Andrea Hulbert

Hulbert Volio & Parajeles was born as a litigation and arbitration boutique, dedicated to provide the country with specialised conflict prevention and resolution services in civil and commercial law. With time, multi-national clients approached the firm with diverse needs and the firm opened new areas: dispute resolution in commercial, IP, administrative and criminal law, as well as corporate, complex contractual structures, wealth preservation and real estate developments.

The dispute resolution lawyers have great experience in complex cases; with more than 30 years of experience they have held positions in very important branches in the court, universities and law training academies. They litigate as a routine and are very familiar with Latin American law practice. Andrea Hulbert is one of the best litigation attorneys in the country, a recognised speaker in law conferences. She is also a national and international certified arbitrator; one of the first female lawyers who started her practice in ADR and that regularly sits as an arbitrator.

The law firm represents numerous international clients, persons, corporations and non-litigant attorneys, having a 75% of clients from abroad. We were ranked as a top leading law firm in Chambers Latin America 2017: "Hulbert Volio & Parajeles really gets the job done. The firm has a good understanding of the Costa Rican court system as well as all aspects of jurisprudence, and is adept at identifying a problem, developing a legal strategy and executing it." Andrea Hulbert is highly regarded by clients, who say: "She is very professional and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of litigation in Costa Rica." They also express strong appreciation for "her finesse, efficiency and punctuality." Partner, Gerardo Parajeles was a civil and commercial judge for 30 years, has being a law professor for many years, and is now litigating in the firm.

Costa Rica is a friendly country with ADR mechanisms; we are part of the New York Convention, the International Commercial Arbitration Law, based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, was recently approved; some institutions have included in their proceedings the use of some of the IBA rules, and the judiciary system is highly respectful with all national and international ADR regulation and resolutions.

The most common ADR methods used are conciliation, mediation and arbitration. The institutions are always promoting the use of ADR and the most important conflicts are solved in arbitration. In addition, the court promotes a conciliation hearing that in many cases allows the parties to reach a settlement.

We are expecting an increase in the levels of domestic and international arbitration derived from a public awareness of the ADR benefits in terms of time, administration of the procedure and quality and experience of our professionals; also, the institutional costs and arbitrators’ fees are very competitive.

Costa Rica’s strategic location, climate and recognised democracy make it an ideal place for any ADR procedure and Hulbert Volio & Parajeles the ideal legal adviser.