Fernando Andrés Burlando is an Argentine criminal lawyer, born on January 1, 1965, in La Plata. He completed his law degree at the National University of La Plata on May 9, 1988. He is the son of the late judge Desiderio Burlando and María Lidia Basaldúa, and the brother of Julio Burlando. He is divorced and the father of two daughters.
Burlando began his legal career in the courts of La Plata and developed a unique professional trajectory. Known for his frequent presence in high-profile legal cases and the media, he has built a reputation as a celebrity lawyer. He is well-known for his connections with Argentine show business, meticulous attention to his physical appearance, and his passion for luxury cars, expensive suits, and polo horses.
Fernando Burlando and Argentina’s Most Notorious Legal Cases
Burlando gained national attention for his involvement in several of Argentina’s most high-profile and controversial legal proceedings. He often represents clients facing intense public scrutiny and legal jeopardy, earning him a reputation as a go-to defense attorney for the famous and the infamous alike.
One of his earliest major cases was as a defense attorney for the accused in the murder of photojournalist José Luis Cabezas, who was killed on January 25, 1997. The case shocked the nation and brought unprecedented attention to the connections between crime, politics, and media.
Another highly publicized case was his defense of Alfredo Pesquera, who was accused in the death of popular singer Rodrigo Bueno, known simply as Rodrigo. The singer died under mysterious circumstances on June 24, 2000. Burlando’s involvement added significant media weight to the proceedings.
Over the years, Burlando has successfully defended several prominent clients and, in some instances, secured major indemnities in their favor. Among those he represented are Horacio Conzi, a businessman charged in a high-profile murder; international football icon Diego Maradona; banker Francisco Trusso; and corporate executives involved in the Skanska corruption case.
Although primarily known for his defense work, Burlando has also represented victims and their families in major criminal cases. One of the most notable was his role in the case of Candela Sol Rodríguez, a young girl murdered in August 2011. In this case, he acted as the legal representative for Carola Labrador, Candela’s mother, and helped bring national attention to the shortcomings in the investigation.
Burlando’s legal career reflects a combination of courtroom skill, public visibility, and strategic media use. He remains one of the most recognized legal personalities in Argentina, often appearing in the press not only for his legal work but also for his social life and outspoken personality.