Cristina Pérez Soto practices in all areas of cross-border investigations and disputes before U.S. federal and state courts, international arbitration institutions, and other tribunals.
She regularly represents companies and individuals in U.S. government investigations concerning a wide range of allegations including corruption, securities, tax, commodities, and other fraud; insider trading; money laundering; commercial bribery; and other violations. Cristina served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the criminal division of the Southern District of Florida for four years. During this time she focused on major fraud cases, including securities, investment, mortgage, tax, and other large-scale fraud matters, and tried more than 15 jury cases to verdict.
Cristina also has significant experience in international litigation and arbitration, including enforcement proceedings, representing clients in the United States and abroad. A native Spanish speaker, Cristina has experience handling international arbitration matters before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and other arbitral institutions, including matters that have been conducted entirely in Spanish.
Cristina is on the board of directors of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She speaks regularly on issues regarding investigations and global disputes, with a particular focus on Latin America. Cristina is the hiring partner for the Miami Office and serves as a member of the Firmwide Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement Committee.
Experience
The following represents experience acquired prior to joining Jones Day.
Represented a Fortune 500 company in multiple state and federal actions related to lease agreements for telecommunication services throughout the United States alleging fraud in the inducement, breach of contract, and unfair trade practices.
Represented a multisystem cable operator in a carriage and distribution dispute with a channel operator.
Represented a South American client in a multimillion dollar dispute in connection with a stock purchase agreement involving the sale of an interest in a financial and insurance group of companies.
Represented a multinational company in a criminal investigation regarding allegations of noncompliance with audit guidelines.
Represented a foreign corporation whose takeover tender offer was challenged in a federal securities action seeking to halt the takeover bid.
Represented a major accounting firm in an SEC investigation.
Represented a sovereign government in an intellectual property dispute with United States licensees.
Speaking Engagements
- February 21, 2019
Tips for Young Lawyers in the Courtroom: A Panel Discussion - September 26, 2018
Calling in the cavalry for corporate investigations, Latin America Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA) Regional Meeting - 20 junio, 2018
La creciente importancia de las investigaciones internas al amparo de la FCPA y su impacto en la empresa española - May 10, 2018
Women in Business, moderator, MDFAWL Fifth Annual Leadership Summit - April 26, 2018
Corruption and Arbitration: What have we learnt so far?, speaker, Second Annual Arbitration Summit, Latin Lawyer - February 21, 2017
Moderator, the Grit Project CLE - October 18, 2016
FCPA Investigations and the New National Anticorruption System in Mexico, speaker - February 26, 2016
Emergency and Interim Measures in International Arbitration, moderator, Florida Bar ILAT Conference - February 14, 2016
Speaker, "ICC Young Arbitrators Forum: Arbitration and Technology," VII International Arbitration Congress - November 5, 2015
Moderator, "What Practitioners Need to Know: Upcoming Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rules of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida" - November 1, 2014
Speaker, "ICC Young Arbitrators Forum, A Discussion of Theoretical and Practical Issues Facing Young Practitioners"
- University of Pennsylvania (J.D. 2001); Princeton University (A.B. 1998)
- Florida and New York; U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First and Eleventh Circuits; and U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, Southern District of New York, and District of Puerto Rico
- Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida (Miami office) (2007-2011)
Named among the Daily Business Review's "Most Effective Lawyers" of 2017
Named to Latin America's Rising Legal Stars for 2018 by Latinvex
Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Leader in the Law, 2017
40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2014
Recipient of Outstanding Service and Performance Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Law Clerk to: Judge Juan R. Torruella, U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit (2003-2004) and Judge Juan M. Pérez-Giménez, U.S. District Court, District of Puerto Rico (2001-2002)
- Spanish and Italian