Fernando Zelada

Director

Profile

Fernando Zelada is Director of BLP in Guatemala, specializing in Dispute Resolution. He has provided legal counsel in defense of rights both in writing and orally before judicial and administrative authorities in various legal areas such as Civil, Commercial, Labor, and Administrative Litigation, among others. He also participates in the drafting and authorization of public deeds and private contracts according to the client’s needs and the nature of the legal business. With 32 years of experience, Fernando has acted ethically and in compliance with Guatemalan laws, including adhering to anti-corruption standards such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). He joined BLP in 2023.

  • Dispute Resolution 

Education 

  • Bachelor´s degree in Social Sciences, Lawyer and Notary Public, USAC 1991. 
  • Diploma for completing the Executive Program of Legal Aspects of International Business at INCAE, sponsored by Georgetown Law School, Managua, Nicaragua, 2003. 
  • Master of Civil Law and Civil Procedure, USAC 2004-2005. 
  • Master of Environmental Law, USAC 2016-2017. 

Languages  

  • Spanish 

  • Guatemalan Bar Association 
  • International Bar Association: Member 

  • Management of Labor Contingencies for Pepsico. BLP acted as external lawyers for the client on the management of labor contingencies that arise in the companies of the Frito Lay group, Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene, and PepsiCola Interamericana. Our advice lies in the early detection of labor contingencies, participation in conciliation and mediation processes of labor relations, and management of employee terminations.
  • BLP advised Servicios Portuarios SA in a lawsuit filed by The Quetzal Port Company over an alleged debt derived from the arbitrary and illegal increase in the lease value of the port areas.
  • A foreign award against one of the most important insurers in Guatemala is being enforced. The defense of the insurance company consists of many amparo actions seeking to stop the enforcement of the award. However, those actions have been dismissed in favor of our client, CHUBB.