Rafael Aguilar represents financial institutions, private equity funds, real estate developers, and investors in a broad range of commercial transactions in Latin America and in the United States, with an emphasis on mortgage and mezzanine financings, acquisitions and dispositions, and joint ventures. He also has experience in the structuring and formation of real estate investment funds, distressed investments and loan restructurings, transportation infrastructure, and public-private partnerships (P3s). A significant portion of his practice is cross-border in nature.

Prior to joining Jones Day in 2013, Rafael represented the leading operator of casinos and horse racing tracks in Argentina in the acquisition of the Dania Jai Alai in Dania Beach, Florida; a leading global bank in the origination of mortgage loans to Latin American and U.S.-based borrowers to finance commercial properties in Florida and other jurisdictions; a European-based private equity fund in a joint venture for the acquisition and development of a master planned luxury residential resort in Panama and in the complex restructuring of an investment in the Dominican Republic; a leading Spanish construction company in the acquisition of various construction companies in Florida; a global telecommunications company in the development and construction of its terrestrial fiber-optic cable networks in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela; an Argentine natural gas transportation company in a project financing of a natural gas pipeline linking Argentina and Brazil; and a Canadian-based homebuilder in various complex acquisitions of land for residential development in Florida and related bank financings and joint ventures.

Rafael has written several articles on doing business in Florida, including foreign investment in Florida real estate.