Rafael Prado is a seasoned corporate attorney with over 15 years of international legal experience advising businesses across the United States and Latin America on complex transactional, regulatory, and commercial matters. He specializes in corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and cross-border transactions, helping multinational companies, startups, and established organizations navigate sophisticated legal challenges in an increasingly global marketplace. With extensive in-house counsel experience and a deep understanding of international business operations, Rafael brings a pragmatic, business-first approach to legal strategy — delivering solutions that align with his clients' commercial objectives while mitigating risk.
Rafael holds a Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law, where he earned a place on the Dean's List and received the Outstanding International Arbitration Skills Award. His academic excellence extended to international competition, where he delivered oral arguments in Spanish at the XIII International Commercial Arbitration Competition in Madrid. Prior to his U.S. legal education, Rafael earned multiple advanced degrees in Europe and Latin America, including an LL.M. in Corporate Law from IE Business School in Madrid, an LL.M. in Telecommunications Law from Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI-ICADE, and an LL.M. in Administrative Law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He also holds Juris Doctor degrees from Universidad de Sevilla in Spain and Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela. Most recently, Rafael completed executive legal training at Fordham University's In House Counsel Institute and UC Berkeley Law, where he specialized in Generative AI for the Legal Profession and Commercial Contracts Fundamentals — keeping him at the forefront of legal innovation and technology.
Since being admitted to the Florida Bar, Rafael has focused his practice on corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, commercial contracts, and business litigation. His comprehensive legal services include negotiating and drafting licensing agreements, SaaS contracts, joint venture agreements, distribution agreements, data privacy frameworks, NDAs, and non-compete agreements for both domestic and international clients. He advises companies and startups on corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, and risk mitigation strategies across multiple jurisdictions.
Rafael's international expertise is unparalleled. Prior to joining Saltiel Law Group, he served as Director of Legal Affairs, Ethics & Compliance Director, and Board Member for a multinational beauty and jewelry company with operations in 10 countries across Latin America. In this executive role, he oversaw employment policies, compliance programs, marketing review processes, and corporate governance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions — experience that gives him unique insight into the operational challenges facing global enterprises.
Rafael's track record includes significant achievements in both private practice and corporate leadership. As Senior Associate in Caracas, he was recognized by Chambers & Partners Latin America as the #2 revenue generator in 2014. He successfully managed two complex antitrust proceedings before Venezuela's Antitrust Commission, achieving full client exoneration in both cases. His litigation experience extends to federal and international arbitration matters, having drafted complex commercial litigation pleadings, appellate briefs, and arbitration submissions under international frameworks.
As a litigator, Rafael has represented clients in sophisticated commercial disputes, including contract enforcement actions, intellectual property protection matters, employment litigation, and international arbitration. He has extensive experience conducting legal research and strategic analysis on international service of process, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, and cross-border discovery under 28 U.S.C. §1782. His ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks makes him an invaluable asset to clients engaged in international commerce and dispute resolution.
Rafael joined Saltiel Law Group in 2026, where he serves as a Senior Corporate Attorney specializing in business transactions, corporate governance, and commercial matters. His practice focuses on advising entrepreneurs, mid-market companies, and international investors on corporate structuring, M&A transactions, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and real estate investments. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and external counsel to address complex legal issues, resolve commercial disputes, and support clients' strategic business initiatives. Rafael's multilingual capabilities and cross-cultural expertise make him uniquely positioned to serve the firm's diverse client base of Latin American investors and multinational enterprises operating in U.S. markets.
Fluent in Spanish (native), English (fluent), and Italian (intermediate), Rafael is well-equipped to handle multilingual negotiations and international legal matters. He is an active member of the International Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, Florida Bar International Law Section, Florida Bar
Business Law Society, Coral Gables Bar Association, and Cuban American Bar Association. His commitment to professional development and international legal practice ensures that clients benefit from cutting-edge legal strategies informed by global best practices.
With his extensive experience spanning in-house corporate leadership, international law firm practice, and complex cross-border transactions, Rafael Prado remains a trusted advisor for businesses seeking sophisticated legal counsel that bridges cultural and jurisdictional boundaries. His unique combination of business acumen, international expertise, and practical legal strategy makes him an essential partner for companies navigating the complexities of global expansion, corporate governance, and transactional law.
Education
- Florida International University College of Law — Juris Doctor (JD)
- Dean's List (Fall 2020, Spring 2021)
- Outstanding International Arbitration Skills Award
- IE Business School, Madrid, Spain — LL.M. in Corporate Law
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI-ICADE, Madrid, Spain — LL.M. in Telecommunications Law Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain — LL.M. in Administrative Law Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain — Juris Doctor
- Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, Caracas, Venezuela — Juris Doctor
- Fordham University — In-House Counsel Institute
- UC Berkeley Law — Generative AI for the Legal Profession; Commercial Contracts Fundamentals
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar (Member in Good Standing) — 2021
- Caracas Bar (Member in Good Standing) — 2000
