Board Member Bios – Gabriel García Planas †
Gabriel García Planas † was one of the original founders of SLAJ, born in 1967 in Lima, Peru, Mr. García Planas graduated from the University of San Martin de Porras with degrees in law and political science. He studied international law at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Mr. García Planas practiced law in Peru focusing in business and disputes. Mr. García Planas also advised private entities regarding the “Mi Vivienda” mass housing program.
In addition, Mr. García Planas was a candidate for the Peruvian Congress in Lima in 2001. He was also an advisor to foreign investment such as companies in China, Germany, Hong Kong, Panama and South Africa. Mr. García Planas resided in China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and Yugoslavia and was fluent in English, French and Spanish with knowledge of German and Japanese.
Mr. Gabriel García passed away on June 17, 2008. His strong charisma brought together a wonderful group of people whose love and interest in Latin American made SLAJ possible. Gabriel is remembered for being an internationalist and his strong commitment to social justice and love for Peru. In commemoration of his commitment, SLAJ has created an award in his name which recognizes commitment to judicial transparency in Latin America.