PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Miguel is partner of LEĜA since 2007, and he is currently a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has participated in negotiations with transnational corporations of the oil, gas, mining, and steel industries. He has deep knowledge of foreign investments, and all kind of regulations impacting foreign companies doing business in Venezuela, as well as due diligences and legal compliance. Prior to joining the firm, Miguel was partner of important national firms and was an intern in a law firm and in the legal department of Exxon Exploration Company in the US.
“Miguel Rivero Betancourt is a recognised lawyer in the practice area, with specialised expertise of financing transactions in the energy sector. He regularly assists influential international banks with negotiating loan agreements”.
Sources: Chambers Global. Banking & Finance. 2018.
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Sources: Chambers Global. Banking & Finance. 2018.
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AREAS OF PRACTICE & INDUSTRIES
♦ Mining, Oil and Gas
♦ Banking and Finance
♦ Foreign Investments
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
- LL.M. in Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy. University of Denver, USA, 2002.
- International Economic and Integration Law Specialist. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela, 1999.
- Law Degree. Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, Venezuela, 1991.
MEMBERSHIPS
- International Bar Association
- Bar Association of the Federal District
- Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AINP)
- Venezuelan Oil Chamber
- Venezuelan Gas Processors Association
LANGUAGES
- Spanish
- English
EXPERIENCE
- Advisor of oil and natural gas corporations.
- Assistance in the structuring of complex funding mechanisms so that governmental entities (PDVSA, CVG, and Banco de Venezuela) obtain funding backed by income generated from mining, oil, and by-products exportation
- Incorporation of oil companies in Venezuela, bid design, preparation and negotiation of contracts for sub-sectors of the industry.
- Negotiation of joint venture agreements with PDVSA in accordance with the Law on Hydrocarbons.
- Active leadership in the Venezuelan Gas Processors Association (2014 to this date).
- Coordinator of Lex Mundi’s Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Miguel actively participates as speaker in national and international forums, invited by diverse organizations, such as the International Bar Association and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Some of the topics he covers include: Legal and Political Framework in Venezuela’s Oil and Gas Sector, Monetary Reconversion, and Legal Regime of Joint Ventures in the country.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITY
- Miguel has been a lecturer in several Venezuelan universities. He was the Director of the Hydrocarbons and Mining Law Program of Universidad Monteavila. He has also taught the Hydrocarbons Law class in IESA.
RECOGNITIONS
- Miguel has been recognized as leading individual by Chambers Latin America and The Legal 500, in the areas of Energy and Natural Resources and Banking and Finance.
PUBLICATIONS
Miguel has published several articles on topics of his expertise, such:
- Foreign Investment in Venezuela’s Oil Industry
- Adhesion Contracts.
- Chapter on Oil Regulation of the Getting the Deal Through series, from 2013 to this date.
- Social Responsibility.