Biography • Arbitration

Fernando Peláez-Pier is a graduate of the Iberoamericana University, Mexico City; Paris University (diplôme d'études supérieures); and the University of the Andes, Merida, Venezuela.

He joined Bentata Hoet & Asociados (now Hoet Pelaez Castillo & Duque) in 1977, where he currently leads as one of its corporate partners and contributes to the strategic direction of the firm. Mr Peláez-Pier is a prominent member of the global legal fraternity and, as an expert on inward investment, has helped several of the largest multinational corporations developing their businesses in Venezuela. He practises in the areas of contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investments, project finance and alternative dispute resolution.

Prior to joining the firm, he was responsible for setting up the London office of Bomchil, Castro, Goodrich, Claro, Arosemena & Associates and was director of their Paris and London offices from 1972 to 1976. He was an associate at Goodrich, Riquelme & Associates, Mexico City from 1967 to 1972.

Mr Peláez-Pier was chairman of the Federation of Binational Chambers of Commerce of the European Community (FEDEUROPA) 1981 to 1982; Lex Mundi chairman, 1992 to 1993; and president of the International Bar Association 2009 to 2010. Before his election as president, he was vice president during period 2007/2008; IBA secretary general 2005/2006; Section on Business Law (SBL) secretary treasurer 1998/2000, SBL vice chair 2000/2002, and SBL 2002/2004.

He is a member of the International Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Interamerican Bar Association, and the advisory board of the Institute of International and Comparative Law.

Mr Peláez-Pier speaks Spanish, English and French.

Other Practice Areas

Fernando Peláez-Pier also features in the following practice areas:

• Banking
• Public Procurement
• Mining
• Corporate Governance
• Mergers and Acquisitions