Diego Durán de la Vega is a partner of Hughes Hubbard based in Washington, D.C. and Co-Chair of the Latin American Disputes practice group. His practice focuses on international disputes, including white-collar defense matters, internal investigations, commercial litigation and international arbitration cases—including investor-state arbitration. He also has experience in compliance, where he assesses exposure, designs and implements programs, and provides training.

Diego mainly advises and represents non-U.S. clients in U.S. litigation, and U.S. clients that are facing litigation abroad. Among Diego’s clients are government agencies, international corporations and high-profile individuals.

Diego has appeared before international arbitration tribunals, federal and state courts in the United States, and all levels of the Mexican judiciary, including the Mexican Supreme Court. He has also participated in cases before the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights and its Court of Justice.

In the area of international arbitration, Diego has represented clients in the following industries: renewable energy, oil and gas, maritime services, engineering and construction, health, casino, and food franchising. He conducted such representations before the following international arbitration institutions: ICC, AAA/ICDR, JAMS and ICSID. He also has experience with Ad hoc cases. In addition, Diego also has experience as an arbitrator: he currently serves as an arbitrator in two ICC commercial arbitrations, is included in the AAA’s roster of Consumer Arbitrators and the Mexican Arbitration Center National Roster of Arbitrators.

In the areas of white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations and compliance, Diego has represented and advised clients in various investigations and proceedings related to DOJ, SEC, OFAC and FinCEN, as well as federal prosecutors' offices in different states of the United States. He has also represented clients in connection with extradition proceedings. In addition, he has participated in several internal investigations related to FCPA, money laundering, tax evasion, economic sanctions, among others.

Diego’s experience as a litigator in Mexico and the U.S., his academic work in Europe, Mexico and the United States, and his cultural capabilities enable him to easily navigate complex cross-border legal issues. He has ample experience coordinating international legal teams and local counsel in different jurisdictions.

Because Diego’s native language is Spanish, and he is fluent in English, he is able to handle cases in both languages. Furthermore, Diego is licensed to practice law in both Mexico and the U.S. (New York and District of Columbia). He is the only attorney at the firm licensed to practice in both countries. This places Diego in a unique position to understand and navigate both Civil and Common Law systems.

Diego is also experienced in Mexican Criminal, Constitutional and Amparo Law. Prior to Hughes Hubbard and Quinn Emanuel, he was a successful litigator at one of the top criminal law boutiques in Mexico, where he defended and helped prosecute dozens of cases.

Professional Activities

Vice Chair, Commission on Anti-Corruption, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mexico Chapter, 2020-present
Member, United States Council for International Business (USCIB - ICC USA), Arbitration Committee, 2019-present
Member, International Bar Association, Committees on Arbitration and Litigation, 2017-present
Member, American Bar Association, International Law Section, Committees on Arbitration, Litigation and Criminal Law, 2014-present
Member, New York State Bar Association, Committees on Arbitration, Litigation and Criminal Law, 2014-present
Member, Mexican Bar Association, 2011-present
Member, Mexican Institute of Mediation, 2019-present
Member, Hispanic National Bar Association, 2019-present

Previous Experience

Associate, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Washington, DC, 2014-2019)
Associate, Bufete Aguilar Zinser (Mexico City, 2007-2013)
Law Clerk, Baker & McKenzie (Mexico City, 2005-2007)
Law Clerk, Legarreta y Asociados (Mexico City, 2004-2005)

Recognition

Listed in The Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist: US-Mexico (2022)
Recommended in The Legal 500 Latin America in International Arbitration (International Firms) (2021, 2022)
Recommended in The Legal 500 United States in International Arbitration (2022)

Highlighted Publications

Co-author, Current Landscape of Disputes in the Mexican Energy Sector, Corporate Disputes Magazine (December 2022)
Co-author, Understanding and Mitigating U.S. Sanctions Risks in Latin America, The Guide to Corporate Compliance, Latin Lawyer (May 2022)
Co-author, Mexico: Anti-Corruption Enforcement Update, International Chamber of Commerce Mexico’s Digital Magazine (December 2021)
Co-author, FCPA & Anti-Bribery Alerts, Hughes Hubbard & Reed (2020-2022)
Co-author, USMCA: The Protection of the Investment, Escala Legal Magazine (June 2021)
Author, The Tsunami Coming for Mexico, Power Magazine (April 2021)
Co-author, Latin America Overview: A long Road Travelled; a Long Road to the Journey’s End, International Arbitration Laws and Regulations 2020, Global Legal Group (August 2020)
Co-author, Commercial and Investment Treaty Arbitration in the Energy Sector in Latin America, Tirant lo Blanch, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and the Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Center of the University of Houston Law School (June 2020)

Highlighted Lectures, Interviews, Seminars, Conferences and Webinars

“Mexican National Anticorruption System: A comparative of the before and now, and the status of its implementation,” Universidad Panamericana and the Anti-Corruption Commission of ICC Mexico, Fifth Anti-Corruption Diploma, Mexico City, September 2020, October 2021, November 2022
“Career Conversation Circle on Litigation,” program organized by University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School inviting school alumni to speak to current LLM and JD students, November 2022
"U.S. and Latin American perspective of the ICC’s Whistleblowing Guidelines," The International Chamber of Commerce's Global Anti-corruption and Corporate Responsibility Commission Annual Meeting, October 2022
"Potential US-Mexico arbitration could lead to a 'reorganization of commercial relations,'" interview conducted by BNamericas, August 2022
“Launch of the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) 2022 Spanish Language Whistleblowing Guidelines,” event organized by the ICC's Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Colombia chapters, May 2022
“Primer on Cyber-Security Challenges in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the U.S.,” webinar organized by the Inter-American Affairs and Compliance Committees of the New York City Bar Association, September 2021
“Brazil and Mexico: Compliance Trends and Developments,” webinar organized by Marval O’Farrell Mairal (Argentina), Fourth Marval Annual Summit on Compliance, Anti-Corruption and Investigations, September 2021
“Bankruptcy in Mexico and the United States,” a webinar organized by Inteli Iuris and moderated by retired Mexican Supreme Court Justice José Ramón Cossío Díaz, August 2020
“Investing in Latin America in Times of COVID-19,” webinar organized by Intralinks and Marval O’Farrell Mairal (Argentina), and with the participation of nine different law firms across Latin America, August 2020
“Careers in Compliance for Diverse Law Students,” webinar organized by the Minorities in the Profession, Law Students Perspectives, Inter-American Affairs, and Compliance Committees of the New York City Bar Association, August 2020
“Policies in the Mexican Electricity Sector: Impact and Resolution Scenarios,” webinar organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, July 2020
“New Policies in the Mexican Electricity Sector: Impact and Resolution Scenarios,” webinar organized by the Germany, Spain, and Great Britain chambers of commerce in Mexico, June 2020
“Reliability Policy in the Mexican Electricity Sector: Impact and Resolution Alternatives,” webinar organized by the France-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, June 2020
“The Benefits of Having a Whistleblower System: the US Experience and the Outlook in Mexico,” webinar organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission of ICC Mexico, June 2020
“Risks of Relaxing Compliance in Times of Crisis: How to Adapt Compliance Programs,” webinar organized by Hughes Hubbard and Reed, June 2020
“The Impact of Mexico's New Policy for the Electricity System,” webinar organized by Hughes Hubbard & Reed, Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados, and Control Risks, May 2020
"Conversation with Dr. Mijangos Borja, Special Prosecutor in the Fight against Corruption," webinar organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission of CCI Mexico, May 2020
“Cross-border investigations during the pandemic and in a post-COVID-19 world,” webinar organized by the New York City Bar Association's Inter-American Affairs, Compliance, and White Collar Crime Committees, May 2020
“Investment Opportunities in the Mexican Energy Sector,” webinar organized by Hughes Hubbard & Reed, Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados, and Control Risks, March 2020
“The New Agenda of the National Anti-Corruption System 2020,” conversation with Mrs. Cruz Lesbros, President of the Coordinating Committee of the National Anti-Corruption System, session of the Anti-Corruption Commission of CCI Mexico, Mexico City, March 2020
“Anti-Corruption Investigations in the Energy Sector,” Fourth Anti-Corruption Diploma, Universidad Panamericana and the Anti-Corruption Commission of CCI Mexico, Mexico City, February 2020
“Influence of Civil Organizations in Institutional Strengthening,” III International Anti-Corruption Congress, CCI Mexico Anti-Corruption Commission, Mexico City, November 2019
“Fulfilling the Promise of International Arbitration,” forum organized by Greenberg Traurig, Washington, D.C., October 2019
“Risks and Best Practices in U.S.-Mexico Trade and Anti-Corruption: Moving Forward in Uncertain Times,” event organized by Hughes Hubbard & Reed and Sanchez DeVanny, Mexico City, August 2019
“Setting up the Right Arbitral Tribunal: Different Voices for Optimal Results,” American Bar Association, International Law Section, Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 2019
“The Past, Present and Future of the Global Fight Against Corruption,” Universidad Panamericana and the Anti-Corruption Commission of ICC Mexico, Anti-Corruption Diploma, Mexico City, October 2017
“The FCPA and its Current Trends,” Universidad Panamericana and the Anti-Corruption Commission of CCI Mexico, Anti-Corruption Diploma, Mexico City, November 2016
“Criminal Enforcement Trends in the United States,” Mexican National Association of Tax Specialists, Fifth International Tax Seminar, Washington, D.C., June 2016
“Tax Felonies Under Mexican Law,” Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, Tax Law II Course, Mexico City, February 2013

Highlighted Matters

International Arbitration

Commercial arbitration (AAA-ICDR – Mexican law). Currently representing one of the largest construction materials company in the world, in a pre-arbitration commercial dispute with two thermoelectric energy companies in Mexico, owned by one of the largest US energy companies, in connection with potential breach of contract allegations. If case goes to arbitration, it will be administered by the AAA-ICDR, under Mexican law and seated in Houston, Texas
Commercial arbitration (ICC – Mexico law). Co-arbitrator in a dispute between an international private company and a subsidiary of Mexico’s state -owned utility company, in a contractual dispute regarding the construction of a solar power plant
Commercial arbitration (ICC – Mexico law). Co-arbitrator in a dispute between a Mexican company and a Malaysian company in connection with services provided in the Mexican oil and gas industry
Commercial arbitration (AAA - ICDR rules - New York law). Represented the Mexican subsidiary of a Spanish multinational engineering and construction company in a commercial dispute related to a renewable energy project in Mexico
Commercial arbitration (ICC - New York law). Represented a Mexican company in the food industry against a U.S. company, franchisor of a famous pastry shop, in a contractual dispute regarding the terms of its master franchise agreement
Commercial arbitration (Ad hoc - UNCITRAL Rules - New York law). Represented a Mexican company, the largest distributor of asphalt in Southeast Mexico, in a contractual dispute against a Swiss company
Commercial Arbitration (JAMS – California law). Represented a Mexican healthcare company in a contractual dispute against a U.S. company regarding the unjustified termination of a license agreement
Investor-State Arbitration (ICSID - Mexican Law). Represented a Singaporean multinational company against Mexico in connection with the Oceanografía scandal, one of the largest frauds in Latin American history, related to the hydrocarbon sector in Mexico
Investor-State Arbitration (ICSID - ICSID Additional Facility Rules - Mexican law). Represented a group of U.S. investors against Mexico regarding the cancellation of their licenses to operate casinos in Mexico

Civil and Commercial Litigation

Commercial litigation (New York). Currently representing a member of one of the wealthiest families in Mexico, in a cross-border legal battle in the U.S., Mexico and Cayman Islands for the control of certain family assets
Commercial litigation (California). Currently representing one of the largest distributors of Hispanic foods in Southwest U.S. against Nestle, in a dispute in federal court regarding parallel imports / gray market products
Commercial litigation (New York). Advised the Mexican subsidiary of a leading multinational renewable energy company in a pre-litigation contractual dispute against a British company
Commercial litigation (Florida). Represented a group of defendants from Colombia and Panama in a dispute over the ownership of certain companies and assets
Commercial litigation (New York). Represented the largest hotel operator in Mexico in a pre-litigation dispute against one of the largest payment processors in the world, in connection with a contractual disagreement related to arbitrary increases of the deposit retention amounts as a consequence of the global pandemic
Civil litigation (New York). Advised a Mexican businessperson in connection with a RICO Act lawsuit related to the NXIVM sex trafficking secret cult scandal
Commercial litigation (New York and California). Advised and represented one of the world's largest cinema chains in several contractual disputes against U.S. companies
Commercial litigation (California). Advised and Represented a famous Mexican journalist and anchorwoman in a contractual dispute against two U.S. companies
Commercial litigation (Illinois). Currently advising a Mexican software distribution company in a contractual negotiation that could lead to litigation with a U.S. software global company
Legal malpractice (Florida). Represented a formerly publicly traded company in the United States against its former attorneys for legal malpractice
Civil rights, pro bono (Virginia). Represented undocumented families in a first impression case for violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act, for discrimination based on an impact theory or disparate treatment

White Collar Criminal Defense and Corporate Investigations

FCPA and market manipulation (DOJ and CFTC). Currently representing a Mexican businessperson in connection with parallel DOJ and CFTC investigations into alleged FCPA violations and market manipulation by an international commodities trading company
Money laundering investigation (DOJ-SDCA). Currently representing a Mexican businessperson in connection with a DOJ investigation into Wynn casinos for alleged money laundering
High-profile criminal defense (DOJ-SDTX). Represented a former governor of a state in Mexico who was indicted for racketeering, drug trafficking, money laundering and bank fraud. Coordinated legal teams in Mexico and Italy, where client was also facing charges
High-profile criminal defense (DOJ-EDNY). Currently advising a client in connection with the NXIVM scandal, in which Keith Raniere is facing charges for sex trafficking, forced labor and RICO violations
High-profile criminal defense (DOJ-EDNY). Represented another former governor of a state in Mexico who was under investigation by the DOJ for racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering
FIFA scandal-related investigation (DOJ). Part of the team that represented a Swiss bank, and conducted an internal investigation, in connection with the DOJ investigations into racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering by FIFA officials
DOJ’s Swiss Bank Program investigation (DOJ). Part of the team that represented a Swiss bank, and conducted an internal investigation, in connection with DOJ’s Swiss Bank Program and allegations of aiding and abetting tax evasion of U.S. taxpayers. Client was the first bank to reach resolution under the program
Walmart FCPA investigation (DOJ and SEC). Represented a high-level employee of Walmart Mexico in the worldwide FCPA investigation that DOJ and SEC conducted into Walmart from 2012 to 2018
Stock manipulation investigation (SEC). Represented a U.S. former publicly traded company, now owned by Mexican individuals, in connection with a SEC investigation into stock manipulation, and books and records violations
U.S. economic sanctions (OFAC). Advised a major Latin American pharmaceutical company in connection with the successful release of several million dollars in blocked funds
U.S. economic sanctions (OFAC). Advised and represent a Mexican real estate company in connection with a request filed before OFAC
Extradition proceedings (U.S.). Represented another former governor of a state in Mexico who was seeking political asylum in the U.S. and defending against an extradition request from Mexico based on several arrest warrants for embezzlement of public funds, corruption, racketeering and money laundering
Extradition proceedings (U.S.). Represented a Mexican businessman who was seeking political asylum in the U.S. and defending against an extradition request from Mexico based on an arrest warrant for embezzlement of public funds
Victims of visa fraud scheme (DOJ-WDTX). Currently advising two entities and its Mexican principals who were the victims of a visa fraud scheme in connection with a DOJ investigation