Ulises Cabrera have been recognized by the British directory The Legal 500, as one of the Leading Firms of the Dominican Republic. Ulises Cabrera, law firm with over 50 years of experience, has been ranked in the practice areas of Corporate and M&A, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Labour & Employment, Real Estate and Tourism and Environment, the last three areas debuting in the legal ranking for the first time.
Corporate and M&A
The Legal 500 points out that, Ulises Cabrera has longstanding experience of advising local and international clients on corporate matters, including M&A, foreign investments, corporate finance, regulatory issues, and agency and distribution contracts. Notable areas of expertise include the financial, technology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Founding partner Ulises Cabrera leads the team alongside managing partner José Cruz Campillo, whose practice covers foreign investments, free trade zone matters and agency and distribution law, and Mónica Villafaña, who advises on a wide range of commercial contracts and corporate transactions, as well as competition law.
In the same nature, clients testify that “Ulises Cabrera has been able to put together a team of very talented young lawyers and some experienced practitioners. They keep their clients up to date on their specific cases. I think that collaboration and strategic thinking are the major traits of the firm”. Likewise, they add that “Ulises Cabrera has a good team of professionals who are ethical and committed to the well-being of their clients. They project an image of prestige, and we understand that their services are highly valued in the Dominican market”.
They also indicate that, “Mónica Villafaña stands out for her absolute commitment, capacity to handle complex cases and quick responses. Monica is up to date with the socioeconomic and political situation of the country, so her legal analysis includes these aspects as well”. Another client adds that “Ulises Cabrera’s great experience and seniority, as well as his affable approach and good sense of humour, have been key factors in our relationship of more than 40 years. Monica Villafaña is an excellent professional and an expert in the business and corporate arena. Her incorporation into the firm has been essential to complement the offering of world-class legal services”.
Intellectual Property
In the same vein, The Legal 500 recognized again the Intellectual Property department, which is headed by partner Magdalena Almonte, as one of the leading firms in the Dominican Republic. The editors say that the department acts for clients such as Rolex in filing opposition actions against others’ trademark applications in order to protect their IP. Protective strategies also include advice on unauthorized use of a trademark for GlaxoSmithKline, filing complaints for damage to the reputation of a trademark and defending clients against annulment actions for non-use. Patents and industrial designs for technology clients are also covered, with practice head Magdalena Almonte and associate Aidaluz Pimentel providing day-to-day advice to Xiaomi on its portfolio of distinctive signs and filing a patent application for Derrick Corporation, as well as the IP aspects of due diligence as part of an acquisition.
Clients testify that “Magdalena Almonte is exceptional; she is a great lawyer, she has extensive knowledge, and she always provides business-oriented approach. We very much look forward to working together with her in the future!”.
Likewise, they add that “The firm has the unusual ability to manage legal affairs throughout the Caribbean, which is extremely difficult to find”.
When interviewed by the British directory, a client highlighted that “The team is responsive, helpful and has a great knowledge of its area. They provide quick and efficient solutions”.
Dispute resolution
The British directory recognized the firm´s Dispute Resolution department as a leading one, for the second time. As part of the study results, The Legal 500 indicates that Ulises Cabrera ‘s diverse areas of expertise include disputes relating to forced evictions, licensing contracts, tax collection, public contracting, financial and technology-related crime, and damages claims in the maritime sector. In addition, the team is active in the settlement of disputes involving high-profile families in the Dominican Republic.
A client indicates that “the firm stands out for its indisputable experience in dispute resolution in the different branches of civil, commercial, and real estate law. Ulises Cabrera has a dynamic dispute resolution team, where the experience and joviality of the professionals that make it up converge. They come up with capable and innovative strategies”. Another client refers to his experience in a litigation case stating that “there is an old expression that indicates that the best lawsuit is the one that is not made. With the mediation of the lawyers at Ulises Cabrera, my conflict could be resolved in a fair and harmonious manner for both parties, thus avoiding an endless litigation that it would end up wearing down both sides. In my opinion, this firm deserves its prestige in this sensitive area by taking care of the interests of its clients”.
Labour & Employment
For this practice area, the British ranking indicated that Ulises Cabrera is experienced in labour litigation, representing both employers and employees, in addition to handling negotiations with labour unions. The team also advises on a wide range of non-contentious matters, including the drafting of internal regulations and compliance with local labour and social security laws (as well as new health and safety regulations stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic). Founding partner Ulises Cabrera and managing partner José Cruz Campillo are particularly active in labour disputes, and Monica Villafaña advises corporate clients on labour issues.
“What makes the team unique is its willingness to deal with our cases. The team is fully qualified in all areas”, said a client when interviewed by the editors.
Real Estate and Tourism
Ulises Cabrera counts the Asociación Popular de Ahorros y Préstamo (APAP) as a key client, advising the bank frequently on foreclosure litigation against debtors. The firm represents clients in lawsuits against the Dominican state, defending APAP in a title fraud matter and suing on behalf of landowner SONULI regarding compensation for land affected by road building. The team has also advised SONULI on title and demarcation issues, two areas of which the firm has much experience. Name partner Ulises Cabrera leads, and ‘excellent’ senior associate Jeanny Aristy Santana assists in the majority of the firm’s matters, which are often for private clients; Cabrera co-led with Leslie Cabrera on an individual’s sale of lands amounting to 150m sq m. Freddy Zarzuela advises on housing projects, with experience in foreclosure cases.
Clients are highly satisfied, one indicates that “the team has a specialist real estate practice, reflecting extensive knowledge and experience in different cases successfully handled for the company”. Another emphasizes that “the evolution and the excellent results to date of the Ulises Cabrera firm’s real estate area is remarkable, and it is a transformation that encompasses structure, logistics, and team management; always providing an excellent professional service, marked with the seal of the firm, something that always stands out: familiarity. They make up a committed team, well-prepared, and at the same time willing to maintain necessary customer service”. In the same direction, another client adds that “they are exceptional people, who provide a quality service accompanied by friendly treatment, a timely service, and an impeccable response. The provision is one of the characteristics that distinguish the real estate team, always being receptive to the requirements raised. Jeanny Aristy: excellent professional and human being, with leadership capacity, highlighting her preparation, organization in the performance of her functions. Luis Calderón: excellent professional, always willing to provide a quality service. Alexis Santil: excellent professional, friendly treatment, and notable commitment”.
Environment
Following in the footsteps of the Real Estate & Tourism and Labor practices, Environment joins the successful list of practices highly valued by The Legal 500. The editors say that Ulises Cabrera provides environmental expertise for manufacturing clients, with managing partner José Cruz Campillo recently representing a textile company in administrative appeals against fines for violations of environmental regulations. Cruz Campillo also leads the team in negotiations of permits with the Ministry of Environment, assisted by Heiddy Moronta, who works on all environmental matters at the firm. The pair collaborated on amending a permit for a textile plant, a key element of the plant’s environmental plan, as well as renewing a permit for healthcare manufacturer Cardinal Health. The team also assisted multinational environmental consultants with permits to allow them to carry out environmental impact studies for a mining company.
One client highlights that “when the firm takes on cases in this area, it pays special attention to mastering the technical aspects. Deals exceptionally with regulatory authorities, and we have achieved great results thanks to its assistance and advice”. Another adds that “Jose Cruz has been a key player in matters related to this area. The constant follow-up and interest that he puts into each of our matters, make him worthy of our recognition”.
