Gonzalo Capriles Baena

Of Counsel

gcapriles@lega.law
+58 212 2772252

 

DOWNLOAD CV  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Gonzalo Capriles joined the firm in 1987, where he actively worked until 1990, year when he resigned in order to hold government positions. In 1994, he joined the Firm once again, and he currently coordinates LEĜA’s Economic Law department. Gonzalo’s legal practice covers legal assistance in connection with the customs regime, foreign exchange, imports, exports, and economic integration agreements. He currently chairs a non-governmental organization called Integration and International Trade Forum, which promotes economic integration and the introduction of Venezuela in the globalized economy.
“Gonzalo Capriles is highly recognized in the customs arena. Interviewees recommend his work stating:  ”He has rich knowledge on economic integration matters. He undoubtedly is a first-class customs lawyer.” He brings more than 40 years of experience in the customs and foreign trade area”.
Chambers Latin America 2018.

AREAS OF PRACTICE & INDUSTRIES

♦ Foreign Trade and Customs
♦ Foreign Investments
♦ Foreign Exchange


ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

  • International Law Diploma. Cambridge University, England, 1979.
  • Master in Integration Law. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela, 1976.
  • Law Degree. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela, 1972.

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Bar Association of the Capital District
  • International Bar Association

LANGUAGES

  • Spanish
  • English
  • Italian

EXPERIENCE

  • Counsel of the Legal Consultancy Office of the Superintendency of Banks, and of Banco Central de Venezuela.
  • Legal Consultant of the Foreign Trade Institute.
  • Advisor of the Venezuelan government during negotiations for the addition of Venezuela to the GATT, and in the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations.
  • Advisor of the government concerning Venezuela’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other international organizations, as well as regarding several bilateral agreements on trade and investments.
  • Regarding economic integration, he was an Advisor of the Venezuelan government during the process of forming the free trade zone of the Andean Community, and during the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement of the G3.
  • External consultant in the Cartagena Agreement of the Latin American Economic System (SELA), and of the Trade Unit of the Organization of American States (OEA).
  • Active participation in the drafting of new laws.
  • President of the Venezuelan-Colombian Chamber of Economic Integration.
  • Legal Advisor of the Venezuelan-Mexican Chamber of Trade and Industries.
  • Alternate Director of the Venezuelan Association of Exporters.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Gonzalo has been a speaker in multiple events in connection with foreign trade, customs, foreign exchange, and commercial integration regime of nations, as he is an authority on these subjects and his views are always sought.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

  • Gonzalo has taught classes in postgraduate courses of Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, Universidad de Los Andes, and Universidad Central de Venezuela.

RECOGNITIONS

  • Gonzalo has been ranked by Chambers Latin America as a leading lawyer in customs.

DOWNLOAD CV