Stephanie Cruz
Legal & Business Director
With a proven track record in the legal structuring of global businesses, he leads the negotiation and structuring of complex commercial agreements, ranging from supply and distribution arrangements to strategic joint ventures and licensing agreements. His practice is distinguished by a deep understanding of highly regulated and dynamic sectors, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical, medtech, financial services, entertainment, and consumer goods industries.
Practice areas
Banking and Finance, Corporate and Business, Corporate Regulatory, Family Businesses, Business Groups, Mergers and Acquisitions, Immigration, Venture Capital, Private Equity, E-commerce, Compliance, Business and Human Rights, Insurance and Securities.
A specialist in supporting the expansion of foreign capital, he serves as a key facilitator for international companies seeking to establish or scale up their operations locally. His approach combines technical rigor with a practical understanding of the domestic market, ensuring robust regulatory compliance and proactive risk mitigation during the process of entering and consolidating operations in the country.
When involved in cross-border transactions, he stands out for his ability to coordinate multi-jurisdictional teams and define legal frameworks for high-impact international transactions. He also brings an analytical and solution-oriented approach to due diligence processes for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as well as to the strategic management of international disputes.
Education
Degree in Legal and Social Sciences, University of San Pedro Sula (2007).
Senior Management Program – Board of Women (BOW), Mujeres Empresarias (2024).
Certificate in Contract Law, Harvard University (2020).
Lawyer, Supreme Court of Justice of Chile (2016).
Master’s Degree in Comparative Law, University of Miami School of Law (2009).
Paralegal, University of Miami (2008).
Work experience
az, Director (2022 to date).
az, Senior Associate (2015-2022).
American Textile & Apparel, Inc., Foreign Legal Counsel (2010-2013).
Law Offices of Steve Rossi, Legal Consultant (2009).
Lexincorp Law Firm, Associate (2006-2007).
Sectional Court of Appeals, Clerk (2005-2006).
Teaching experience and memberships
Honduran Bar Association.
International Bar Association (IBA).
Notary Association of America (NAA).
Women in a Legal World.
RANKINGS
Languages
Spanish and English.
Featured experience
International coordination and successful execution of due diligence in 14 countries for the telecommunications sector, ensuring alignment with the client’s objectives and consolidating a unified technical and operational strategy.
Leadership in resolving complex disputes for textile licensees of luxury firms and global brands, safeguarding operational continuity and brand reputation.
Legal leadership in the strategic renegotiation of corporate credit lines for multinationals in the pharmaceutical sector, optimizing their capital structure and liquidity.
Comprehensive advisory services for highly complex refinancing transactions for international corporations in the entertainment and advanced cosmetics sectors.
Structuring and closing highly complex global manufacturing and distribution agreements for pharmaceutical and textile companies, ensuring resilient supply chains and compliance with international regulations.
Strategic consulting for the market entry and expansion of multinational corporations in the life sciences, food & beverage, technology, audiovisual production, and financial services sectors, navigating disruptive and highly demanding regulatory frameworks.
CONTACT STEPHANIE
scruz@az.cl