**Prominent Defense Lawyer, “The Devil’s Advocate” Juan Velásquez Passes Away at 77**
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the legal world bid farewell to Juan Velásquez, a renowned attorney known as “The Devil’s Advocate,” at the age of 77. Velásquez earned this moniker through his years of defending several controversial Mexican political figures, including former presidents from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) such as Luis Echeverría, José López Portillo, and Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
Juan Velásquez gained prominence for representing Luis Echeverría against accusations related to the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre, where numerous students were tragically killed by the Mexican Army and paramilitary forces. The defense argued against the president’s responsibility in the instigation of this unfortunate event.
In another high-profile case, Velásquez defended José López Portillo, battling allegations of financial mismanagement tied to the extravagant construction of the Colina del Perro estate. This controversial property, spanning around 100,000 to 120,000 square meters and costing 17 million pesos, housed four mansions—one for him and each of his three children.
Carlos Salinas faced Velásquez’s defense during accusations regarding the 1994 economic crisis, which some attribute to missteps during his administration, including decisions that amplified the nation’s fiscal deficits.
Velásquez’s illustrious legal career began upon graduating from the esteemed National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1969, where he later also taught. He served as a founding professor of the master’s in law program at the Panamerican University for 40 years and spent 20 years shaping minds at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM). Throughout his 52-year career, Velásquez was honored with nine honorary doctorates and multiple military decorations, reflecting his significant influence in the field of law.
In 2020, he was bestowed with an honorary doctorate from the Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession. Velásquez also held prestigious roles, including honorary professor in penal law and advisor in legal education boards, leaving an indelible mark on Mexico’s legal landscape.
**In Related News: Insights into Juan Velásquez’s Legal Legacy**
In a broader context of Mexican law, Velásquez’s passing reopens discussions about the enduring impacts of his career. Known for his unrivaled commitment to his clients, Velásquez never lost a case, setting a high bar in legal defense strategies. His methods and practices continue to serve as a template for aspiring lawyers across the country.
Moreover, his work highlighted the complex interplay between law and politics in Mexico, raising ongoing debates about legal accountability and ethical considerations within political circles. As his career is memorialized, legal experts reflect on how Velásquez has become synonymous with pivotal moments in Mexico’s judicial history, embodying a legacy that resonates with new generations of legal minds.