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 Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law's Leyza B. Florin represents joint liquidators of Gibraltar-registered Privilege Wealth One seeking Chapter 15 recognition in Miami amid fraud and mismanagement allegations. Gibraltarian payday loans business files Chapter 15 in Miami Open In the News Open August 15, 2018 4 minutes read Sequor Law Two weeks after its UK sister company filed for Chapter 15 protection in New Jersey, the joint liquidators of a Gibraltar-registered payday loans business embroiled in fraud and mismanagement allegations, have sought recognition of their appointment in Miami. With counsel from Sequor Law shareholder Leyza B. Florin , Grant Thornton partners David Ingram and Frederick White filed the Chapter 15 petition in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida on 14 August. Ingram and White were appointed joint liquidators of Privilege Wealth One by the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in June, five months after administrators were appointed over its sister company, UK-registered holding company Privilege Wealth, in England. Soon after the UK administrators were appointed, the group caught the attention of the UK’s Mail on Sunday , which quoted a letter to investors from Privilege Wealth One blaming the group’s problems on a series of bad decisions, including the UK company;s investment in a payday loans business in South Dakota run by a Native American Sioux Tribe, and serviced – at least initially – from a call centre in Panama. The head of that call centre, according to the Mail, was a UK national and “well known scam operator” who was reportedly shot in an assassination attempt in Panama last year. He was later arrested at the request of Spanish police, which accused him of running a scam oil venture from a call centre in Marbella targeting British investors. In a declaration filed at the Miami court, Ingram said Privilege Wealth One was plunged into compulsory liquidation after Chilean creditor Richard Leclerc filed a statutory demand in Gibraltar in March. Leclerc requested payment owed to him by Privilege Wealth One and its general partner Privilege Wealth Management (PWM) under a loan note agreement. After the companies failed to satisfy the demand they were presumed insolvent under Gibraltarian law and Leclerc made an application to appoint the joint liquidators, supported by three additional investors. Those four creditors have combined unsatisfied debts of US$600,000 in US loan notes and £800,000 (US$1.02 million) in European loan notes. Ingram told the US court that he has taken steps to gather information on the affairs of Privilege Wealth One and PWM, and to notify all creditors and interested persons of his appointment. But he said that the information available to the joint liquidators so far has not allowed them determine “the precise details of the funds received from creditors” for investment in the Privilege companies, or how the proceeds were used. The Chapter 15 application “is of critical importance to addressing these issues”, Ingram’s declaration said. “[R]ecogonition under Chapter 15 is essential to the joint liquidators’ worldwide pursuit of assets with which to recover the funds received from creditors”. Under Gibraltarian insolvency law, no distinction is applied between the assets of an insolvent entity located within Gibraltar and those outside the territory. “The joint liquidators are empowered to seek recovery of all assets and rights, wherever located,” Ingram said, adding they are duty bound to pursue assets and claims of the debtor in the United States. Other actions GRR has already reported that the UK administrators Privilege Wealth, filed Chapter 15 recognition proceedings in New Jersey on 2 August. David Rubin & Partners’ Stephen Katz and John Kelmanson of Kelmanson Insolvency Solutions were appointed by the England and Wales High Court back in January, after the company defaulted on funds owed to the Gibraltarian entity. In a declaration filed in New Jersey, Katz said he had become aware that Privilege Wealth had possible rights and causes of action arising out of a 25,000 strong portfolio of payday loans. He said any outstanding loans and the proceeds from the portfolio may now lie with US company Oliphant Financial, which was allegedly engaged to service the loans after the UK company’s own Panamanian subsidiary stopped servicing them. Katz and Kelmanson intend to file lawsuits in the US to obtain what funds they can for creditors, and have also asked the New Jersey bankruptcy court’s permission to repatriate any proceeds recovered to the UK. Privilege Wealth One and Luxemburgish fund Helix Investment Management are described as the UK company’s two primary lenders in its Chapter 15 application. They appear on a list of entities against whom Katz and Kelmanson may seek provisional relief in the US, along with Florida foreign limited partnership Privilege Direct, and numerous Oliphant entities, which are being pursued by Helix in the District Court of the Middle District of Florida. Helix, which may be owed US$7 million by Privilege Wealth according to the UK’s Mail on Sunday , is seeking damages of US$75,000 plus interest and injunctive relief in those proceedings for the breach of various security arrangements relating to loans it issued to the company. In Ingram and White’s Chapter 15 petition in Miami, they also list the Oliphant groups and Helix as entities against whom the Gibraltarian company may seek interim relief, as well as the UK company Privilege Wealth. A hearing to decide Privilege Wealth One’s recognition application will take place before Judge Laurel Isicoff in Florida on 9 September. Meanwhile, a recognition hearing for Privilege Wealth’s action in New Jersey has been listed for 6 September, with Judge John Sherwood assigned to the case. In the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida In re: Privilege Wealth One Limited Partnership Judge Laurel Isicoff Joint Liquidators of Privilege Wealth One Grant Thornton Partners David Ingram in London and Frederick White in Gibraltar Counsel to the joint liquidators of Privilege Wealth One Sequor Law Partners Leyza B. Florin and Edward Davis in Miami To view full 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 Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law's Nyana Abreu Miller participated in a Portuguese-language webinar on mediation and alternative dispute resolution in bankruptcy proceedings, comparing Brazil and the U.S. A Mediação Na Resolução De Conflitos E A Recuperação Judicial, Comparativo Brasil X EUA Open Events & Speaking Open May 18, 2020 1 minute read Sequor Law Sequor Law attorney Nyana Abreu Miller participated in a Portuguese-language webinar discussing mediation and alternative dispute resolution in bankruptcy cases, comparing Brazil and the U.S. Click here to view the webinar . Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin, IWIRC International's Immediate Past Chair, is featured as IWIRC Florida's member spotlight, highlighting her unique journey from teacher to top attorney. Leyza B. Florin Featured as IWIRC Florida Member Spotlight Open In the News Open July 12, 2022 1 minute read Sequor Law Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin , and IWIRC International’s Immediate Past Chair was this month’s IWIRC Florida’s member spotlight. Did you know Leyza started her career as a public school teacher? Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law highlights the U.S. government's seizure and repatriation of 95 artworks tied to Banco Santos founder Edemar Cid Ferreira's money laundering scheme. US Government Repatriates 95 Artworks Linked to Disgraced Brazilian Financier Open In the News Open October 11, 2017 3 minutes read Sequor Law The blue-chip collection was part of a massive money laundering scheme. By Henri Neuendorf The United States has seized and returned 95 artworks valued in the tens of millions of dollars that once belonged to the disgraced Brazilian banker Edemar Cid Ferreira. The founder and former president of Banco Santos, Ferreira was convicted of money laundering and crimes against the national financial system in 2006 and is currently appealing against a 21-year prison sentence. During his tenure as president of Banco Santos, Ferreira bought dozens of works by blue-chip names including Jean-Michel Basquiat , Louise Bourgeois , Francis Picabia , Henry Moore , and Anish Kapoor . In 2006, a Brazilian court found that he bought the works with illegally obtained funds from Banco Santos and ruled that they should be seized and used to repay the bank’s creditors. But when Brazilian officials searched Ferreira’s home, storage facility, and offices in 2006, they discovered that much of the collection was missing. They have been on the hunt for them ever since. The collection was illegally smuggled out of Brazil between November 2004 and March 2005, according to authorities. The works were shipped through the US with false documentation, inaccurate valuations, and fabricated titles to locations in Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. (For example, when the work by Basquiat, which has been appraised at $8 million, was sent to a New York storage facility from the Netherlands, the shipping invoice stated it was worth only $100.) Over the next 11 years, the US worked with Interpol and governments across Europe to locate the star-studded collection. Dutch authorities seized three crates containing 85 of the missing artworks from a storage facility and turned them over to US authorities; a UK-based auction house voluntarily handed over seven artworks to US law enforcement; the underwriters of an insurance policy to a company controlled by Ferreira handed over a painting by Rufino Tamayo ; and an unnamed New York gallery reached a settlement to jointly sell a painting by Helen Frankenthaler with the Brazilian judicial administrator in a deal approved in March 2017. Most recently, a Henry Moore statue was seized by French authorities from a storage facility and handed over to US authorities this summer. Why did it take so long to find and return the works? According to Arnoldo B. Lacayo of Sequor Law, one of the attorneys representing the Brazilian Judicial Administrator, the repatriation process was drawn out because the art was subject to complex criminal and bankruptcy cases in Brazil and the US. “The recovery process… has taken time but represents an important success on behalf of the many creditors of the Estate of Banco Santos who were hurt as a result of the illicit activity which resulted in the bank’s demise,” he says. “In short, while some of the art left Brazil as long ago as 2004, the criminal, bankruptcy and forfeiture cases only came later.” The latest repatriation comes after the US attorney returned five works —paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein , Joaquin Torres Garcia, Serge Poliakoff , and a Roman sculpture—valued at a combined $20–30 million to Brazil in June 2015. “These works were used to mask an audacious criminal scheme by Edemar Cid Ferreira,” acting Manhattan US attorney Joon H. Kim says in a statement . Thanks to efforts of the US attorney’s office and Homeland Security Investigations, “these treasured pieces will be returned to their rightful owner, the bankruptcy estate of Ferreira’s insolvent Banco Santos.” Click to view full article. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Who's Who Legal recognizes Sequor Law's Edward H. Davis Jr. as one of the foremost asset recovery lawyers, praised for identifying key issues and strategic thinking in complex financial disputes. Thought Leaders Global Elite – Asset Recovery (GIR 2019) Open Awards & Recognition Open September 5, 2019 1 minute read Sequor Law Who’s Who Legal says: Edward Davis Jr is one of the foremost lawyers in our research this year. Sources note, “He is particularly strong at identifying key issues and strategizing in ways that take those key issues into consideration.” Read the full article below or click here Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law's Leyza B. Florin becomes IWIRC's first Hispanic Chair effective January 1, as the global insolvency and restructuring community announces new leadership and industry moves. Community roundup: IWIRC gets its first Hispanic chair amid new year hires and promotions Open In the News Open December 17, 2020 3 minutes read Sequor Law The International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) will have its first Hispanic chair come 1 January, as a Dutch firm hires from Loyens & Loeff, and Vinson & Elkins and Cooley promote in New York. Leyza B. Florin , a shareholder at Miami-based cross-border insolvency and asset recovery boutique Sequor Law, will become the first Hispanic chair of IWIRC’s board at the start of next year, after serving as vice-chair in 2020 under the outgoing chair, PwC partner Michelle Pickett in Ontario. Blanco’s new vice-chair is Lowenstein Sandler counsel Jennifer Kimble in New York, who is currently IWIRC’s secretary. Kimble will be replaced in the secretary role by Boston-based Marjorie Kaufman of management consulting firm Getzler Henrich & Associates, who is currently finance director. The current vice finance director, Karen Fellowes QC at Stikeman Elliott in Vancouver, will also now graduate into the directors’ role, while a new member of IWIRC’s executive board, Troutman Pepper partner Evelyn Meltzer in Wilmington, Delaware, will be appointed vice finance director. Fellowes joined Stikeman Elliott in July from DLA Piper, and is a former winner of IWIRC’s Fetner Award, which is given each year to an outstanding international member. Blanco – herself an IWIRC founders award-winner in 2019 – said she was “honoured” to have been named IWIRC’s next chair. “I will be a steward to the IWIRC mission and continue to make IWIRC accessible to everyone, increasing diversity and helping our worldwide members connect and forge productive relationships,” she said. In an inaugural speech delivered on 15 December at a hybrid in-person and virtual event for IWIRC’s 2020 Rising Star Award – an honour presented to Sequor Law attorney Nyana Miller , who is the first Latin America regional chair on IWIRC’s international board – Blanco said the chaos of this pandemic year had actually delivered “a silver-lining” in the form of online events. She jokingly thanked covid-19 for uncovering “this extra arrow in our quiver” and pledged to use virtual events to drive focus on inclusion, labelling them “an invaluable tool to help us in our mission – to connect women worldwide”. Speaking to GRR, Blanco notes that the past three years have seen IWIRC add Brazil, Latin America and Korea networks to its ranks, and that it is her ambition to work on expanding the European network and developing new networks during her time as chair. “Efforts are already in the works for the development of networks in New Zealand, Ireland, Dubai, South Africa and Pacific Northwest,” Blanco says. “It is my hope that women from across the globe who are not already represented in an IWIRC network will have a network to join and participate with IWIRC in the promotion of women in the insolvency field worldwide,” she adds, noting that anyone interested in joining or forming a new IWIRC network is welcome to get in touch with her directly. Blanco joined Sequor law in mid-2018 from GrayRobinson in Miami, alongside another shareholder, Fernando Menendez . She regularly works on international litigation and insolvency matters relating to the US and Latin America, especially Chapter 15 recognition cases. In November, she asked the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida to recognise the most recent liquidator of Ukrainian bank PJSC Bank Finance and Credit, following a series of different appointments in the wake of the bank’s licence being revoked in 2015. She is also the regular author of GRR’s asset recovery column . 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 Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law announces the election of Daniel M. Coyle and Nyana A. Miller as the firm's newest Partners, recognizing their exceptional talent in asset recovery and international insolvency. Sequor Law announces newly elected Partners Open Firm News Open January 18, 2023 2 minutes read Sequor Law January 18, 2023, Miami, Florida Sequor Law, a boutique, Miami-based international law firm working in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, insolvency and financial services litigation, both domestically and cross-border, is delighted to announce that attorneys Daniel M. Coyle and Nyana A. Miller have been elected as the firm’s newest Partners. This most recent promotion confirms the firm’s ongoing dedication to growth and its commitment to the development of attorneys. “We couldn’t be prouder in welcoming our newest class of Partners. Both Daniel and Nyana have demonstrated exceptional talent and have distinguished themselves with skill and commitment as invaluable advisors to our clients,” said founding shareholder Gregory S. Grossman. “We have no doubt they will continue to do incredible work for our clients. Elevation to Partner at our firm requires consistently delivering excellent results, but also exemplifying the principles and attributes that define a Sequor Law lawyer.” Daniel Matthias Coyle focuses his practice on bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, secured transactions, collections, executions, asset recovery and cross-border insolvency. He represents financial institutions and other creditors in bankruptcy and state court litigation, including commercial loan enforcement cases, foreclosure of commercial real property and replevin, and suits on notes and guaranties. Additionally, he represents lenders in the negotiation and documentation of workout agreements, loan restructuring, forbearance agreements and loan sale agreements. Nyana Abreu Miller focuses her practice on cross-border insolvency, marital asset recovery and financial fraud. Nyana has represented individuals, corporations and trustees seeking recognition under chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, evidence under 28 U.S.C § 1782, for use in litigation pending abroad and domestication and enforcement of foreign judgments under Florida’s Uniform Out-of-Country Foreign Money-Judgment Recognition Act. She is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. “Daniel and Nyana have enhanced the reputation of the firm and reflect our relentless commitment to our clients through their pursuit of excellence, hard work and leadership. We look forward to their continued success, as we continue to build our firm,” said founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis, Jr. ****** Sequor Law is a Miami-based 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. More information is available at www.SequorLaw.com. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Inside the $360 million Ponzi scheme that used fake consumer debt to defraud hundreds of investors in Maryland and Virginia, with insights from Sequor Law's Arnoldo Lacayo on financial fraud. Inside the scheme that allegedly used fake debt to steal $360 million from investors in Maryland and Virginia Open In the News Open April 12, 2019 5 minutes read Sequor Law By Aaron Gregg Cameron Jezierski was stoic but offered his attorney a brief smile as proceedings wrapped up at the federal courthouse. This wasn’t where he’d expected to land. He’d imagined that before he was 30, he’d be a millionaire. Instead, the 28-year-old from Texas had signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors this month that cast him as a minor player in a sprawling $360 million Ponzi scheme that bilked hundreds of investors in Maryland and Virginia. Prosecutors said it was dreamed up by his employers. When Jezierski walked out of court, he would be an admitted felon for life. At the courthouse, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce McDonald described a scheme led by two others — Kevin Merrill of Towson, Md., and Jay Ledford of Texas — in promoting “investor confidence that they could entrust their funds to what was really a criminal enterprise.” Jezierski faces a $116,435 fine and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though his term could be much less because of the plea agreement. Merrill, 53, and Ledford, 55, both face civil and criminal charges. Attorneys in the criminal and civil cases have filed motions to dismiss the charges. Jezierski admitted in his signed plea agreement to participating in “a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from investors by materially false and fraudulent promises” and that he “knowingly and willfully” worked with other people to do so. The scheme affected investors including doctors, retirees, accountants and current and former professional athletes. An attorney for Jezierski did not respond to requests for comment. Merrill did not have a lawyer listed in court documents. Jim Jamison, an attorney representing Ledford in the civil case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, described his client as “a very small player” in the alleged fraud. “There was no conspiracy,” he said. “Merrill was involved in buying consumer debt, but he has not been for quite some time.” According to a copy of the plea agreement obtained by The Washington Post, Jezierski participated in the scheme for about 10 months, culminating in a set of indictments in September 2018. The three men are accused in court papers of duping more than 400 investors with “an elaborate web of lies” to give the impression that they were running a successful investment operation profiting from student and consumer debt. In reality, prosecutors say, the men fraudulently diverted investors’ money to maintain a criminal operation in which funds were cycled from one investor to the next. The trio offered investors the chance to profit from consumer debt portfolios ― in this case car, student loan and credit card debts that people have defaulted on, with assets that could be eligible for seizure. Prosecutors alleged the defendants were diverting the payments they received for those investments into their own pockets and to pay off earlier investors. They say investors were cheated out of more than $360 million. Arnoldo Lacayo , a partner at the firm Sequor Law who specializes in financial fraud, said the idea of so-called “fake debt” is a common thread in Ponzi schemes, which leverage a real or perceived economic crisis to lend an air of credibility to an otherwise dubious investment opportunity, he said. “A lot of Ponzi schemes will have some sort of current event that is part of what entices people to get involved,” Lacayo said. “We hear all the time about the coming calamity in student loans, about people defaulting on car loans. . . . If you’re presented an investment opportunity to get ahead of that trend, it might not sound far-fetched.” Ledford and Merrill used the proceeds of their fraud to enrich themselves and sustain lavish lifestyles, prosecutors said. According to court documents, the two men together bought more than 20 high-end automobiles, including Porsches, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces; mansions in Florida, Maryland, Texas and Las Vegas; more than $8.3 million in fancy watches, jewelry and collectibles; a boat; and an interest in a private jet. They blew $25 million gambling in casinos, according to documents. Prosecutors said Jezierski began working for Ledford as a financial data analyst at Riverwalk Financial in Texas in October 2014.They said Jezierski learned if he submitted financial statements that did not meet certain targets, Ledford would be angry. Jezierski began submitting false information and setting up fake companies, the prosecutor said, to satisfy Ledford and defraud investors. “Jezierski’s trend lines based on actual operations were not satisfactory to Ledford because the trend lines did not show sufficiently robust collection results,” according to the plea agreement.“Jezierski had to falsify data to create reports that matched Ledford’s directions,” the plea agreement says. Over time, Jezierski became an important participant in a scheme that predated his involvement and benefited his employers, according to the deal. Jezierski became chief operating officer in 2017 and was drawn into the scheme. According to text messages cited in court documents, Ledford at one point texted Merrill, “Cameron is working on it too. I have him with the program. He gets it.” Ledford allegedly pressed Jezierski to hide his activities, at one point telling him via text message, “Need all of this to be discreet. . . . we do not want anyone to know details,” according to the plea agreement. Jezierski responded: “I got your back. No one knows anything nor will they.” While working for Ledford, Jezierski had a salary of $80,000 but made significantly more in bonuses, the plea agreement states. Ledford had told Jezierski he would make him a millionaire before his 30th birthday and dangled the goal in front of him as the pair finalized a purported investment deal weeks before the Justice Department charged them. “Almost 30. I am confident you will reach your goal we discussed,” Ledford said in September. Jezierski had hoped to progress even further: “I have your back like always and this is just the beginning,” Jezierski told Ledford after receiving a $50,000 bonus, according to the plea agreement. The scheme was uncovered when an undercover FBI agent was offered the opportunity to invest $10 million by Merrill, the Maryland-based defendant, last summer. At a meeting in Dallas involving all three defendants, Jezierski offered the undercover FBI agent financial documents about the business that the plea agreement notes were “fraudulent.” Prosecutors say the criminal activity did not end when the three men were charged. Using coded phone calls and handwritten notes held up to the glass wall separating prisoners and visitors where he was held, Merrill told his wife to retrieve wads of cash from their white-gated waterfront mansion in Naples, Fla., which the two referred to as “the restaurant,” according to documents. Jezierski’s sentencing is Aug. 12, a month after Merrill and Ledford are scheduled to stand trial. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law's Edward H. Davis Jr. joins an international Mondaq webinar comparing insolvency liquidator actions against banks in the USA, England, Canada, and Switzerland. Sequor Law is excited to participate in the Mondaq Webinars. Open Events & Speaking Open November 22, 2021 1 minute read Sequor Law Sequor Law will participate in the upcoming webinar hosted by Monfrini Bitton Keli, where Yves Klein, Natalia Hidalgo, Edward H. Davis, Jr., Alex Jay and Maureen M. Ward will present Actions by Insolvency Liquidators Against Banks, a Comparison Between the USA, England, Canada and Switzerland. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law's Gregory Grossman and Bruno de Camargo counsel the foreign representative of Brazilian mining group Brasagro as it files Chapter 15 in Miami to probe questionable transactions. Brazilian mining group seeks recognition in Miami Open In the News Open October 18, 2019 2 minutes read Sequor Law By Benjamin Clarke The foreign representative of a Brazilian limestone mining group has applied for Chapter 15 recognition of its liquidation in Miami, after finding it had entered several “questionable” transactions and agreements. Brazilian lawyer Reinaldo Camargo do Nascimento, the foreign representative of Brasagro Fertilizantes Minerais and Petrocal Industria e Comercio De Cal, filed the petition in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District on 15 October, with counsel from Gregory Grossman and Bruno de Camargo of Sequor Law. Camargo, who was appointed judicial administrator of the debtors three years ago, told the US court he needed recognition to investigate the extent of any activities undertaken in the US that might be related to the debtors and their assets. “Investigations into the debtors have highlighted a number of questionable transactions and agreements,” he revealed in a declaration. “[I]t appears that after petitioning for judicial reorganisation, the insolvent Brasagro entered into an agreement with its parent company… to pay any bills the parent company was unable to pay up to US$15,000 a month,” he said. “There appears to be no additional considerations for this agreement.” “It is believed that there are more such agreements and transactions involving the debtors which may lead to information of diversion of assets abroad, particularly with insiders or affiliates,” he added. Brasagro and Petrocal filed reorganisation proceedings in Belo Horizonte in May 2014. But the proceedings were later moved to Rondonópolis in Mato Grosso, where the companies operate. The Rondonópolis court appointed Camargo as judicial administrator, and his subsequent report into the companies’ activities prompted the court to find there was no possibility of them successfully reorganising their debts. It converted the proceedings into a liquidation in January 2017. Camargo said that prior to the bankruptcy order, the companies’ debts totalled about 129 million reais (US$31.2 million), but this number had since increased. “I intend to investigate the nature and extent of any activities undertaken in the United States that may be related to the debtors and their assets,” he told the court. “[A]s well as any assets in the United States that may have been acquired using funds belonging to or traceable from the debtors.” He said he has also been given the responsibility of filing proceedings and asserting propriety claims against any third parties in the US that may owe the companies money. Such actions will give creditors of the companies further recovery opportunities, he said. Judge Jay Cristol has not yet set a recognition hearing date. In the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division Judge Jay Cristol Counsel to the foreign representative Sequor Law Shareholder Gregory Grossman and attorney Bruno de Camargo in Miami In the Fourth Civil Court of Mato Grosso, Rondonópolis Judge Renan Calos Leão do Nascimento Pereira Judicial administrator Reinaldo Camargo do Nascimento in Mato Grosso 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 Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.

Sequor Law launches its D.C. office with Tara Plochocki as partner and office head, enhancing cross-border asset recovery capabilities. Sequor Law Adds ICC FraudNet Attorney as New DC Office Head Open In the News Open May 31, 2024 3 minutes read Sequor Law Sequor Law has taken a strategic step forward in its national growth with the opening of its Washington, D.C. office and the appointment of Tara Plochocki as partner and office head. The expansion reinforces the firm’s position as a premier boutique focused on Asset Recovery , Cross-Border Insolvency , and representing victims of financial fraud worldwide. The D.C. office marks Sequor’s first location outside Miami. The move is not about geography for its own sake. It is about strengthening capabilities in matters that require a presence in the nation’s capital. Washington is central to sovereign disputes, corruption-based litigation, arbitral award enforcement, and investor-state matters. For a firm that routinely handles complex International Litigation and global recovery strategies, this is a natural extension. Tara Plochocki brings deep experience in cross-border financial disputes and international recovery efforts. Her work aligns directly with Sequor’s focus on tracing, freezing, and recovering misappropriated assets across jurisdictions. Her involvement with ICC FraudNet, a leading global network of asset recovery practitioners, mirrors the firm’s long-standing international reach. The connection is not incidental. Founding shareholder Edward Davis Jr. has been active with ICC FraudNet for years, and shareholder Arnoldo Lacayo is also part of that network. The professional alignment among these practitioners helped shape the launch of the D.C. office. Sequor’s leadership has been clear about its identity. The firm is not pursuing full-service expansion. It remains a focused boutique dedicated to Asset Recovery , cross-border fraud litigation, Creditors’ Rights , and enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards. Washington strengthens the firm’s ability to act in matters involving sovereign corruption, state-owned enterprises, and complex enforcement proceedings that require federal court litigation or proximity to U.S. agencies. The addition of Plochocki also supports growth in areas such as International Arbitration and arbitral award enforcement. D.C. courts frequently handle disputes involving foreign sovereigns and international entities. Establishing a presence there positions Sequor to act quickly when assets, jurisdiction, or enforcement opportunities arise. Firm leadership has emphasized that the expansion will be intentional and aligned with its boutique model. The goal is integration, not scale for its own sake. The D.C. office is designed to complement the Miami headquarters while elevating Sequor’s national and global profile. For companies, sovereigns, and individuals confronting fraud, corruption, or complex cross-border disputes, the firm’s expanded footprint enhances its ability to pursue recovery wherever assets are located. Read the full Law360 Pulse article here to learn more about Sequor Law ’s Washington expansion and the strategic vision behind this next chapter. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that.