Nelson Mullins Launches Venezuela Practice

In response to the shifting geopolitical dynamics, increased international engagement, and the prospect of economic transition reshaping Venezuela's investment landscape, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP announces the launch of its Venezuela Practice.

Co-led by partners James D. "Jim" Reardon, John F. Haley, and Henry "Buzz" Burwell, the team counsels clients to assess risk and navigate the regulatory and legal complexities of operating in one of the Western Hemisphere's most closely watched emerging markets, including structuring strategic investments. 

"Venezuela has long been one of the most legally and commercially complex jurisdictions in the Western Hemisphere, and the current moment demands more than generalist counsel; it demands attorneys who have spent careers at the intersection of international tax, energy, and geopolitical risk," said Reardon, who brings more than 34 years of experience to the multidisciplinary team representing public and private companies in corporate and tax matters, including advising foreign sovereign wealth funds on oil concessions, counseling multinationals on capital repatriation strategies, and structuring cross-border joint ventures across the energy and infrastructure sectors. 

"Our practice group brings together the precise combination of tax, M&A, oil and gas, sanctions, and project finance experience that clients operating in or entering Venezuela require. We are ready to help them move forward with clarity and confidence in a rapidly evolving environment."

Venezuela is entering a pivotal period that could fundamentally alter its commercial environment. Decades of sanctions, asset freezes, trade restrictions, and foreign exchange controls have created a layered regulatory landscape that demands specialized, multidisciplinary legal counsel. As geopolitical engagement with Venezuela evolves and international businesses evaluate their exposure and opportunity in the country, the need for integrated legal, tax, and government relations support has never been more important. The Nelson Mullins team has significant direct, on-the-ground knowledge of Venezuela's regulatory framework. 

The Venezuela Practice draws on the firm's deep bench across Oil & Gas, Trade Controls, Sanctions and OFAC, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Trade and Tariffs, Project Financing, Capital Repatriation, International Arbitration, Wealth Planning, International Tax, and Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure. The Venezuela Practice serves a broad client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, general counsel, oil and gas company leaders, import and export professionals, M&A dealmakers, financing partners, and wealth management professionals.

The team helps clients navigate the full range of legal, regulatory, and commercial challenges that Venezuela's environment presents, from OFAC compliance and foreign direct investment structuring to cross-border M&A and capital repatriation planning.