Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen! And today, let’s talk about *Juan Velásquez*, a man who didn’t just walk the legal tightrope; he practically danced on it in high heels! A *renowned criminal lawyer* has passed—though judging by the headline, one might think “renowned” is just another word for “really good at skirting the law.”
It’s a tragedy, truly, and the Faculty of Law is in mourning. They sent out heartfelt condolences via social media. Let’s be honest, it could’ve been worse: at least they didn’t choose to express their sorrow through a TikTok dance challenge! I mean, the last thing Juan Velásquez needs is to have his memories rehashed while someone tries and fails to do the worm.
Now, according to *Macro Economía*, Velásquez was a legal heavyweight, spending his career defending some of the former Mexican presidents. You know—Luis Echeverría, José López Portillo, and Carlos Salinas de Gortari. If there were a Hall of Fame for questionable characters, these guys would have their own wing! I assume when he received a call from any of these ex-presidents, his first response was, “Let me clear my schedule; I doubt they’re calling to ask about my weekend.”
Oh, and he didn’t stop there! He also repped a few other notable figures. Let’s see—David Alfaro Siqueiros, a plastic artist, and some senators, deputies, and even ministers. This guy practically had more connections than a Wi-Fi router at a tech convention!
As his community mourns, Velásquez was quite the overachiever. Nine honorary doctorates? Five military decorations? More awards than the average Oscar-nominated actor! They say he defined himself as a *“defender of those ‘deprived of liberty.’”* And I’d like to think he meant it in the most dignified way possible rather than just providing a legal shield to those who failed to stick to speed limits.
So, how did this legal legend start his journey? He graduated from Law school in 1969. Apparently, that was just before the legal education trend shifted to teaching students how to text without using emojis! He later became a professor, because nothing says “I’m fit to educate” quite like defending presidents who probably had better lawyers than they did decision-making skills.
Velásquez even spent time at a military university, where he was taught about “discipline and honor.” Meanwhile, us mere mortals were busy figuring out how to balance an account and avoid awkward social interactions!
As he reminisced about his student days, he described his professors as various legal statesmen who probably had more influence than the entire cast of a telenovela—but with far less drama, except in the courtroom, of course. You’ve got to appreciate it though: being a student back then meant proudly carrying books and wearing ties, which is far more than can be said for some of today’s students wearing pajamas to Zoom lectures.
And on the subject of education, he helped found a master’s program in Law at the Universidad Panamericana and spent decades teaching at the tech institute ITAM. This man did more teaching than a substitute teacher during exam week!
In conclusion, Juan Velásquez leaves behind a legacy, a great number of students who learned the law from him, and perhaps several ex-presidents quietly thanking god he knew how to manage a case. Rest in peace, Mr. Velásquez—you may no longer defend the deprived of liberty, but your memory certainly won’t be deprived of praise!
The Faculty of Law deeply mourned the passing of their esteemed colleague, criminal lawyer Juan Velásquez, who left an indelible mark on legal education and practice.
In a heartfelt message shared through social media platforms, the faculty expressed their sincere condolences and solidarity with the grieving family and friends of the remarkable professor.
According to the respected magazine Macro Economía, the accomplished Law graduate, educator, and doctor was known for his high-profile defense of former presidents, including Luis Echeverría, José López Portillo, and Carlos Salinas de Gortari, showcasing his significant impact on the legal landscape of the country.
Throughout his illustrious career, he also represented prominent figures such as the renowned plastic artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, alongside senators, deputies, governors, and even ministers from the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation.
La Comunidad de la Facultad de Derecho lamenta la sensible muerte de su distinguido Profesor y Abogado Penal Juan Velásquez y expresa solidaridad con el dolor que embarga a su familia y amistades.
Que descanse en paz. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yZ6HRTNXnL
— Facultad de Derecho (@DerechoUNAMmx) October 27, 2024
His commitment to justice earned him numerous accolades, including nine honorary doctorates and five military decorations, as well as an astonishing tally of over 1,500 awards recognizing his contributions to legal education through various courses and conferences. Velásquez proudly identified himself as a defender of those “deprived of liberty.”
Juan Velásquez’s legal career commenced upon his graduation from Law school in 1969, a year that marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to legal education, where he later took on the role of a professor.
The exceptional lawyer, who preferred not to be referred to as “The Devil’s Advocate,” often recounted how, during his teenage years as an intern at a military university, he absorbed crucial values of discipline and honor that would influence his future career profoundly.
Reflecting on his rigorous military training, he articulated a deep appreciation for the subsequent freedom of thought and action that enriched his professional journey.
As a Law student, he was fortunate to be taught by eminent figures who later rose to prominence, including secretaries of state, ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, attorneys general, and magistrates of the Superior Court of Justice, all of whom imparted invaluable legal knowledge.
Velásquez had the privilege of learning from influential teachers such as José López Portillo, Luis Recasens Siches, Floris Margadant, among others, whose expertise and mentorship greatly shaped his understanding of law.
He expressed great pride in being a UNAM student, describing the culture of intellectualism where carrying a book was the norm and that even the most modest students donned ties for their classes.
As a testament to the high academic standards of his time, Velásquez reminisced about the rigorous quarterly examinations that left no room for spelling errors among students.
Juan Velásquez was also a founding professor of the master’s program in Law at the Universidad Panamericana and contributed his extensive knowledge as a faculty member at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM), where he taught for many decades, inspiring countless future lawyers.
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Juan Velásquez, criminal lawyer / Photo Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
