Martin De Luca, head of the International Private Client practice, is a seasoned litigator and trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals, political leaders, corporations, and sovereigns involved in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes and investigations. Martin works closely with clients to craft both offensive and defensive strategies in connection with criminal and civil matters arising from government investigations, including those involving fraud, asset forfeiture, sanctions, and insolvency litigation.
Described by Chambers & Partners as an “excellent and extremely sophisticated lawyer” and “particularly well regarded for his experience representing individuals in high-profile cross-border disputes and investigations,” Martin helps clients manage special situations that demand multidisciplinary strategies to address immediate threats while protecting long-term interests.
Martin frequently advises on enforcement actions brought by U.S. and international authorities under statutes such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and RICO, as well as matters involving global sanctions, money laundering, and asset forfeiture. He regularly engages with key regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, the U.K.’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, and the European Union.
In parallel with his litigation practice, Martin advises political leaders and sovereign clients on foreign policy and national security strategy. He has supported negotiations on issues related to conflict zones in the Russia–Ukraine theater, the Western Balkans, and Venezuela. His work also spans critical minerals and natural resource diplomacy.
Martin also has extensive experience representing American citizens wrongfully detained in some of the world’s most challenging jurisdictions. He has acted in politically sensitive cases involving high-profile detainees in Russia, Venezuela, Mexico, and beyond. His work often entails direct engagement with senior officials and has earned recognition from both American and international stakeholders for its effectiveness.
Earlier in his career, Martin served as a prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. He prosecuted a broad range of matters, including public corruption, complex fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, organized crime, terrorism finance, and international narcotics. These cases often required coordination with the FBI, DEA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and foreign law enforcement partners.