Elissa Stoffels

Elissa has more than 14 years of experience advising real estate developers, domestic and foreign investors, and companies operating in Costa Rica, on the structuring, execution, and legal protection of real estate projects and transactions.

Her practice focuses on providing counsel throughout the entire lifecycle of real estate development projects, including comprehensive support for property purchase and sale transactions, due diligence studies, corporate structuring for the ownership and development of real estate projects, and the management and resolution of condominium disputes. She also advises on maritime-terrestrial zone concessions, including representation and proceedings before the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Elissa works closely with real estate agents, developers, and buyers to safeguard transactions and anticipate risks before they materialize.

She complements this practice with a strong track record in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, advising corporate clients and investors on strengthening their governance structures and aligning their operations with international standards of responsibility and best practices.

Elissa combines business acumen, deep knowledge of the Costa Rican real estate market, and strategic legal risk management to deliver preventive, high-impact solutions to developers, investors, and corporate clients. Originally from the United States and based in Costa Rica for over twenty years, she brings a bicultural perspective together with a deep understanding of the Costa Rican legal and business landscape.

Academic Background

• Law Degree with emphasis in Business Law, ULACIT.
• Specialization in Notarial Law, ULACIT.
• Master's Degree in Project Management, ULACIT.
• Diploma in Business Administration for Lawyers, INCAE.
• Legal Project Management Program, IE Law School.

Affiliations 

• Admitted to the Costa Rica Bar Association.
• Incorporated in the National Directorate of Notaries.
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center.
• Member of the Sustainability Forum of AMCHAM.