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As Executive Vice President and General Counsel at °Ä²Êͼ¿â, Inc. since August 1, 2016, Mr. Lara brings extensive industry and trial expertise to his leadership role. Prior to joining the Company, he provided strategic counsel to domestic and international corporate clients on business disputes, distinguishing himself as a lead litigator in high-stakes trials across federal and state courts. Mr. Lara honed his legal skills at Mase Lara, P.A., a respected Miami-based boutique trial law firm, where he focused on complex civil and commercial litigation. His insights have been sought after by media outlets, as he has frequently appeared on televised news programs to offer legal commentary. Committed to community service, Mr. Lara served as Vice Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal, appointed by Governor Rick Scott. In recognition of his exceptional leadership during a challenging period in the Company’s history, Mr. Lara was awarded the General Counsel Impact Award by the DBR and Law.com in 2022. He further demonstrates his commitment to service as a Director on the Board of Easterseals South Florida, past-chair of the 11th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee for the Florida Bar, appointed member of the Coral Gables Anti-Crime Committee, and receiving a nomination for “Man of the Year” from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Mr. Lara holds a law degree from Boston College Law School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.