Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Infante & Pérez Almillano‘s experienced litigation and arbitration team is active in civil and commercial disputes, as well as in white-collar criminal cases, with an emphasis on representing leading banks and real estate developers.
In line with the firm’s niche strength in the aviation sector, Pardini & Asociados‘ dispute resolution team is frequently called upon by major international airlines and other key players in the industry to handle related litigation, particularly damages claims.

Dispute resolution in Panama

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is widely recognised for the depth and breadth of its dispute resolution offering, fielding a four-partner team that is equally adept at handling complex litigation and arbitration. The firm remains the first port of call for many of Panama’s leading banks in financial litigation, and also stands out for its representation of major multinationals in commercial disputes (with a marked focus on the insurance, telecoms and construction sectors). On the arbitration front, the team is active in both local and international disputes, recently playing a prominent role in a high-profile case relating to the expansion of the Panama Canal. At the helm of the practice, former Minister of Labour Jorge Federico Lee has expertise across the full spectrum of disputes, and is particularly well versed in labour cases, and Alejandro Ferrer, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has a strong recent record in construction arbitration. Eduardo Gómez, a specialist in international arbitration and commercial litigation, and Jaime Castillo, whose practice spans tax, antitrust and construction-related disputes, are also key names. The enviably deep associate bench includes Doris Nieto (who has expertise in the telecoms, energy, insurance and media sectors), Anel RoachArcelio Vega and Ana Gabriela Santiago.

Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Clients praise Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega‘s dispute resolution department for its ‘global capabilities‘ and ‘robust understanding of cross-border regulatory matters‘, which make the firm well placed to handle high-profile, multi-jurisdictional disputes; a standout recent example is its representation of McDermott International in a complex insolvency case. The team is also widely recognised for its strength in international commercial arbitration (particularly proceedings against the Panamanian government) and in domestic litigation, recently appearing in a series of constitutional cases before the Supreme Court. Claudio De Castro, whose extensive practice takes in administrative, commercial, civil, IP, shipping and tax litigation, leads the team with co-managing partner Fernando Arias. Sofía Cohen, who plays a leading role in regulatory disputes, including antitrust cases, and litigation relating to government contracts and concessions, and Juan Corro are also key figures, and the practice was further bolstered at partner level in August 2023 with the addition of Fernando Aued, who is well versed in commercial, civil, administrative and maritime disputes (as well as regulatory cases), from Dentons. The firm also strengthened its junior team in 2022 with the arrivals of associate Mariel Núñez from Britton & Iglesias and international associate Isabella de la Guardia from Baker McKenzie LLP‘s Miami office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fernando Arias; Claudio De Castro


Les références

Pragmatic and helpful advice. The ability to effectively cut through the issues and suggest an intelligent course of action and response to problems.

Global capabilities, with a robust understanding of cross-border regulatory matters. Ability to see the big picture and advise dynamically.

Principaux clients

McDermott International


Chevron


US Bank


Visa


BNP Paribas


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted McDermott International in obtaining, before Panamanian courts, the recognition and enforcement of Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Successfully represented Heinz Panamá in administrative tax litigation.
  • Filed a joint motion with another Panamanian law firm and the Panamanian chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce to defend the constitutionality of Panama’s arbitration law, in response to a lawsuit brought by an individual seeking to declare a provision of the law null and void.

Galindo, Arias & López

The dispute resolution practice at Galindo, Arias & López is lauded for its ‘experience and knowledge to deal with sensitive issues‘. The firm is commended for the depth of its expertise in administrative litigation in highly regulated sectors, acting for an impressive roster of key players in the energy (particularly electricity), financial, aviation and telecoms industries, and for its stellar track record in cases before the Supreme Court. The team also has extensive experience in construction litigation, and is increasingly active in the arbitration arena, including in international proceedings. Diego de la Guardia, who is a mainstay on high-profile contentious mandates, steers the practice alongside Selva Quintero, who wins high praise for her ‘professional, personalised, transparent and empathetic service‘, with a strong focus on complex energy and telecoms disputes. Of counsel Adán Arjona, an expert in corporate disputes and a former President of the Supreme Court, is another name to note at the senior level. The firm also benefits from a sizeable pool of skilled associates, including Jeimy Lasso, who is particularly well regarded for administrative litigation; Gabriela Vásquez, a specialist in labour and regulatory disputes; and María Dorado, who frequently handles damages claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Diego de la Guardia; Selva Quintero


Les références

The team helped us to resolve a complex, high-value case before the Supreme Court. They have the experience and knowledge to deal with sensitive issues and know how things work behind the scenes of the court.

Diego de la Guardia, Selva Quintero and María Dorado stand out.

The team is very good, keeping us promptly informed of any news. For us, it is the best team in Panama due to the quality of its lawyers.

Principaux clients

Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica Metro-Oeste


Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica Chiriquí


Petroterminal de Panamá


Sonama Panamá y Sonama


Mercantil Banco


BCT Bank International


Obras Portuarias De Coatzacoalcos


Copa


Villamorey


América Móvil


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Petroterminal de Panama in litigation in which over 5,000 plaintiffs are seeking damages of $47.5m relating to an oil spill in Chiriquí Lagoon.
  • Representing Sonama Panama in an action for the attachment of assets with a bond waiver of $25.4m.
  • Acting for Corporación La Prensa in litigation brought by former boxing world champion Roberto Durán over the publication and distribution of a collectable album.

Morgan & Morgan

The ‘excellent‘ dispute resolution team at Morgan & Morgan attracts strong praise for its ‘in-depth local knowledge‘ and ‘superior‘ client service, with a broad practice encompassing civil, commercial, administrative and criminal litigation, as well as high-profile arbitration. The firm has a formidable record in cases before the Supreme Court, particularly contentious-administrative proceedings on behalf of major clients in the energy, mining, ports and telecoms industries, and has also seen a notable uptick in international commercial and investment arbitration mandates. Jose Carrizo, who has a wealth of experience across the full spectrum of commercial and corporate litigation, leads the practice with Luis Vallarino, a go-to specialist in disputes relating to government contracts and regulatory law. Other fixtures in the sizeable senior team are Omar Rodriguez, who heads the criminal law practice; Rodrigo Arias, a noted expert in debt recovery actions; and up-and-coming partner Mayte Sánchez González, whose wide-ranging expertise takes in commercial and corporate litigation, and local and international arbitration. The talented line-up of associates includes Orlando Tejeira, a key figure in disputes in the energy, mining, telecoms and ports sectors; Alejandro Chevalier, who is dual qualified in New York and Panama, and stands out for his strength in international arbitration; and David Ramos.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jose Carrizo; Luis Vallarino


Les références

The service provided by the litigation team is far superior to others in the area – they not only provide legal advice but also assist in resolving the problem, providing the necessary support to achieve an effective and efficient solution.

Fast, efficient, always accessible.

The team are available most of the time and when they are not they will work hard to become available. They have good knowledge of the subject matter and are well connected in Panama. The price structure is similar to other law firms, but the quality of work at M&M is higher compared to the rest of the local firms.

Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Praised for its ‘practical solutions and analysis‘ and ‘good professional judgement‘, the team at Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez has robust experience in domestic litigation, and its strength in alternative dispute resolution is also highlighted by clients. The firm is well versed in civil and commercial disputes - with a strong recent focus on the insurance, construction and financial sectors - acting for leading Panamanian and multinational clients. Katherine Aparicio, who is singled out for her ‘rapid responses, diligence, timely follow-up, clarity and integrity‘, has a wide-ranging practice spanning civil, commercial, corporate and financial litigation, and local and international arbitration. She heads the team alongside seasoned litigator Alfredo Ramírez Jr. They are supported by associates Juan Diego Ng, who is active in civil litigation as well as domestic commercial arbitration, and Joelis Araúz, who focuses on civil, commercial and probate litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alfredo Ramírez Jr; Katherine Aparicio


Les références

They are diligent and carry out in-depth evaluations of all the aspects of the case to be taken into consideration, and offer alternative options to lawsuits to resolve conflicts in a more expeditious and less onerous way for the client. They offer practical solutions and analysis, and they provide weekly reports on active lawsuits. They are available to explain issues in a simple way to those members of the company who may not understand because they are not part of the legal department.

Katherine Aparicio and Joelis Araúz have good knowledge of the subject matter and work smoothly. They are attentive in their services.

What has stood out during the time that we have worked with the team is the relationship they have and support they provide to the client. It is a united team with good professional judgement. Unlike other law firms with which we have worked, this team has shown professionalism and presented a good defence in the matters that we have taken to them.

Principaux clients

Distribuidora Cummins


Citibank


DHL


Elevadores Otis


Hannover Re


LG Electronics


McDonald’s


Grupo Hospiten


Tigo


Western Union


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented a maritime construction company in two million-dollar arbitrations against a port owner.
  • Advised one of the major real estate developers in the country in a multimillion-dollar dispute with a contractor.
  • Represented a government institution in an ICC arbitration claim of over $8m filed by a contractor.

Britton & Iglesias

Commercial litigation and arbitration is the cornerstone of the dispute resolution practice at ‘go-to firmBritton & Iglesias. The team is singled out for its ‘strong emphasis on construction disputes‘, representing construction companies, Panamanian government bodies and international consortiums in high-profile cases, although the energy, public concessions, distribution and finance spheres are also core areas of expertise. Eric Britton, who is described as the ‘first call in any Panamanian matters‘ and is renowned for his experience in both local and international commercial arbitration and construction disputes, heads the arbitration practice, while Diego Maximín, ‘a true expert in procedural law, takes the lead in litigation. Graciela Dixon, a former President of the Supreme Court, also lends senior expertise in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration to the team. Associate Elaine Toribio provides capable support. In a significant move since publication, the firm has opened an office in  Bogotá, Colombia, which will be led by the dual qualified (Panama/Colombia) Britton, and further staffed by a group of foreign legal consultants; the new office - by which the firm seeks to increase its disputes activity in the wider Latin America region (particulary in the construction segemnt) - opened its doors as of February 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eric Britton; Diego Maximín


Les références

BRIG’s lawyers are very collaborative and very capable in all things relating to Panamanian law, with a strong emphasis on construction disputes. It is my go-to firm in Panama.

Eric Britton is my first call in any Panamanian matters. He knows the law, always has a rapid response and provides a big-picture risk assessment of the strategy, which is always valued.

Diego Maximin is a true expert in procedural law and knows by the book the codes and the practicalities involved in Panamanian litigation. An asset to have in one’s team when dealing with complex procedural scenarios.

Principaux clients

Caja de Seguro Social


CNO


Maintenance Panama


Proyeco


Chiquita Brands


Bac International Bank


Banco General


St Georges Bank


Consorcio Panamá Cuarto Puente


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), the Panamanian social security fund, in a construction dispute with Construcciones Hospitalaria, which sought compensation for losses suffered following a longer stay on site.
  • Representing a group of shareholders of Balboa Bank & Trust in a contentious-administrative compensation claim against the Republic of Panama and the Superintendency of Banks for damages suffered after the bank was included in the OFAC sanctions list in 2016.
  • Represented the Cuarto Puente Consortium (Communications Construction Company and China Harbour Engineering) in a dispute with the Ministry of Public Works over a fine imposed due to alleged delays at the start of the project.

Fabrega Molino

The ‘attentive, cordial, professional and intelligent‘ dispute resolution team at Fabrega Molino is frequently called upon to represent local and multinational companies in the full spectrum of litigation and arbitration, including securities, IP, antitrust, consumer rights, financial, commercial, maritime and labour disputes. Drawing on the strength of the firm’s private client practice, the team is also skilled in disputes involving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices in Latin America and the Caribbean. Two seasoned practitioners lead the team: Jorge Molina, who is singled out by clients as ‘one of the lawyers with the most experience and knowledge in Panama‘ and has a wealth of expertise in commercial, banking, family and insurance litigation (including cross-border cases); and Juan Pablo Fábrega, a specialist in corporate and estate planning matters, focusing on arbitration. Miguel Urriola is also active in labour and asset recovery cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jorge Molina; Juan Pablo Fábrega


Les références

Fabrega Molino’s team have a lot of knowledge, not only of the laws in Panama, but also of local practice and jurisprudence, which makes them vital when making important decisions.

The lawyers at Fabrega Molino are very attentive, cordial, professional and intelligent. But for me the most important thing is that they really care about the clients’ situation.

Fabrega Molino provides us with excellent service in various cases. In particular, its support has been important to the success of our management of credit recovery. But they also support us in cases relating to trusts and contracts with equal efficiency.

LOVILL

LOVILL‘s dispute resolution team is highlighted for its ‘deep understanding of the local legal landscape, combined with its international expertise‘, which is reflected in its impressive track record of representing international clients (including household-name multinationals and foreign states) in cross-border cases in Panama. The firm is well versed in both litigation and arbitration, acting in disputes across the full spectrum of civil, commercial, criminal and administrative law, with a growing niche in multi-jurisdictional insolvency litigation. At the head of the practice, ‘standout leaderIsabel Cristina López has notable strength in cross-border commercial disputes. The team also benefits from the expertise of recently promoted partner Jeannette Bravo, a specialist in labour litigation, and dual-qualified (in New York and Panama) associate Christopher Glasscock, a ‘great litigator‘ who also has a focus on international arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Isabel Cristina López


Les références

The team provides a personalised service focused on an overall strategy. A diverse team that contributes in different areas to resolve the case as soon as possible. Its personalised approach is its greatest strength.

We would like to highlight the passion, commitment and professionalism of the work of Christopher Glasscock. The dedication of the whole team makes the client feel confident and supported with everything that is happening.

I believe that what sets the firm apart is its deep understanding of the local legal landscape, combined with its international expertise. This allows the team to provide comprehensive legal services to clients from a wide range of industries, both in Panama and abroad.

Principaux clients

CAABSA


Mexichem Panama


Republic of Ecuador


Inmobiliaria Citelis


Grupo Especializado de Seguridad e Investigaciones (Gresinsa)


Riba Smith


SBA Torres Panama


Visa


Amanco


Unilever


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented the Republic of Ecuador and Corporación Azucarera Ecuatoriana, Coazucar Ecuador (Ecudos) in a $60m contractual claim filed by Caribbean Financial International Corporation (CFI), as well as representing Ecudos as plaintiff in a second case.
  • Represented Blondie in a claim filed by Nacional de Seguros de Panamá y Centroamérica for alleged damages caused to property in an office building in Panama City.
  • Represented Gresinsa in a claim filed by a former worker seeking damages over an injury allegedly suffered at work.

Evans Group

Specialist litigation and arbitration boutique Evans Group handles a steady stream of civil, commercial and shipping disputes, acting for key local and international players in Panama’s construction, banking, retail, insurance and energy sectors. Its recent caseload reflects notable strengths in disputes relating to debt recovery, commercial contracts and corporate reorganisations. Practice head and founding partner Evans González brings extensive experience in cases spanning the construction, energy, transport, maritime and infrastructure sectors (as well as sitting as an arbitrator). The firm can also call upon a sizeable team of associates and consultants, including senior associate Rubén González, who has a strong background in the public sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Evans Gonzalez Moreno


Principaux clients

Capital Bank


Cemento Bayano (Cemex)


Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA)


Capital Trust and Finance


Grupo Wisa


Inmobiliaria Multitiendas


IASA Panama


Sanofi


Adidas Latin America


Inspired


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Capital Bank in various proceedings brought against Panamanian companies.
  • Acting for Cemento Bayano (Cemex) in multiple claims against its debtors.
  • Acting for ICA in the execution of an arbitral award which was ordered in the client’s favour, and in various civil proceedings relating to road construction sub-contracts in Panama City.

Patton, Moreno & Asvat

Clients highlight the ‘diligent work, dedication and professionalism‘ of the dispute resolution team at Patton, Moreno & Asvat. Historically best known for its expertise in shipping litigation, the firm continues to handle a high volume of maritime disputes (particularly cross-border cases), but has also extended its practice to cover civil, commercial and constitutional litigation, acting for an array of multinational clients across sectors including technology, telecoms, oil and gas, and retail, as well as family offices. The team is also skilled in both local and international arbitration. Khatiya Asvat oversees the litigation and arbitration practice alongside managing partner Ebrahim Asvat. Associate Joaquín de Obarrio is also a key member of the team, with a specialism in shipping litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ebrahim Asvat; Khatiya Asvat


Les références

The team provide service and attention of a unique quality – they are always attentive to any need that we have as a company and deal with it in the most professional and speedy way possible while minimising errors. The strengths of the lawyers are the excellent service and the ability to handle different cases in the best possible way, providing high-quality solutions regardless of the magnitude of the difficulty of the case. Billing and communication is handled virtually, with very prompt responses and without the need to go to the offices in person.

The lawyers have extensive knowledge in different areas that our company handles, in addition to knowing to the letter the government processes to handle any procedure that our company needs. Their ability to answer questions and provide advice in a very accurate way, as well as the professionalism and speed with which they handle our affairs and provide us with excellent results set them apart from their competitors.

Among their many qualities, I would like to emphasise their honesty in response to difficult questions that we have about the business, the professional attention they provide, and their care and attention to detail when dealing with sensitive documents. I would like to highlight Khatiya Asvat and Joaquín de Obarrio.

Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a China-based shipping company in a claim filed in Panama by a Singapore-based commodities company.
  • Representing Spring Valley as a creditor in the first bankruptcy reorganisation process to take place under new Panamanian legislation.

Cedeño & Méndez

Panama-headquartered Cedeño & Méndez (which now has a platform across Central America) is continuing to build its ‘very agile‘ dispute resolution team, which represents a growing client base of local and multinational clients from the automotive, telecoms and real estate sectors, among others, across the full range of disputes. The firm is active in civil, commercial, administrative and criminal litigation, and is noted for its thriving debt recovery practice, as well as its strong track record in real estate-related disputes. ‘Reliable, supportive and knowledgeable‘ director Ricardo Arosemena leads the litigation and arbitration practice, bringing complementary expertise in administrative and regulatory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ricardo Arosemena


Les références

The team stands out for its personal and direct service and efficiency.

Ricardo Arosemena is always available, no matter the day or time, and is reliable, supportive and knowledgeable, with a good network, which enables him to deliver the expected outcome.

The firm has a very agile team focused on finding a quick solution to conflicts for clients at a fair price.

Principaux clients

Arrendadora Global (Budget Rent a Car)


Inter Marketing (Thrifty Car Rental)


Especialidades Agrícolas


Empresa de Alquileres de Automóviles (Hertz)


Sky Climber Access Solutions Panama


Telxius Cable Panama


Subaru del Canal


La Cuisine Appliances Distributors


ICEE Management Services


Mirfak Marine Services


Rapid Muffler


Mapiex International


Inmobiliaria San Juan


Dentons

The ‘creative, astute and agile‘ dispute resolution team at Dentons uses the firm’s vast global network to its advantage, focusing on representing international clients in cross-border disputes with Panamanian law components. The broad practice spans commercial, civil, administrative and shipping litigation, as well as commercial arbitration, with a strong suit in disputes related to public utilities, particularly energy and telecoms. Following the departure of former practice head Fernando Aued in August 2023, the key contacts in the team are Panama managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras; María del Rosario de Roux, an experienced litigator with specialist expertise in the public contracting and projects sphere; and associate Nicole Goldoni.

Les références

‘I love the prompt responses and accurate and regular updates. The level of service is excellent!’

‘What stands out is the personal attention of Nicole Godoni, who has provided us with a professional service.’

‘Creative, astute and agile team that responds to clients’ needs.’

Guevara Legal Bureau

Considered ‘a benchmark for white-collar cases‘, Guevara Legal Bureau specialises in criminal litigation, representing a wide array of banking and financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, major corporations and high-profile individuals in cases of financial crime, anti-corruption and bribery, environmental crime and fraud. The firm also has a stellar reputation for defending media clients in freedom of expression cases. Founding partner and ‘consummate professionalEduardo Guevara brings to bear vast experience of serving in the Public Ministry; Luis Carlos Hidalgo and former prosecutor Markel Mora Bonilla (who joined the firm in January 2022) also have strong backgrounds in the public sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eduardo Guevara


Les références

It is a law firm with high ethical standards but also high levels of technical excellence. The lawyers stand out for their responsibility, attention to detail, and versatility in resolving complicated situations. They are selective in the type of cases they accept.

The team’s professional experience in the area of public prosecutions makes it possible for them to understand and develop defence strategies with more direction and better aim. Eduardo Guevara’s past career as a prosecutor, where he stood out for his principles and values, makes the difference.’

Guevara Legal Bureau is distinguished by its level of collaboration, integrity and independent judgement. Eduardo Guevara’s experience in the administration of criminal justice, together with his willingness to work in the service of the common good and the best interests of the country, are extraordinary.

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán‘s experienced dispute resolution team is skilled in a wide range of civil, commercial, administrative, family, tax, consumer protection and competition-related disputes, often joining forces with the firm’s specialist IP, maritime and labour departments to take on contentious cases in these areas. In particular, it has a strong recent track record in representing international companies and consortiums in construction disputes relating to major energy and infrastructure projects. The experienced duo of Marisol Ellis (whose strengths also include arbitration) and Carlos Villalobos, both of whom joined the partnership in January 2022, leads the practice. Associate Albany Broce provides capable support in civil litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marisol Ellis; Carlos Villalobos


MDU Legal

Transactions and dispute resolution-focused boutique MDU Legal is well versed in representing both local and international clients, with a notable emphasis on cross-border disputes. The firm specialises in international asset tracing and recovery (strengthened by its membership of the ICC’s FraudNet network), cross-border insolvencies and international arbitration (including sovereign arbitration), as well as handling civil and commercial litigation. Founding partner David Mizrachi, who is dual qualified in Panama and Florida, is highly sought after for his advice to multinationals and national and international investors. Marlyn Narkis, an expert in arbitration and cross-border insolvency, is also a key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Mizrachi


Principaux clients

UPS


London and Regional Panama


Frida Kahlo Group


Grupo Silaba


Credicorp Bank


Kobre & Kim


Signature Litigation


IBT Group


Grupo Eskenazi


SLI Global Group


Winston Strawn


Playa Escondida Resort


Estate of M Abadi


Insolvency Receiver of Estraval


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented a minority shareholder in a claim for damages against a company manager for acting negligently within the scope of their duties.
  • Successfully defended a client against an action by a shareholder claiming entitlement to 100% of the shares of the company, when in fact they only held 50%.
  • Defended a real estate developer against a claim for the rescission of a home purchase agreement, alleging latent defects.

SB&Co. Legal

SB&Co. Legal acts for a host of domestic and foreign companies (as well as enjoying close connections to international law firms) in a wide range of litigation, covering civil, commercial, labour and family law cases. In particular, the firm is highly active in representing major banking clients in debt recovery actions and mortgage-related disputes. Founding partner Franklin Briceño, who has longstanding expertise in the banking and corporate spheres, handles labour claims, civil litigation and commercial arbitration. Associate Francisco Perdomo provides key support.