Mercedes de Villalobos

Director of Diplomatic Affairs

Mercedes de Villalobos was born in Lima, Peru, and pursued her university studies in both Lima and Brazil. She dedicated forty years to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, where she served as a Civil Attaché in the embassies of Mexico and Brazil, as well as in the consulates of Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Her extensive diplomatic career gave her deep insights into international relations, cross-cultural communication, and administrative diplomacy.

Following her retirement from the Ministry, Mercedes transitioned into accounting consultancy, working with various consulates. Her final post was at the Permanent Representation of Peru before the Organization of American States (OAS), where she further honed her expertise in international protocol and administration.

Currently, Mercedes serves as the liaison between Ribbeck Law, a leading global aviation law firm, and embassies around the world. In this role, she uses her wealth of experience in diplomacy and international relations to help clients navigate the complexities of global litigation. Her fluency in Spanish, English, and Portuguese enhances her ability to communicate with stakeholders across multiple countries, making her a key figure in representing aviation accident victims and their families worldwide.

Mercedes’ long-standing experience in foreign service gives her a unique perspective on international law and protocol, enabling her to guide clients through the often complex processes of cross-border litigation, ensuring that diplomatic channels are utilized efficiently and effectively. This ensures that victims’ families receive the support they need, while also facilitating smooth communication between governments and legal teams across various jurisdictions.

In her free time, Mercedes enjoys spending quality time with her two sons and four grandchildren in Washington, D.C., where she cherishes family gatherings and nurturing close bonds with her loved ones.