ACERCA DE COLBAR

Fundado en 1995, el Colegio de Abogados de Colombia en Estados Unidos (COLBAR) es un colegio de abogados voluntario compuesto por jueces, abogados y firmas nacionales e internacionales, y estudiantes de leyes. Se dedica a promover los intereses cívicos y profesionales de los abogados colombo estadounidenses y sus colegas como también a abordar los intereses legales de la comunidad colombo estadounidense y en general.

COLBAR se reúne de 10 a 12 veces al año para almuerzos de red, presentaciones profesionales y Clases de Educación Continuada CLE, eventos sociales, un picnic anual y en otras ocasiones como dar la bienvenida a dignatarios colombianos visitantes o celebrar eventos importantes para la comunidad colombiana. COLBAR también participa activamente en eventos benéficos—su campaña anual de pavos de Acción de Gracias es una tradición establecida—y sus miembros a menudo se coordinan para brindar al público información legal confiable y sin costo.

Perfiles de los Directores Ejecutivos

Paula C. Arias, Esq.
Presidenta

Paula C. Arias is an international attorney whose professional experience includes work in the private, legal and academic sectors on issues related to international commercial arbitration, international human rights, public policy, rule of law, and advocacy. She has excellent interpersonal and outreach skills that have led to a large, established network of professional relationships with individuals and institutions domestically and internationally.

Laura Arboleda, Esq.
Vicepresidente

Laura Arboleda nació en Estados Unidos y fue criada entre Medellín, Colombia y Miami, Florida. Durante mas de siete años adquirió experiencia en varios casos migratorias como Paralegal en bufetes reconocidos. Ahora tiene su propio bufete.

Tiffany Escobar, Esq.
Secretario

Tiffany Escobar, Esq., practices as an immigration attorney at Beltran Brito Casamayor LLP in Miami. Although a Miami native, her cultural roots are deeply entwined with her Colombian heritage. In the early stages of her legal career, she co-founded COLSBAR, the student chapter of COLBAR, now a prominent organization at both St. Thomas University Law and the University of Miami Law. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Secretary of the Colombian American Bar Association, showcasing her ongoing commitment to legal communities. Beyond her official roles, Tiffany also serves as a legal advisor for the Florida chapter of the International Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce, exemplifying her dedication to diverse aspects of the legal profession.

Adriana P. Santiesteban, Esq.
Treasurer and Immediate Past President

Adriana P. Santiesteban, Esq., es una experimentada abogada litigante civil con más de veinte años de experiencia en el campo legal. Nació en Urrao, Colombia, S.A., y con la ayuda y sacrificios de su abuela materna, su familia emigró a los Estados Unidos cuando ella tenía dos años. La Sra. Santiesteban se crió en Brooklyn, NY y vivió en East Stroudsburg, PA, durante algunos años antes de mudarse permanentemente a la soleada Miami, FL en 1989.

Board of Directors

Alexander Lian, Esq.
Board Member

Alexander Lian, originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, is well known for his legal acumen and ability to handle intricate and complex matters. Noteworthy achievements include his 2011 selection as a finalist for the Daily Business Review’s Most Effective Lawyer in South Florida, Real Estate Litigation. Mr. Lian’s clients include the largest Fortune 100 company headquartered in South Florida, national religious organizations, as well members of South Florida’s business community. A Vanderbilt University Graduate and Law School alumnus, he authored a renowned study on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., which Cambridge University Press published internationally in 2020. Mr. Lian is also a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator and past president of COLBAR (2021).

Frederick Woodbridge Jr., Esq.
Board Member

Frederick Woodbridge, Jr. Esq., handles international commercial and corporate matters. He graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and holds additional degrees from Middlebury College, the Sorbonne and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, along with an American J.D. law degree from the University of Cincinnati. He spent over 12 years in the Republic of Cameroon, West Africa, as a teacher and state secondary school principal. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Mr. Woodbridge has lectured on international arbitration in Brazil for the U.S. Information Agency and shared insights on U.S. law to practitioners various countries. Actively involved in the Colombian American Bar Association for many years, he is a past president and secretary and currently holds a position on the board of directors.

Maria T. Sallato, Esq.
Board Member

With over 25 years of experience, Maria T. Sallato is a highly regarded family law specialist based in Florida. Born in Colombia and a Florida resident since 1974, Ms. Sallato has earned Board Certification in Matrimonial and Family Law, showcasing her exceptional skills and ethical standards. Recognized for her expertise in complex international custody cases, including Hague convention matters, she actively contributes to the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section. Martindale-Hubbell rates her highly for legal ability and ethical standards. Ms. Sallato focuses on guiding clients through diverse family matters, from divorces to adoptions and probate cases.