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Practice Area Breakdown Total listings in WWL: Central America
INSURANCE & REINSURANCE
Here, we present 13 leading lawyers in Central America who come highly recommended for their outstanding work in insurance and reinsurance matters.
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Most Highly Regarded
Ricardo Cordero Baltodano
Cordero & Cordero Abogados San José
Neftalí Garro
BLP San José
Costa Rica
Neftalí Garro at BLP possesses over 25 years’ experience in contentious, regulatory and transactional reinsurance matters.
Ricardo Cordero Baltodano from Cordero & Cordero Abogados impresses market sources with his incisive handling of insurance, real estate and foreign investment issues.
Silvia Canales Coto from Consortium Legal is lauded by peers for her “deep compliance and regulatory knowledge pertaining to insurance and corporate governance matters”. Sources add: “She is meticulous and always delivers professional counsel.” Finlex’s Said Breedy possesses over 15 years’ experience assisting insurance and reinsurance entities in regulation and litigation, where he excels at authorisation procedures.
Esteban Carranza, a well-regarded partner from Vector Legal, is widely endorsed for his in-depth knowledge and expertise in the Costa Rican insurance market.
Dominican Republic
José Cruz Campillo from Jiménez Peña is admired by peers as “a top practitioner” in complex insurance and corporate matters. Marcos Peña Rodriguez is widely respected by market sources as “an outstanding lawyer” for his leading work assisting a wide range of clients in insurance dispute resolution.
Panama
Ernesto Arias from Sucre Arias & Reyes is cited by respondents as “a very well-known insurance practitioner” who has “an impressive track record” in the sector.
Daniel Araya
FORZA LEGAL
Daniel is an attorney and notary public with more than 20-years’ experience practicing law. He has led specialised teams on mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate, bank and tax law matters. He has worked with clients in several industries such as manufacturing, financial institutions, pharmaceutical, tourism, hospitality, real estate, energy and services, among others.
Daniel heads FORZA, a trusted legal and consulting firm with an interdisciplinary team of seasoned professionals with more than 20 years of experience in offering legal and business services to local and foreign clients. It is the exclusive member in Costa Rica of the Alliot Global Alliance, which is the 6th largest multidisciplinary alliance of independent professional firms (accounting and law firms). The network has grown to more than 180 firm members in 80 countries around the world.
Costa Rica
San José
Silvia Canales Coto ELS Estudio Legal Silvia Canales scanales@els.cr Daniel Araya* FORZA LEGAL daraya@forza.legal Said Breedy Finlex said.breedy@finlex.cr Esteban Carranza Vector Legal ecarranza@vectorlegal.co.cr Ricardo Cordero Baltodano Cordero & Cordero Abogados rcb@corderoabogados.com Neftalí Garro BLP ngarro@blplegal.com
Dominican Republic
José R. Cruz Campillo Jiménez Peña jcruz@jcpdr.com Ricardo Pellerano Pellerano & Herrera r.pellerano@phlaw.com Marcos Peña Rodriguez Jiménez Peña mpena@jpadvisors.do
El Salvador
Zygmunt Brett BLP zbrett@blplegal.com
Guatemala
Ligia Salazar Clarity Law ligia.salazar@claritylaw.com
Panama
Ernesto B Arias Sucre Arias & Reyes earias@sucre.net Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez Morgan & Morgan carlos.gonzalez@morimor.com
Oficentro Plaza Aeropuerto Oficina G13A Alajuela Tel: +(506) 4350 0300 daraya@forza.legal www.forza.legal
WWL says: Daniel Araya is highly regarded as "an excellent lawyer for cross-border matters" in the insurance, reinsurance and financing industries. An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practitioners worldwide.
Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
WWL’s extensive research into the Central American legal market recommends 65 leading lawyers who excel in the gamut of IP matters.
Milagro Chaves
Facio & Cañas San José
Ricardo Mejia
Bufete Mejia & Asociados Tegucigalpa
Most Highly Regarded
María del Pilar Troncoso
Troncoso Leroux Santo Domingo
Giselle Reuben
BLP San José
Mary Fernández Rodríguez
Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez Santo Domingo
Julio Vargas
García & Bodán San Salvador
Belize
Emil Arguelles at Arguelles & Company ranks highly among Belizean peers for his extensive knowledge of IP, commercial law and real estate.
Costa Rica
Giselle Reuben from BLP is lauded by peers for having “a complete understanding of the regional IP process and relevant laws”. Her “accuracy, knowledge and responsiveness” is also highlighted.
Milagro Chaves from Facio & Cañas is endorsed by market sources as “a highly skilled IP practitioner” who “consistently provides the client with a prompt and thorough response”.
María del Pilar López with Arias garners support from market sources impressed with her deep expertise in IP enforcement strategies and actions.
Dominican Republic
María del Pilar Troncoso from Troncoso Leroux’s is celebrated as “a top IP practitioner” who is “widely recognised in the patent market”.
Mary Fernández Rodríguez at Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez earns plaudits for her “outstanding practice” and “great handling of patent issues”.
Arlene Herrera from Miniño Abogados is held in high esteem as a leader for patent matters, with peers lauding her as “a top-notch lawyer”.
Urko Ochoa comes highly recommended for his “strong technical knowledge” in trademark and patent protection, filing and enforcement. Jaime Angeles from Angeles Pons impresses respondents with his “broad practice in copyright and new technologies”, as well as with his experience in electronic commerce, competition and litigation.
Wallis Pons Cardi possesses “extensive knowledge” of trademark, patents and unfair competition litigation.
At Orange IP, Carmen Prieto Villegas comes highly recommended by peers for her vast experience in copyright infringement and domain registration.
El Salvador
Julio Vargas at García & Bodán has an impressive range of experience assisting domestic and multinational clients in regional IP transactions, trademark management, patents and domain names.
José Roberto Romero has a go-to reputation as a leading figure in IP registration and enforcement.
Danilo Rodríguez Villamil at Espino Nieto & Asociados is heralded by sources for his top-tier practice in IP, corporate law and litigation across a number of sectors.
Elena Patricia Puente excels at assisting high-profile clients in complex domestic and cross border trademark cases.
Morena Zavaleta with Arias stands out for her prolific track record assisting companies in complex IP rights due diligence, as well as in litigation pertaining to trademarks, patents and copyright.
Guatemala
Ninoshka Urrutia at Consortium Legal is a highly respected practitioner thanks to her superb work advising high-profile clients on all matters regarding intellectual property. At Moller Law, Enrique Möller S ranks highly among peers for his astute practice, which covers corporate law, IP, specialised litigation and tax law.
Marco Antonio Palacios from Palacios & Asociados Sercomi is a go-to lawyer for large-scale companies engaged in contentious IP proceedings.
Honduras
Ricardo Mejia from Bufete Mejia & Asociados is renowned for his incisive practice across the gamut of trademark, patents and copyright matters.
Nicaragua
Marvin Caldera S at Caldera & Solano Asociados is a highly respected lawyer, with significant experience advising clients in the full range of IP issues.
Panama
Ramon R Benedetti from Estudio Benedetti is a well-respected practitioner, with over 40 years of experience in IP and trademark prosecution.
Audrey Williams is celebrated for her top-notch work in trademark and copyright litigation, as well as in licensing matters.
Luis Guinard from Guinard & Noriega impresses clients with his “excellent service and provision of high-quality information in IP issues”.
Julie Martinelli from Law Services comes highly recommended for her excellent IP practice across a wide range of sectors.
Monique Ferrer C from Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez is lauded by peers as “a very responsive IP lawyer with deep expertise”. Her “proactiveness and client-oriented approach to problem solving” is also highlighted.
Fabiola Saenz Quesada
Consortium Legal
Fabiola is senior associate and director of IP Department at Costa Rica. With more than 10 years of experience counseling clients in the intellectual property field, she specialises on the cosmetics, financial, food and beverages sector. Fabiola has a vast experience in managing large trademark and patent portfolios. Among the diverse matters of the intellectual property field she handles, her primary focus is on the assessment of opportunities, liabilities, risks and strategies for businesses, based on the client´s intangibles. Her commitment is to help clients achieve and fully develop their IP potential. Fabiola leads matters related to trademarks, patents, copyrights, infringement and regulatory issues.
Throughout her career she worked as a head attorney for IP matters in Costa Rica and part of the Caribbean islands at Ideas at a boutique IP firm, has been a litigant, and was recently part of the board of directors of the Costa Rican Bar Association as Vocal II and Prosecutor. Fabiola is very proactive in the intellectual property sector, and as a result, she has currently been elected as part of the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican IP Association APPICR, she is member of the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Committee of ASIPI and of the Internet Committee at INTA. She is also active within the Costa Rican Bar Association, where she is member of the Intellectual Property Committee and the Committee for Uniform Law and International Commerce. Has contributed with an essay for an exclusive jurisprudence compendium on IP cases promoted by APPICR, has written articles for forums such as Lex Latin and has been a speaker on conferences with special focus on IP trends.
Suzanne Julieta Berrios De Tablas
Consortium Legal
Suzanne is a partner of Consortium Legal - El Salvador, acting as the head of the intellectual property division in the El Salvador office, with more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property matters. She has worked in the protection and defense of trademarks of beverages, pharmaceutical products, food, cosmetics and other products of multinational companies.
She had an outstanding participation during the entry into force of the Association Treaty with the European Union, protecting European Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin and the defense of 20 cases of Geographical Indications. She has extensive experience in intellectual property litigation: "Anti-Piracy Actions", border actions, trademark nullification and cancellation for non-use, copyright infringement, franchise contracts, licensing, due diligence, CAFTA regulations on intellectual property and textile issues, as well as medical supplies bidding issues.
She worked as Chief of Intellectual Property in the Attorney General's Office of El Salvador for 11 years, handling complex cases of trademark, notorious brand, patent and copyright infringement among others. Suzanne has actively participated in the revision of draft laws on issues related to Intellectual Property.
She has advised multilateral transactions in the transfer of Trademarks. She has experience in regulatory issues of food products, beverages, cosmetics and medical supplies registrations. She has given seminars as a speaker, sharing his experience on enforcement issues, anti-piracy actions in different countries.
Her work includes advising on multilateral trademark transfer contracts and regulatory issues of food records and medical supplies, among others. She has had an outstanding participation in the defence of complex cases such as RON ZACAPA; Defense of Geographical Indications CHEESE MANCHEGO, SIETE MACHOS. Urania Mexico registered in 1930.
Suzanne has the following education: Understanding Provisions related to CAFTA-DR Textiles and Apparel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, USTR (2020); Increasing Trade, the Competitiveness of the Textile and Clothing Sector of El Salvador, Office of the United States Trade Representative, USTR (2019); Diploma of the Law of Licenses and Acquisitions of pharmaceutical products, López Henríquez Consultores (2018); Graduate in Copyright, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina (2007); Diploma of International Arbitration, Universidad Jose Simeón Cañas, El SalvadorArbitration Course, World Intellectual Property Organization, United States (2007); Degree in Law and Social Sciences, Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer USAM, El Salvador (2005); and International Program USPTO, Patent and Trademark Office of the United States, United States (2000)
She is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the Asociación Interamericana de la propiedad intelectual (ASIPI) and Cámara Americana de Comercio (AMCHAM).
She speaks Spanish and English.
150mts oeste de la entrada principal de Oficentro El Cedral, Escazú Edificio Banco General 6º piso San José fsaenz@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com Calle Llama del Bosque Poniente Urb Madre Selva III Edificio Avante Local 3-13 Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad San Salvador Tel: +503 2209 1600 stablas@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
WWL says: Fabiola Saenz Quesada is a go-to lawyer who excels at advising cosmetics, food and beverages companies in their IP and portfolio management issues. WWL says: Suzanne Berrios de Tablas possesses extensive experience in IP litigation, spanning anti-piracy actions, trademark and copyright infringement.
Ninoshka Urrutia
Consortium Legal
Ricardo Mejia
Bufete Mejia & Asociados
Darliss Gordon
Consortium Legal
Ninoshka is partner and leads the intellectual property department. She is the country delegate (Guatemala) before the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI) (2013–2018). She is a member of the committee of harmonisation of trademark law and practice of INTA (2018–2019), a member of the sub-committee of geographical indications of the ASIPI (2013–2018) and was a panellist for “Latin America and the Madrid Protocol: An Ending Story?” at INTA Berlin, Germany, (2008).
Her latest publications are Manual for the Application of Border Measures in the Framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU (2017) and the Guatemala chapter in the publication of Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trademarks Throughout the World published by Kluwer Law International (as of 2018, an update is in progress).
She has a master’s degree in industrial property, intellectual property and information society law from Master Lvcentinvs, University of Alicante; Spain, (2008), she has a postgraduate in commercial law from the University of Salamanca; Spain, (2004) and she is an authorised lawyer and notary by the Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences, Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala, (2001).
She speaks Spanish and English.
Diagonal 6 10-01 zona 10 Centro Gerencial Las Margaritas Torre II Oficina 1402 Ciudad Guatemala City, 01010 Tel: +502 22793939 nurrutia@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
Ricardo Anibal Mejia M, born in Honduras on 13 September 1964, currently serves as Bufete Mejia & Asociados’ partner and IP director. He specialises in commercial law and is acknowledged as an intellectual property authority for Honduras and Central America nationally and internationally.
His articles have been published by the National Law Center, the SMD Country Index and the Bomchil Group; and in books including The New Role of Intellectual Property in Commercial Transactions, Trademarks Throughout the World, Latin Lawyer (intellectual property chapter) and Katzarov's Handbook on Industrial Property.
He has been invited to lecture on intellectual property by Forbes, the Fort-Worth Chamber of Commerce and the International Trademark Association; and he has participated in several conferences as a panellist for the Inter-American Association of Industrial Property. In 2017, he was asked to speak before the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI); this year, he has been invited by the Intellectual Property Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce to speak, at a conference, on IP developments in Central America.
He has acted as country representative for the Inter-American Association of Industrial Property (ASIPI), and served as trademark reporter on the annual review and anti-counterfeiting committees of the International Trademark Association, as well as other committees and task forces. He is former vice president and board member of the intellectual property subcommittee for the Inter-American Bar Association and national ambassador for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on IP matters. He is a long-standing member of ECTA, PTMG and CITMA. In 2007, he was appointed honorary counsel of the Republic of Paraguay in Honduras.
20 Avenida “A” 1 y 2 Calle S.O. Barrio Río Piedras, PO Box 1744 San Pedro Sula Tel: +504 2550 7744 ricardo.mejia@bufetemejia.com www.bufetemejia.com
Darliss is a partner at Consortium Legal – Nicaragua, with more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage, agroindustrial, pharmaceutical, retail, professional services, startups and technology, and media and telecommunications sectors. She has extensive experience in intellectual property and competition law. She has advised foreign and local companies in the protection of their intellectual property rights, patent nationalisation phase, preparation of licensing agreements and protection of designations of origin. Her major clients include Bayer Healthcare, European Union, Scotiabank, Repros Therapeutics, Banamex, Wal-Mart, Arabela, Kativo Chemical Industries, Volaris, Darden Corporation and Deli Pollo SA coordinated for Central America; also registration of 114 European geographical indications within the framework of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America, a condition for validity of the agreement, including Panama.
She holds a Master of Laws from the International Institute of Law and Business INIDEM, Panamá (2015) and a law degree (magna cum laude) from the Universidad Americana UAM, Nicaragua (2003).
She speaks Spanish and English.
Del antiguo Hospital Militar 1 cuadra al Norte Managua Tel: +505 2254 5454 dgordon@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
WWL says: Ninoshka Urrutia is a highly respected practitioner thanks to her superb work advising high-profile clients on all matters regarding intellectual property. WWL says: Ricardo Mejia is renowned for his incisive practice across the gamut of trademark, patents and copyright matters. WWL says: Darliss Gordon Arana is applauded for her considerable experience of advising foreign and regional clients on intellectual property rights, patents, licensing agreements, and protection.
Belize
Emil Arguelles Arguelles & Company LLC info@belizelawyer.com
Costa Rica
Mauricio Bonilla ALS Advice Legal Studio mbonilla@als.cr Luis Diego Castro Arias luisdiego.castro@ariaslaw.com Milagro Chaves Facio & Cañas mchaves@fayca.com Nestor Morera Bufete Morera & Morera info-atlantico@moreraabogados.com Giselle Reuben BLP greuben@blplegal.com Fabiola Saenz Quesada* Consortium Legal fsaenz@consortiumlegal.com María del Pilar López Arias _pilar.lopez@ariaslaw.com
Dominican Republic
Lilly Acevedo Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez lacevedo@headrick.com.do Jaime Angeles Angeles Pons jangeles@angelespons.com Tania M Castillo Castillo & Castillo tm.castillo@castillo.com.do Edwin Espinal Hernández Espinal Hernandez Abogados & Notarios edwinespinal@hotmail.com Mary Fernández Rodríguez Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez mfernandez@hrafdom.com María Josefina Félix Troncoso Troncoso y Caceres mjf@troncoso-caceres.com Carimer Guzmán Castillo & Castillo carimer.guzman@castillo.com.do Arlene Herrera Miniño Abogados arlene.herrera@minino.com.do Ana Isabel Messina Pellerano & Messina amessina@bmlip.com
An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practitioners worldwide.
Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
Urko Ochoa Miniño Abogados urko.ochoa@ejminino.com Sharin Pablo de Roca JJ Roca & Asociados spablo@jjrocalaw.com Wallis Pons Cardi Angeles Pons wpons@angelespons.com Carmen Prieto Villegas Orange IP Orangeip@orangeiplaw.com María del Pilar Troncoso Troncoso Leroux mptroncoso@troncosoleroux.do
El Salvador
Suzanne Julieta Berrios De Tablas* Consortium Legal stablas@consortiumlegal.com Gilberto Fajardo RRF Law gilberto@lawrrf.com Luis Ernesto Guandique Chavez Guandique Segovia Quintanilla - LatamLex leguandiquech@gsqlaw.com Edy Portal Portal & Asociados egportal@portallaw.com Elena Patricia Puente Espino Nieto & Asociados elena.puente@espinolaw.com Danilo Rodríguez Villamil Espino Nieto & Asociados drodriguez@espinolaw.com José Roberto Romero Romero Pineda & Asociados jose@romeropineda.com Roberto Romero Pineda Romero Pineda & Asociados roberto@romeropineda.com Julio Vargas García & Bodán julio.vargas@garciabodan.com Morena Zavaleta Arias morena.zavaleta@ariaslaw.com Giancarlo de la Gasca De La Gasca & Cia giancarlo@delagasca.com
Guatemala
Ivon Hernandez Arias ivon.hernandez@ariaslaw.com Sandra Iriarte Palomo Abogados sandra@palomolaw.com Guillermo Lopez Davis BUFELCO- Bufete Lopez Cordero glopezdavis@bufelco.com.gt Enrique Möller S Moller Law enrique.moller@mollerlaw.com Marco Antonio Palacios Palacios & Asociados Sercomi mapalacios@sercomi.com.gt Hector Palomo Palomo Abogados hpalomo@palomolaw.com Luis F Ruiz BLP lruiz@blplegal.com Ninoshka Urrutia* Consortium Legal nurrutia@consortiumlegal.com Ernesto J Viteri Viteri & Viteri ejviteri@viteriviteri.com
Honduras
Daniel Casco Bufete Casco mail@cascomark.com Fernando Godoy BLP fgodoy@blplegal.com Ricardo Mejia* Bufete Mejia & Asociados ricardo.mejia@bufetemejia.com Oscar Armando Melara Facussé Melara & Asociados omelara@melarayasociados.com
Nicaragua
Julian J Bendaña-Aragón Guy Jose Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados julian.bendana@guybendana.com.ni Marvin Caldera S Caldera & Solano Asociados info@caldesol.com.ni María Eugenia García Fonseca Jarquin - García maria.garcia@jarquingarcia.com Darliss Gordon* Consortium Legal dgordon@consortiumlegal.com Lía Incer Garcia & Bodan lia.incer@garciabodan.com
Panama
Ramon R Benedetti Estudio Benedetti ramon@estudiobenedetti.com Rolando Candanedo Bufete Candanedo info@bufetecandanedo.com Monique Ferrer C Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez mferrer@afra.com Luis Guinard Guinard & Noriega lguinard@gnmlex.com Marissa Lasso De La Vega F Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez lassodelavega@afra.com Diana Leandro Estudio Benedetti dleandro@estudiobenedetti.com Orlando López A Lopez Durling orlando.lopez@lopezdurling.com Ileana Martinelli Icaza González-Ruiz Alemán martinellii@icazalaw.com Julie Martinelli Law Services, P.C. julie.martinelli@lawservicespc.com Edwin Molino Jimenez Molino y Moreno emolino@jimollaw.com Farah Molino Fábrega Molino fmolino@fmm.com.pa Hugo Morán MORAN IP hugom@icazalaw.com
Gabriela Tejada de Britton Icaza González-Ruiz Alemán gabrielat@icazalaw.com Audrey Williams Estudio Benedetti awilliams@estudiobenedetti.com
LABOUR, EMPLOMENT & IMMIGRATION
This year’s research highlights 49 impressive lawyers for their outstanding work advising clients on collective and individual labour law issues, including collective bargaining agreements, corporate restructurings, work permits and restrictive covenants.
Ricardo Alemán
Morgan & Morgan Panama City
Maria Del Rocio Hernández Carro
Bufete Carrois San José
Most Highly Regarded
Oscar Bejarano Coto
Oscar Bejarano & Asociados San José
Randall González
BLP San José
María del Pilar Troncoso
Troncoso Leroux Santo Domingo
Belize
Emil Arguelles with Arguelles & Company draws high praise from market commentators for his excellence in labour-related disputes.
Costa Rica
Oscar Bejarano Coto of Oscar Bejarano & Asociados has an excellent reputation among peers who applaud his first-class practice which focuses on litigation mandates in the labour industry.
With over 25 years’ experience, Maria Del Rocio Hernández Carro of Bufete Carrois maintains an impressive practice which focuses on labour consulting and litigation in the business sector.
From BLP, Randall González comes highly regarded thanks to his experience in the labour industry. Peers commend his “ability to always look after his clients’ interests” as well as his “thorough knowledge of the subject”.
Peers have every confidence in recommending Paola Gutierrez from Caoba Legal, who enjoys an excellent reputation as a litigator in complex labour disputes.
Alexander Godínez Vargas with Bufete Godinez y Asociados is a well-regarded practitioner with deep experience and a sweeping knowledge of Costa Rican labour law.
Milagro Chaves at Facio & Cañas is a “wellknown figure in the community” thanks to her long-standing expertise in employment law. Dominican Republic
According to market sources, María del Pilar Troncoso at Troncoso Leroux is a “top practitioner” who stands out for her experience in visa acquisitions for a range of clients.
Mary Fernández Rodríguez with Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez comes highly recommended by sources for her wealth of experience in immigration matters in the business sector.
El Salvador
Julio Vargas with García & Bodán is highly sought after for his expertise by clients from a diverse range of sectors, including food and beverage, telecommunications and agriculture.
Danilo Rodríguez Villamil of Espino Nieto & Asociados is a standout practitioner in the labour space thanks to his broad experience and deep understanding of the law.
Guatemala
Augusto Valenzuela with Valenzuela Herrera y Asociados regularly advises a broad spectrum of clients on individual and collective employment matters. Liz Gordillo of Arias focuses her first-rate practice on matters relating to labour disputes, local regulations and occupational safety.
Enrique Möller S of Moller Law is celebrated as one of the most experienced immigration lawyers in the market and gains recognition for his expert handling of collective labour negotiations and litigation.
Nicaragua
Marvin Caldera S of Caldera & Solano Asociados comes highly esteemed by market commentators for his top-notch practice, which encompasses intellectual property and employment matters.
Panama
Morgan & Morgan stands out with three lawyers listed.
With over 40 years of experience, Ricardo Alemán is a well-established practitioner who has garnered a stellar reputation for his expertise in collective bargaining negotiations, employment contracts and termination agreements.
Albalira Montúfar draws praise for her distinguished immigration practice, which focuses on visa and citizenship applications, as well as work permits.
María Teresa Mendoza frequently advises multinational companies and private individuals on a range of immigration and labour-related matters.
Lionel Francisco Aguilar Salguero
Consortium Legal
Lionel is a partner at Consortium Legal – Guatemala. With over 34 years of experience in the electric, sugar, banana, industrial and commercial sectors; he has experience in labour litigation and counselling. During his professional practice, he has been given the task of creating and directing new areas of work such as: criminal tax law, migration advisory to expatriates of multinational corporations, obtaining permits and licenses so that they can perform work in these territories. He has also been a promoter and director of the compliance area focused primarily on the criminal area, thus avoiding the linking of legal representatives to the criminal proceedings in question.
During his career, he has elaborated the manual of labour inspectors sponsored by AID. In addition, he has negotiated collective agreements with unions, he has been a participant in labor justice commissions, representative of work organizations in national and international congresses.
He has participated as an adviser in matters of work and social welfare to national and multinational groups, banks and local companies; and as a member of the examining panels of students in labour matters at the Law School of the Francisco Marroquín University and the Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala.
He has a master’s in criminal law (closed curriculum) from the Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences, University of San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala (2006), and is an authorised lawyer and notary (1985).
He speaks Spanish.
Ninoshka Urrutia
Consortium Legal
Ninoshka is partner and leads the intellectual property department. She is the country delegate (Guatemala) before the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI) (2013–2018). She is a member of the committee of harmonisation of trademark law and practice of INTA (2018–2019), a member of the sub-committee of geographical indications of the ASIPI (2013–2018) and was a panellist for “Latin America and the Madrid Protocol: An Ending Story?” at INTA Berlin, Germany, (2008).
Her latest publications are Manual for the Application of Border Measures in the Framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU (2017) and the Guatemala chapter in the publication of Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trademarks Throughout the World published by Kluwer Law International (as of 2018, an update is in progress).
She has a master’s degree in industrial property, intellectual property and information society law from Master Lvcentinvs, University of Alicante; Spain, (2008), she has a postgraduate in commercial law from the University of Salamanca; Spain, (2004) and she is an authorised lawyer and notary by the Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences, Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala, (2001).
She speaks Spanish and English.
Diagonal 6 10-01 zona 10 Centro Gerencial Las Margaritas Torre II Oficina 1402 Ciudad Guatemala City, 01010 Tel: +502 2279 3939 laguilar@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com Diagonal 6 10-01 zona 10 Centro Gerencial Las Margaritas Torre II Oficina 1402 Ciudad Guatemala City, 01010 Tel: +502 22793939 nurrutia@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
Ricardo Mejia
Bufete Mejia & Asociados
Ricardo Anibal Mejia M, born in Honduras on 13 September 1964, currently serves as Bufete Mejia & Asociados’ partner and IP director. He specialises in commercial law and is acknowledged as an intellectual property authority for Honduras and Central America nationally and internationally.
His articles have been published by the National Law Center, the SMD Country Index and the Bomchil Group; and in books including The New Role of Intellectual Property in Commercial Transactions, Trademarks Throughout the World, Latin Lawyer (intellectual property chapter) and Katzarov’s Handbook on Industrial Property.
He has been invited to lecture on intellectual property by Forbes, the Fort-Worth Chamber of Commerce and the International Trademark Association; and he has participated in several conferences as a panellist for the Inter-American Association of Industrial Property. In 2017, he was asked to speak before the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI); this year, he has been invited by the Intellectual Property Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce to speak, at a conference, on IP developments in Central America.
He has acted as country representative for the Inter-American Association of Industrial Property (ASIPI), and served as trademark reporter on the annual review and anti-counterfeiting committees of the International Trademark Association, as well as other committees and task forces. He is former vice president and board member of the intellectual property subcommittee for the Inter-American Bar Association and national ambassador for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on IP matters. He is a long-standing member of ECTA, PTMG and CITMA. In 2007, he was appointed honorary counsel of the Republic of Paraguay in Honduras.
20 Avenida “A” 1 y 2 Calle S.O. Barrio Río Piedras, PO Box 1744 San Pedro Sula Tel: +504 2550 7744 ricardo.mejia@bufetemejia.com
WWL says: Lionel Augilar is “a very wellknown lawyer in the labour market” in Central America for his top-tier work advising clients on obtaining permits and licenses, and labour rights. WWL says: Ninoshka Urrutia is well respected among peers for her profound expertise in employment, immigration and country border measures, acting for high-profile clients on a range of contentious mandates. WWL says: Ricardo Mejia excels in international immigration and commercial law, where he assists large-scale domestic and international clients on a wide range of complex issues.
An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practitioners worldwide.
Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
Bertha Xiomara Ortega Castillo
Consortium Legal
Bertha is a partner at Consortium Legal – Nicaragua, with more than 40 years of experience practicing in the labor area, in both administrative (MITRAB) and judicial courts. She specialises in business law and labor law with vast experience in labor contract counselling, collective bargaining, internal regulations, human resources policies, outsourcing, part-time work, labor settlements, administrative employment suspension and termination contracts, labor inspections before MITRAB, and labor litigation related to social benefits claims, dismissals, and special processes on violation of fundamental rights, among others.
She is an associate professor at the Central American University (UCA) in the areas of labor law and labor procedural rights. She is also a mediator and accredited arbitrator before the Office of Alternative Resolution of Conflicts of the Supreme Court of Justice.
She has advised the Ministry of Labor in projects like the elaboration of the Thesaurus of Administrative Jurisprudence 2008 and 2010, the Labor Administrative Oral Procedures (PALO) and the Protocol of Action of Individual and Collective Conciliators. During her career she has been a consultant to OIT, BETTER WORK, and FUNPADEM, and a teacher at the Judicial School.
Del antiguo Hospital Militar 1 cuadra al Norte Managua Tel: +505 2254 5454 bortega@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
WWL says: Bertha Xiomara Ortega has over 40 years of experience specialising in handling labour contracts, disputes and collective bargaining agreements.
Belize
Emil Arguelles Arguelles & Company LLC info@belizelawyer.com
Costa Rica
Alexandra Aguilar BLP alaguilar@blplegal.com Oscar Bejarano Coto Oscar Bejarano & Asociados Alfonso Carro Central Law acarro@central-law.com Milagro Chaves Facio & Cañas mchaves@fayca.com Maria Del Rocio Hernández Carro Bufete Carro rcarro@bufetecarro.com Marco Durante Calvo BDS Asesores mdurante@bdsasesores.com Graciela Fuentes Central Law gfuentes@central-law.com Alexander Godínez Vargas Bufete Godinez y Asociados alexander.godinez@bufetegodinez.com Randall González BLP rgonzalez@blplegal.com Paola Gutierrez Caoba Legal paola.gutierrez@caobalegal.com Anna Karina Jiménez Dentons annakarina.jimenez@dentons.com Juan Jose Carreras Caoba Legal jcarreras@lexcounsel.com Giselle Reuben BLP greuben@blplegal.com Francisco Salas Chaves BDS Asesores fsalas@bdsasesores.com Luis Sanchez Facio & Cañas lsanchez@fayca.com Federico Solis Fragomen Costa Rica Immigration Services LLC Ltda. fsolis@fragomen.com Alejandro Trejos Gómez BDS Asesores atrejos@bdsasesores.com
Dominican Republic
Norman G De Castro Campbell DR&R Abogados y Consultores Fiscales n.decastro@drr-law.com Mary Fernández Rodríguez Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernandez mfernandez@hrafdom.com Pedro O Gamundi Squire Patton Boggs pedro.gamundi@squirepb.com Carlos Hernández Contreras Hernández Contreras & Herrera info@hernandezcontreras.com Arlene Herrera Miniño Abogados arlene.herrera@minino.com.do Luis Miguel Pereyra Pereyra & Asociados lpereyra@pereyralaw.com Marcos Peña Rodriguez Jiménez Peña mpena@jpadvisors.do Carmen Prieto Villegas Orange IP Orangeip@orangeiplaw.com María del Pilar Troncoso Troncoso Leroux mptroncoso@troncosoleroux.do Gregorio García Villavizar Pereyra & Asociados gvillavizar@pereyralaw.com
El Salvador
Danilo Rodríguez Villamil Espino Nieto & Asociados drodriguez@espinolaw.com José Roberto Romero Romero Pineda & Asociados jose@romeropineda.com Mario Sánchez Chinchilla Valdés Suárez & Velasco msanchez@vsvlegal.com Carlos Urbina Blandón Valdés Suárez & Velasco curbina@vsvlegal.com Julio Vargas García & Bodán julio.vargas@garciabodan.com Eduardo Ángel Arias eduardo.angel@ariaslaw.com
Guatemala
Lionel Francisco Aguilar Salguero* Consortium Legal laguilar@consortiumlegal.com Liz Gordillo Arias liz.gordillo@ariaslaw.com Enrique Möller S Moller Law enrique.moller@mollerlaw.com Evelyn Rebuli V QIL+4 Abogados erebuli@qilsc.com Ninoshka Urrutia* Consortium Legal nurrutia@consortiumlegal.com Augusto Valenzuela Valenzuela Herrera y Asociados info@valenzuela-herrera.com
Sergio Bendana Lopez Lopez Rodezno & Asociados lr@lopezrodezno.com Ricardo Mejia* Bufete Mejia & Asociados ricardo.mejia@bufetemejia.com Marielena Ulloa de Pineda Ulloa & Asociados marielena.ulloa@ulloayasociados.com
Nicaragua
Marvin Caldera S Caldera & Solano Asociados info@caldesol.com.ni Bertha Xiomara Ortega Castillo* Consortium Legal bortega@consortiumlegal.com
Panama
Ricardo Alemán Morgan & Morgan ricardo.aleman@morimor.com Julio César Contreras III Arosemena Noriega & Contreras jcontreras@anorco.com.pa María Teresa Mendoza Morgan & Morgan mariateresa.mendoza@morimor.com Albalira Montúfar Morgan & Morgan albalira.montufar@morimor.com Eduardo Valle Mendoza, Arias, Valle & Castillo evalle@mavclex.com Maria del Carmen Zúñiga Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega mzuniga@arifa.com
PRIVATE CLIENT
Here we present 21 standout lawyers for private client matters in Central America. Their vast experience spans estate, trusts and tax law.
Jaime Alemán
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee Panama City
Most Highly Regarded
Gretel Ciniglio de Perez
Fábrega Molino Panama City
Raúl Zúñiga Brid
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee Panama City
Belize
Rishi Mungal at Morgan & Morgan is “a highly respected practitioner” for complex trusts and estate law.
Costa Rica
David Gutiérrez from BLP is endorsed by peers for his “outstanding reputation as a pre-eminent private client lawyer”. His extensive corporate law experience is further praised.
Eduardo Calderón has over 20 years’ experience assisting Costa Rican families and corporations in a wide range of transactions.
Guatemala
Marcos Ibargüen Segovia with QIL+4 Abogados is well regarded in the market for his extensive experience aiding families and corporations in dispute resolution and non-contentious matters.
Panama
Jaime Alemán from Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee stands out as a leading private client lawyer for trusts, estate and tax matters.
Gretel Ciniglio de Perez at Fábrega Molino has over 20 years’ experience advising international and Panamanian clients, HNWI, family groups and corporations.
Juan Pablo Fabrega is a highly regarded practitioner for the gamut of estate planning and private client issues.
Elizabeth Heurtematte Kochman at LOVILL is renowned for advising multinational companies, family groups and private clients on financial and real estate matters.
Juan Pardini from Pardini & Asociados is a highly experienced private client lawyer lauded for his encyclopaedic knowledge of trusts, tax and foundations.
Jaime Alemán
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Gian Castillero Guiraud
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Anibal Galindo
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Jaime Alemán joined Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee as a founding partner in 1985. His professional practice concentrates on offshore services, trusts and estate planning and corporate M&A. Dr Alemán served as legal adviser at the InterAmerican Development Bank in Washington, DC from 1978 to 1981 and as special adviser to Dr Nicolás Barletta, former President of Panama, in 1984 and 1985. Dr. Alemán was the minister of government and justice in 1988 and Panamanian ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2011.
Dr Alemán is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Panama Bar Association, the International Tax Planning Association and the International Fiscal Association. He is also a member of the boards of directors of Banistmo, PKB Bank (Panama) and Travelex (Panama) SA and of the board of visitors of Duke University School of Law.
Dr Alemán has a Juris Doctor from Duke University and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Notre Dame. He is fluent in Spanish, English and French. Gian Castillero joined ARIFA in 1994 and became a partner in 2008. Currently, Mr Castillero heads the firm’s estate and private clients group, where he is actively involved in representing private clients on estate planning, organisation and management of family offices, corporate governance of family businesses, structuring foundations and trusts, philanthropic entities and foundations, and international tax planning, as well as in advising institutional clients and commercial clients on corporate and financial matters.
Mr Castillero was the resident lawyer of ARIFA’s London office from 1994 to 2000, and head of the ship finance and registration department from 2000 to 2006, participating in the purchase and sale transactions and ship financing.
Until 2013, Mr Castillero headed the ARIFA corporate services group, overseeing the daily operations of the firm’s network of offices.
Since 2009, Mr Castillero has been the chairman of the Panamanian Association of International Lawyers.
He is director of the Banco Nacional de Panamá. He is also a former member of the highlevel committee appointed by the Government of the Republic of Panama for the defence of the platform of its international services; and of the National Council of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama (2015-2017). Between 2005 and 2008, he served as chairman of the committee in charge of drafting the Merchant Marine General Law of Panama and its Regulation Act.
Mr Castillero completed his LLM at London University (1995) (concentration on commercial and corporate law), and his LLB at Santa Maria La Antigua University (1994). He is a member of of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Aníbal Galindo joined Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee in 1985 as one of its founding partners. Before this, he worked at law firm Rosas & Rosas (1982–1985) and Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones SA (Bladex) (1978–1982). Since joining Alcogal, Mr Galindo’s professional practice has concentrated on corporate and M&A, real estate, banking, finance and capital markets, maritime and port facilities and tax law. Mr Galindo has advised Panamanian and international clients with their most pressing corporate needs, including: Ideal Living, Corp in connection with the master plan and development of Panama City’s largest and most exclusive mixed golf and residential development; First Quantum Minerals Ltd on its estimated US$5.1 billion acquisition of Toronto-based Inmet Mining Corp, which owns Minera Panama SA; Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA) with all matters related to the construction of a ring road around Panama City; and Evergreen International in regards to all its shipping and ports needs in Panama.
Mr Galindo has served in the board of directors of the National Banking Commission and the National Savings Bank.
Mr Galindo has a Master of Laws (LLM) from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana (1979), and a Bachelor of Law and Political Science from the University of Panama (1978). He is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association and the Banking Law Institute. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
Humboldt Tower, 2nd Floor East 53rd Street Panama City, PO Box 0819-09132 Tel: +507 269 2620 jaleman@alcogal.com www.alcogal.com ARIFA Building, 10th Floor, West Boulevard Santa María Business District, PO Box 0816-01098 Panama City Tel: +507 205 7014 gcastillero@arifa.com www.arifa.com Humboldt Tower, 2nd Floor East 53rd Street Panama City, PO Box 0819-09132 Tel: +507 269 2620 agalindo@alcogal.com www.alcogal.com
WWL says: Jaime Alemán stands out as a leading private client lawyer for trusts, estate and tax matters. WWL says: Gian Castillero is a leading lawyer who focuses his substantive attention and expertise on estate planning, management of family offices and international tax planning. WWL says: Anibal Galindo regularly advises HNWI and private trustees in the formation and administration of companies and private interest foundations.
Raúl Zúñiga Brid
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Dayra Berbey de Rojas
Axios Law
Raúl Zúñiga joined Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee as an associate in 2001 and became partner in 2007. His professional practice concentrates on offshore services, trusts and estate planning and corporate and M&A. He is a member of the board of directors of the International Lawyers Association and of the board of directors of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Panama chapter.
Mr Zúñiga has been recognised and ranked as a top-tier lawyer in the area of offshore matters by the prestigious legal publication Chambers and Partners.
Mr Zúñiga has a Bachelor of Law and Political Sciences degree from the University of Panama (Sigma Lambda). He is a member of the Panama Bar Association and is fluent in Spanish and English. Dayra Berbey de Rojas qualified to practise law at the Catholic University of Santa Maria la Antigua in Panama.
She obtained a a diploma in international trust management from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) (TEP, 2002), and also studied on the Yale University programme for lawyers (2006) and the quality management programme at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
In 2016, she established Panama-based boutique firm Axios Law, as well as Axios Trust Corporation, where in her capacity as managing director she advises clients on estate planning, commercial trusts and corporate law.
She has 25 years’ experience in fiduciary services, starting with the Morgan & Morgan Group (as director/deputy manager of MMG Trust) followed by eight years as managing director at Icaza Trust Corporation, a licensed trust company affiliated to the law firm Icaza, González-Ruiz & Aleman. During this time, she was also the executive director of FINDEC, a trust funded by the Panamanian government and the Interamerican Development Bank.
Until 2016, Dayra served as chair of the Panama Banking Association Committee on Trusts, and was Panama’s representative before the Latin American Trusts Committee (COLAFI), where she was elected chairperson in 2008. A founder and chair of the Panama branch of STEP, she was later elected to the regional board and in December 2010 became a member of the international council. From 2016 to December 2019, she served on STEP’s international board of directors.
In 2018, she obtained her certificate in antimoney laundering from CLT International/STEP, in the UK.
She is the winner of STEP’s Outstanding Achievement Award. In 2014, the Mexican publication Mundo Fiduciario named her Person of the Year in Latin American Trusts. She is a frequent lecturer on matters related to commercial, estate planning and investment trusts.
Humboldt Tower, 2nd Floor East 53rd Street Panama City, PO Box 0819-09132 Tel: +507 269 2620 rzuniga@alcogal.com www.alcogal.com Axios Law Calle 58 y Ave. Ricardo Arango PWC Building, 5th Floor, #51 Panama City Tel: +507 830 5606 dayra@axioslawservices.com www.axioslawservices.com
WWL says: Raúl Zúñiga Brid earns praise among market sources for his comprehensive practice assisting HNWI in offshore services, trusts and estate planning. WWL says: Dayra Berbey de Rojas is a well-recognised figure in the Central American market for her leading practice advising clients on estate planning, commercial trusts and corporate law.
An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practitioners worldwide.
Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
Belize
Rishi Mungal Morgan & Morgan rishi.mungal@morimor.com
Costa Rica
Eduardo Calderón BLP ecalderon@blpabogados.com David Gutiérrez BLP dgutierrez@blpabogados.com Hernán Pacheco O EY Law hernan.pacheco@cr.ey.com Adriana Ramos Chaves Latamlex Abogados aramos@latam-lex.com
Guatemala
Alejandro Arenales Farner BLP aarenales@blplegal.com Marcos Ibargüen Segovia QIL+4 Abogados mibarguen@qil4.com Stefano Carlo Olivero Bufete Olivero solivero@bolivero.com Alfredo Skinner-Klee Skinner-Klee & Asociados - LatamLex skinner-klee@latamlex.com
Panama
Jaime Alemán* Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee jaleman@alcogal.com Gian Castillero Guiraud* Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega gcastillero@arifa.com Gretel Ciniglio de Perez Fábrega Molino gciniglio@fmm.com.pa Juan Pablo Fabrega Fábrega Molino juanpa@fmm.com.pa Anibal Galindo* Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee agalindo@alcogal.com Elizabeth Heurtematte Kochman LOVILL elizabeth.heurtematte@lovill.com Roberto Lewis Morgan Morgan & Morgan roberto.lewis@morimor.com Luis G Manzanares Morgan & Morgan luis.manzanares@morimor.com Juan F Pardini Pardini & Asociados pardini@padela.com Julio A Quijano Berbey Quijano & Associates quijano@quijano.com Raúl Zúñiga Brid* Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee rzuniga@alcogal.com Dayra Berbey de Rojas* Axios Law dayra@axioslawservices.com
REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION
In this chapter, we recognise 33 lawyers for their outstanding expertise in real estate and construction finance, regulation and disputes in the public and private sectors.
Eduardo Calderón
BLP San José
Most Highly Regarded
Luis M Castro
BLP San José
Carlos Eduardo Taboada Rodríguez
Consortium Legal Managua
Costa Rica
BLP stands out with five lawyers listed.
Luis Castro is a renowned figure in the market who is held in high regard by peers for his expertise in real estate concessions and permits.
Eduardo Calderón is highlighted by peers and clients alike as an authority on Costa Rican real estate law.
Andrea González is hailed as “very professional and experienced” by clients who feel “very confident with Andrea guiding them through all of the different elements to make up a successful real estate development”.
Julio Kierszenson Mamet from Facio & Cañas is an “excellent lawyer” who is highly sought after by clients in the construction and real estate industries.
Sergio Solera is a top lawyer who is applauded for his deep knowledge and experience in real estate mandates. Robert van der Putten at Sfera Legal is a real estate specialist and regularly works with high-profile international and domestic clients.
Germán Serrano García with Zurcher Odio & Raven ranks highly among peers thanks to his adept handling of the full spectrum of real estate issues.
Dominican Republic
Ulises Cabrera of Ulises Cabrera Abogados is a “top practitioner” with a strong reputation and decades of experience in the real estate space.
Nicaragua
Róger Pérez of Arias regularly advises international clients regarding complex real estate matters.
Panama
Eloy Alfaro B with Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee frequently works on behalf of domestic and international clients in high-value real estate transactions.
Francisco Arias at Morgan & Morgan draws praise from market commentators for his experience in advising foreign nationals in the acquisition of Panamanian real estate.
Juan Manuel Cordero Esquivel
Consortium Legal
Javier Escalante
TACTIC Estudio Legal
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga
Consortium Legal
Juan Manuel is a partner at Consortium Legal – Costa Rica. He has more than 17 years of experience in the private sector; he specialises in real estate law, corporate law and mergers & acquisitions. He has led the planning and structuring of multiple real estate developments, the due diligence and acquisitions of land and concessions, complex leases, the constitution and modification of condominium regimes, sale and purchase of hotels, anti-trust filings, commercial and touristic developments, the processing of permits for real estate, corporate and infrastructure projects, the negotiation and draft of construction contracts, as well as the planning and execution of corporate restructurings of national and multinational companies.
During his career, he was paralegal and junior attorney at the law firm Central Law Costa Rica, and Senior Underwriter & Legal Manager at Stewart Title Latin America. Javier is a highly skilled lawyer, with more than 17 years of experience, working both in prominent law firms in Costa Rica and for the Costa Rican government, where he started as a Trade Negotiator at the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade, and eventually transitioned to serve at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Consul General of Costa Rica in Singapore, and later as Ambassador of Costa Rica in Qatar.
With a master’s degree in law and economics, from Utrecht University (the Netherlands) and a master’s degree in international business law, from Complutense University of Madrid (Spain), Javier has an ample and international perspective that transcends the legal sphere.
As one of the heads of the Real Estate Department at COLBS Legal Studio, he has an extensive portfolio of high-end real estate developers, amongst which he is best known for his problem-solving skills and impeccable service. He has been recognised for being able to bring an interdisciplinary approach to every project, helping in the process of raising capital, designing complex corporate structures to accommodate the needs of the different projects and supporting clients in the various government-related matters needed to develop a project. He also has ample experience dealing with environmental matters and negotiating public-private partnerships, when needed for the execution of a real estate development.
Apart from his Real Estate practice, Javier’s practice areas include Aviation, Trade, Civil, and Contractual Law, as well as Dispute Resolution. Javier is currently an eligible arbitrator at multiple Arbitration and Conciliation centers in Costa Rica and serves as board member at the Costa Rican Chamber of Industry, among other organisations. Rolando is a partner at Consortium Legal – Costa Rica. With 29 years of experience, he specialises in mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, international trade, real estate, civil and commercial litigation. He participated in multiple local and international transactions related mergers and acquisitions, securitisations, and real estate complex transactions. He has also acted as legal counsel in major litigation cases mainly in civil and commercial matters. During his career, he served as president of the International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (2009–2011); and he was an adviser to former president of Costa Rica, Abel Pacheco (2002–2004). He was nominated by Latin Lawyer magazine as one of the 40 best attorneys under the age of 40 in Central America (2006) and by Chambers Global as one of the leading lawyers in Costa Rica.
He has a master’s degree in law from Georgetown University, United States (1994), and a higher degree in commercial law (1993) and a law degree from the University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica (1990).
He speaks Spanish and English.
150mts oeste de la entrada principal de Oficentro El Cedral, Escazú Edificio Banco General 6º piso San José Tel: +506 2257 3553 jcordero@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com Torre La Sabana, piso 3 Avenida Las Américas, calle 60 San José Tel: +506 4700 6400 jem@colbs.legal www.tactic.legal/en/home 150mts oeste de la entrada principal de Oficentro El Cedral, Escazú Edificio Banco General 6º piso San José Tel: +506 2257 3553 rlacle@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
WWL says: Juan Manuel Cordero Esquivel comes highly recommended for his top-tier practice assisting large-scale clients in real estate acquisitions and leasing matters. WWL says: Javier Escalante of TACTIC Estudio Legal draws plaudits for his top-tier practice, which focuses on contract negotiations and financing. WWL says: Rolando Laclé Zúñiga stands out as a leading transactional lawyer with vast experience assisting clients in domestic and international real estate transactions.
Carlos Eduardo Taboada Rodríguez
Consortium Legal
Carlos Taboada is partner of Consortium Legal – Nicaragua. He has extensive experience in real estate projects (commercial, residential and multi-purpose), microfinance and acquisitions in Nicaragua. He has participated providing corporate, contract, and tax structure advice in important transactions such as the acquisition of valuable and strategic properties for foreign investors, the acquisition of local factories and finance companies among others.
In 2005, he actively participated in the integration of five Central American firms to create Consortium Legal, and in 2010 he helped in the founding of INIDEM Business Law School in Panama, a graduate school for Latin American lawyers. He is member of the IBA’s Young Lawyers Council and director at the Nicaraguan chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, serving as learning chair. His other memberships include the World Services Group (WSG) for the Latin American region; the State Capital Group; and the International Trademark Association (INTA).
He speaks Spanish and English.
Del antiguo Hospital Militar 1 cuadra al Norte Managua Tel: +505 2254 5454 ctaboada@consortiumlegal.com www.consortiumlegal.com
Eloy Alfaro B
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
María Carolina Arroyo
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Eloy Alfaro B joined Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee as an associate in 2004 and became a partner in 2011. His professional practice concentrates on banking, finance and capital markets, corporate and M&A, public bids and concession contracts, and real estate law.
Mr Alfaro has been active in assisting local and international clients in mergers and acquisitions, such as Citibank NA, the Bank of Nova Scotia and BBVA in banking acquisitions, mergers and dispositions in Panama, in addition to assisting many international banks and companies in local and cross-border financing transactions. Mr Alfaro has also helped advise Panamanian and international clients in important public bid projects, including: the contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal in the construction of the Third Set of Locks for the Panama Canal Expansion; London & Regional Panama, SA in the master development of the former Howard Air Force Base; and Vinci Construction Grands Projets in the construction of a third suspension bridge over the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side of the country.
Mr Alfaro has served as secretary of the board of directors of London & Regional Panama, SA since 2007 and as member of the board of directors of GNB Sudameris Bank, SA since 2011. Mr Alfaro has been a member of the board of directors of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture since 2016 and Cemento Chagres, SA since 2019. Mr Alfaro has a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Columbia University in the City of New York.
Mr Alfaro has been recognised by Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500 and by IFLR1000 as a leading lawyer. He is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
María Carolina Arroyo joined the firm in 1984 and became a partner in 1995. Ms. Arroyo is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and She heads the firm’s real estate and hospitality practice group. Ms. Arroyo stands out as a skilled legal adviser in real estate law with a broad understanding of Panama’s horizontal property regime and proven negotiating skills in the conclusion of complex contracts for the sale of real estate assets or rights. She has forged an impressive career path, particularly in the successful negotiation and drafting of purchase, lease, joint-venture, management and construction agreements. She is experienced in matters related to condominium rules, beach resorts, residential projects, commercial premises, hotels, casinos and shopping centres. Ms Arroyo also has significant expertise in the financing of commercial and residential projects.
Ms Arroyo completed her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Panama (1983).
ARIFA Building, 10th Floor, West Boulevard Santa María Business District, PO Box 0816-01098 Panama City Tel: +507 205 7021 mcarroyo@arifa.com www.arifa.com
WWL says: Carlos Eduardo Taboada Rodríguez stands out among peers for his vast experience of high-value transactions across the construction and real estate sector, as well as related tax and foreign investment matters. WWL says: Eloy Alfaro B frequently works on behalf of domestic and international clients in high-value real estate transactions. WWL says: Maria Arroyo holds an exemplary practice in all matters regarding Panamanian real estate law, where she negotiates and drafts complex transactions, including purchase, lease, joint venture, management and construction agreements.
Anibal Galindo
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Aníbal Galindo joined Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee in 1985 as one of its founding partners. Before this, he worked at law firm Rosas & Rosas (1982–1985) and Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones SA (Bladex) (1978–1982). Since joining Alcogal, Mr Galindo’s professional practice has concentrated on corporate and M&A, real estate, banking, finance and capital markets, maritime and port facilities and tax law. Mr Galindo has advised Panamanian and international clients with their most pressing corporate needs, including: Ideal Living, Corp in connection with the master plan and development of Panama City’s largest and most exclusive mixed golf and residential development; First Quantum Minerals Ltd on its estimated US$5.1 billion acquisition of Toronto-based Inmet Mining Corp, which owns Minera Panama SA; Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA) with all matters related to the construction of a ring road around Panama City; and Evergreen International in regards to all its shipping and ports needs in Panama.
Mr Galindo has served in the board of directors of the National Banking Commission and the National Savings Bank.
Mr Galindo has a Master of Laws (LLM) from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana (1979), and a Bachelor of Law and Political Science from the University of Panama (1978). He is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association and the Banking Law Institute. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
WWL says: Anibal Galindo holds an excellent reputation among peers who applaud his first-class real estate practice. An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Nominees have been selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practitioners worldwide.
Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
Belize
Emil Arguelles Arguelles & Company LLC info@belizelawyer.com
Costa Rica
Arnoldo André Lexincorp Central American Law Firm andre@lexincorp.com Alejandro A Antillon EY Law alejandro.antillon.appel@cr.ey.com Eduardo Calderón BLP ecalderon@blpabogados.com Luis M Castro BLP lcastro@blplegal.com Rafael E Cañas Sfera legal rec@sferalegal.com Juan Manuel Cordero Esquivel* Consortium Legal jcordero@consortiumlegal.com Javier Escalante* TACTIC Estudio Legal jem@colbs.legal Andrea Gonzalez BLP andrea.gonzalez@blp.com Julio Kierszenson Mamet Facio & Cañas jkierszenson@fayca.com Rolando Laclé Zúñiga* Consortium Legal rlacle@consortiumlegal.com Andrés López BLP alopez@blplegal.com José Antonio Muñoz Dentons joseantonio.munoz@dentons.com Eric Scharf Taitelbaum Sfera legal est@sferalegal.com Germán Serrano García Zurcher Odio & Raven info@zurcherodioraven.com Sergio Solera Facio & Cañas ssolera@fayca.com Harry J Zurcher Zurcher IP HZurcher@ZurcherIP.com Eduardo Zúñiga Dentons eduardo.zuniga@dentons.com Robert van der Putten Sfera legal rvdp@sferalegal.com
Dominican Republic
Ulises Cabrera Ulises Cabrera Abogados ulises.cabrera@uclegal.com Luis J Jiménez Miniño Jiménez Peña ljimenez@jcpdr.com Roman Medina Diplan Russin Vecchi & Heredia Bonetti rmedina@rvhb.com Ricardo Pellerano Pellerano & Herrera r.pellerano@phlaw.com
Nicaragua
Federico Gurdián Garcia & Bodan federico.gurdian@garciabodan.com Dania Navarrete Garcia & Bodan dania.navarrete@garciabodan.com Róger Pérez Arias roger.perez@ariaslaw.com Carlos Eduardo Taboada Rodríguez* Consortium Legal ctaboada@consortiumlegal.com
Panama
Eloy Alfaro B* Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee ealfaro@alcogal.com Francisco Arias Morgan & Morgan francisco.arias@morimor.com Ramón Ricardo Arias Porras Galindo Arias y López rrarias@gala.com.pa María Carolina Arroyo* Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega mcarroyo@arifa.com Anibal Galindo* Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee agalindo@alcogal.com José Agustín Preciado Miro Fábrega Molino preciado@fmm.com.pa
TRANSPORT | Aviation
In this chapter, we recognise 17 leading aviation lawyers who come highly esteemed for their excellent handling of contentious, transactional and regulatory matters.
Most Highly Regarded
Cristina Lewis de la Guardia
Galindo Arias y López Panama City
Alina Nassar
Nassar Abogados San José
Costa Rica
Alina Nassar of Nassar Abogados is celebrated as one of the most experienced aviation lawyers in the industry, with notable expertise in regulatory mandates.
Tomás Nassar Perez is very well regarded by peers and clients alike thanks to his broad experience in commercial and corporate issues in the aviation industry.
Javier Escalante with Colbs Estudio Legal regularly advises and represents high-profile air carriers on a diverse range of matters.
Roberto Esquivel from Oller Abogados is a standout name in the space who concentrates his expertise on project finance and procurement for clients in the aviation industry.
Dominican Republic
Rodolfo Mesa Chavez with Mesa Abogados draws accolades for his top-notch practice which focuses on commercial and insurance issues.
Marcos Peña Rodriguez of Jiménez Peña stands out as a go-to name for aviation matters for domestic and international clients.
Honduras
At Arias, Mario Agüero distinguishes himself as a top practitioner for a broad range of administrative and transactional matters.
Panama
Galindo Arias y López’s Cristina Lewis de la Guardia is a top lawyer according to market sources, who applaud his deep knowledge and experience in the acquisition and financing of aircraft.
Roy Durling at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega regularly advises a range of international and domestic clients with regard to aviation financing.
Javier Escalante
TACTIC Estudio Legal
Javier is a highly skilled lawyer, with more than 17 years of experience, working both in prominent law firms in Costa Rica and for the Costa Rican Government, where he started as a Trade Negotiator at the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade, and eventually transitioned to serve at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Consul General of Costa Rica in Singapore, and later as Ambassador of Costa Rica in Qatar.
With a master’s degree in law and economics, from Utrecht University (the Netherlands) and a Master’s Degree in International Business Law, from Complutense University of Madrid (Spain), Javier has an international perspective that transcends the legal sphere.
He is the head of the aviation law practice at COLBS Legal Studio and has ample experience in advising companies from the aviation sector seeking to establish themselves in Costa Rica. His experience includes the representation of air carriers with scheduled flights, as well as chartered flight operators flying to and from Costa Rica. He actively represents his clients before the local authorities and associations regulating their business activities, advises them on corporate matters, and acts on their behalf in administrative and judiciary procedures.
In addition to his aviation law practice, Javier’s most relevant areas of practice are trade, civil, and contractual law, real estate and dispute resolution. Javier is currently an eligible arbitrator at multiple arbitration and conciliation centres in Costa Rica and serves as board member at the Costa Rican Chamber of Industry, among other organisations. An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Costa Rica
Carlos Camacho Arias carlos.camacho@ariaslaw.com Javier Escalante* TACTIC Estudio Legal jem@colbs.legal Roberto Esquivel Oller Abogados info@ollerabogados.com Alina Nassar Nassar Abogados anassar@nassarabogados.com Tomás F Nassar Perez Nassar Abogados tnassar@nassarabogados.com
Dominican Republic
Maria Esther Fernández Alvarez de Pou Raful Sicard Polanco & Fernández mefernandez@legalrsp.com Rodolfo A Mesa Chavez Mesa Abogados r.mesa@mesalex.com Urania Paulino Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting upaulino@pellerano.com Marcos Peña Rodriguez Jiménez Peña mpena@jpadvisors.do
Honduras
Mario Agüero Arias mario.aguero@ariaslaw.com J. Vanessa Oquelí De Riera Garcia & Bodan vanessa.oqueli@garciabodan.com
Torre La Sabana, piso 3 Avenida Las Américas, calle 60 San José Tel: +506 4700 6400 jem@colbs.legal www.tactic.legal/en/home
WWL says: Javier Escalante enjoys a stellar reputation in the Central American market for his work in aviation transport cases with high profile clients.
Panama
Ramón Ricardo Arias Porras Galindo Arias y López rrarias@gala.com.pa Roy C Durling* Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega rcdurling@arifa.com Juan José Espino Pardini & Asociados jjes@padela.com Cristina Lewis de la Guardia Galindo Arias y López clewis@gala.com.pa Gabriel Sosa Decastro & Robles sosa@decastro-robles.com María de Lourdes Marengo Patton Moreno & Asvat mmarengo@pmalawyers.com
TRANSPORT | Shipping
In this chapter, we highlight 24 outstanding shipping lawyers for their impressive work handling sector-related contractual and financial matters, as well as disputes and casualty cases.
Jorge Loaiza
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega Panama City
Most Highly Regarded
Tomas Avila
Avila & Co Panama City
Costa Rica
Nassar Abogados is home to two practitioners listed here.
Peers commend Tomás Nassar Perez for his expert handling of a broad variety of shipping disputes, often involving governments and task forces.
Alina Nassar applies her extensive experience to her top-notch practice, which deals with cargo disputes, compliance and transactional work for multinational corporations.
Panama
De Castro & Robles stands out with three listings.
Sources praise Eduardo Antonio Real Solis for his in-depth experience in litigious matters, charter party negotiations and vessel registrations.
Gabriel Sosa draws widespread plaudits for his shipping practice, which encompasses cartel damage claims, shipping-related insurance and industrial risk disputes.
Alberto Lopez Tom is a claims specialist and represents ship-owners and charterers in cases regarding cargo- and casualtyrelated claims.
Jorge Loaiza at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega brings a depth of knowledge in maritime law and regularly works on complex sale and purchase deals, inventive ship security models, drafting of maritime contracts and ship financing.
Roy Durling excels in advising high-profile clients on matters relating to shipping finance, tax restructuring and shipping regulations. Tomas Avila of Avila & Co is has built up an impressive practice in shipping registration, finance and multi-jurisdictional transactions.
Jazmina Rovi Sanchez with Morgan & Morgan secures endorsements from peers for her notable experience in nautical regulatory and registration requirements under Panamanian law.
Belisario Porras at Patton Moreno & Asvat draws effusive praise from peers as “a go-to practitioner” thanks to his “deep knowledge of the Panamanian maritime legal system” and “smooth and seamless cooperation”.
Yvonne Arias B with Arias B & Associates is highlighted for her high level of expertise in managing the financing, purchasing, and registration of maritime vessels.
Jorge Loaiza
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Jorge Loaiza III joined the firm in 1990 and became a partner in 2014. From 2000 to 2005, Mr Loaiza was the resident lawyer in our London office. As head of the firm’s shipping and transportation group, he serves international clients throughout the transportation and shipping industry with sophisticated and timely advice. Mr Loaiza has assisted and represented clients in complex sale and purchase deals, inventive ship security models, drafting of maritime contracts, under-construction ship finance structuring, technical aspects and compliance under international maritime conventions and innovating in maritime litigation strategies. He was one of the main contributors to a newly adopted law for the promotion of maritime projects financing, and has been involved in maritime litigation, promoted the creation of judicial precedents on asset arrests and flag arrests of ships, administrative filings, and other unconventional procedures.
Mr Loaiza was member of the drafting committee and contributor to the 2009 amendments to Law 8 of 1982 of the Maritime Judicial Procedure, and part of the joint commission (government and maritime lawyers) for complementary regulations to Law 57 of 2008 of the Merchant Marine Administration.
As a member of the Panama Maritime Law Association, he occupied various posts within the board of directors from 2008 through 2012. He has further participated in committees within the Panama-American Chamber of Commerce and holds the Panama chapter in various international publications on legal aspects of shipping, including maritime commerce litigation.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr Loaiza worked as a foreign associate with Kelley Drye & Warren in Washington DC.
ARIFA Building, 10th Floor, West Boulevard Santa María Business District, PO Box 0816-01098 Panama City Tel: +507 205 7068 jloaiza@arifa.com www.arifa.com
WWL says: Jorge Loaiza brings a depth of knowledge in maritime law and regularly works on complex sale and purchase deals, inventive ship security models, drafting of maritime contracts and ship financing. An asterisk denotes practitioners who have profiles in the preceding pages.
Costa Rica
Carlos Camacho Arias carlos.camacho@ariaslaw.com Alina Nassar Nassar Abogados anassar@nassarabogados.com Tomás F Nassar Perez Nassar Abogados tnassar@nassarabogados.com
Panama
Jorge Ramirez Arias Arias B & Associates jorge@abalaw.net Ramón Arias B Arias B & Associates rrab@abalaw.net Yvonne Arias B Arias B & Associates yvonne@abalaw.net Tomas Avila Avila & Co mail@avilaco.com Alida Benedetti Benedetti & Benedetti alida@benedetti.com.pa Francisco Carreira Pitti Carreira Pitti PC paco@carreirapitti.com Nelson Carreyó Nelson Carreyo astral@sinfo.net Roy C Durling Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega rcdurling@arifa.com María Teresa Díaz G Patton Moreno & Asvat mdiaz@pmalawyers.com Francisco Linares Morgan & Morgan francisco.linares@morimor.com Adolfo E. Linares F. Tapia Linares & Alfaro alinares@talial.com Jorge Loaiza* Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega jloaiza@arifa.com Alberto Lopez Tom Decastro & Robles mail@decastro-robles.com Joel R Medina Icaza González-Ruiz Alemán joelm@icazalaw.com Juan David Morgan Jr Morgan & Morgan juandavid.morganjr@morimor.com Belisario J. Porras Patton Moreno & Asvat bporras@pmalawyers.com Julio A Quijano Berbey Quijano & Associates quijano@quijano.com Eduardo Antonio Real Solis Decastro & Robles real@decastro-robles.com Jazmina Rovi Sanchez Morgan & Morgan jrovi@morimor.com Gabriel Sosa Decastro & Robles sosa@decastro-robles.com María de Lourdes Marengo Patton Moreno & Asvat mmarengo@pmalawyers.com
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