Lourdes A. Robles-Torres

Biography

Ms. Robles-Torres is a distinguished legal professional with a rich background as a practicing attorney and a former judge in the Courts of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. With an entrepreneurial approach to government affairs, policy development, and compliance, she has developed a unique expertise in commercial litigation and risk management in corporate, administrative, immigration, family, criminal, and civil law. Her skills extend across all facets of litigation, from case investigations and legal research to drafting motions, negotiating settlements, and preparing cases for trial and appeals.

Before joining McConnell Valdés, Ms. Robles-Torres worked at a San Juan law firm and also as an Examining Officer for the Public Corporation for the Supervision and Insurance of Cooperatives in Puerto Rico (COSSEC), where she handled disputes between COSSEC, cooperatives, and their members. Prior to that she worked as Attorney Advisor at the Office of Disaster Assistance within the U.S. Small Business Administration. There, she reviewed and analyzed hundreds of files to ensure accuracy and relevance in efforts to rectify funding errors related to Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

Between 2008 and 2015, she served as a Municipal and Superior Court judge, including leading the Specialized Courtroom on Domestic Violence. Significant improvements in victim services and effective management of various cases marked her leadership in this role.

Her career began with a focus on ethics and transparency as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Office of Government Ethics. Her work there was instrumental in promoting ethical standards and addressing violations by public officials and employees. She also led the Office of Legal Affairs at the Puerto Rico Department of State and was the principal legal advisor to the Secretary of State. In this capacity, she advised top officials, represented the Secretary of State before the Legislature and judicial and administrative forums, and played a crucial role in negotiating the department’s inaugural collective bargaining agreement.

Ms. Robles-Torres has contributed to the Safe Passage Project and LatinoJustice PRLDEF, advocating against discriminatory practices and providing legal support to refugee and immigrant children in New York City facing deportation despite having solid legal claims to remain in the U.S.

She holds a master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Puerto Rico, where she completed a thesis titled El sistema jurídico de Puerto Rico, further reflecting her dedication to bridging language and cultural gaps in legal contexts. It is worth noting that Ms. Robles-Torres received the highest grade awarded in the Department of Translation, and publication of the thesis was recommended.

Practices