Mauricio Escobar
Senior Associate

700 Louisiana Street Suite 4300, Houston, TX USA 77002

Overview

Mauricio Escobar’s practice includes handling issues involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.S. international trade laws and regulations (OFAC economic sanctions, export controls, anti-dumping duties), and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Mauricio advises clients on U.S. sanctions relating to, among others, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Syria. He also advises clients on developing and enhancing compliance mechanisms to mitigate both anti-corruption and trade controls risks, voluntary self-disclosures, and sanctions and anti-corruption considerations in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Mauricio served on the Volkswagen AG Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor team that reviewed, audited, and tested the design and operating effectiveness of the company’s anti-fraud and ethics remedial measures and compliance program improvements.

Mauricio’s practice also includes litigation with an emphasis on complex commercial and industrial construction disputes. He has successfully arbitrated, litigated (state and federal court), and mediated many claims involving construction projects and commercial contracts. His experience includes representing owners, EPC contractors and subcontractors in large-scale construction disputes, representing brokers in real estate and business torts disputes, representing parties in public procurement bid protests, and other complex disputes.

Mauricio is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston where he teaches a Construction Law and Ethics course and an Effective Communication in Construction course in the College of Technology’s Construction Management Program.

Prior to joining the firm, Mauricio was an associate in the Houston, Texas office of a well-established law firm where he practiced commercial litigation.

While attending law school, Mauricio was a Member and Assistant Note & Comment Editor of the South Texas Law Review.

Mauricio has professional experience in the music and entertainment industry. He performed in the 37th Annual Grammy Awards telecast, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Grammy in the Schools, and as a professional musician for the Walt Disney companies. He has also performed as an actor, dancer, and musician in a Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway show. After hours, Mauricio continues to pursue his passion as a free-lance musician, composer, and music producer. Mauricio is an avid runner, triathlete, and tennis player.

Mauricio was recognized in 2025 and the three years immediately preceding as one of the "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" for Construction Law and Construction Litigation by The Best Lawyers in America®.

Mauricio is fluent in Spanish.

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Insights
Education

South Texas College of Law J.D. (2006)

University of Texas B.M. (2000) Music Theory

Admissions

Texas (2007)

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

Clerkships

Court of Appeals First District of Texas - Justice Laura Carter Higley

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Professional & Community Activities

State Bar of Texas

Houston Bar Association

Houston Habitat for Humanity

Christian Community Service Center

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