Nereida Melendez-Rivera

Nereida Meléndez is a seasoned investigations lawyer and former federal prosecutor, currently serving as the Latin America regional co-leader of DLA Piper's Internal Investigations and White-Collar Defense practice. She brings extensive experience leading complex, high-stakes investigations across Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on helping multinational corporations navigate legal exposure in high-corruption and high-risk environments.

Fluent in English and Spanish, and with working knowledge of Portuguese, Nereida is skilled at managing cross-border matters that require cultural fluency, strategic judgment, and regulatory sensitivity. Over her career, she has successfully directed hundreds of internal investigations involving anti-corruption (FCPA), fraud, money laundering, and other white-collar issues, often in coordination with enforcement authorities.

Clients consistently commend her ability to uncover critical insights and translate them into clear, actionable reports for both legal and business stakeholders. With her prosecutorial precision, regional expertise, and trusted leadership, Nereida is widely regarded as a go-to advisor for companies operating across Latin America.