PRESS RELEASE
February 20, 2007
For immediate distribution
Contact: Teruca Solá
787-250-5150
U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE HECTOR LAFFITTE RETURNS TO PRIVATE PRACTICE AT McConnell Valdés
San Juan, Puerto Rico - Arturo J. García Solá, McConnell Valdés' Managing Partner, announced today that, after a distinguished career in the federal judiciary, former U.S. District Court Judge Héctor M. Laffitte has chosen McConnell Valdés to return to private practice.
During his tenure at the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Judge Laffitte was known for his industriousness, strictness and efficiency in case management. He issued more than 600 opinions and presided over many landmark cases involving intense media coverage. His legacy as a former Chief Judge of the Court includes, in addition to many administrative accomplishments, the commissioning of a book on the history of the Court.
Although Judge Laffitte is better known for his distinguished career as a federal judge for over 20 years, prior to his appointment to the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico by President Ronald Reagan, Judge Laffitte had earned a reputation for being one of Puerto Rico's preeminent labor law attorneys and an expert on First Amendment issues.
García Solá expressed great satisfaction with Judge Laffitte's decision to join the firm. "We are honored that Judge Laffitte has chosen McConnell Valdés to resume his practice as an attorney", said García Solá.
According to García Solá, "because of his unique experience, Judge Laffitte has much to contribute to McConnell Valdés' diverse practice. He will not only join our Litigation Practice Group but will also support our Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, the Arbitration and Mediation and the Government Affairs Practice Areas, as well as enhance the capabilities of our pioneering and already strong Government Enforcement and White Collar Defense Practice Area."
McConnell Valdés is now home to two eminent jurists who have served in Puerto Rico's state and federal courts, Justice Baltasar Corrada del Río and Judge Laffitte.
"The success of McConnell Valdés for over 60 years is the result of our attorneys' constant pursuit of excellence, profound respect for the rule of law, and firm commitment to the highest principles of personal integrity and professional ethics. I am confident that Judge Laffitte will make a lasting contribution to McConnell Valdés not only because of his experience and knowledge, but because he epitomizes our institutional values," added García Solá.
McConnell Valdés is one of the oldest law firms in Puerto Rico. It was founded in 1946 and since then it has been recognized for the excellence of its services in various areas of the law. Its client portfolio includes many of the most successful companies in every segment of Puerto Rico's economy and many "Fortune 500" companies. Moreover, McConnell Valdés has been widely recognized for its civic and philanthropic work in the Island as well its contributions to Puerto Rico art and culture.
