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Cuba's legal system is based on American
and Spanish law mixed with communist legal
theory. If you plan to go into business
or buy or sell property in Cuba you will
most certainly need the services of an attorney.
Your lawyer will be able to help you understand
the complexities of Cuba's legal system.
An attorney is one of the best investments
you can make because he or she can assist
you with bureaucratic procedures and handle
other legal matters that may arise. If you
are not fully bilingual, be sure to choose
a lawyer who is.
It is very important to watch your lawyer
closely, since lawyers in Latin America
tend to drag their feet as other bureaucrats
do. Never take anything for granted. Refuse
to believe that things are getting done,
even if you are assured they are. Check
with your lawyer on a regular basis and
ask to see your file to make sure he has
taken care of your business. As you might
imagine paper work moves slowly in Cuba.
You don't want a procrastinating lawyer
to prolong the process.
When you first contact a lawyer, make sure
he is accessible at all hours. Also be sure
you have your lawyer's office and home telephone
number in case you need him in an emergency.
If your lawyer is always in meetings or
out of the office, this is a clear sign
your work is being neglected and you have
chosen the wrong attorney.
Take your time and look around for an attorney.
Ask friends, foreigners and other knowledgeable
people for the names of their lawyers. Then
try to inquire about your potential lawyer's
reputation and integrity.
All over the world there are always a few
incompetent, unscrupulous attorneys, so
be careful who you are dealing with before
you make your final choice. One of the most
important people in your life in Cuba will
be your lawyer, so it is important to develop
a good working relationship.
The restrictions preventing foreign lawyers
from practicing in Cuba has been somewhat
relaxed. We have heard that some foreign
lawyers are practicing in free trade zones.
In any event, if you plan to invest or
do business in Cuba, you should purchase
Diccionario de Términos Legales (Dictionary
of Legal Terms), to help you understand
legal language.
In Cuba Consultoría Jurídica Internacional
(International Judicial Consultative Bureau)
Calle 18 #120, corner of Ave. 3, Miramar,
Havana, Tel; 33-2490, Fax: 33-2303 and Ave
1 #208, in Varadero tel; 33-7077 Fax: 33-7080
offers legal advice for all aspects of Cuban
law including marriages, contracts and joint
business ventures. The will also represent
you. They have offices in Havana, Pinar
del Río, Varadero, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos
Camagüey, Ciego de Avila, Holguín, Bayamo
and Santiago de Cuba.
If you are seeking a United States based
attorney to help you with legal question
about going into business in Cuba we suggest
you contact McConnel Valdés - the
world's largest Hispanic-owned law firm.
They can assist clients in understanding
the present legal restrictions affecting
individuals and companies doing business
in Cuba. They can also prepare clients for
the day when such restrictions are lifted.
Mr. Ramón Coto-Ojeda is the person
to contact at this law firm. McConnel Valdéz,
P.O. Box 364225, San Juan, Puerto Rica 00936-4225,
Tel: (787) 759-9292, Fax: (787) 759-9225.
E-mail: iln@mcypr.com,
Internet: http://www.mcypr.com.
The following U.S. based attorneys also
have expertise in the field of Cuba:
Mr. Adolpho R. García
Partner Mcdermott. Will & Emery. 28
State Street, 33rd Floor, Boston, MA 02109.
Tel: (617) 353-4070 - Fax: (617) 535-3800.
E-mail: agarcia@mwe.com
Mr. David Baron
Senior Associate. McDermott, Will &
Emery. 600 13th Street, N. W., Washington,
D.C. 20005-3096. Tel: (202) 756-8102 - Fax:
(202) 756-8087. E-mail: dbaron@mwe.com
Mr. Robert L. Muse, Esq.
Law Offices of Robert L. Muse Suite M-2,
1320 19th Street, Northwest, Washington,
D.C. 20036. Tel: (202) 887-4990 - Fax: (202)
861-6912.
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