Mariana Pendás Fernández - Winston & Strawn LLP

In the dynamic global landscape, businesses and individuals in the District of Columbia often encounter legal challenges that extend beyond national borders. From navigating intricate international trade regulations and economic sanctions to ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-bribery laws, the need for sophisticated international legal counsel is paramount. This is particularly true in Washington D.C., a city at the epicenter of international policy, finance, and diplomatic relations.

This article introduces Mariana Pendás Fernández, a distinguished attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office. We will explore her unique legal expertise, her focus on complex international matters, and how her capabilities, combined with the firm's global reach, make her an invaluable resource for multinational clients and those with cross-border legal needs in the District of Columbia. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview from the perspective of a local D.C. user seeking highly specialized international legal support.

Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office is strategically located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime area of the nation's capital, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients across the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan area. The L Street corridor is a well-known hub for professional services, making it a familiar and convenient destination for those seeking legal counsel.

The accessibility of this office is a significant advantage for clients. For those utilizing public transportation, the firm is within easy walking distance of several key Metro stations. Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) provide direct connections from various D.C. neighborhoods, as well as suburban Maryland and Virginia. Numerous Metrobus routes also serve the immediate vicinity, offering additional convenient transit options. If you prefer to drive, the location benefits from its proximity to major city arteries, and while street parking can be competitive in this central business district, multiple commercial parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks. This central and well-connected location underscores Winston & Strawn's commitment to serving its D.C. clientele effectively and efficiently.

Mariana Pendás Fernández is a highly specialized attorney in Winston & Strawn LLP's Government Investigations, Enforcement, and Compliance Practice in Washington D.C. Her practice is deeply rooted in international trade, financial crimes compliance, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks for multinational clients. Her dual qualification in multiple jurisdictions provides a unique advantage in handling cross-border issues.

• U.S. and European Economic Sanctions: Mariana advises clients on compliance with U.S. and E.U. economic sanctions programs, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This includes drafting license requests for business transactions involving sanctioned parties or countries and assisting with regulatory compliance.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Compliance: She provides comprehensive counsel on AML laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act. This involves advising financial institutions and multinational corporations on developing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and responding to internal and government investigations related to financial crimes.
• Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (FCPA) Laws: Mariana possesses extensive experience in advising on and conducting internal investigations related to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, particularly the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This includes conducting witness interviews, factual investigations, and eDiscovery for multinational subsidiaries.
• Export Controls: She assists clients with regulatory compliance related to export controls, ensuring adherence to complex regulations when engaging in international trade.
• International Commercial Arbitration: Mariana has significant experience participating in international commercial arbitrations, handling disputes arising from breach of contracts, often in the context of international sanctions. Her background in civil and common law jurisdictions is a particular asset here.
• Pre-acquisition Due Diligence: She conducts due diligence for multinational mergers and acquisitions, specifically assessing risks related to anti-bribery, anti-corruption laws, economic sanctions, and export controls.
• Latin America Focus: Mariana's practice has a special focus on Latin America, assisting clients with market exploration and compliance in regions like Cuba, and addressing Venezuela-related sanctions and counter-narcotics trafficking in Mexico.

Mariana Pendás Fernández's professional profile within Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore her unique value to clients, especially those with international and complex compliance needs.

• Dual Qualification & Multilingual Skills: Mariana is a dual-qualified lawyer, admitted to practice in Spain, New York, and Washington D.C. She holds a Bachelor and Master in Swiss Law (Swiss Juriste), and two LL.M.s in European Law and International Business Regulation, Litigation, and Arbitration. Her civil and common law experience, combined with multilingual capabilities (Spanish, English, French, German), make her exceptionally well-suited to represent and advise multinational clients on complex international matters.
• Extensive International Investigations Experience: Her experience in leading complex cross-border internal investigations, particularly concerning FCPA and AML for multinational corporations, demonstrates her ability to handle high-stakes cases with global implications.
• Recognized Expertise: Mariana has been recognized as a "Rising Star" and named to "Top 100 Female Lawyers" for international trade matters and international arbitration by Latinvex. She was also recently recognized as a "Rising Star" by The Legal 500 US 2023 for international litigation, affirming her standing in the legal community.
• Arbitration Background: Prior to joining private practice in the U.S., Mariana worked in international arbitration for well-regarded international law firms in Paris and Madrid, participating in arbitrations before institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce. This provides her with a deep understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms outside of traditional litigation.
• Pro Bono Commitment: Mariana maintains an active pro bono practice, representing clients in asylum cases requiring Spanish and French language capabilities and supporting U.S. foundations promoting performing arts in Cuba. This highlights her dedication to impactful public interest work.
• Thought Leadership: She contributes to discussions on economic sanctions and compliance, demonstrating her active engagement with evolving legal issues in her field.

As a leading international law firm, Winston & Strawn LLP, including its Washington D.C. office and attorneys like Mariana Pendás Fernández, primarily provides exceptional legal expertise and strategic advice tailored to complex client needs, rather than publicly advertised promotions or special offers. The value inherent in their services stems from their deep specialized knowledge, extensive experience, and proven ability to navigate challenging international legal and regulatory landscapes.

Prospective clients interested in Mariana Pendás Fernández's services, particularly in areas such as international trade, economic sanctions, AML, anti-bribery, or international arbitration, are encouraged to directly contact the Washington D.C. office. During an initial consultation, you can discuss your specific legal situation, and the firm can then provide a clear understanding of how their expertise can be applied to your case, along with transparent details regarding their fee structures. Investing in such highly specialized international legal counsel is often critical for multinational businesses and those facing complex cross-border compliance challenges.

To connect with Mariana Pendás Fernández and Winston & Strawn LLP for international legal inquiries or to schedule a consultation, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 282-5726

Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5726

Direct contact via phone is often the most efficient way to initiate a discussion about your legal needs and arrange for a consultation.

For locals in the District of Columbia, Mariana Pendás Fernández and Winston & Strawn LLP offer an exceptionally suitable and vital legal resource, particularly for individuals and businesses operating within or impacted by the complexities of international law, trade, and compliance. The firm's central location in Northwest D.C. ensures easy accessibility for clients across the city, making consultations and collaborative efforts convenient.

In a city that is a global hub for policy, diplomacy, and international commerce, Mariana Pendás Fernández's specialized expertise in U.S. and European economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery laws, and international arbitration is immensely valuable. Many D.C.-based entities, from financial institutions to multinational corporations, frequently encounter cross-border transactions and regulatory scrutiny. Her dual qualification, civil and common law background, and multilingual capabilities provide a distinct advantage in navigating these intricate legal environments. For D.C. residents and companies that require sophisticated, globally-aware legal guidance to manage international trade risks, ensure financial crimes compliance, or resolve complex cross-border disputes, Mariana Pendás Fernández and the Washington D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP stand out as a premier choice.