Rafael, originally from Camerota, Italy, and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, is an accomplished attorney with a diverse and extensive educational background. He holds Juris Doctor degrees from Florida International University School of Law, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (Venezuela), and Universidad de Sevilla (Spain). Additionally, he has earned a Master’s degree in Public Law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain), a Master’s Degree in Corporate Law from IE Business School (Spain), and a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Law from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Spain).
Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Italian, Rafael is admitted to the Florida Bar and licensed to practice law in Venezuela. He has proven expertise in international litigation and arbitration, corporate law, and public law. Before moving to the United States, Rafael worked at major law firms in Spain and Venezuela and served as in-house counsel for a multinational corporation based in Peru.
During his time in law school, Rafael joined Osorio Internacional as a law clerk and later as an associate after passing the Florida Bar, specializing in business, commercial litigation, and arbitration. He subsequently joined Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, and then EPGD Business Law.
Rafael has been recognized for his academic and professional achievements. While attending Florida International University College of Law, he served as Vice President of the Law Students Association, President of the Hispanic Law Students Association, a member of the World Arbitration and Mediation Review (WAMR), a Law School Student Ambassador, and a member of the International Dispute Resolution Team that represented FIU College of Law at the XIII International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Madrid. He received the “Outstanding Advocacy Award” in recognition of his performance on the FIU College of Law International Commercial Arbitration Team.
Rafael believes that as a lawyer, one has a powerful opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by advocating for their rights and interests. He lives by the motto, “The secret to success is hard work, discipline, and good habits.”
Outside of his professional life, Rafael is a passionate fan of soccer (Italy, Venezuela, USA, Real Madrid, Juventus), football (Miami Dolphins), and Formula 1 (Go Ferrari!). He enjoys cooking, playing guitar, golfing, and taking road trips and traveling with his wife. Additionally, Rafael is a skilled pit master who loves to grill and smoke on his Kamado Joe.
Rafael Prado’s multifaceted background and dedication to his profession and personal interests make him a well-rounded and dynamic individual.
Education:
- Florida International University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2021
- Universidad de Sevilla (Spain), Juris Doctor, 2006
- IE Business School (Spain), Master’s Degree in Corporate Law, 2005
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Spain), Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Law, 2003
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain), Master’s Degree in Public Law, 2002
- Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (Venezuela), Juris Doctor, 1999
Bar Admissions:
- U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida, 2023
- Florida, 2021
- Venezuela, 2000
Languages:
- English
- Spanish
- Italian
