Neyla Lee Ortiz
Neyla Ortiz serves as Counsel in the Corporate and Commercial group where she focuses her practice on Government Affairs and State and Federal Funding Programs. Leveraging her experience in government administration, she provides strategic counsel to clients seeking to navigate legislative developments and access government funding opportunities.
With her extensive experience in government administration and legal affairs, Neyla guides clients through legislative and regulatory processes, including tracking policy developments, drafting legislation and position papers, and representing clients before government agencies and officials. She develops and implements strategic initiatives to help clients achieve their policy and business objectives while conducting in-depth research and analysis of legislative proposals, regulatory concerns, and the potential impact of proposed rulemakings and legislative initiatives on businesses.
Neyla also advises clients on federal grant opportunities and compliance, helping them identify and access federal and state funding programs available to businesses in Puerto Rico, including FEMA funds and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG-DR/MIT). She guides clients through the procurement process, providing comprehensive support from initial proposal development to final award, ensuring compliance and optimizing funding opportunities.
Prior to rejoining Estrella LLC, Neyla served as Assistant Secretary of Legal Affairs at the Department of Housing overseeing the interpretation and uniform implementation of laws, regulations, and public policies. In this role, Neyla provided legal counsel to the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries, managed litigation and administrative cases in collaboration with the Department of Justice and external law firms, and drafted critical legal documents, contracts, and regulatory measures.
Additionally, Neyla played a key role in ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations, addressing inquiries from legislative bodies, and supporting the implementation of the Community Development Block Grant funds including CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT programs to assist communities impacted by disasters. Supervising a team of attorneys, Neyla was also responsible for managing insurance policies, settlements, and environmental compliance matters related to EPA superfund sites.
Beyond legal affairs, Neyla has held key leadership roles within the agency, including Interim Assistant Secretary of Strategic Planning and Assistant Secretary of Subsidy and Community Development. In these roles, Neyla led strategic planning initiatives, managed ARPA funds for housing rehabilitation projects, and oversaw programs aimed at providing rental assistance and home improvements for low-income elderly individuals. With a commitment to housing equity and community development, Neyla has played an instrumental role in shaping public policy, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and securing resources to strengthen housing initiatives across Puerto Rico.
Neyla began her legal career at a Puerto Rico law firm, focusing on civil and corporate law, while also serving as an appointed Administrative Judge for the National Guard of Puerto Rico under Act No. 7 of 2009 (Special Act Declaring a Fiscal Emergency Status and Establishing Comprehensive Plan Fiscal Stabilization to Save the Credit of Puerto Rico). She originally joined Estrella, LLC in 2010 as an Associate, handling litigation, premises liability, insurance defense, corporate matters, administrative law, and consumer affairs. She returned to the firm in 2025.
Outside of the office, Neyla loves to travel and explore new cultures, immersing herself in the diverse traditions and histories of different places. She is also an avid reader who enjoys delving into various genres to expand her horizons and enrich her perspective. Spending quality time with family and friends is another passion of Neyla, as she cherishes the moments shared and the bonds strengthened through their interactions.
Education
- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus / B.A., Labor Relations
- Inter-American University of Puerto Rico / J.D.
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
