Distinguished Clients and Friends,

The legal profession in Costa Rica developed within a historically unique democratic system that has invariably encouraged its liberal exercise, free of any political or military repression or coercion, in compliance with the parameters of a developed civil society. This privileged situation —not only in Latin America but also worldwide— engendered the selection of Costa Rica by the international community for seat of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations University for Peace. In 1949 Costa Rica was the first nation to abolish its army and, throughout the last 55 years, has been the sole truly demilitarized democracy in the world.

It is within this legacy of respect and legitimacy that we, the members of one of the oldest and most preeminent law firms in the country, are committed to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.

PACHECO COTO — The keystone

Pacheco Coto was founded by attorney Humberto Pacheco Coto in 1939. Mr. Pacheco Coto participated in a league of notable citizens who forged the Second Republic in 1948, and played a significant role in the abolition of the army in 1949. In 1955, he was appointed Minister of the Interior in the Administration of President José Figueres Ferrer, and subsequently, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada and thereafter to Great Britain. He continued working at the Firm until his retirement at the age of 84 years, in 1995.

PACHECO COTO — The international trajectory

During its first 20 years, under the leadership of the Founding Partner, Pacheco Coto developed its profile as a prominent, highly ethical local firm. In the early sixties, when American transnational companies reoriented their investment policies in Latin America, developing a philosophy of mutual benefit to host country and investor, Pacheco Coto seized the moment to enter the international arena. It evolved into an internationally oriented concern, developing a client roster of foreign firms and individual clients, at that time mostly North American in origin.

A new and propitious era began in 1972, when Pacheco Coto established its first European office in association with a group of distinguished Zurich lawyers, and eight years later developed a second European representation in Vaduz, with Liechtenstein partners. At the beginning of the seventies the firm also initiated a solid association in Grand Cayman that continues to date, consolidating its international presence.

During this period, the Firm also established important relationships with the top law firms of North, Central and South America, as well as Europe, expanding its network of correspondents to provide aggregate value and greater options and benefits to its clients.

PACHECO COTO — Outlook towards the future

In keeping with the Firm's philosophy of excellence and in order to stay abreast of the most up-to-date strategies and organization, in the latter half of the nineties the Firm engaged Hildebrandt, one of the top US law firm organization companies, to redesign its structure for the 21 st century. From this process the Firm emerged with a streamlined organization and state-of-the-art technologies.

We invite you to visit our web page and learn of the many ways in which our attorneys, mostly post-graduates from internationally renowned universities, can best satisfy your legal requirements. Please feel free to visit us personally and to request our publications.

Very cordially yours,

Humberto Pacheco A., M.C.L.

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