U.S. and Argentinian Attorney

Maria Fernanda Elosu (“Maria”) is an attorney licensed to practice law in Argentina and in California. Her California Bar Association license number is 342086. She is admitted pro hac vice in the Federal District Court for the District of Nevada. Maria is an ideal candidate for bilateral relationships between the United States and Argentina due to a great understanding of both governmental structures, cultures, politics, history, legal systems, and current issues. Maria is an avid self-learner and eager to learn new areas of the law. Marai has experience in drafting, understanding, and interpreting legal documents in both English and Spanish.

Education

• Juris Doctor, University of Laws of Buenos Aires (UBA), 2001
• Master of Laws (LLM), University of Southern California (USC), 2018
• “Financial Analysis and Valuation for Lawyers”, 2022, Harvard Business School Online
• “Derecho de Daños en Contratos Internacionacionales” (Law of Damages in International Contracts), 2024, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Experience

Law Office of Robert Brace – Associate Attorney 2021- present

• Represented victims in class action litigation against large banks for aiding and abetting Ponzi schemes. Her cases have included Evans v. Z.B., N.A., 779 F. App’x 443 (9th Cir. 2019), involving California Bank & Trust, and In re J & J Investment Litigation, Case No. 2:22-cv-00529-GMN-NJK, involving Wells Fargo Bank. 
• Organized and reviewed extensive e-discovery of banks’ records and documents for litigation.
• Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
• Researched and analyzed laws, rulings, and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Represented clients from diverse backgrounds with a high level of understanding and respect for cultures and languages.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in the clients’ best interest.
• Participated in litigation against insurance companies over coverage. 

English to Spanish Interpreter 2001- present

• Interpreted simultaneous live meetings of the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors into Spanish for the local TV channel.
• Facilitated clear understanding during government meetings by providing precise English-Spanish interpretation on a wide range of topics.
• Supported bilingual understanding for non-English speakers with accurate consecutive interpretation of complex topics.
• Translated contracts, criminal interview transcripts, employee manuals and other legal documents.

Executive Director 

Santa Barbara County Bar Association 2004-2008

• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
• Forged strong relationships with board members, provided regular updates on organizational progress, and solicited their expertise when needed.
• Organized social events for fundraising and to provide a space for the organization in the community. 
• Managed the Fee Dispute Resolution Program, a volunteer mediation service to resolve fee disputes between lawyers and clients in Santa Barbara. 
• Organized materials and printing services of the Santa Barbara Lawyer, the monthly legal local magazine. 

Languages

English and Spanish, with full professional proficiency in both languages.

Jurisdictions admitted to practice law

• Capital Federal, Argentina
• State of California, US
• Admitted pro hac vice in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada