Sonia Torres

Sonia I. Torres Pabón

Partner

Head, White Collar and Corporate Investigations Group, Puerto Rico Office

US-LatAm Practice Group Regional Co-Leader, White Collar

"A reputable and trusted lawyer."
San Juan
About

Former federal prosecutor Sonia Torres helps financial institutions, healthcare organizations, corporations, and senior executives navigate high-stakes government investigations, regulatory enforcement, and compliance matters. Drawing on more than three decades of experience and hundreds of internal investigations across Latin America, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, she represents clients before the US Department of Justice and other federal agencies and strengthens compliance programs addressing anti-money laundering, the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-corruption, and healthcare fraud and abuse.

Areas of FocusWhite Collar and Corporate CrimeCompliance
Bar admissionsPuerto RicoDistrict of Columbia
CourtsUnited States District Court for the District of Puerto RicoUnited States Court of Appeals for the First CircuitSupreme Court of the United States

EXPERIENCE

Sonia guides clients through the full lifecycle of investigations—from risk assessment and crisis response to government engagement and defense. Her matters involve bribery, corruption, fraud, kickbacks, and money laundering, including investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the False Claims Act. Drawing on her prosecutorial experience, she develops practical strategies informed by how enforcement authorities investigate, evaluate, and resolve complex matters.

Languages
  • Spanish
  • English

Awards

Chambers Global Guide

  • Band 4, Puerto Rico Dispute Resolution, (2026)

Chambers Latin America

  • Band 4, Puerto Rico Dispute Resolution, (2026, 2027)

The Legal 500 Latin America

  • Recommended, Puerto Rico Dispute Resolution and Bankruptcy, (2023 – 2026)
Additional Recognitions
  • Lawyer of the Year, San Juan, Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico, (2021, 2023, 2026)
  • Recognized, San Juan Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice, Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico, (2020 – 2026)
  • Recognized, San Juan Litigation, Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico, (2020 – 2026)
  • Recognized, Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico, (2020 – 2026)
  • Stand-out Lawyer, Thomson Reuters, (2025)
  • Award Winner, Puerto Rico White Collar Crime, International Advisory Experts, (2022)
  • Global Award, Puerto Rico White Collar, Global Corporate INTL, (2022)
  • Global Law Experts, (2022)
Education
  • J.D., Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, 1986
    cum laude
  • J.D., Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, 1990

Publications

Presentations and Seminars

  • Webinar, "Navigating Environmental Events: Insights and Strategies for Multinational Companies," February 2026
  • Speaker, "Fighting Fraud, Corruption & Complex Financial Schemes," Financial Services Forum, November 18, 2025
  • Speaker, "First Sanctions Forum in Puerto Rico," Puerto Rico Bankers Association, September 12, 2025
  • Webinar, "Facing the New Reality: Cartel Designations, Terrorism Sanctions, and Risk Management Strategies for Latin American Businesses," September 2025
  • "Corruption and Trends Across the Americas: Part III," October 10, 2024
  • "Understanding the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA)," April 3, 2024
  • Speaker, "East Coast White Collar Seminar," National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, (2023)

Prior Experience

  • Naval Judge Advocate, Former Chief of the Criminal Division, United States Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico

Memberships And Affiliations

  • American College of Trial Attorneys
  • Women's White Collar Defense Association
  • Federal Bar Association, Puerto Rico Chapter

My latest insights

Past event

Understanding the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA)

3 April 2024 .1 minute read

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Connect

Phone

+1 787 945 9120
(Work, San Juan)