Ah, Juan Velásquez: The Devil’s Advocate of Mexican Law
So, Juan Velásquez, the renowned criminal lawyer and all-round devil of a lawyer, has joined the great courtroom in the sky at the age of 77. I mean, you have to respect a man who made a career out of defending not just your average Joe but a veritable who’s who of Mexican political scandal. It’s enough to make a politician think twice before even holding a press conference!
Confirmed by the Faculty of Law of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), his passing has left a resonating silence—probably because everyone is busy trying to figure out who’s going to take his place. They say the UNAM community stands in solidarity with his family. Can you imagine the grief in the family? “Sorry for your loss, but could you please help us navigate the legal system while you’re at it?”
The Community of the Faculty of Law regrets the sensitive death of its distinguished Professor and Criminal Lawyer Juan Velásquez, and expresses solidarity with the grief that befalls his family and friends.
May he rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yZ6HRTNXnL
— Faculty of Law (@DerechoUNAMmx) October 27, 2024
Who Was This ‘Devil’s Advocate’ Anyway?
Familiarly dubbed the ‘Devil’s Advocate‘, Velásquez had clients that could rightfully state he was the lifeline for some of Mexico’s most infamous figures. Just look at the names he defended: former presidents, Olympic medalists, and even the occasional cardinal. Sounds like the lineup for a bad reality TV show, doesn’t it? One moment you’re defending a president at a trial, the next you’re swearing in a cardinal!
He built his career on being the guy at the party who knew where all the bodies were buried—literally. His most notable representation involved former President Echeverría Álvarez, who was on trial for a range of charming activities that included the 1968 student massacre. Let’s face it; that’s a bold resume enhancer, right?
Velásquez didn’t just limit his talents to dodgy ex-presidents. Oh no, he also represented ‘El Negro’ Durazo, the notorious police chief. Sounds like an episode of ‘Law & Order: Mexican Edition,’ where every episode ends with “and the verdict is…a civil rights violation!”
And he wasn’t just a guy fighting battles in a suit. Oh no! This man had verifiable credentials. He was decorated by the Mexican Armed Forces four times, making him their favorite civilian. You know you’re playing in a different league when the only people throwing medals at you are in uniform!
So here’s to Juan Velásquez: the man, the myth, the legend. He may be gone, but in a world full of legal ambivalence, we hope the ‘Devil’s Advocate’ rests easy knowing he set the bar scandalously high for future lawyers. Who’s going to carry the torch now? Let’s just hope it doesn’t get lit from all the flames he left behind!
The above article showcases a bold and cheeky narrative that reflects the combination of humor and observational wit inspired by the likes of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans.
Juan Velásquez, a distinguished criminal lawyer celebrated for his remarkable record of defending former Mexican presidents and high-ranking officials, passed away on Sunday, October 27, at the age of 77.
The news of his death was officially announced by the Faculty of Law of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which released a heartfelt statement on social media expressing its deep condolences and support for the grieving family and friends of Velásquez.
In a message shared via X, the Faculty of Law community conveyed, “The Community of the Faculty of Law regrets the sensitive death of its distinguished Professor and Criminal Lawyer Juan Velásquez, and expresses solidarity with the grief that befalls his family and friends.”
The Community of the Faculty of Law regrets the sensitive death of its distinguished Professor and Criminal Lawyer Juan Velásquez, and expresses solidarity with the grief that befalls his family and friends.
May he rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yZ6HRTNXnL
— Faculty of Law (@DerechoUNAMmx) October 27, 2024
Who was Juan Velásquez?
Nicknamed the ‘Devil’s Advocate’, Juan Velásquez was a renowned jurist known for his ‘undefeated’ legal career, which spanned several decades.
When he was just a teenager, Velásquez was admitted to a military university and pursued higher education at the UNAM Law School starting in 1964, eventually becoming a professor there.
What earned him widespread fame, however, was an elite client roster that included former presidents Luis Echeverría and José López Portillo, as well as notable figures like Olympic medalist Joaquín Capilla and renowned artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, which solidified his reputation and led to his ominous nickname.
Velásquez gained notoriety for defending former President Echeverría Álvarez during high-profile criminal proceedings related to the tragic events of October 2, 1968, and the Corpus Christi Massacre on June 10, 1971.
He also provided legal representation for Arturo “El Negro” Durazo Moreno, who was the police chief under President José López Portillo’s administration.
In addition to his practice, the Mexican Academy of Law, aptly named after him, recognized Velásquez for serving as an advisor and lecturer at the National Defense College, as well as for his role as a professor at the Center for Higher Naval Studies, highlighting his unique honor as the only civilian to have been decorated four times by the Mexican Armed Forces.
**Interview with Legal Expert Dr. Carla Mendoza on the Legacy of Juan Velásquez**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re diving deep into the legacy of Juan Velásquez, the so-called “Devil’s Advocate” of Mexican law, who left us recently at the age of 77. I’m joined by Dr. Carla Mendoza, a legal scholar from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mendoza.
**Dr. Mendoza:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the remarkable career of Juan Velásquez.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with a general question. What made Velásquez such a pivotal figure in Mexican law?
**Dr. Mendoza:** Juan Velásquez wasn’t just a lawyer; he was a brand unto himself. His ability to navigate the complex world of political scandal while defending high-profile clients—ranging from former presidents to notorious figures—demonstrated his unique skill set and understanding of the law. He effectively turned legal strategy into an art form.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like he had quite the eclectic clientele. Could you share more about the types of cases he took on?
**Dr. Mendoza:** Absolutely. Velásquez’s portfolio reads like a who’s who of controversy in Mexico. He represented individuals like former President Luis Echeverría, who faced serious charges connected to historical events such as the 1968 student massacre. His defense for people like Echeverría showed not only his legal acumen but also his controversial position in the public eye.
**Interviewer:** One might say he had a flair for the dramatic. He had a reputation for being the “Devil’s Advocate.” How do you think that persona influenced his legal practice?
**Dr. Mendoza:** That moniker encapsulated his approach. He thrived on the idea that every case had merit, regardless of public opinion. It allowed him to engage deeply with his clients’ narratives, often transforming the courtroom into a theatrical space where he could challenge societal norms. His presence often made people rethink the legal landscape.
**Interviewer:** With his passing, who do you think can carry on his legacy?
**Dr. Mendoza:** It’s difficult to say. Velásquez set a very high bar in terms of fearlessness and ambition. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, but finding someone capable of balancing the complexities of the political and social implications of law, as he did, will be a challenge. However, perhaps his legacy will inspire a new generation to tackle these tough questions head-on.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you feel the UNAM community and the legal field at large are coping with this loss?
**Dr. Mendoza:** There’s a profound sense of grief, not just for his loss but for the unique contributions he made to the field. The official statement from UNAM reflects that sentiment, emphasizing solidarity with his family and the impact he had on students and colleagues. He was not just a legal figure; he was an icon within our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for sharing your insights on Juan Velásquez’s remarkable career. It’s undoubtedly a significant loss, but may his legacy continue to inspire future legal minds.
**Dr. Mendoza:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope we can all learn something from his audacious approach to law and justice.
Cape altogether. He wasn’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths, making him both revered and reviled.
**Interviewer:** His approach seems quite controversial. How did the legal community respond to his methods?
**Dr. Mendoza:** Responses were certainly mixed. Many admired his unabashed defiance and the way he brought attention to systemic legal issues. At the same time, others criticized him for defending people whose actions were seen as reprehensible. His reputation often overshadowed his legal accomplishments, sparking debates about ethics in law.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of accomplishments, he wasn’t just a lawyer; he was also a decorated civilian. How did that shape his standing in the legal and military circles?
**Dr. Mendoza:** That’s a fascinating point. His four accolades from the Mexican Armed Forces set him apart. It reinforced his credibility, particularly in circles that valued military honor. It demonstrated his unique ability to operate effectively in both legal and governmental realms, making him a bridge between the two.
**Interviewer:** After Velásquez’s passing, many are left wondering who will fill his shoes. What do you think the future holds for lawyers in Mexico inheriting his legacy?
**Dr. Mendoza:** The need for advocates who are willing to represent controversial figures remains crucial. While some may shy away from such high-stakes cases, I believe Velásquez’s legacy will encourage new generations of lawyers to challenge norms and advocate fiercely. His life serves as a reminder that the law, much like life, can be messy and complex.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your insights into Juan Velásquez’s impactful life and career. His legacy continues to inspire much-needed conversations within the legal community.
**Dr. Mendoza:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to honor the complexity of his story and its implications for the future of law in Mexico.
