Independent Researcher

About

Roberto Vela co-founded Pharos Biotechnologies in October 2010 and served as general counsel until 2011, when he became  the company's Chief Operating Officer.  Prior to joining the executive board of Pharos Biotechnologies, Mr. Vela was a litigator in the Baltimore office of Miles & Stockbridge P.C., where he represented manufacturers in complex actions involving multiple parties and multiple claims.

Mr. Vela's litigation practice was focused on nationwide products liability claims alleging exposure to carcinogenic and other hazardous substances, as well as environmental contamination.  In addition, Mr. Vela litigated contractual disputes and represented Fortune 500 companies in cost recovery negotiations.

Mr. Vela was a Leadership Scholar at University of Maryland School of Law and the recipient of the University of Maryland Diversity Award. While at Maryland, Mr. Vela was an Asper Fellow for the Honorable William M. Nickerson of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, a member of the National Trial Team, Executive Editor of the Maryland Journal of International Law, President of the Latino/a Law Students Association, and Co-Founder of the Leadership Scholars Legacy Project. Mr. Vela also served as a team leader for the Katrina-Gideon Project in New Orleans, Louisiana, assisting the city’s Office of the Public Defender to reconstitute its case load after Hurricane Katrina.

Bar Admissions/Court Admissions:
*  Maryland
*  United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Education:
*  The University of Maryland School of Law, J.D. 2009.
*  Johns Hopkins University, B.A. 2005, with Honors.
*  Peabody Conservatory of Music, B.Mus. 2005, with Honors.

Contact Information