International Investment Symposium > Faculty
Faculty
(Click on the person's name to access his or her biography)To see the list of keynote speakers, please click here
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Vladimir Averyanov
Averyanov & Olenev (St. Petersburg, Russia)Alfonso Baigorri
Katz Barron Squitero Faust (Miami)Jerry Bailey
Frontstreet Partners, LLC (Miami)Bruce Bean
Chair, ABA Russian Eurasian CommitteeAlexander Caldwell
EFG Capital International Corp.Thomas Cash
Kroll, Inc. (Miami)John T.Connor, Jr.
Third Millennium Russia FundGlenn Cooper
Glenn M. Cooper & Associates, P.A. (Sunrise, Florida)Attilio Costabel
Rumrell, Costabel, Warrington & Brock, LLP (Miami)Caroline Deneuville
SCP Dauchez, Panhard, Baffoy, Deneuville & Dallee (Paris)Richard DeWitt
DeWitt Law (Coral Gables, Florida)Peter D. Ehrenhaft
Miller & Chevalier Chartered (Washington, D.C.)Seth Entin
Greenberg Traurig LLP (Miami)Jean-Jules Fiset
Jean-Jules Fiset, Avocat (Quebec)Rainer Frank
Wolf Theiss (Prague)Arthur L. George
Baker & McKenzie (Chicago)Glenn P. Hendrix
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP (Atlanta)Robert Hendry
Hendry, Stoner, DeLancett & Brown, P.A. (Orlando)Christian Hoenig
Wolf Theiss (Vienna)Maxim Istomin
Smejda & Associates, P.A. (Miami)Olga Istomina
Sanctalex (Moscow)Steven L. Johnston
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) (Washington, D.C.)William B. Kennair
The Society of Scrivener Notaries (London)Obrad Kesic
Hon. Anthony K. Knill
Canadian Consul General in MiamiTodd Kocourek
Luis S. Konski
Becker & Poliakoff (Miami)James LaVigne
LaVigne, Coton & Associates (Orlando)Allan Litovsky
Greenberg Traurig LLP (Costa Mesa, California)Hon. Jorge Lomonaco
Mexican Consul General in MiamiDan Martiuk
Western International Trust Co. Ltd. (Cayman Islands)Jean Morency
Pothier Delisle (Sainte-Foy, Quebec)Hon. Ambler H. Moss, Jr.
Greenberg Traurig LLP (Miami)Prof. Valery A. Musin
St. Petersburg State University (Russia)William H. Newton, III
William H. Newton III, P.A. (Miami)Nataliya Novikova
IBC Group (Russia)Donall O'Carroll
Richman Greer Weil Brumbaugh Mirabito & Christensen (West Palm Beach)Albert Orosa
International Centre for Dispute Resolution (Miami)Vladimir O. Pakhomov
St Petersburg Notary (St.. Petersburg, Russia)Daniel W. Perry
Law Offices of Daniel W. PerryNatalia V. Poliakova
Law Offices of Natalia V. Poliakova (Miami)Anatoly Putintsev
St. Petersburg Notary Chamber (St. Petersburg, Russia)D. Kim Radcliffe
Law Offices of D. Kim Radcliffe (Orlando)Alexander Reus
Global Expansion Group (Miami)Enrico Riggi
Director of Business Development for the International Financial Centre of MontréalJose Antonio Rivas
Trade Commissioner of Mexico in Miami / BancomextElke Rolff
Global Expansion Group (Miami)John Rooney
Shutts & Bowen (Miami)Jeffrey Rubinger
Holland & Knight LLP (Fort Lauderdale)Massamiliano Sammarco
Wilton & Partners (Rome)Bertrand Savoure
Paris Notary Chamber (Paris)Maria I. Sazonova
President, St. Petersburg Chamber of Notaries (St. Petersburg, Russia)Alex D. Schay
Frishberg & Partners (Kiev, Ukraine)Horst Schmid (Alberta, Canada)
Alexandre N. Semenyaka
President, Agency of Home Mortgage Lending (Moscow)Leslie Share
Packman, Neuwahl & Rosenberg (Coral Gables, Florida)Michael Silva
Holland & Knight LLP (Miami)Michael Simmons
Finers Stephens Innocent LLP (London)Lucius Smejda
Smejda & Associates, P.A. (Miami)Anna Sokolova
Law Offices of Anna Sokolova (Phoenix)Oksana Stoianova
KINTO, Investment & Securities in Ukraine (Kiev)Helen Teplitskaia
President, American-Russian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Washington D.C.)Dr. J. Antonio Villamil
Washington Economics Group (Miami)Sergei S. Voitenko
St. Petersburg Chamber of Notaires (Russia)Patrick Wallut
Paris Notary Chamber (Paris)Gregory Weigand
Smejda & Associates, P.A. (Miami)Kenneth Weissberg
Weissberg - Gaetjens - Ziegenfeuter & Associes (Paris)David S. Willig
David S. Willig Chartered (Miami)Richard L. Winston
Steel, Hector & Davis LLP ( Miami)Blandin J. Wright
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FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES
Vladimir AVERYANOV is the managing partner of the law firm of Averyanov and Olenev. Mr. Averyanov is the Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Relations and Cooperation of St. Petersburg Bar Association, Arbiter of the St. Petersburg International Commercial Arbitration Court , and a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Petersburg Foundation for the Security of the Investments. He graduated from the St. Petersburg (Leningrad) State University School of Law. Mr. Averyanov also graduated from the International Law Institute in Washington, D.C., and participated in the exchange program at the law firm Dickstein, Shapiro & Morin (Washington, D. C.), as well as the training program at the law firm McDermott, Will & Emery (Chicago). Mr. Averyanov is a member of the St. Petersburg City Bar Association.
Alfonso P. BAIGORRI is an attorney with the law firm of Katz Barron Squitero Faust. He practices sophisticated estate planning, and has extensive experience in assisting high net worth Latin-American families. His practice includes deferral of taxation strategies, taxation of real estate transactions, foreign withholding tax, pre-immigration planning directed at diminishing the impact of U.S. and foreign taxes, and business succession planning for international families. He has extensive experience in dealing with the challenges presented by the "black list" tax systems of Mexico and Venezuela. Mr. Baigorri worked with Banco Santander Group, Spain's largest banking institution, for the past ten years. He spent the last six years working with Banco Santander International Private Banking, advising high net worth individuals on both inbound and outbound tax planning, dealing with issues invoking U.S. estate, income, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations. Prior to International Private Banking, he worked in Corporate Banking in the San Juan, Puerto Rico, offices. Mr. Baigorri holds an LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law, a J.D. from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and a B.A. from Boston University. He is admitted to practice law in Florida and speaks English and Spanish.
Jerry D. BAILEY is currently a Principal with FrontStreet Partners, LLC and is based in Miami, Florida. FrontStreet Partners is a private financial investment and investment partnership focused upon energy investment opportunities for private investors and CFO level fiscal management issues. Mr. Bailey's prior professional experience includes a variety of management positions for Texaco Inc. He worked from 2000 to 2002 as Treasurer of Caltex Corp., a Singapore based operation of Chevron and Texaco with marketing, refining and oil trading and supply (downstream) businesses in Asia, E. Africa, and Australia. From 1997 to 2000, he was CFO of Texaco's European and Eurasian producing, exploration, and downstream units headquartered in London, England. From 1996 to 1997, he was a Marketing Manager in Atlanta, Georgia for Star Enterprise, a Texaco and Saudi Aramco joint venture, and in 1994 to 1996, the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Board at Texaco headquarters in White Plains, New York. Mr. Bailey served from 1990 to 1994 in Coral Gables, Florida as the General Tax Attorney for the Latin America/West Africa division. Prior to joining Texaco, he held various international tax management positions with RJR Nabisco Inc. Mr. Bailey earned a B.A. from Ohio University, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and an M.B.A. from the M.I.T. Sloan School.
Bruce BEAN, formerly head of the Corporate Department at Clifford Chance Moscow, is now Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Russia-Eurasia Law Committee. He lived and practiced law in Moscow for eight years, beginning in March 1995, specializing in foreign direct investment and international transactions for major Russian companies. He is listed in the Global 3000 peer survey of lawyers practicing in Russia as "Highly Recommended" in Energy, M&A, and Company and Corporate Transactions. Mr. Bean teaches at the Harriman Institute at Columbia University , the University of San Diego Law School’s Moscow Institute, and next fall will be teaching International Business Transactions in Transitional Political Systems at Michigan State University Law School. He writes regularly on doing business in Russia and is the author of “Yukos and Mikhail Khodorkovsky: An Unfolding Drama,” which was published in December 2004 in Corporate Governance in Russia. He has written and spoken widely on current affairs in Russia and is currently writing a book on the Yukos affair. In Moscow , Mr. Bean served as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia during the Russian financial crisis (1998 to 2000). He was Chairman of United Way Moscow from 1997 to 1998. Prior to joining Clifford Chance in 1998, Mr. Bean was Managing Partner of the Coudert Brothers Moscow office. Before moving his family to Moscow , he practiced law for more than 20 years in New York and California , principally in the financial and energy sectors. He was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of a New York Stock Exchange listed financial services company from 1985 to 1992. Mr. Bean received his A.B. degree in International Relations from Brown University , where, upon graduation, he was awarded the first Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. After military service, he earned his J.D. degree from Columbia University School of Law. Following graduation from law school he clerked for Judge Leonard P. Moore of the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
J. Alexander CALDWELL graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts , where he majored in Hispanic Literature and Culture. Subsequently, he attended Princeton University , receiving a Master’s Degree in International Economics. He then joined the State Department, moving to Thailand where for two years he was Special Assistant to the Director of the U.S. A.I.D. Mission. Returning to Princeton , he completed the Doctorate in International Economics. He then joined J.P. Morgan in New York , as economist for Asia . He stayed five years with Morgan and then moved to San Francisco , where he spent another five years as chief international economist at Crocker National Bank. Afterwards, Crocker sent him to Venezuela , where for three years he was in charge of the commercial activity of the bank there, in Colombia and in Ecuador . Mr. Caldwell began his career in private banking and investments in 1988, when Bank of America placed him in charge of its six international private banking offices in Los Angeles , Beverly Hills , Houston and San Diego . There, he was also in charge of the Bank’s private banking business for Mexico . In 1994, Coutts & Co, the private bank of the British Royal Family, asked him to open offices for them in western United States . He accepted the offer, but when the same colleagues that had hired him at Coutts moved to EFG Private Bank (by capital, the fifth largest bank in Switzerland ), he decided to join them. Located now in Miami , Mr. Caldwell continues to be Regional Manager for Mexico , and in addition, is a member of the Board of Directors of EFG Capital International Corp.
Thomas CASH received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from American University , and received his B.A. in English and Journalism from Georgia State University. Mr. Cash is Executive Managing Director of the Business Intelligence and Investigations Division at Kroll, the world’s leading risk consulting company. He also works with the Security Services Group and specializes in money laundering and fraud investigations throughout Latin America . Prior to joining Kroll, Mr. Cash held executive positions in the U.S. Justice Department’s Drug Enforcement Administration for over 25 years, and served as Special Agent In Charge of the Florida and Caribbean Division. Mr. Cash crafted a sophisticated system for detection of money laundering for multiple Mexican and Dominican Banks. In addition, Mr. Cash conducted all international aspects of the famous US$65 million fraud/money laundering investigation known as “Unique Gems.” Due to his extensive experience in money laundering and fraud investigation, he has testified as an expert witness in Federal Courts and regularly briefed the Attorney General and senior officials of the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and the CIA on policy and enforcement issues involving criminal activities and trends in Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. Mr. Cash is fluent in English and German.
John T. CONNOR, JR. is the founder and portfolio manager of the Third Millennium Russia Fund, a U.S. SEC-registered mutual fund specializing in the equities of Russian public companies. It was America’s 2 nd best performing mutual fund overall for the 1998-2003 Five Year Period. After the abrupt emerging markets’ decline for Q2 ’04, it was still the 10th best performing stock fund in the U.S. for the prior five years. He graduated from Williams College, Phi Beta Kappa, with highest honors, after which he taught on a Fulbright grant at Fergusson College in Pune, India. Mr. Connor received his law degree from Harvard Law School. Mr. Connor is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Connor is a member of the boards of directors of SwissFone, an Irish company based in Washington, D. C., and of Teton Petroleum (AMEX: TPE), based in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Connor acts as Chairman of the Audit Committee of each of these companies. During its start up year, Mr. Connor was the president of mail.ru, Russia’s leading Internet portal with over 10 million registered users. He remains an officer and director. Earlier, he headed the Moscow office of the US-USSR Trade & Economic Council (ASTEC), having been deputy director of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of East-West Trade. He continues as a Director of CTEC. Trained as a lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, he was a partner in leading law firms in New York, Washington and New Jersey. In the 1980’s he was a member of the Management Committee and general counsel of a New York Stock Exchange-listed company which is now part of Cendant and in the 1990s he was general counsel to Micros Systems Inc. (NASD), having been on its Board of Directors and Chairman of its Audit Committee for ten years.
Glenn M. COOPER is an attorney whose practice includes providing counsel to international clients regarding immigration laws including helping clients secure business visas such as the L-1, E-1, E-2, H-1B and EB-5 business and investor visas as well as permanent residence. Mr. Cooper also provides general corporate and business legal counsel to U.S. and international clients. His articles on immigration law issues have been published internationally. Mr. Cooper has spoken to American, Spanish and French business audiences regarding legal issues associated with setting up a company or joint venture and doing business in Florida as well as U.S. immigration laws and procedures at seminars organized by various international organizations in the U.S., France and Spain. Fluent in French and Spanish, Mr. Cooper often counsels European clients regarding Florida and U.S. legal matters. With a strong business focus and client base in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Cooper actively promotes Florida as an international gateway between Europe, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Cooper also has knowledge of the Hebrew language and of the Israeli-American business market. Mr. Cooper is a member of The Florida Bar including the International Law Section. Mr. Cooper is a board member of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Beacon Council, the official economic development agency of Miami- Dade County and sits on its International Task Force. Mr. Cooper is also a member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Immigration Committee. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Caroline DENEUVILLE is a partner in the SCP Dauchez, Panhard, Baffoy, Deneuville & Dallee, Notaries office in Paris. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Law in 1981, a Higher Degree in Specialist Studies in Notarial Law in 1982 and the Higher Notary’s Degree in 1986 (Paris Law University – Pantheon Sorbonne). She spent a year in London in various solicitors’ offices. She focuses on family law, international private law, domestic taxation, and estate planning. Among her writings is the chapter on France for the book “Capital Taxes and Estate Planning in Europe” (Sweet and Maxwell). She is a member of The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law. She speaks French and English.
Peter D. EHRENHAFT holds law and international affairs degrees from Columbia University and is now Of Counsel to Miller & Chevalier Chartered, in Washington, D.C. His practice focuses primarily on transnational transactions. He served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Special Counsel (Tariff Affairs) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. As one of the 12 members of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice, he participated in preparing its proposals for far reaching changes in the present geographic basis of lawyer regulation. He is the American Bar Association’s representative to the USTR/Secretary of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Service and Finance Industries. Mr. Ehrenhaft is listed in the current Who’s Who in America, The Best Lawyers in America, and Who’s Who Legal. He is the author of more than three dozen articles and book reviews on international trade and arbitration. He serves on the Advisory Boards to Georgetown University's Law & Policy in International Business, and the BNA's Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal and has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University Law Schools. He served as Senior Law Clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Seth J. ENTIN is an attorney with the Miami office of Greenberg Traurig. Seth graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was an Editor of the University of Miami Law Review. Seth also holds a Masters degree in accounting. Seth concentrates his practice in the area of Federal income taxation, with an emphasis on international transactions. Seth has spoken for the Florida Bar, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CITE, ATLAS, and at other tax seminars. Seth has been published in Tax Notes and Tax Notes International.
Jean-Jules FISET is a Canadian attorney who practices in the areas of national and international business law, private international law and immigration law, as well as arbitration and international litigation. He has lectured at numerous conferences in Canada and the United States and has authored several articles on a variety of topics, including drafting international investment contracts, private international law, and human rights. Mr. Fiset holds an LL.M. in International Law and an LL.B. from Laval University . He also earned a Certificate in Private International Law from the Hague Academy of International Law.
Rainer FRANK is a partner in the Prague , Czech Republic office of Wolf Theiss, an international law firm with offices in Albania , Austria , Croatia , the Czech Republic , Romania , Serbia , Slovakia and Slovenia . During 12 years of practice in Central and Eastern Europe , Mr. Frank gained extensive experience in the areas of privatizations, M&A and real estate. Before joining Wolf Theiss, Mr. Frank worked for many years in the Prague office of a major U.S. law firm. Mr. Frank is admitted to the German Bar and the Czech Bar, and works in German, Czech and English.
Arthur L. GEORGE is a Partner in the Chicago office of Baker & McKenzie. He represents clients in the establishment and operation of joint ventures, in cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, and reorganizations, and in the various facets of international commercial transactions, including distribution arrangements, contract manufacturing, licensing, franchising, agency and representation agreements, and foreign branch and representative offices. He has a geographical specialty in doing business in Russia and the other countries of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe , and was stationed for over 8 years in Baker & McKenzie’s offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg , which he founded. He also advises clients on international trade regulations and corporate compliance issues, in particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and foreign anti-corruption legislation. In Chicago , he heads the Firm’s CIS practice in the United States . Mr. George received his B.A. (summa cum laude) in History and Russian in 1979 from the University of Colorado , and studied abroad in England and the USSR while a student. He received his J.D. (with honors) in 1983 from George Washington University Law School , where he was Editor-in-Chief of the George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics. Mr. George is the author of numerous books and articles on the legal aspects of doing business in the former Soviet Union and other international law topics. He co-authored one of the leading books on the history of St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg: Russia's Window to the Future – The First Three Centuries (2003)), and is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences on law and doing business in the CIS. In Chicago , he has served as Chairman of the Chicago-Moscow Sister Cities Committee.
Glenn P. HENDRIX is a partner with Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. His practice is focused on commercial and administrative dispute resolution, including international litigation and arbitration. He has successfully represented clients from across the world in various courts and other tribunals throughout the United States and has also supervised the prosecution of foreign actions for American clients. Mr. Hendrix has been voted by his peers in the Georgia Bar as a "Georgia Super Lawyer" (Atlanta Magazine, 2004, 05). Mr. Hendrix is active in the American Bar Association and, among other positions, co-chairs the International Litigation Committee of the International Section of the ABA. He has served as a private sector advisor to the U.S. State Department on matters relating to international litigation, including service as a member of U.S. diplomatic delegations to The Hague (2003) and Moscow (2004, 2005). He has authored several pieces on international commercial dispute resolution issues, including chapters appearing in Private Law, Private Int’l Law & Judicial Cooperation in the EU-US Relationship, Assessing the Value of Law in Transition Economies, Legal Guide to Doing Business in Russia & the Former Republics of the USSR, The Corporate Counsel’s Guide to Doing Business in Russia, and The International Litigation Manual , as well as articles appearing in The International Lawyer, Vestnik Vyshego Arbitrazhnogo Suda [Journal of the High Commercial Court of the Russian Federation], and other legal publications. Mr. Hendrix is also a frequent speaker on international commercial dispute resolution topics, including events sponsored by the American Bar Association, the International Law Association, the Brookings Institution, MGIMO ( Russia), the Paris Bar, and a number of other organizations. Mr. Hendrix graduated from Emory University Law School in 1985 (With Distinction, Order of the Coif).
Robert HENDRY is a Florida Bar Certified International Lawyer and a partner of the Orlando firm of Hendry, Stoner, DeLancett & Brown, P.A. Mr. Hendry presently serves as Chairman of the Florida District Export Council, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Chair of the Steering Committee for the National Council of District Export Council, and Chair of the Florida Trade Partners. He is the Past Chair of the International Law Certification Committee of the Florida Bar. He is a Member of the Enterprise Florida International Development Advisory Committee, the Society of International Business Fellows, the Metropolitan Orlando International Affairs Commission, and the Levin College of Law International Programs Advisory Committee. Mr. Hendry also serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Volunteer Agencies for Caribbean Action and is also a Member of the Board of Trustees, Secretary and Vice President of the Orlando Museum of Art. Mr. Hendry has served in the past as: President of the Florida International Volunteer Corps, a Member of various Boards and Committees of Enterprise Florida, Chairman of the Florida Council of International Development, the International Law Committee of the Florida Bar, and Florida’s Governors Conference on World Trade, a Member of Board of Directors of Florida Civic Theater, Chairman of the Florida Council for International Education, President of the World Trade Council of Central Florida, a Member of the Florida Commission on International Education, a Member of the International Finance and Marketing Board, University of Miami School of Business, and a Member of Florida Foreign Office Plan Advisory Committee. Mr. Hendry authored the book U.S. Real Estate and the Foreign Investor and various articles and periodicals.
Christian HOENIG is a partner with the Vienna office of Wolf Theiss. Dr. Hoenig focuses his practice in the areas of corporate, tax, mergers and acquisitions, and telecommunications. He has authored numerous publications on corporate and tax law. Dr. Hoenig received his LL.M. (with honors) from the University of San Diego School of Law, his Mag. rer. soc. oec. from the University of Economics and Business Administration ( Vienna), and his Dr. jur. from the University of Vienna. Dr. Hoenig is a member of the Vienna Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Association of Austrian Attorneys, the International Bar Association, the German-Latin American Lawyers Association e.V., TRI-ANA, and the German Institution of Arbitration e.V., DIS. He is admitted to practice law in Austria and New York. Dr. Hoenig speaks German, English, and Spanish.
Maxim I. ISTOMIN is qualified to practice law in the United States ( Florida ) and in the Russian Federation . As of counsel to Smejda & Associates, P.A., he provides legal services to corporate and individual clients in the fields of international commercial law, real estate law, and international notarial law. Mr. Istomin participated in drafting the Florida Civil Law Notary Legislation, modeled on principles of the Latin Notariat. Mr. Istomin is a member of the Executive Council and Co-Chair of the Russia Committee of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Istomin played an active role in establishing and developing cooperative relationships between the International Law Section of the Florida Bar and professional associations in Russia , including the Federal Chamber of Attorneys and the Federal Notarial Chamber. Mr. Istomin holds a J.D. (cum laude) from Florida State University , and a civil law degree (cum laude) from Moscow State Pedagogical University . He also conducted Ph.D. research at Moscow State Academy of Law on Russian regulation of foreign investments and settlement of international commercial disputes. Mr. Istomin speaks English, Russian, and German.
Elena ISTOMINA, a former Professor at Moscow State Pedagogical University , has been working for the last ten years as Director of International Programs of Seacamp Association, Inc. Seacamp Association is a marine science environmental youth center located in the Florida Keys . At Seacamp, Dr. Istomina coordinates a Special American Business Internship Training program (SABIT). The SABIT program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and trains specialists from the newly independent states. Under the auspices of this program, Seacamp hosts scientists and educators from the former Soviet Union for internships lasting from two to four months. During the ten years of this program, 48 professionals from Russia and Ukraine were trained at Seacamp. As a result of the internships, 18 new environmental programs were started in Russia and Ukraine . Last year, Dr. Istomina was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding contribution to the SABIT program.
Steven L. JOHNSTON of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a Senior Investment Insurance Officer in the Technical Operations Group & Europe (including Russia) of the Insurance Department. He joined OPIC in 2002. Mr. Johnston has concentrated much of his efforts at OPIC on underwriting political risk insurance for direct investments in Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union. He has underwritten investments in the power, manufacturing, agribusiness, transportation, telecommunication, and tourism sectors. Mr. Johnston has 15 years experience working in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and lived in Russia for six years (1993-1999). Mr. Johnston received his M.B.A. in International Management from Thunderbird – The Garvin School of International Management, Glendale, Arizona, and an M.A. in Slavic Linguistics from the University of Texas, Austin, Texas. Mr. Johnston received a B.A. in Russian from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan and a B.S. in Conservation Biophysical Systems from Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.
Bill KENNAIR qualified as a Scrivener Notary in 1983, and has an LL.B (Hons.) from University College London. He is Notarial Deputy of the Worshipful Company of Scriveners of the City of London, and Chairman of the Society of Scrivener Notaries. He acts as one of their representatives to the Union Internationale du Notariat Latin (UINL), where he is a member of the Permanent Council and President of the Informatics and Judicial Security Commission. He is Chargé d’Affaires for the UINL to the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). He also chairs the Task Force on Security and Authentication of the Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, is a Director of the CyberNotary Association U.K., and is a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Science and Technology, Information Security Committee. Mr. Kennair speaks English, German, French and Spanish.
Obrad KESIC is a Senior Partner with TSM Global Consultants, LLC. Mr. Kesic is also currently working with the Balkan countries on behalf of the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast. Over the last decade, Mr. Kesic has been working with the governments and with nongovernmental organizations in South Eastern Europe . He also serves as a consultant on Balkan affairs for various U.S. and international organizations and agencies. He has provided analysis and briefings for U.S. government agencies and officials, including The Department of State, The Department of Defense and the United States Information Agency. Mr. Kesic also provides frequent commentary and analysis for the U.S. and international media, including for National Public Radio, CNN International, The Voice of America, USA Today, and Monitor Radio. Mr. Kesic has authored dozens of articles and essays on Balkan affairs and on U.S. policy toward the Balkan states. He is a frequent speaker to community, professional, and scholarly groups.
Consul Anthony (Tony) KNILL arrived in Miami in September 2001 to assume his responsibilities as the Senior Officer and Trade Commissioner of the Canadian Consulate in Miami. In 2003, the Canadian Consulate was upgraded to a Consulate General, and Consul Knill was named the Consul General, with accreditation to the State of Florida, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consul Knill’s career reveals a wide range of experience, both within the Canadian Federal Government and the private sector. He has served as Director of Team Canada Inc. at Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Prior to this position, Consul Knill was the Executive Assistant and principal advisor to Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, then the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and finally, the Minister of International Trade. He has also had extensive experience in the non-government sector, at the Royal Bank of Canada, the University of Western Ontario, and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada. Mr. Knill was appointed to head the Miami Mission in September 2001.
Luis S. KONSKI is a shareholder with Becker & Poliakoff, where he has handled a substantial number of jury and non-jury cases in state and federal courts throughout the State of Florida . Mr. Konski concentrates his practice in areas of complex commercial litigation, and assists clients in the developing field of energy deregulation. Upon graduation, Mr. Konski practiced in Washington , D.C. , with the U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in the sophisticated practice of economic regulation of electric utilities. Mr. Konski handled matters involving securities regulation, finance, and antitrust, and was involved as lead counsel in a number of important cases. He holds a J.D. and a B.A. from the University of Florida . He is admitted to practice law in Florida and the District of Columbia , and he speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
James R. LAVIGNE is a Board Certified International Lawyer and partner with the international law firm of LaVigne, Coton & Associates, P.A., based in Orlando, Florida. The firm has offices in Florida, Las Vegas, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Mr. LaVigne handles all aspects of international business law, immigration law, contracts, joint ventures, foreign investments in the United States and international tax advising. He served as the President of the British American Chamber of Commerce and also as a member of the Economic Development Commission of mid-Florida. Mr. LaVigne is also a member of the International Visitors Council and is past Chair of the Orlando World Trade Association. He is also the past Chair of the Orange County Bar Association International Law Committee. He has had a number of articles published on international law, U.S. immigration law, and European Community law. He is currently serving as an adjunct professor of International Business for Webster University, Orlando Campuses, where he teaches courses on international business, international law in business, and global competition. Mr. LaVigne also serves as an international business consultant for the Export Legal Assistance Network and the University of Central Florida, Small Business Development Center. Mr. LaVigne holds his first law degree from the University of Florida as well as a Master of Law Degree in International Law (with honors) from the University of Notre Dame Law Center ( London). He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida. Mr. LaVigne is admitted to practice in all the courts of Florida as well as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta and the United States Supreme Court.
Allan Z. LITOVSKY is a shareholder in the Orange County, California office of Greenberg Traurig. Capitalizing on his extensive technical training and work experience, Mr. Litovsky's practice focuses on litigation of technology cases, including major patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation matters. He is experienced in both jury and bench trials and has litigated cases in a number of federal and state courts around the country as well as before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Mr. Litovsky also assists clients with technology-related transactions, including licensing and outsourcing arrangements, and counsels clients in the areas of patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as computer and Internet law. While his core technical experience is in the field of electrical engineering, he has successfully handled matters in a wide range of technologies, including semiconductor circuitry and manufacturing processes, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, software, satellite control systems, digital satellite television systems, audio equipment, automotive technologies, and avionics. Mr. Litovsky holds a J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Moscow Mining Academy. He is admitted to practice in California, in various U.S. District Courts and Courts of Appeals, and with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He speaks English and Russian.
Consul Jorge LOMONACO currently serves as Mexico’s Cónsul General in Miami, a position he has held since April 21, 2003. Consul Lomonaco was born in Mexico City in 1963. He joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1991, after six years of professional practice in the private sector. In Mexico, he subsequently served as Head of the Department for Mediterranean Countries, Advisor and Chief of Staff of the Deputy Foreign Minister, who was then responsible for overseeing policy towards North America and the United Nations System. Consul Lomonaco’s portfolio included, among other subjects, migration and Mexico-U.S. border issues. Between 1995 and March 1998, he was posted in London, where he headed the Multilateral Affairs Section at the Mexican Embassy and was appointed Alternate Permanent Representative of Mexico to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Coffee Organization (ICO), as well as Alternate Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission (IWC). In that capacity, he headed Mexican delegations to more than 50 international meetings and 5 diplomatic conferences, and was elected to chair several committees, including serving two terms as Chairman of IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee. From April 1998 to November 2000, he was posted in Washington, where he served as Chief of the Mexican Embassy’s Consular Liaison Office, responsible for the coordination between the Embassy and the 45 Mexican consulates in the U.S.A. Before arriving in Miami, he served for over two years in Mexico City. From December 1, 2000 to October 31, 2002, Lomonaco was Chief of Cabinet (Secretario Particular) to Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations and on November 1, 2002, he was appointed by President Fox as Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs (Oficial Mayor). Consul Lomonaco has been honored by the Kings of Spain and Sweden and is an associated member to the Council on Foreign Relations-Mexico.
Dan MARTIUK is an advisor with Western International Trust Co. Ltd. in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Mr. Martiuk graduated with a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Business from the University of Toronto, International Business. Mr. Martiuk has spent the last two decades advising clients on international investments and tax planning. He speaks English, Ukrainian and Russian.
Jean MORENCY is a managing partner of Pothier Delisle, s.e.n.c. and the professional expert responsible for the business, civil and commercial law sectors. He specializes in corporate, fiscal, acquisition and business sales, mergers and reorganizations, as well as banking, corporate and cooperative law. He sits on the boards of directors of several private companies and public organizations and is a member of the Fondaction advice committee as the business law representative. Mr. Morency is also a guest speaker and legal adviser. He is president of the Conseil d'administration du Centre d'arbitrage commercial national et international du Québec (CACNIQ). Mr. Morency completed his university studies at the Law Faculty and the Administration Sciences Faculty of Laval University. He was both successively assistant professor and professor in business law, corporate law and fiscal law at Law Faculty of Laval University, École de formation professionnelle du Barreau du Québec, Administration Sciences Faculty of Laval University, and University of Québec.
Hon. Ambler H. MOSS, JR. is Of Counsel to Greenberg Traurig’s Global Practice Group. He served as Ambassador to Panama from 1978 until 1982, having been appointed successively by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He also served as a member of the U.S.-Panama Consultative Committee from 1978-1982 and from 1995-2001. Prior to his appointment, he was involved with the negotiation of the U.S.-Panama Canal Treaties and their ratification, and was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations. Previously, as a member of the career Foreign Service, he served in Spain, in the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States, and as Spanish Desk Officer in the Department of State. He has practiced law in Washington, D.C., Brussels, Belgium, and Miami. Ambassador Moss is a Professor of International Studies at the University of Miami. He is member of the Board of the Espirito Santo Bank in Miami and a member of the Board of Caucedo Investments in The Dominican Republic. He is a member of the President's Advisory Council of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA). He is a Senior Advisor to the Society of International Business Fellows (Atlanta-based) and International Affairs Advisor to the Latin American Chamber of Commerce (CAMACOL) in Miami. He was a member of the Steering Committee for the first Summit of the Americas in Miami (December 1994). Ambassador Moss has been active in the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in the areas of international economic development and is on the Board of Advisors to Florida FTAA, Inc., a public-private entity which promotes the Free Trade Area of the Americas. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations ( New York) and the Royal Society of International Affairs and International Institute of Strategic Studies ( London). Ambassador Moss received a B.A. from Yale College and a J.D. from George Washington University. He speaks English, Catalan, French, and Spanish.
Valeriy A. MUSIN is a Professor of Law at St. Petersburg State University ( Russia). Professor Musin is one of Russia's leading international business law experts who has frequently lectured in Russia and abroad on legal issues affecting international business transactions and foreign economic activity in Russia. He has served as chief legal expert to the St. Petersburg Mayor's Office Foreign Affairs Department, is a partner in Musin and Partners, a UK-Russian legal firm and has served as an Arbitrator of the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Russian Chamber for Trade and Industry. Professor Musin is also Chairman of the St. Petersburg State University Civil Procedure Department. He holds his law and graduate law degrees from Leningrad State University (now St. Petersburg State University).
William H. NEWTON, III has practiced Foreign and Domestic Tax and Estate Planning for approximately 30 years during which time he has represented a broad spectrum of clients. Moreover, Mr. Newton is a counselor and advisor to law firms, accounting firms and international trust companies regarding International Tax and Estate Planning matters. He is the author of the two volume treatise International Income Tax and Estate Planning, published by Clark, Boardman, Callaghan, and Adjunct Professor of Law in the Master’s of Tax and Master’s of Estate Planning Programs at the University of Miami for over 20 years, as well as author of numerous legal articles regarding International and Domestic Tax and Estate Planning and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Southern Methodist University.
Nataliya S. NOVIKOVA is the IBC Group representative in Russia . She graduated from St. Petersburg State University Law School (J.D., 1999, Ph.D., 2002) and from the Law School of University Aix-Marseille III, France (D.E.A. Droit Communautaire, 1998). Previously, she served as a Lecturer at Saint-Petersburg State University Law School and Coordinator of International Projects and Programs of the Law School (2000-2004), and as a lawyer in joint venture (1996 – 1997). She has worked as an intern for international organizations, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (1997), the European Court of Human Rights (1999), and the United Nations (2001). Ms. Novikova’s main areas of specialization include International Law, EU Law, Russian Law, and Business Consulting. Ms. Novikova speaks Russian, English, French and Spanish.
Donall O’CARROLL is an attorney with Richman Greer Weil Brumbaugh Mirabito & Christensen. He maintains a civil trial practice concentrating in commercial and complex litigation. Prior to attending law school in the U.S. , he maintained a criminal and civil practice in Ireland and is admitted to practice in England and Wales . He also served as a staff attorney to the Circuit Court for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Lake County . Mr. O’Carroll is a member of the ABA Commercial & Business Litigation Committee and Section of Litigation Committee on International Litigation, as well as the Florida Bar International Law Section Committee Liaison to Ireland . He is also a member of the Law Society of Ireland, the Law Society of England and Wales , the American Bar Association, Amnesty International, and the Irish Society of International Law. He is a member of both the Circuit Civil Practice and Judicial Relations Committees of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. He is also on the Florida Bar Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Lynn University where he teaches hospitality law. Mr. O’Carroll received both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees, with honors, from University College Galway in Ireland . He studied at the Law Society of Ireland and was admitted to practice in Ireland in 1993. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 1996. Mr. O’Carroll is admitted to The Florida Bar, the United States District Courts for all districts of Florida , and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Bars of Ireland, England and Wales . He has achieved an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible regarding legal ability and professional ethics, and Register of Preeminent Attorneys.
Albert J. OROSA is the Regional Vice President for the Miami Office of the American Arbitration Association wherein he is responsible for managing a territory encompassing all of South Florida and the Caribbean. He serves on several committees of the Florida Bar in an affiliate capacity and counsels corporations, organizations, governmental entities and law firms on the development, design and sue of alternative dispute resolution programs that assist parties in gaining control of the legal process, saving money and time. Immediately prior to joining the American Arbitration Association, Mr. Orosa spent several years in the public sector as an Executive Director of a federally funded social services agency and the Vice Consul (Commercial) and Senior Trade Officer for Florida and the Caribbean in the British Government’s Consulate in Miami. Mr. Orosa has an extensive background in international sales and marketing management with over 15 years of business development experience in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. He has worked for such well-known firms as Mitsubishi Electric of America, Akai America and an affiliate of Bacardi Corporation. In addition to a great deal of management training, Mr. Orosa holds a B.S. in Political Science and an M.B.A. from Florida International University.
Daniel W. PERRY is an Orlando, Florida attorney and civil-law notary in the area of international computer contracts and technology agreements. He is a former county judge and a frequent speaker/writer on computer law, data protection and privacy issues. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association’s Technology Task Force – Electronic Commerce Subcommittee.
Natalia V. POLIAKOVA is a Russian-born and educated attorney licensed to practice law in the former USSR and the State of Florida. Ms. Poliakova received law degrees from both Stetson University College of Law and Tyumen State University. She has established herself as a well-known leader in the Russian-American business community in Florida and an authority on business opportunities in the “new” Russia. Before moving to the United States, Ms. Poliakova served as Head of the Legal Department of JSG “Gazprom”, Russia’s largest natural gas company, in its Procurement Division. In that capacity, she represented the company in international and domestic trade matters, customs, employment, corporate compliance and contract drafting. Between August 1999 and April 2004, she practiced business immigration and international transactional law as a member of the European and International Business, Trade and Customs Practice Groups of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., a Florida based statewide and international law firm. Ms. Poliakova counsels Eastern European investors, entrepreneurs, and companies with respect to business immigration and general corporate matters, business negotiations, complex international business and property transactions. She also assists U.S. investors and traders with business and investment projects in former USSR, utilizing her contacts and business experience in the Russian Federation.
D. Kim RADCLIFFE, a member of the Florida and New York Bars, practices in Orlando, Florida, where she represents foreign and domestic clients in complex litigation, dispute resolution, and transnational commercial matters. In addition, she is an eight-year Professor of International Business Law and International Business for Webster University’s MBA and undergraduate programs. Previously, Ms. Radcliffe represented the various interests of foreign clients as an associate at LaVigne & Lane (now LaVigne, Coton and Associates), and served as general counsel of Global DataLink, and of counsel to and a board member of Armored Data Services, both high-tech companies. Initially, Ms. Radcliffe practiced corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions and off-shore company organization, in the London office of a law firm headquartered in Paris, France. Ms.Radcliffe earned her LL.M. in International Business Law in 1990 from King’s College and London School of Economics, University of London, and her J.D. in 1989 from the University of Florida. She pursued international legal studies by serving as the Senior Articles Editor for the Florida International Law Journal and as an officer of the International Law Society, and studying in France, Switzerland, and England.
Alexander REUS is a Board Certified International Attorney with both a German (J.D.) as well as two U.S. law degrees (J.D., LL.M.). He is licensed in Florida, New York and the District of Columbia and has been practicing in the U.S. since 1992. He is also the founder of the international boutique law firm, Global Expansion Group. Hispractice areas includeBusiness Law, Foreign Direct Investment, Mergers & Aquisitions, Corporate & Tax Structuring, Complex International Litigation & Arbitration, Immigration, Real Estate, Investor Representation, and Government Relations. His experience includes being a partner with small and major international U.S. law firms. He has worked on complex international litigation matters, including securities litigation, represented international airport operators, advised individuals in complex international tax and asset protection matters, and handled cross-border acquisitions in Europe and the U.S. Mr. Reus serves on the Board of Directors of TotalBank, the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, the City of Miami Mayor’s International Council, and is a Trustee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and a Member of the Executive Council of the Florida Bar International law Section, as well as a member of various other organizations. He also is a frequent lecturer and speaker both in Europe and the U.S. on various topics of international interest.
Enrico RIGGI is the Director of Business Development for the International Financial Centre of Montréal. Born in Rome, Mr. Riggi holds a Diploma in Economy and Commerce from the University of Rome. Mr. Riggi has served in many managerial capacities, including, Director of Public Relations, Dow Brewery, Director and Assistant to the President of Montréal –Matin (largest French only morning newspaper in North America), and Director of Communications, Québec Immigration Department. Mr. Riggi also founded CFMB, a multiethnic radio station in Montréal. He also served as a Counselor at the Quebec Immigration Service at the Canadian Embassy in Rome and as an Economic Counselor with the Quebec Immigration Department.
Jose Antonio RIVAS is an economist from Mexico City ’s Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM), where he also earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He took a post-graduate course on corporate finance at the London Business School . He joined Bancomext, Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Foreign Trade Bank of Mexico ) in 1987. Mr. Rivas has been responsible for both trade promotion activities and financing services to Mexican exporters in Mexico . He was appointed to the Mexican Embassy in London as Deputy Trade Commissioner for three years. He worked as Mexico ’s Trade Commissioner in New York for two years, and, as of September 1, 2001 , Mr. Rivas has served as Mexico’s Trade Commissioner in Miami, which a regional coverage of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and the entire Caribbean region.
Elke ROLFF is an international attorney admitted to practice in Florida and Switzerland. Her practice lies in the areas of corporate, contracts, business immigration, and family law on the U.S. side and corporate off-shore matters with respect to Switzerland. She holds a J.D. from the University of Zurich Faculty of Law, and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law. Ms. Rolff is a Director of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce, and speaks English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
John H. ROONEY, JR. is a partner in Shutts & Bowen’s Miami Office, where he is a member of the Financial Services Group. He practices in the areas of insurance and reinsurance law and international business. He is the Chair-Elect of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Rooney received his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin , where he was a Research Editor for the Texas International Law Journal. He received his M.P.A. from The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and his B.A. in History (with Honors), from the University of New Orleans . Mr. Rooney is licensed to practice in Florida , Texas , and Louisiana . He speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Jeffrey L. RUBINGER is an attorney with Holland & Knight in their Fort Lauderdale office. Mr. Rubinger practices in the area of domestic and international taxation. He has been involved in tax planning for mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and joint ventures, and in the structuring of tax-driven financial products. In addition, Mr. Rubinger has experience in a broad range of transactions involving U.S. taxpayers doing business overseas, foreign taxpayers conducting business in the United States, as well as federal, state and local tax issues involving corporate reorganizations, partnerships, Subchapter S corporations, qualified and non-qualified stock option plans, and trust and estates. Mr. Rubinger lectures and has published several articles dealing with various domestic and international tax topics, including the taxation of financial products, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, international tax consequences of cancellation of indebtedness income, the taxation of Qualified Subchapter S Subsidiaries, “Check-the-Box” tax planning, Subpart F income minimization, Foreign Tax Credit planning, and tax planning with foreign holding companies. Mr. Rubinger is admitted to the Florida and New York Bars. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Rubinger practiced as a Certified Public Accountant at a major accounting firm and holds an inactive Certified Public Accountant license from the State of Florida. In the community, Mr. Rubinger is involved with the United Jewish Federation of Broward County. Mr. Rubinger graduated from the New York University School of Law Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation Program in 1999 and graduated from the University of Florida School of Law, with honors, in 1997. Mr. Rubinger received his B.S. in Accounting in 1991 from the University of Florida and his Master of Accounting in 1992 from the University of Florida.
Massimiliano SAMMARCO is the founder of the law firm of Wilton & Partners, which maintains offices in Barcelona, New York, Rome, Miami, and London. Mr. Sammarco is an expert on international tax planning, EU tax law, and international corporate law. He was recently appointed as an advisor to the Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs on international tax policy matters. Mr. Sammarco also serves as counsel for the International Trade Office of the Government of Italy and for the Comitato Scientifico del Centro Studi Tormargana ( Rome). He is also a member of the Coordinamento Nazionale, Dipartmento Commercio Estero di Forza Italia. Mr. Sammarco also served as counsel for the Government of Andorra in the drafting of the new Corporate Income Tax Code. Mr. Sammarco has served as a contributing editor in several tax and financial publications, and he co-authored the book, Spain, European Link to Latin America. International Legal and Tax Planning Prospective on the Internationalization of Business Entities. Mr. Sammarco also serves as a professor at universities in Spain, Italy, and South America. He holds a Ph.D. in Law from the Università degli Studi di Roma – La Sapienza, and an LL.M. from Studio Trivoli ( Rome).
Bertrand SAVOURE is a partner of the Notary office Monassier & Associés in Paris , France , where he has specialized in International Estate & Tax Planning matters since 2000. He is the Vice-President of an international network of Notaries and Lawyers, composed of 27 offices in France and 12 offices worldwide. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Private Law, a post-graduate Diploma in Notarial Studies, and a post-graduate Diploma in Estate & Tax Planning, he became a notary in 2000. He has extensive experience in domestic and international tax and estate planning issues for high net worth individuals. His practice also includes family law, residential property, and corporation law. He has also developed a certain expertise on Trust law. He teaches law at the Paris University La Sorbonne, lectures in many international seminars, and has written a large number of articles related to his practice area.
Maria I. SAZONOVA, a notary, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Federal Notarial Chamber of Russia. Ms. Sazonova has served as President of the St. Petersburg Notarial Chamber since it was founded in 1993. She graduated from the law school of St. Petersburg State University in 1971. She was a Golden Themis 2001 Legal Awards winner for Outstanding Contribution to Progress in Notarial Services. Ms. Sazonova was awarded the title of Honored Lawyer of Russia in 2003.
Alex D. SCHAY is a partner with the respected Kiev-based commercial law firm of Frishberg & Partners. Since 1993, he has actively assisted numerous Western investors with their projects and transactions in Ukraine . After becoming a partner in 2000, Mr. Schay has increasingly focused his professional attention on firm management, public relations, and new client development. In this context, he has been involved in every direct-foreign-investment matter that has come to Frishberg & Partners' attention during the course of the past five years. In this way, Mr. Schay is sometimes referred to as an accurate barometer of foreign investment in Ukraine . He has authored and co-authored numerous articles and contributed to the book, Doing Business in Ukraine: A Legal Reference Guide. Mr. Schay holds an M.I.M. from the American Graduate School of International Management, Thunderbird Campus, and a B.A. from Willamette University.
Dr. Horst A. SCHMID was born in Munich, Germany and emigrated to Canada in 1952. He worked in the gold mines of Yellowknife until 1956, when he came to Edmonton (Alberta) and supplemented his accountants training with courses in business administration, business
psychology and business finance from the University of Toronto. With a partner, he established an export company, exporting manufactured goods and commodities such as sulphur and fertilizer to the Far East. In 1971, Dr. Schmid was elected MLA (Member of the Legislature) of Alberta. He served in the Alberta Government as Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation, Minister of Government Services, Minister of State for Economic Development, and Minister of International Trade for a total of 15 years. He was the first post-World War II immigrant to be elected MLA in Alberta and appointed to a Cabinet in Canada. For the following 10 years, he was Commissioner General for Trade and Tourism for the Government of Alberta. His success, during Trade Missions from Alberta to many countries in the world, where he was accompanied by Alberta representatives of major corporations, medium and smaller companies, and where he helped in their negotiations with foreign buyers, is legendary. He has been invited as a guest speaker to numerous symposiums on international investments in North America, Europe, Asia and the C.I.S. countries. After retiring from public office, he recommenced his international trade business as President and CEO of Flying Eagle Resources Ltd. He is Chairman of Deep Well Oil & Gas, Inc., Chairman and CEO of Portwest Investments Ltd., Chairman of Aspire Capital Inc., Member of the Advisory Board for the Petroleum Institute of Thailand, Advisor for IBC INTERNATIONAL, Miami, Florida, Member of the Advisory Board of "Project Germany" (for the promotion of investments from Germany in the Capital Region of Edmonton), Executive Officer and/or Director of other Alberta Public and Private Companies. Dr. Schmid has been awarded numerous National and International Honors, including: Hon. Doctor of Laws, (University of Alberta); Honorary Indian Chief Flying Eagle; The Great Canadian Award; The Silver Ribbon (highest) Award of the City of Edmonton; Appointed to the Cultural Hall of Fame of Edmonton; The International Award for Tourism "Golden Helm"; The Commanders Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; The Order of Merit of Bavaria; "Man of the Year" of the Commonwealth Games Foundation; The Blue Ribbon Award of the Western Fairs Association. Dr. Schmid also serves as an honorary director of several foundations in countries such as Canada, China, Thailand, etc.
Alexander N. SEMENYAKA has served as the General Director of the Agency for Home Mortgage Lending ( Russia) since 2002. Previously, he served in several capacities with OAO (open joint stock company) “GAZPROM” including, Member of the Board of Directors (1996-1997), Head of the Stocks and Long-Term Financing Department (1997-2002), and Head of the Corporate Finance Department (2002).
Leslie A. SHARE is a partner with the law firm of Packman Neuwahl & Rosenberg. He specializes in the areas of domestic and international tax, estate, and business planning, and wealth preservation. He has advised clients in numerous and diverse areas such as Broadway theatrical productions, real estate like-kind exchanges, and Internet matters. Mr. Share speaks at various U.S. and Caribbean seminars on subjects ranging from Florida and offshore trust law, advanced asset protection techniques, U.S. tax treaties, representing a foreign investor in an Internal Revenue Service audit, the role of the Internet in U.S. tax planning, and preferred structures for U.S. persons investing overseas and engaging in foreign business activities. He has written articles for publications such as the Asset Protection Journal, Entertainment Law & Finance, Estate Planning, the University of Florida Law Review, and an American Bar Association book entitled Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate—A Comprehensive Guide. At present, Mr. Share is preparing The Asset Protection Answer Book, which is scheduled to be issued by Panel Publishers sometime this year. Mr. Share received his B.A. from Northwestern University, his J.D. from the University of Florida, and his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University. While in law school, he was Chief Tax Editor and Research Editor of the Florida Law Review.
Michael SILVA is an International Tax Partner at Holland & Knight and a member of its International Law Department. He advises foreign clients on U.S. income, estate and gift tax consequences of alternative inbound investment structures and pre-immigration issues, and on all aspects of tax treaty planning and taxation of U.S. real property investments and withholding obligations of U.S. businesses having foreign investors. He also supports the Business Law Department on cross-border and domestic mergers and acquisitions, structured finance and aircraft leasing. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Silva was a member of the Tax, Corporate and Trusts and Estates departments of Miami’s oldest and longest established law firm, Shutts & Bowen, LLP. His practice included advising foreign clients on U.S. income, estate and gift tax consequences of alternative inbound investment structures, assisting in the establishment of foreign trusts and corporations, advising clients on gratuitous transfers of wealth, including the U.S. reporting requirements imposed on foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries, and advising clients on withholding tax obligations on sales or transfers of U.S. real property interests. Mr. Silva is also a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida since 1994. Since 2004, Mr. Silva has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Miami Law School Graduate Tax Program. Mr. Silva received his Masters in Accounting and Law degrees from the University of Florida. Mr. Silva speaksEnglish, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Michael SIMMONSspecializes in partnership matters and acts as a consultant in professional practice problems under the auspices of the London law firm of Finers Stephens Innocent. His clients are mainly solicitors and other professionals. In addition, he concentrates on the legal issues affecting inward investment into the U.K. from various parts of the world, especially the U.S.A. and the Far East. He is the author of Anatomy of Professional Practice and the general editor and major contributor to Successful Mergers: Planning, Strategy and Execution. He writes a regular column in the European Lawyer under the name of HARUSPEX. He is a past Chairman of the Practice Management and Technology Committee of the Section of Legal Practice of the International Bar Association, and Chairman of its Senior Lawyers Committee. He continues to lecture for the IBA worldwide, especially in developing countries on law firm management issues. He is an active member of the Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association and is also a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management and a member of the Association of Partnership Practitioners.
Lucius SMEJDA has practiced international private law for 30 years, primarily in the areas of international and domestic taxation, investment and financial transactions, business, and corporate transactions. Smejda & Associates, P.A. focuses on international practice and has members speaking, French, German, Spanish and Russian. He is admitted to practice in Florida, New York, Illinois and Alberta, Canada, as well as in numerous courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Tax Court. He graduated from Northwestern University (B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, 1968), Columbia University (J.D., 1972) and New York University (LL.M in Taxation, 1974). He also studied at The Hague Academy of International Law ( Netherlands), The Sorbonne (Paris); and the University of Strasbourg ( France). Mr. Smejda is also a civil Law Notary. Having lectured extensively and authored numerous publications, his recently published articles focus on US, French and Canadian Taxation and International Corporate Law. Mr. Smejda is a member of Canadian and American Bar Associations, Phi Beta Kappa, and Harlan Fiske Stone. He currently serves as the Chair of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Smejda speaks English, French, German, and basic Spanish and Russian.
Anna SOKOLOVA is the Vice-Chair of the Russia/Eurasia Law Committee, Section of International Law of American Bar Association. She has her offices in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ekaterinburg, Russia. Her practice areas include international trade and business transactions, corporate law and governance, alternative dispute resolution, and legal support to non-for-profit and youth organizations. Her clientele is primarily U.S. companies that do business in Eastern Europe. During her practice in Russia, she was involved in a privatization process as a member of expert working groups that conducted complex analysis of company’s assets & corporate documentation, prepared company’s management for shareholder meetings, worked closely with local and federal privatization authorities, and handled mediation and litigation procedures related to changes in corporate ownership. She conducted pre-registration legal expertise, completed registration and licensing processes for foreign investment companies and joint ventures, served as in-house general counsel of a large construction company. Ms. Sokolova holds a law degree from the Urals State Legal Academy and LL.M. in International Trade Law from James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona. From 1993–96, she taught business law at the Urals State University of Economics in Ekaterinburg, Russia and practiced before Commercial (Arbitral) Court of Sverdlovsk Region. Ms. Sokolova is admitted to practice in Russia and the U.S.A. (state of Arizona).
Oksana STOIANOVA is a client relationship manager in KINTO, Asset Management, Kiev, Ukraine. Ms. Stoianova graduated from Kiev State University with an advanced degree in linguistics and literary study (M.A. in Western Literature and Educational Linguistics). Ms. Stoianova also holds an M.A. degree in economics and an M.B.A. degree from the International Management Institute in Kiev, Ukraine. Prior to her employment with KINTO, Ms. Stoianova worked in the European Business Association and in the EU Tacis projects on privatization and financial communications in Ukraine,
Helen TEPLITSKAIA founded the American-Russian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 1992. Under her leadership, the ARCCI has evolved into a premier organization facilitating U.S.-Russian trade, investment and technological cooperation. Since 1991, Ms. Teplitskaia heads the Eurasian consulting practice of Imnex International, Inc. She also serves as Director of International Energy Advisory Council and Adjunct Professor of International Business and Markets at Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, where she established the Russia program in 1998. A distinguished expert in Russian and Eurasian affairs, Ms. Teplitskaia assisted a variety of government agencies and private sector companies, including the United States Agency for International Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, AT&T, Baker & McKenzie, Case New Holland, Gazprom, Gillette, Ingersoll-Rand, Maytag, Motorola, Pepsi-Cola and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter with start-up operations in Russia and other former Soviet markets, acquisitions, direct investment, joint ventures and licensing, political interfacing and media relations. Ms. Teplitskaia has spoken on a wide range of topics regarding Russian/former Soviet Union economic and trade issues at conventions and conferences organized by the leading government, private and academic institutions, including the U.S. Department of State, Department of Commerce, Organization for European Co-operation and Development (OECD), Eurasian Business Summit, Northwestern University, Harvard University, University of Chicago, Dow Jones, Bankers Association for Financing and Trade, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. She has been featured on CNN, CNN FN, CNN International, ABC, NBC, WTTW11, BBC, and National Public Radio programs, and in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, and the Journal of Commerce. Ms. Teplitskaia holds MIS degree from the St. Petersburg Academy of Culture and M.B.A. from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
J. Antonio VILLAMIL is Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Economics Group, Inc. (WEG), serving most recently as Director for Tourism, Trade and Economic Development of Florida. Among present Florida leadership positions, he serves as Chairperson of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors, is a member of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (Florida's principal public/private economic development organization), and is Vice Chairman of Florida FTAA, Inc. Dr. Villamil has over 25 years of successful experience as a business economist and as a senior policymaker of both the Federal and State of Florida governments. During 1989-1993 he served with distinction as U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs, appointed by the President and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Most recently, Dr. Villamil was appointed by President Bush to serve a two year term as a Member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. As WEG's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Villamil serves as principal advisor to the client, directing a team of economists and consultants in delivering customized services. Dr. Villamil holds Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Economics from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he also completed coursework for the Ph.D. degree. In 1991, Florida International University (FIU) awarded him a Doctor of Science Degree in Economics (Hon.) for distinguished contributions to the nation in the field of Economics. Dr. Villamil is active in community affairs, serving in the Executive Committees of both the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Beacon Council—Miami's economic development organization. He frequently lectures at South Florida universities, colleges and high schools on economic subjects.
Sergey S. VOITENKO has been the main specialist of the Information Department of the St. Petersburg Notarial Chamber since 1995. Mr. Voitenko graduated from the Applied Mathematics Faculty of St. Petersburg State University in 1972. He received a Ph.D. (with honors) in Cybernetics at St. Petersburg State University in 1975. He was awarded the title of Senior Researcher in 1985. Mr. Voitenko also served as the Dean Deputy of the Personnel Retraining Faculty of St. Petersburg State University in 1989-1992. He served as an Assistant Professor in Informatics to the Law Faculty (1992-1995) and Economic Faculty (since 2004) of St. Petersburg State University. Since 1994, he has coordinated the program of the Russia-Cleveland State University Summer Law Institute in St. Petersburg.
Patrick WALLUT most recently served as the Chairman of the Chambre des Notaires de Paris until May 2004. After obtaining a degree in private law, a post-graduate degree in business law at Paris I University and a further post-graduate diploma in notarial studies, he become a notary in 1976, and practices as an associate notary with a non-trading real estate investment company. In 1993, he was General Rapporteur at the Congress of the Notaries of France at Cannes on the theme “Urban Planning and Legal Security,” and in 1997 Chairman of the Congress of Notaries at Strasbourg, where the theme was “Property Investment.” He is a member of the Institut d’Etudes Juridiques du Conseil Supérieur du Notariat (institute for legal studies of the senior council of notaries), and represents the profession with the public authorities on matters of urban planning, investment, and professional real estate. A long-standing member of the Conseil National de l’Habitat (National Housing Committee), GRIDAUH (group for research on the law and institutions of development, urban planning and housing), and ORIE (regional observatory for commercial property), he has taken part in numerous seminars and written a large number of articles and reports on various aspects of urban planning, construction and investment.
Gregory M. WEIGAND is an attorney with Smejda & Associates, where he practices in the areas of corporate, commercial, contracts, and tax and accounting law. While in law school, Mr. Weigand served as a certified legal intern with the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. He also served in the Chambers of Hon. Stephen T. Brown in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Weigand received his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Miami School of Law and his M.B.A. (Corporate Finance) from the University of Miami School of Business Administration, where he graduated amongst the top of his class. He also holds a B.B.A. in Accounting (magna cum laude, University Honors) from Niagara University. Mr. Weigand is admitted to practice law in Florida and New York.
Kenneth M. WEISSBERG is a dual citizen of France and the U.S. He holds a Maîtrise de droit privé of the University of Nice ( France) and a Master of International Law of New York University. He is admitted to the Bar in Paris, Bar of New York since 1986, and to the Bar of Florida since 2000 as a Foreign Legal Consultant. He was appointed Counsellor to the National Board of Foreign Trade by the French Government (Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France) in 1998, and participates in this capacity to a great number of symposiums and conferences, the purpose of which is to make French investments abroad easier. Mr. Weissberg began his practice as an Associate Attorney with the reputed Paris law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel, in the Department of Foreign Investments in France, Corporations and Bankruptcies. In 1981, he joined the French Office of a Montreal-based Canadian law firm of which he became a Partner in 1986 after having built a large acquisition and arbitration department specializing in Franco-American transactions and resolution of disputes. In 1991, Mr. Weissberg and two of his German Partners, Mr. Kay Gaetjens and Mr. Gerd Ziegenfeuter, decided to start a new professional corporation geared towards a French and German client base, as well as a North American clientele. Mr. Weissberg has applied all his efforts to the international development of the firm, which has today offices in Paris, Nice, Lyon, New York, Miami, Montreal, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Beyrouth, and Cameroon. Mr. Weissberg is known for is expertise in transnational litigation. Mr. Weissberg speaksFrench and English
David S. WILLIG is an attorney admitted to practice in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Paris, France, and a Florida Civil-Law Notary. Mr. Willig was admitted to the Bar of Paris after having passed the Bar Exam in French law. He was thereafter accredited by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the avocat accrédité of the Consulate General of France in Miami. Mr. Willig received his Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from the University of South Florida, and was thereafter admitted to the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris. While in Paris, he also studied Japanese, Korean and Indonesian at the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations, and completed two certificates (brevets) in legal translation, in English (mention assez bien) and Spanish (mention bien), at the Institute of Comparative Law, a part of the University of Paris II. While enrolled at the University of Miami School of Law, Mr. Willig was engaged as a law clerk during the summers at the firm of Fuji & Toda in Tokyo, Japan. Following his membership in the Florida Bar (1988) and the Bar of Washington, D.C. (1990), he established his own practice based in Miami. In 1995, he sat for the French bar exam, and was sworn in to the Bar of Paris in January 1997. In addition to his practice in commercial and civil law and litigation, including immigration, intellectual property, and international business law, since 1999, he also practices as a Florida Civil-Notary, also known as a Florida International Notary, and has offered expertise in foreign law and related matters, either by affidavit or live testimony, in courts and proceedings in Florida, France, England, Brazil and Colombia. Mr. Willig speaks English, French, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian and Spanish.
Richard L. WINSTON is a partner with the Miami Office of Steel Hector & Davis LLP where he practices in the areas of corporate and international taxation. Mr. Winston specializes in structuring and analyzing domestic and cross-border transactions for U.S. and foreign multinational corporations. He is the author of the book, Doing Business in the United States. Mr. Winston has been published in Tax Notes, and he also authored a chapter on U.S. law for Butterworths Tolley (U.K.) International Tax and Investment Service. Mr. Winston earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law where he served as an editor on both the Virginia Law Review and the Virginia Tax Review. He also has an LL.M. in taxation from the New York University School of Law.