Luis C. Battista

Of Counsel

Luis C. Battista is an attorney in SMGQ Law's Cuba Practice Group. His practice focuses on U.S. economic sanctions, export controls, and international trade and investment, with particular emphasis on Cuba. His work at the intersection of foreign policy and international economic law, as well as his training in both common-law and civil-law systems, allows him to counsel clients on transactions and projects spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Mr. Battista’s regulatory practice encompasses advising domestic and foreign clients on the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), which are administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), enforced by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations; and Cuban law. Mr. Battista’s understanding of the Cuban legal system, particularly in foreign investment, is a key asset in his advisory role. Mr. Battista is also a frequent commentator on U.S.-Cuba bilateral relations, sanctions, and international economic law.

Prior to joining SMGQ Law, Mr. Battista represented sovereign states before international arbitration tribunals at a prominent law firm in Washington, DC. His professional background also includes providing OFAC-related advice at a leading investment bank and as a fellow at prominent Washington-based think tanks.