Global Arbitration & Litigation Attorney Ricardo Ampudia Moves to Shook

Ricardo A. Ampudia joins complex litigation powerhouse Shook, Hardy & Bacon. Ampudia, who speaks four languages and serves as lead counsel in disputes conducted entirely in English and Spanish, will help grow Shook’s arbitration and litigation capabilities globally, particularly in Latin America and Europe. He has represented clients in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, North and South America in a variety of industries including construction, energy, infrastructure and hospitality.

“More companies than ever are doing business globally,” said Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough. “This presents opportunities and challenges. An advocate of Ricardo’s vast experience will be beneficial for clients with international interests. He’s a great addition.”

Ampudia joins John Barkett, Frank Cruz-Alvarez, Lynn Murray, Bert Ocariz and Sergio Pagliery as part of Shook’s Global Arbitration Practice. Shook’s international hearings and trial teams are equally at home in international tribunals, state or federal court, before mediators and arbitrators and on appeal. Ampudia represents clients in a wide variety of international disputes as well as litigation in matters pertaining to banking and finance, securities, international trade, international human rights and international proceedings before INTERPOL.

“In addition to litigation, my forte is international treaties, advocating for companies or individuals who are conducting business abroad and may have a dispute with a foreign government or business, or vice versa,” said Ampudia, who grew up in Latin America. “Living and traveling all over the world has afforded me the ability to speak and write in multiple languages. I have a true understanding of a variety of cultures and that’s invaluable in resolving business issues in or out of the hearing room.”

Ampudia received his L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center focusing on International Dispute Resolution, a J.D. from American University, and a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College. He founded his own company, International Disputes Resources, LLC, in Miami before joining Shook. He previously practiced for the International Arbitration and Trade Group of another major international law firm in Washington, D.C., and interned for the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.