About Us

Mariana I. Hernández Gutiérrez obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2007 from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, with the distinction Magna Cum Laude. She passed the general bar exam with the second highest score in a group of more than 500. From 2007 to 2008 she clerked for Judge Germán Brau Ramírez at the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals. In 2010 she obtained a masters in law degree (LL.M.) from Columbia Law School in New York City, concentrating on commercial contracts and receiving the distinction of Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

From 2008 to 2012 Mariana worked in two law firms as associate and special counsel, respectively. Her practice concentrated mainly on litigation in trial and appellate courts, as well as on addressing non-adjudicative controversies related to surety bond contracts, indemnity agreements, construction law, insurance, condominiums and other commercial agreements. From 2008 to 2014 she also worked, as a volunteer, in the drafting and enacting of condominium regulations, and addressing complex property and condominium law issues as member of the transition committee and vice-president of the Board of Directors of a mixed condominium with more than 170 residential apartments, where the developer had filed for bankruptcy.

From January 2013 to October 2014, she served as an advisor to the Governor of Puerto Rico in legal and legislative matters. As such, she was in charge of drafting multiple executive orders, interagency agreements and legislative bills; advised the Governor, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of Public Affairs in diverse legal, legislative and policy issues; negotiated with members of the House and the Senate over bills presented by the Governor; and served as legal counsel to the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (a public entity attached to the Governor’s Office), drafting and negotiating lease agreements for spaces in the Ballajá Infantry Barracks Building.

In October 2014 she was appointed as General Counsel for the Puerto Rico Energy Commission, currently the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau. As General Counsel she was responsible for advising the Chairman in legal, legislative, administrative and strategic planning affairs; advising the agency’s Governing Body on substantive and procedural matters, including case management; appearing as counsel for the Commission in cases before state appellate courts; supervising the work of the Legal Department staff, hearing examiners and consultants on regulation and litigation; and drafting rules and regulations, contracts, interagency agreements and comments for the Legislature. Mariana held this position until December 31, 2015.

In January 2016, Mariana transitioned back to the private sector, establishing Hernández-Gutiérrez Law, PSC. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance, assistance, and representation to clients, particularly in the realm of condominium law, while also contributing her expertise to various other practice areas within the firm.

Beyond her commitment to private practice, Mariana has been a valuable contributor to legal education in Puerto Rico. Since 2011, she has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, teaching courses in Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Writing, Administrative Practice and Procedures, Condominium Law, and Special Contracts. In December 2023, Mariana co-authored with Michel Godreau, the third edition of El Condominio: el Régimen de Propiedad Horizontal en Puerto Rico, Situm (2023), the leading secondary source on Puerto Rico condominium law.

This dual role as a practitioner and educator reflects Mariana's commitment to both the practical application and academic understanding of the law. Mariana's multifaceted contributions to both private practice and legal education highlight her versatility and commitment to advancing the legal landscape in Puerto Rico. Her profound knowledge in condominium law, coupled with her roles as an educator and a practitioner, positions her as a well-rounded and influential figure within the legal community.