insolvency market for more specialized legal services. In 2000, they founded the specialized international firm now known as Sequor Law. The firm grew quickly, bringing together an award-winning, multilingual team that serves as thought leaders in the field. With a proven record of success, Sequor Law represents fraud victims, court-appointed fiduciaries, domestic and international corporations and financial institutions, and government entities. The firm also draws on a powerful global network of professionals and resources that work relentlessly for our clients. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) since 2004 Issued by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): Certified Fraud Examiners understand how fraud is committed, detected, and prevented. Individuals who have obtained the CFE credential understand the underlying factors that motivate people to commit fraud and are trained to identify red flags that indicate evidence of fraud and fraud risk. They are able to trace fraudulent transactions, interview suspects to obtain information and confessions, write investigation reports, advise clients on their findings, and testify at trial. Global Restructuring Review Sequor Law is proud to be recognized in Global Restructuring Review’s GRR 100, featuring the world’s leading firms for cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters. The Florida Bar - International Litigation and Arbitration Sequor Law has become the Florida firm with the most attorneys who are board certified in International Litigation and Arbitration . Approved by the Florida Supreme Court in 2020, International Litigation and Arbitration is a new certification program that recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in various areas of law, professionalism, and ethics in practice. Chambers and Partners Chambers provides insights into the world’s leading lawyers, based on extensive research and interviews with clients, attorneys, and third-party experts. Chambers and Partners’ USA and Litigation Support Guides ranked the firm: Band 2 – Bankruptcy Litigation , 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Band 2 – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-Wide) , 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Band 1 – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-Wide) , 2025. Individual Achievements: Gregory S. Grossman : Bankruptcy Litigation Leyza B. Florin: Bankruptcy Litigation and Bankruptcy Restructuring Fernando J. Menendez, Jr .: Bankruptcy Litigation Edward H. Davis, Jr. : Bankruptcy Litigation Who's Who Legal Who’s Who Legal recognized Sequor attorneys and professionals as: Thought Leaders Global Elite – Asset Recovery, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Expert – Asset Recovery, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Thought Leaders and Experts are selected based on client and peer recommendations, the attorney’s track record, and a rigorous evaluation process. No more than 5% of practitioners in any WWL global practice area guide are selected as Global Elite Thought Leaders. Latinvex Top Latin American Law Firms Latinvex 2022 and 2021 Top Latin American Law Firms named Sequor Law among the top 50 firms and ranked the firm #3 in Litigation . Shareholder Leyza Florin Blanco was also named among the Top 100 Female Lawyers in Latin America by Latinvex in the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Editions. Nyana Abreu Miller was also named among the Top 100 Female Lawyers in Latin America in the 2023 Edition. Based on an exclusive Latinvex survey, these annual rankings are determined using a combination of factors, including value, prominence and scope of work, and references among clients and peers. Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Lists Ten Sequor attorneys have been selected to the Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists . Most recently, Christopher A. Noel was named a Rising Star in the 2023 and 2025 editions of Super Lawyers, as well as Juan J. Mendoza in the 2025 edition. Selection is based on a careful nomination and vetting process using peer evaluations and independent research. Only lawyers in the top 5% of their state are selected as Super Lawyers, and only 2.5% of top lawyers, who are 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less, are selected as Rising Stars. Best Lawyers® - Best Law Firms Sequor Law earned 11 rankings across several of the firm’s key practice areas in the U.S. News’ 2020 and 2025 edition of “Best Lawyers®” “Best Law Firms”. U.S. News’ “Best Lawyers®” “Best Law Firms” is a leading survey of lawyers worldwide that ranks firms in 75 practice areas nationally. A tiering system is used to rank overall scores based on quantitative and qualitative data Best Lawyers® Sequor Law is pleased to announce that more than four of the firm's partners were recognized in multiple categories in the 2025 32nd Edition of The Best Lawyers of America®. Founding Shareholder Edward Davis was recognized in Bet-the-Company Litigation , Commercial Litigation , International Arbitration – Commercial and Litigation – Banking and Finance , Founding Shareholder Gregory Grossman was recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy , Shareholder Leyza B. Florin was recognized in Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Bankruptcy and Shareholder Fernando Menendez was recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law . Leyza Florin Blanco was also recognized as one of Florida’s Top 100 Lawyers and Top 50 Women Lawyers in 2023. LawDragon 500 Since 2020, four Sequor shareholders have been recognized in the Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers . Edward H. Davis, Jr. was recognized in the areas of Creditors’ Rights, Asset Recovery, and Financial Fraud Litigation; Gregory S. Grossman, was recognized in the areas of Bankruptcy & Insolvency Litigation, including Cross-Border matters; Leyza Florin Blanco was recognized in the areas of Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring, particularly in litigation; and Arnoldo “Arnie” Lacayo was recognized in the areas of Financial Fraud, Asset Recovery, and International Insolvency Litigation. Lawdragon’s 2020 U.S. guide recognized 294 U.S.-based lawyers in the Global guide due to their work in cross-border cases and 500 U.S. all-stars, whose focus was primarily national. Latin Lawyer Edward H. Davis, Jr. was named among 100 Leading Lawyers by LatinLawyer in 2023. LatinLawyer is the definitive source of news, analysis, and research for the regional legal community. South Florida Legal Guide South Florida Legal Guide named Sequor Law’s shareholders among the region’s Top Lawyers and Up and Comers in 2021 . Top Lawyers are nominated by their peers based on their extensive experience and outstanding record of success. Also peer-nominated, Up and Comers are distinguished as the next generation of leaders in the South Florida legal communities with a minimum of 10 years in their practice. Accolades Sequor Law attorneys are regularly recognized nationally and internationally for our extensive experience and global network within the industry. The following are some awards and distinctions Sequor Law and our attorneys have been honored to receive: We cross borders.

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Sequor Law's Arnoldo Lacayo represents the administrator of bankrupt Brazilian magazine publisher Minuano in a Chapter 15 filing in Florida to uncover assets hidden in the US by its former owners. Brazilian magazine group enters Chapter 15 in Florida Open In the News Open October 7, 2019 2 minutes read Sequor Law By Declan Bush The administrator of a bankrupt Brazilian magazine publishing company has filed for Chapter 15 protection to search for assets its old owners may have stashed in the US. Four entities – Minuano Comunicações e Produções Editorias, Diário de São Paulo Comunicações, Editora Fontana and Cereja Serviços de Midia Digital – filed a slew of documents before the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida dated 25 September. Arnoldo Lacayo , a partner at Sequor Law specialising in financial fraud and asset recovery cases, is the debtors’ counsel in Miami. In a declaration to the US court filed on 1 October, Brazilian administrator Joice Ruiz Bernier , of São Paulo firm AJ Ruiz Consultaria Empresarial, said the Minuano companies were part of a publishing group owned by Spanish businessman Mario Florencio Cuesta and his ex-wife Giane Viana Cuesta. The Cuestas divorced in 2012. Minuano was a big magazine publisher started in Brazil in 2004, which grew to include assets including longstanding newspaper Diario de São Paulo. The first of Minuano companies went bankrupt in São Paulo in April 2017 after a creditors’ petition seven months before, the court was told. The other debtors were added to the Brazilian proceeding in January 2018 when it emerged they were run out of the same office and had commingled funds. The debtors appealed the extension of the bankruptcy, but the Brazilian Court of Appeals in São Paulo affirmed it in June 2018. As further entities and individuals were brought into the bankruptcy proceedings, the court made an order freezing the Cuesta’s assets, and those of five others and four of their companies on 8 October 2018. By that stage, Bernier had already seized assets including a helicopter owned by the newspaper for the bankruptcy estate. Bernier said her investigations had revealed the Cuestas were the debtors’ ultimate beneficial owners and had instructed the group’s directors on how to proceed, despite not being identified as shareholders. “The Cuestas financed a lavish lifestyle through the use of the debtors’ assets, monetary and physical,” Bernier has told the US court in her declaration. “Investigations into the Debtors suggest that assets were diverted overseas to banks in Miami and New York.” She says she intends to investigate the nature and extent of any of the debtors’ activities and assets in the US, as well as any assets bought with their funds. A hearing has been set for 13 November. In the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida Minuano Comunicações e Produções Editorias, Diário de São Paulo Comunicações, Editora Fontana and Cereja Serviços de Midia Digital, case 19-23184-LMI Judge Laurel Isicoff Counsel to Minuano Sequor Law Partner Arnoldo Lacayo and attorney Bruno de Camargo in Miami In the Second Bankruptcy Court for the State of São Paulo Judge Marcelo Barbosa Sacramone Administrator to Minuano AJ Ruiz Consultoria Empresarial* Partner Joice Ruiz Bernier in São Paulo *Formerly Satiro e Ruiz Advogados Associados To view the original article, click here. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

A Florida court grants emergency Chapter 15 relief to Grant Thornton trustees after UK jeweller Darren McCormick failed to disclose his US property portfolio in his British bankruptcy. Tyneside jeweller failed to disclose US assets, joint trustees say Open In the News Open November 20, 2019 2 minutes read Sequor Law A Florida court has recognised a British jeweller’s bankruptcy after his joint trustees Grant Thornton found he had lied about his US property portfolio before an English court. In an order on 15 November Judge Catherine McEwen , at the US Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, granted emergency relief to Grant Thornton partner Nicholas Wood and director Colin Diss , who were appointed as joint trustees of Darren McCormick in May this year. McCormick is a jewellery distributor based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a city in the UK’s north-east England region. He is the director and shareholder of locally incorporated company Darren McCormick Jewellery. Hong Kong-based watch company Zero Time Product Design International filed for a petition for McCormick’s bankruptcy in December 2018, after he failed to pay a debt he owed to them. McCormick failed to appear at the bankruptcy hearing and in April 2019 District Judge Michelle Temple, in the County Court of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, declared him bankrupt. The court appointed Diss and Wood the following month. In their petition before the Florida court the trustees said McCormick had transferred £83,000 (US$107,000) from two UK pension funds to his US bank account in Florida in January. In a signed declaration before the Newcastle court in July, McCormick said the withdrawals from the pension funds were, “to fund a dental cosmetic treatment and cell injection therapy” he had been receiving in the US and denied owning property in the US. But an investigation by the joint trustees found that he in fact owns a property in Rockwood, Tennessee, and had recently owned two in St Petersburg, Florida. One of the properties McCormick had owned in Florida, which he claimed he sold for US$236,000, had in fact been sold for US$255,000. It found he had sold the second to DMJ Trading, a Florida company he owned, for US$10. Diss told the court the third property was valued at US$349,600. The joint trustees deduced that McCormick had lied about his US property assets to thwart their ability to realise his US assets. Based on these findings the joint trustees said “we know that the Debtor’s sworn declaration, stating that he owned no property in the United States, is false”. In March, after McCormick learned that bankruptcy proceedings were pending against him, he transferred ownership of his primary residence in Newcastle to his ex-wife, although he continued to live in the property rent-free with her permission. McCormick then transferred £14,000 (US$18,000) from his US bank account to another one of his creditors American Express. Diss told the court he had later transferred his controlling interest in two companies to a third party “for no apparent consideration”. He said that following Chapter 15 recognition he expected to be able to identify additional assets belonging to McCormick in the US. In the US Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division In Darren Bernard McCormick [Case 8:19-bk-10768-CPM] Counsel to Foreign Representative Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin in Miami Joint trustees and foreign representatives Grant Thornton Director of asset and recovery team Colin Diss and partner Nicholas Wood in London County Court at Newcastle Upon Tyne District Judge Michelle Temple To view the original article, click here. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin is named a finalist at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2022, honoring her dedication to advancing D&I in the legal field. Leyza Florin Blanco Makes D&I North America Shortlist Open Awards & Recognition Open April 13, 2022 1 minute read Sequor Law We are delighted to announce Sequor Law Shareholder, Leyza B. Florin as a finalist at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2022. These awards celebrate the fantastic achievements of firms, companies and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion across the USA and Canada. Congratulations Leyza, and thank you for your endless dedication to promote diversity and inclusion in all you do! Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Sequor Law sponsors the IWIRC Annual Fall Conference in Orlando, with Shareholder Leyza B. Florin and Counsel Nyana Miller championing women's leadership in the insolvency profession. Sequor Law Empowers Women to Lead Open Events & Speaking Open October 21, 2022 1 minute read Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin and Counsel Nyana Miller showed what it means to Be a Lead her while they attended the IWIRC Annual Fall Conference in Orlando, Florida. As a longtime supporter of this network, Sequor Law was an event sponsor, gifting all attendees with branded pouches empowering women to be leaders. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Sequor Law's Amanda E. Finley examines how the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affects document discovery obligations in US litigation and insolvency proceedings. The Effect of the General Data Protection Regulation on Discovery in the United States Open Legal Insights Open December 8, 2020 4 minutes read Sequor Law By Amanda E. Finley , Miami The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and it became effective on 25 May 2018. 1 The GDPR enforces privacy requirements to protect EU citizens. 2 “The GDPR applies to the processing of ‘personal data,’ which is defined as any information related to an ‘identified or identifiable natural person,’” who can be directly or indirectly identified by the data produced. 3 The GDPR purports to have extraterritorial effect by applying “regardless whether the processing takes place in the EU or elsewhere.” 4 The GDPR allows imposition of penalties and sanctions that “significantly increase[d] the maximum fine to €20 million, or 4% of annual worldwide turnover, whichever is greater.” 5 Further, “[t]he GDPR provides an individual with access to the courts to seek a judicial remedy” in addition to any administrative remedy. 6 Essentially, any production of documents that contain information about EU citizens could cause serious consequences and large fines for a GDPR violation. The early cases in the United States suggest that the GDPR may have a profound impact on discovery in the United States. The GDPR may provide for targets subject to the jurisdiction of courts in the United States to object to discovery with the purpose (or possibly under the guise) of protecting EU citizens’ privacy. Defendants may object to production as a whole, request significant redaction of the discovery, request a strict confidentiality agreement, request to produce anonymized data that does not identify any EU citizen, or any combination thereof. There is limited case law on the implications of the GDPR on U.S. discovery because it is a relatively new regulation. So far, U.S. courts have taken divergent approaches on how to address and resolve objections to discovery based on the GDPR. Overall, it appears that most courts are allowing production of the discovery in some form, over a defendant’s GDPR objection. U.S. Courts’ Historical Response to Discovery Objections Based on Foreign Privacy Statutes or Secrecy Laws Historically, U.S. courts have been unwilling to allow a foreign privacy statute to preclude the production of responsive documents that were otherwise discoverable in U.S. litigation. As the Supreme Court stated, “[i]t is well settled that such statutes do not deprive an American court of the power to order a party subject to its jurisdiction to produce evidence even though the act of production may violate that statute.” 7 The Court further noted that the French “blocking statute” was “originally ‘inspired to impede enforcement of United States antitrust laws,’ and that it did not appear to have been strictly enforced in France,” which further undercut U.S. courts’ interest in enforcing that foreign privacy statute over the American interest of full disclosure in discovery. 8 Prior and subsequent courts similarly ruled that foreign privacy statutes are not dispositive on production of discovery in U.S. cases, although the statutes may be relevant to the issue of whether sanctions should be imposed for failure to comply with U.S. discovery orders. 9 Likewise, U.S. courts deemed foreign bank secrecy laws insufficient to preclude discovery in U.S. litigation. 10 Therefore, generally, courts in the United States overwhelmingly have held that full disclosure in discovery outweighs any interest in enforcing foreign privacy or secrecy laws. A Chronological Review of U.S. Courts’ Approaches to GDPR Discovery Disputes and Other Foreign Privacy Statutes On 5 October 2018, the first published ruling on GDPR in U.S. litigation involved a defendant, Microsoft, raising a GDPR objection to discovery based on the undue burden and cost of producing the discovery due to “the alleged tension with GDPR.” 11 The court did not significantly analyze the GDPR issue, but stated that “the court [wa]s not persuaded by Microsoft’s arguments concerning undue burden” and required the production of documents. 12 On 17 December 2018, the first substantive ruling by a U.S. court to address an objection to discovery based on GDPR was in the context of a 28 U.S.C. § 1782 application to obtain discovery for use in a foreign proceeding. 13 The court “grant[ed] the application with respect to documents held by foreign custodians only to the extent that the Applicants (1) assume the costs of the document production, including the costs of compliance with the GDPR or other applicable European data privacy laws and (2) indemnify Respondents against any potential breaches of European data privacy laws.” 14 Although the court granted production of the documents over the GDPR objection, this ruling has serious adverse consequences for parties seeking discovery in U.S. litigation if the GDPR is implicated because it required unknown and potentially multimillion-dollar indemnification liability on the party receiving the documents. The approach in Hansainvest of requiring indemnification of the discovery target “against any potential breaches of European data privacy laws” is a serious deterrent to any party seeking discovery. 15 It would be unusual and highly unlikely that any party would knowingly accept such an open-ended and potentially large financial risk given the large fines for a GDPR violation. If courts routinely adopted this approach, it would have a significant chilling effect on U.S. discovery when the GDPR is implicated. Hansainvest is the only U.S. court, thus far, to rule that indemnification of any GDPR liability is a condition precedent to production of the documents. In later rulings, U.S. courts have taken less drastic approaches to GDPR objections to discovery. Click here to read the full article in the Spring 2020 International Law Quarterly (page 16) and the Business Law Section. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Edward H. Davis Jr. discusses cross-border financial fraud, asset tracing, and modern asset recovery challenges in his WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite Q&A. WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite - Edward H. Davis Jr. Q&A Open Awards & Recognition Open August 25, 2022 2 minutes read Sequor Law In the complex world of cross-border financial fraud and asset tracing , experience and strategic insight are essential. In his ThoughtLeaders interview (featured in the Sequor Law article PDF), Founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis Jr. shares his perspective on what drives modern asset recovery practice and the evolving challenges practitioners face as fraudsters exploit increasingly sophisticated structures and technologies. Davis’s reflections are grounded in more than three decades of international litigation and investigative work representing victims of fraud , corruption , Ponzi schemes and other misappropriations of funds around the globe . The article weaves together Ed’s professional journey with grounded commentary on the issues shaping asset recovery today. He explains why he chose this practice area — to make a measurable difference in people’s lives by unravelling the complex legal and factual webs fraudsters set up to conceal assets. He also describes the kinds of cases that regularly come across his desk, noting that while traditional investment and corporate fraud remain core concerns, crypto-asset and internet-based frauds are increasingly front and center. A recurring theme of the piece is the interplay between legal systems and global reality. Davis identifies jurisdictional hurdles — including the reluctance of some legal systems to treat information as an asset recoverable in a tracing exercise — as among the greatest obstacles in international practice. This observation underscores the fact that asset recovery is as much about navigating foreign legal cultures and procedural norms as it is about understanding the underlying wrongdoing. The interview also touches on how technological tools are reshaping the practice. Davis points out that while emerging technologies are not yet “game changers,” they are helping practitioners uncover bank relationships and other data that were previously more difficult to access — leveling the playing field in key respects. Finally, Davis offers practical career insights for young lawyers interested in the field, emphasizing that direct experience and mentorship are irreplaceable for mastering the judgment and tactical skills required in high-stakes, highly international disputes . For a frontline look at the mindset and practical considerations of one of the field’s most experienced asset recovery lawyers , we encourage you to read the full interview in the PDF below. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Sequor Law's Leyza B. Florin chairs the Lawyers Advisory Committee for the Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court, linking judges and practitioners to improve bankruptcy practice across the district. Lawyers Advisory Committee Open Awards & Recognition Open September 16, 2019 3 minutes read Sequor Law By: Guest Contributor Leyza B. Florin , Chair Lawyers Advisory Committee The Lawyers Advisory Committee (LAC) for the Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court was formed in 2018 to provide a forum for communication, feedback, and resources between the judges and the bar. Its purpose includes regularly soliciting the bar for commentary regarding bankruptcy practice and receiving requests from the court to consider issues arising from the practice of law before the Court. The LAC may recommend changes in the practice and procedures throughout the district and also acts as a liaison between the Court and the practitioners. In addition, the LAC is charged with the development, implementation, and maintenance of bankruptcy-related programs in the district as requested by the Court. To view samples of issues addressed by the LAC, please visit the LAC web page to view meeting minutes. The LAC is only as successful as the bankruptcy bar makes it. We are dependent on you to contact LAC members with any concerns or suggestions that you might have about bankruptcy practice in our district. The success of our bankruptcy practice in the Southern District of Florida is our absolute priority. If you have any recommendations which will improve the Court’s administration of justice, please reach out to a member of the LAC or contact us at LAC@flsb.uscourts.gov . We encourage you to participate by submitting feedback for consideration and assist the LAC in making our bankruptcy practice in the Southern District of Florida the best it can be. BANKRUPTCY RULES AND FORMS ARE AMENDED EFFECTIVE 12/1/19 Amendments to the federal rules and forms scheduled to take effect 12/1/19 and can be reviewed at the U.S. Courts website at these links: Pending Rules and Forms Amendments Pending Changes in Bankruptcy Forms If any of the above amendments necessitate changes in this court’s local rules, local forms, court guidelines, clerk’s instructions or any other local documents, notice will be provided prior to the December 1, 2019, effective date of the bankruptcy rules and forms amendments. COURT GUIDELINES FOR ATTORNEYS FOR CHAPTER 13 DEBTORS AMENDED Please take notice that the “Guidelines for Compensation for Professional Services or Reimbursement of Expenses by Attorneys for Chapter 13 Debtors Pursuant to Local Rule 2016-1(B)(2)(a)” have been amended to reflect an increase in the compensation fee that an attorney may charge without application to the court. The “no-look” fee will increase from $3,500 to $4,500 for all cases filed under or converted to chapter 13 on or after September 1, 2019. A Public Notice and amended “Guidelines” are currently posted on the court website. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL RULES PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES FEBRUARY 19, 2020 On August 19, 2019, the Judicial Conference Advisory Committees on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Civil Rules published proposed amendments to their respective rules and forms and requested that the proposals be circulated to the bar and public for comment. Appellate Rules: 3, 6, 42, and Forms 1 and 2; Bankruptcy Rules: 2005, 3007, 7007.1, and 9036; Civil Rule: 7.1 The proposed amendments, rules committee reports explaining the proposed changes, and instructions on how to submit comments are posted on the U.S. Courts website at: Proposed Amendments Published Comments The public comment period closes on February 19, 2020. If approved, the amendments would become effective December 1, 2021. Click here to read the full article. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

This article examines the Isaías Brothers case as a modern prisoner exchange between Ecuador and the United States, exploring press freedom, Edward Snowden asylum politics, and campaign finance. A Twenty-First Century Prisoner Exchange: The Case of the Isaías Brothers Open Legal Insights Open September 3, 2014 1 minute read Sequor Law Two brothers from Latin America are pitting the United States and Ecuador against each other in a battle over the freedom of the press, Edward Snowden, and campaign finance rules. Open article here Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..

Sequor Law partner Tara Plochocki joined Archipel at Paris Arbitration Week to discuss enforcing arbitral awards against sovereigns, treaty interpretation, and creditor coordination. Sequor Law at Paris Arbitration Week: Enforcing Arbitral Awards Against Sovereigns Open Events & Speaking Open April 17, 2025 1 minute read Sequor Law Sequor Law Partner Tara Plochocki was honored to join Jacques-Alexandre Genet and the team at Archipel during Paris Arbitration Week for a panel discussion on the enforcement of arbitral awards against sovereigns. The conversation explored the gap between legal obligations and state conduct, and how that divide might be narrowed. Panelists emphasized the importance of consistent interpretation of treaties and statutes by the courts—highlighted by recent decisions from the D.C. Circuit recognizing intra-EU ECT awards against Spain and Zhongshan’s free trade zone-related award against Nigeria. Thomas Eymond-Laritaz underscored the vital role of political pressure, particularly in light of potential shifts in the U.S. administration’s approach to proceedings against foreign sovereigns. Yasmin Mohammad offered valuable insight into the risks posed by EU laws that prohibit enforcement, while Paul H. shed light on the complexities and benefits of creditor coordination. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Aug 17, 2026 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Carolina M. Rosso “Pour faire de grandes choses, il ne faut pas être un si grand génie... Firm News Jun 23, 2026 3 minutes Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Carolina M. Rosso to Its Expanding International Litigation and Asset Recovery Team Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Carolina M. Rosso has joined the firm as an Attorney. Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more..