Meet the team
Adriana Gutierrez, Esq., LL.M.
Adriana Gutierrez is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience representing clients across jurisdictions. With dual qualifications in both California and Mexico, she brings a unique perspective to her practice, specializing in Business and Cross-Border Litigation.
EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Ms. Gutierrez distinguished herself early in her academic career, graduating in the top 2% of her class from Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro School of Law, in 2008. She obtained her Master of Laws in Business and Corporate Law from the prestigious University of San Diego School of Law in 2010, where she now serves as an Adjunct Law Professor.
PRACTICE AREAS
With a focus on Business/Commercial Cross-Border Litigation in both State and Federal courts, Ms. Gutierrez adeptly navigates the complexities of international legal disputes. Additionally, she assists clients in structuring and executing cross-border transactions, facilitating direct foreign investments, and establishing new business ventures.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Adriana Gutierrez specializes in representing and advising clients in a diverse range of cross-border legal matters, including:
- Cross-Border Commercial and Business Transactions: Offering strategic counsel to clients involved in cross-border commercial and business transactions. This includes facilitating direct foreign investment in established businesses, as well as structuring and operating new business ventures.
- Litigation Representation: Representing major U.S. fresh produce distributors and growers in complex litigation matters, involving claims of embezzlement, breach of joint venture, civil theft, and financial elder abuse, among others. Assisting businesses in the recognition and enforcement of foreign money judgments. Representing U.S. companies in responding to Hague Convention Requests for Information from Mexico.
- Agribusiness Representation: Advocating for agribusinesses in Baja California, Sinaloa, Sonora, Morelos, and Bajio area, in various legal disputes against U.S. seed companies, distributors, shippers, brokers, etc. Handling all aspects of litigation before state and federal courts and coordinating with local counsel in Mexico for effective prosecution and/or defense of claims.
- Contract Negotiation and Drafting: Assisting businesses in the negotiation and drafting of distribution, sales, and consignment agreements, as well as collection and enforcement of UCC-1 secured obligations.
- Trade Agreement Representation: Representing Mexican signatories to the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement before the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Trademark and Corporate Matters: Providing legal counsel to clients in trademark matters, corporate formation and compliance, and business immigration-related issues.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Ms. Gutierrez is committed to advancing legal knowledge and has been invited to speak at various conferences, including:
- Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Money Judgments in the U.S. - Presented at the State Bar of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and "El Colegio de Abogados de Nuevo Leon, A.C." (May 2021).
- Congreso Latinoamericano de Derecho y Justicia, San Diego, CA - Served as a guest speaker (April 2022).
- La Doctrina Forum Non Conveniens: Origen, Aplicación, y Caselaw - Presented at Escuela de Derecho de Cetys Universidad, Mexicali, B.C. Mexico (October 2022).
Ms. Gutierrez's dedication to her clients, coupled with her extensive legal knowledge and international experience, makes her a trusted advocate for those navigating complex legal matters across borders. Whether representing clients in litigation or facilitating cross-border transactions, Ms. Gutierrez's commitment to excellence and professionalism is unwavering.
Practices
Cross-Border Litigation
Cross-Border Transactions
Corporate Governance
Foreign Investments
Civil and Commercial Litigation
Immigration - FOIA Requests
Trademarks
Contracts
Lemon Law
Bar Admissions
Mexican Law License (2008)
California Southern District Court (2010)
California Central District Court (2010)
California State Courts (2010)
Education
University of San Diego School of Law
LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law (2010)
Honors:
- Pro Bono Legal Services Award (2010)
- Guest Speaker in Mexican Law (2009–2011)
Clinic:
- Entrepreneurship Clinic ( 2009)
Research:
- Leading Research Assistant to Professor Jorge A. Vargas (2008–2010)
Clerkship:
- Employee Rights Center, (2010)
Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico | Law School, 2007
- Class rank: 5 of 252 (Top 2%)
Languages
Fluent in spoken and written Spanish.
Awards
Pro-Bono Legal Services Award, 2010
Big Sister of the Year (Amichi), 2017
Luisa Besterman
EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Luisa Besterman is a distinguished legal professional with a wealth of experience spanning both Colombian and U.S. legal landscapes. Armed with a Law Degree from Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia School of Law, she has meticulously cultivated her expertise, complemented by advanced studies in Human Resources Management at the prestigious UCLA Extension Program. Furthermore, her academic journey includes a B.A in Public Administration from Escuela Superior de Administración Pública in Colombia, coupled with a specialized focus in Private Law from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.
EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND
Throughout her distinguished career, Luisa Besterman has held various pivotal roles that have finely honed her legal acumen and administrative prowess. Originating in Colombia, her tenure of over a decade as an attorney and director of legal affairs laid the groundwork for her professional journey. Notably, she co-founded the esteemed Buitrago-Silva Law Firm. Transitioning to the United States, she seamlessly adapted her expertise to roles that capitalized on her legal background and organizational finesse. Noteworthy positions include serving as an administrative assistant at Juliana Romeu Law Firm and contributing as a freelance Human Resources Consultant, before assuming her current role as a law clerk at Coasterra Law Group.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE - HOUSE OF COLOMBIA SAN DIEGO
In addition to her professional pursuits, Ms. Besterman is deeply committed to community service. She actively contributes to the House of Colombia San Diego as a member of its Board of Directors, dedicating herself to the promotion of Colombian culture and heritage through impactful educational initiatives.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Ms. Besterman's linguistic proficiency enables her to cater to a diverse clientele seamlessly, proficiently navigating legal complexities and proceedings in both languages.
CANDIDATE FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE BAR EXAMINATION
Looking forward, Luisa Besterman is poised to elevate her career further as she endeavors to become a licensed attorney in California. Scheduled to sit for the bar examination in February 2025, she anticipates bringing her extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication to the legal profession in California.
