Nearly two decades ago, Argentine attorney Maria Marta Calderon arrived in South Florida with a law degree and a determination to practice in the United States. After graduating with highest honors from the University of Miami School of Law and gaining experience at firms on the Am Law 200 list, she founded Calderon Law Firm, advising developers and Family Offices on cross-border asset protection.
In an exclusive interview, Calderon highlights the most severe mistake Latin American entrepreneurs make: assuming U.S. rules mirror those in their home countries. "They often rely on friends, real estate agents, or title companies—none of whom are specialized attorneys in U.S. foreign investment," she says. She emphasizes that proper structuring from day one is crucial to avoid legal liabilities, tax exposure, and complications with FIRPTA.
Calderon warns against buying property in personal names, which can trigger federal estate taxes for non-resident aliens and expose assets to lawsuits. "A well-designed corporate or fiduciary structure can limit liability, safeguard assets, and facilitate family succession," she explains. She recommends individualized counsel to tailor structures to each client's objectives.
In commercial real estate, Calderon sees opportunities in mixed-use developments, logistics centers, multifamily housing, and tech-driven projects like data centers. She stresses that due diligence varies by property type—from reviewing lease agreements for multifamily units to analyzing power grid infrastructure for data centers. "Litigation in the United States is extraordinarily expensive; our job is to help the client make money by negotiating favorable clauses and mitigating risks," she says.
Drawing on her experience as a Director of the Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and her dual qualification in Argentina's Civil Law system and the U.S. Common Law system, Calderon acts as a bridge for entrepreneurs navigating legal and cultural differences. "I help clients capitalize on the legal certainty and stability that the American system offers," she notes.
Her golden advice: "Surround yourself with excellent advisors, and never sign anything out of pressure or without understanding it 100%. U.S. contracts are extremely powerful; judges do not rewrite them." She cautions that signing flawed contracts can lead to massive financial losses or costly litigation. "That is why the vast majority of my clients are long-term—built on trust, transparency, and serious work."
