Jose A. Sosa-Llorens

José A. Sosa-Lloréns

Partner
About

José Alberto Sosa-Lloréns has advised clients on banking regulatory matters related to international banking, mergers, corporate reorganizations, securities activities of banks and has served as issuer's counsel in securities transactions of financial institutions, including tender offers and IPOs. He also has actively worked in the organization of international banks and financial entities, investment companies, investment advisory firms and securities broker dealers. Another significant part of his practice includes serving as bond counsel and underwriters counsel in public finance transactions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, its instrumentalities and political subdivisions. He has served as advisor to governmental entities in connection with the enactment of public finance legislation.

José has served as lead local counsel to private consortia bidding for public-private partnerships in various infrastructure projects in Puerto Rico, including representing the successful bidder for the 40-year lease of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the largest airport in the Caribbean region and the first airport under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Pilot Program.

José has been engaged as counsel in various regulatory matters related to securities broker dealers, investment advisors and investment companies. His practice includes representing clients before the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), before the Corporate Finance Division. In addition to his regulatory and transactional work, José has represented securities broker dealers in securities arbitrations before FINRA and in complex mediation proceedings.

Bar admissionsDistrict of ColumbiaNew YorkPuerto Rico
CourtsDistrict of Columbia Court of AppealsUnited States District Court for the District of Puerto RicoSupreme Court of the United States
José Sosa is well placed to advise local and international banks in Puerto Rico on a wide range of financing transactions. He comes recommended by an interviewee, who reports: 'José Sosa-Lloréns is a very strong lawyer who has a diversified client portfolio in the area.' Another respondent says: 'He has an excellent practice assisting clients with public debt issuances and regulatory mandates.'

‘Everything related to the stock market, banking and financial matters, as well as corporate issues, is handled impeccably by José Sosa-Llorens.‘

‘The team stand out for their knowledge, connections, mastery of the topic, and confidence and assertiveness in their strategies, approaches and actions.‘

‘DLA’s commerical and corporate team work very closely with each other and the client to accomplish the legal matter at hand. They have a strong bench of attorneys of various levels of seniority. They are responsive and practical in their advice.‘
— Chambers Latin America Guide, 2023
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Education
  • LL.M., Columbia University School of Law
  • University of Puerto Rico School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
  • University of Puerto Rico, B.B.A. (Finance), magna cum laude

Awards

Chambers Global

  • Band 2, Puerto Rico Corporate/Commercial (2018-2024)  

Chambers Latin America

  • Band 2, Puerto Rico Corporate/Commercial (2018-2024-2025)

The Legal 500 Latin America

  • Recommended, Latin America: International Firms Banking and Finance (2018-2019, 2021-2024)
  • Recommended, Puerto Rico Corporate, Commercial and Banking (2023-2024)
  • Recommended, Puerto Rico Banking and Finance (2021-2022)
  • Recommended, Puerto Rico Corporate and Commercial (2021-2022)
  • Recommended, Latin America: International Firms Corporate M&A (2016, 2018-2019)
Other recognitions
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Latin America (2020)
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico for Corporate and M&A Law, and Banking and Finance Law (2015-2023)

Media Mentions


Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, José was the Chair of the Corporate Department of a leading law firm in Puerto Rico where he held various positions, including shareholder, member of the Board of Directors and member of its Executive Committee.

Additional Credentials

José is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, where he teaches courses and seminars on Banking Regulation and Public Finance.

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Puerto Rico Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association
  • District of Columbia Bar Association
  • American Bar Association, Business Section

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