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José Mario Valdés is Counsel in our Business Litigation Practice Group and a member of our Global Construction and Engineering Disputes team. His practice focuses on complex commercial disputes involving domestic and international energy and infrastructure projects in both U.S. state and federal courts, as well as in domestic and international arbitration proceedings. He represents owners, developers, contractors, operators, asset managers, investors, and off-takers of both conventional and renewable power projects, including combined cycle power plants, photovoltaic power plants, battery storage projects, and wind farms.
José Mario advises clients on disputes involving engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs), operation and maintenance (O&M) agreements, LLC agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and supply agreements. His practice covers the full spectrum of energy-related disputes, from project development and construction claims, to claims involving the asset's operation and management, and conflicts involving electricity markets and regional transmission organizations/independent transmission operators (RTOs/ITOs). He also counsels LLC members in disputes over governance and management of energy assets.
In the construction arena, José Mario represents contractors, owners, and developers in the typical construction claims involving project delays, cost overruns, extra work, engineering and design defects, among others. His experience navigating the technical, financial, and contractual complexities of multi-billion-dollar facilities enables him to develop tailored solutions that advance both legal and commercial objectives.
Beyond his experience in energy and infrastructure construction disputes, José Mario has broad experience in commercial disputes. He has prosecuted and defended against frequent commercial claims, including breach of contract, fraud, and other business torts. He is also proficient in theories of derivative liability such as alter ego, de facto merger, veil piercing, and agency.
In addition to representing clients in active litigation and arbitration, José Mario frequently advises on pre-dispute strategy. He helps clients frame arguments, preserve leverage, and position themselves advantageously in anticipation of potential conflicts. When litigation can be avoided, he develops approaches that maximize bargaining strength while advancing clients’ long-term business goals.
José Mario’s breadth of experience across construction disputes, transactional agreements, corporate governance, and electricity market issues allows him to guide clients through the full range of challenges that can arise in the development, ownership, and operation of energy projects, helping them protect their investments while achieving practical, commercially-minded outcomes.
Earlier in his career, José Mario served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. He also completed an externship at a global reinsurer, providing him with valuable industry perspective in his practice.
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