As a member of Reed Smith’s Regulatory and Investigations practice group, former governor of Puerto Rico and member of Congress, Luis Fortuño provides seasoned advice to clients navigating federal regulatory and public policy issues, as well as cross-border transactions and disputes, especially those with a Latin America and Caribbean nexus. He also advises foreign governments on public policy and investment issues, including in investment arbitrations.
By leveraging his experience in public office and his practice in these geographies, Luis is uniquely positioned to assist clients with assessing policy risks and opportunities and furthering their business priorities across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Working in both English and Spanish, clients benefit from Luis’s ability to combine practical, business-savvy advice with an understanding of how legislative and regulatory policy can affect their business operations.
Prior to joining the firm, Luis spent many years in government service. During this time, he served as Puerto Rico’s governor and as its sole representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. Under his leadership as governor, Puerto Rico implemented the largest tax cut in the territory’s history, rightsized its government, reined in deficit spending, and developed new sources of government revenue, resulting in the island’s only period of economic growth in over a decade. Additionally, Luis’ signature Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law paved the way for two of the largest infrastructure investments in the U.S.: the highway system and the main international airport. He also ushered in considerable investments in energy projects, ferry services and critical infrastructure.
While serving in the House, Luis was vice-chair and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference. He also co-founded the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, for which he was conferred a Royal order. Luis was also a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure, International Relations, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce committees.
Luis prides himself on his active engagement in economic and human rights initiatives. He is a member of “Grupo Libertad y Democracia,” which is an elite group made up of current and former heads of state from Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain whose aim is to promote freedom, human rights and sustainable economic development in the region. In 2013, Luis founded the nonprofit Center for Economic Renewal, Growth and Excellence (CRECE), which aims to foster self-reliance, growth and economic prosperity in Puerto Rico. He continues to serve as chairman of the organization’s board of directors and remains active in its operation.
