 Nominated by President of the United States Barack Obama on August 6, 2009, Fernandez was sworn in as Assistant Secretary on December 1, 2009.Fernandez came to the United States Department of State after having served as a partner in the New York City office of Latham & Watkins, and Global Chair of the firm's Latin America practice.For nearly three decades, his practice has focused on Latin America, Europe and Africa, advising clients on international mergers and acquisitions, financings, trade and other matters as the economies of these regions have evolved.