B.A., University of Florida; J.D., Boston College
Brigida Benitez is a partner in Steptoe’s Washington office, and focuses on global dispute resolution, internal investigations, and compliance matters. She advises clients on US and international anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and regulations of Multilateral Development Banks. She also represents clients in connection with corporate and related conduct in complex US and international legal settings.
Ms. Benitez is also experienced representing clients in complex commercial disputes and business controversies, including litigation and arbitration, and internal corporate investigations. She has been cited by DC Super Lawyers for her work in civil litigation defense, and Hispanic Business magazine has named her a “Woman of the Year” and one of the “100 most influential US Hispanics.” Additionally, Ms. Benitez was a key member of the team representing the University of Michigan in a landmark victory for diversity in higher education before the US Supreme Court.
Prior to joining Steptoe, Ms. Benitez was Chief of the Office of Institutional Integrity of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), heading the office responsible for investigating all potential fraud and corruption in IDB-financed activities, and implementing programs designed to detect and prevent fraud, as well as engaging in compliance activities and outreach on integrity-related issues. As a member of the senior management team, Ms. Benitez reported to the IDB president and to the Audit Committee of the Board of Executive Directors, overseeing a staff of attorneys, auditors and other professionals. Her work covered the IDB’s 26 country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, and she implemented procedures on a number of compliance issues, including integrity due diligence, offshore financial centers and OFAC. She also collaborated with individuals and organizations throughout Latin America and worked closely with leading international financial institutions to harmonize the IDB’s investigative processes and sanctions procedures.
Ms. Benitez is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, where she teaches a course on international litigation and federal practice.