Former Puerto Rican Governor Joins Steptoe

Luis Fortuño, the former governor of Puerto Rico, has joined Steptoe & Johnson LLP as a partner in the firm's Washington office.

Fortuño will reside in the firm's government affairs and public policy group, as well as the corporate, securities and finance practice.

Elected in 2008, Fortuño, a Republican, implemented the largest tax cut in Puerto Rico's history and slashed government spending. His term ended January 2. Prior to being elected Governor, he served as Puerto Rico's Congressional delegate for four years.

In private practice, Fortuño was a partner with the McConnell Valdés law firm, and then a founding partner of the boutique firm Correa, Collazo, Herrero, Jiménez & Fortuño. This is his first time working for a mainland firm, as he put it.

"I see this as a great opportunity to pursue a strong legal career in the years to come," Fortuño said in an interview. "I've been a practicing lawyer…I'm going back to my roots, but with different circumstances."

Fortuño pointed to three factors that have helped fuel the growth of the legal practice in Latin America and South America. He said there is still space in those markets for U.S. companies, especially given recent trade agreements. He also pointed to European companies that use Latin America as a stepping stone to the U.S. The third is the capital in these regions that is looking for investment opportunities, especially in the U.S., he said.

"A lot of companies should explore the opportunity, and they will need experienced hands to guide them," Fortuño said.

Comments

[tamara miriam]

biggest tax cut? He doubled my realestate taxes! billed us twice ' because they "needed the money"