Counsel Rooted in Two Countries, One Community.
At Coasterra Law Group, we work closely with our clients — closely enough to understand their businesses, their families, and what matters most to them, across the U.S. and Mexico. Every matter is approached with the judgment and care its particular circumstances deserve.
We built Coasterra to be a one-stop shop for clients who need counsel on both sides of the relationship, and we value the relationships themselves as much as any single matter. Growing alongside our clients, and being part of their success over the long term, is a privilege we don't take lightly.
Adriana Gutierrez, Esq., LL.M.
Adriana is a dual-licensed attorney, admitted to the Mexican bar in 2008 and the State Bar of California in 2010. She earned her LL.B. at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, graduating 5th in a class of 252 (top 2%) in 2007, and went on to earn her LL.M. in Business & Corporate Law from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2010.
She has served as an Adjunct Professor at both the University of San Diego School of Law and California Western School of Law, teaching Legal Research and Writing to Latin American LL.M. students in Spanish, and previously practiced at Scudi & Ayers LLP, Rosner, Barry & Babbitt LLP, and firms in Mexico before founding Coasterra. Fluent in Spanish and English, Adriana was honored with the Pro Bono Legal Services Award in 2010, named Big Sister of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2017, and continues to be active in San Diego's community and charitable organizations.
With more than 15 years of experience in complex, cross-border litigation — matters where U.S. and Mexican law intersect, and often collide — Adriana brings a firsthand, practicing understanding of how the Mexican legal system actually works. That fluency, paired with transparent and reasonable rates, gives clients a level of representation that few firms can offer.
Representative Matters
A sample of the bi-national litigation, agribusiness and regulatory matters Adriana has handled over more than a decade of practice in San Diego and Mexico.
Cross-Border Judgment Enforcement
Obtained recognition and enforcement of a $20 million U.S. judgment against a Mexico-based agribusiness partner.
Multi-Jurisdictional Agribusiness Litigation
Represented growers and distributors across Baja California, Sinaloa, Sonora and Morelos in disputes with U.S. seed companies, distributors, shippers and brokers.
Shareholder & Probate Dispute
Secured writs of attachment and possession, and defeated a forum non conveniens motion, for a Baja California grower in a multimillion-dollar, multi-jurisdictional probate and shareholder dispute.
Federal FOIA Litigation
Successfully litigated a Freedom of Information Act action against the DOJ, FBI and DEA, securing release of improperly withheld agency records.
PACA Proceedings
Represented agribusinesses in formal and informal complaints, audits and mediations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Cross-Border M&A
Led pre-acquisition due diligence and post-closing integration for a foreign company's acquisition of a Mexican manufacturing operation.
Tomato Suspension Agreement Compliance
Advises growers and distributors on compliance with the U.S.–Mexico tomato suspension agreement before the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Fresh Strawberries Trade Investigation
Currently representing clients before the International Trade Administration in the ongoing investigation into fresh strawberry imports from Mexico.
Luisa Besterman
Luisa is a Colombian attorney with more than ten years of legal experience, currently preparing to sit for the California State Bar. She studied law at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia and holds a certificate in HR Management from UCLA Extension. Luisa is also a board member of the House of Colombia San Diego and is fluent in Spanish and English.
Values Built Into Every Matter
Trust & Integrity
The foundation of every client relationship, from the first consultation onward.
Respect & Compassion
Every client is treated with dignity, whatever the size or stakes of their matter.
Community Commitment
Active involvement with local charities and organizations throughout San Diego.
Bicultural Fluency
Counsel delivered naturally in both English and Spanish, in both legal traditions.
Disciplined Case Management
Every matter opens with a candid assessment of risk and cost, and moves forward with steady, direct communication — so nothing about your case is ever a surprise.