History
Legal Aid Costa Rica was founded in 2009 by José Estrada Castro during his time at the University of Costa Rica Law School. While studying, he began working as a paralegal in Criminal Law and providing independent legal assistance across various fields.
Over the years, José has successfully served clients in diverse areas such as business, trademarks, civil law, labor law, tax law, criminal law, immigration, and more. This extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the legal complexities that are critical for patrimonial planning, business ventures, retirement goals, and other legal needs in the vibrant landscape of Costa Rica.
Our firm has navigated the intricate pathways of Costa Rica's high-functioning bureaucracy and legal systems, including cases that intersect with foreign law. We’ve built expertise in overcoming language barriers and streamlining processes, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
At Legal Aid Costa Rica, we uphold the values of transparency, responsibility, and trust. We believe that a strong client-lawyer relationship is essential for effective legal representation. Our commitment to these principles ensures that you can rely on us to protect your interests.
In addition to general legal services, our firm is licensed to manage complex legal projects in Costa Rica, including investment projects and business operations such as call centers and sales enterprises. To date, we have successfully overseen more than ten projects generating over $500,000 annually, reflecting our expertise and dedication to client success.
Get in touch
We know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Attorneys
DIRECTOR
José Miguel Estrada Castro
Jose Miguel Estrada Castro is a distinguished Costa Rican professional with a solid academic background and extensive experience in law, mediation, and linguistics. Graduating with honors in Law from the University of Costa Rica in 2017, José Miguel has enhanced his education with numerous international specializations, including medical and legal linguistics, Law and Medical Ethics, International Commercial Arbitration, and emerging legal technologies such as Blockchain and Smart Contracts.
He boasts a professional career spanning over a decade, serving as the Legal and Linguistic Director of Legal Aid Costa Rica, where he leads legal, notarial, commercial, and official translation projects. Additionally, since 2018, he has been the Executive Director of the Casa Árbol Foundation, coordinating social action initiatives and the evolution of the legal system, achieving significant milestones in human rights recognition in Costa Rica.
His work experience includes roles as a medical and legal interpreter, as well as a certified translator for the Judiciary of Costa Rica, showcasing his versatility and dedication to both public and private service. As an official translator certified in 2019 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, José Miguel offers specialized services in English and Spanish, enabling the development of legal and commercial projects in Costa Rica and globally.
As an independent professional, he has participated in and led multiple due diligence/compliance procedures, business projects across various industries, including goods and services, real estate, compliance, asset management, and strategic planning for both local and foreign clients in Costa Rica.
With expertise in arbitration and mediation, he holds certifications as a Mediator/Conciliator, Cyber Mediator, and Labor Mediator, accredited by the Costa Rican Bar Association. Additionally, he is a specialist in Notarial and Registry Law and an Environmental Consultant for the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA), allowing him to offer comprehensive services to his clients.
Committed to excellence and continuous learning, José Miguel is renowned for his leadership, professional ethics, and ability to manage impactful legal and social projects.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseestradacastrolegalcostarica/
Education
Universidad de Costa Rica
Juris Doctor, 2017
ULACIT
Postgraduate Specialization in Arbitration, 2019
Universidad de San José
Postgraduate Specialization in Notarial and Registry Law, 2020
Activities & Affiliations
Official English-Spanish Translator from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Licensed Mediator/Conciliator (Labour, Family, Civil, Commercial Law)
Licensed Notary Public
Licensed Environmental Consultant
Bar Admissions
• Costa Rica