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New York litigator standing in front of gray background wearing business suit and smiling

VALERIE (RAMOS) PORTILLO

Partner

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Direct Tel: +1 332 296 8304

Email: vportillo@brithem.com

Valerie is a seasoned litigator, having taken cases to trial on both the plaintiff and defense side.

She has successfully represented clients in high-stakes complex commercial and financial litigations, including cross-border cases involving Latin America. Her experience ranges from pre-litigation investigations through appeal. Valerie has also successfully represented clients in SEC regulatory enforcement actions, including those involving digital assets and foreign company filings.

Valerie has been widely recognized for her work by clients and industry publications. She was ranked in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation guide for three consecutive years (2023–25). In addition, Valerie is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Since 2019, Valerie has taught courses on civil discovery, privilege, and cross-border litigation. Valerie also volunteers her time to preparing the next generation of trial lawyers, serving as a judge in law school competitions alongside current members of the judiciary and experienced practitioners.

Before joining Brithem, Valerie served as of counsel at Quinn Emanuel.

Credentials

University of California, Berkeley School of Law, J.D.

  • Berkeley Business Law Journal, Co-Editor-in-Chief
  • IP LawMeet Competition, national champion
  • Board of Advocates
  • Prosser Prize, Torts

University of Texas El Paso, B.A., summa cum laude
Georgetown University Law Center, Adjunct Law Professor
Quinn Emanuel, Of Counsel
Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia, Member
California Bar, Admitted
D.C. Bar, Admitted

Select Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation (2023–25)

Lawyers of Color Annual Hot List (2022)

Impact Matters

Defended a major conglomerate in a COVID-era busted deal case

Valerie secured a complete walkaway following an expedited trial in a bankruptcy proceeding concerning the buyer’s termination of an acquisition during the pandemic. The decision was affirmed on appeal.

Secured major recovery against a global financial institution

Mid-trial, Valerie secured a significant settlement from the sale of predatory financial product.

Secured SEC no-action letter for charitable organization in digital asset space

In a confidential investigation, Valerie persuaded the SEC that a charitable organization’s conduct was not a violation of the securities laws. A different finding would have forced the organization to close.

Overall Experience

  • Complex Commercial Cross-Border Disputes

    Valerie has significant experience managing cross-border disputes. Select matters include the representation of:

    • Former owners of a Mexican pharmaceutical company, favorably resolving a multibillion-dollar action concerning the sale of a pharmaceutical company.
    • A global agricultural merchant, resolving in a favorable settlement in a dispute regarding commercialization of a genetically modified product in other countries.
    • A global private equity firm concerning the sale of a portfolio company in Latin America.
    • A Mexican cinema company in a bankruptcy matter in a contract dispute that resulted in a favorable ruling following an evidentiary hearing that was confirmed on appeal.
    • A Latin American manufacturer in an action applying foreign law against a major financial institution that resulted in a favorable settlement mid-trial.
    • A key witness in a multi-jurisdiction dispute in securing the deletion of an INTERPOL Red Notice.

    Valerie has navigated foreign legal systems for her clients, obtaining documentary and testimonial evidence from abroad under the Hague Evidence Convention.

    In addition, Valerie has enabled foreign clients to secure evidence from U.S. entities and individuals, leveraging 28 USC § 1782 proceedings.

  • Complex Commercial & Financial Litigation

    Valerie has represented:

    • A private real estate investment firm that obtained a favorable settlement in pre-litigation mediation in a dispute against a public university.
    • A liquidating trust concerning claims against mortgage sellers for breaches of representations and warranties made during loan securitization, securing favorable judgment at jury trial.

  • Regulatory Enforcement

    Valerie has successfully defended individuals and organizations in regulatory inquiries before the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the representation of:

    • Founders of a charitable organization concerning the distribution of a digital asset, successfully obtaining no-action letter.
    • A prominent celebrity concerning alleged promotion of a non-fungible token (NFT), successfully obtaining no-action letter.
    • An international mining and materials company concerning representations made in SEC filings, successfully obtaining agreement with SEC.
    • One of the largest U.S. fintech companies concerning its offering of products on the blockchain.
    • Cutting-edge automotive and technology company concerning public offering.

  • Employment Disputes

    Valerie has represented:

    • Former CEO and president of biotech company in favorably settling mediation related to employment claims.
    • Major law firm and several of its partners in a discrimination case, which successfully ended in a dismissal.

  • Insurance Disputes

    Valerie has represented:

    • Major law firm in successfully resolving insurance dispute against malpractice insurance provider.

  • Pro Bono

    Valerie has represented:

    • A Cuban political dissident, securing his release from a detention center through the Immigration Justice Campaign.
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