Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Sanz, Pérez & Asociados centres its litigation practice on criminal law in the business and financial spheres. Founding partner Iskrey Pérez leads the practice.

Dispute resolution in Venezuela

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.‘s dispute resolution team is particularly experienced in high-profile domestic and international arbitration, in addition to handling litigation, compliance investigations, risk prevention (especially in relation to infrastructure projects) and post-litigation reviews. Eugenio Hernández-Bretón represents companies from the energy sector in arbitration proceedings, while Gabriel De Jesús is experienced in institutional and independent commercial arbitration (and also serves as an arbitrator at the Arbitration Centre of the Caracas Chamber of Commerce). María Eugenia Salazar focuses her practice on international investment arbitration, working closely with colleagues in New York and Paris in cross-border cases. Senior associate Héctor Martínez has provided support in a number of investment arbitrations against the Venezuelan government and in ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings. Former fellow associate María Alejandra Ruiz left the firm in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Eugenio Hernández-Bretón; Gabriel De Jesús; María Eugenia Salazar


Key clients

Longreef (Café Fama de America)


Sucesión Heemsen


Agroinsumos


Ingersoll Rand Company


Procter & Gamble


Hyundai Motor Company


AstraZeneca


Colgate Palmolive


TCA Services


Telefónica Venezuela (Movistar)


Work highlights


  • Representing Astrazeneca in a lawsuit for moral damages filed by a local distributor who claims the client caused damage to his reputation by accusing him of falsifying a pharmaceutical product.
  • Representing Procter & Gamble in a lawsuit filed by a Venezuelan subcontracted company that is claiming damages because of an alleged breach of contract, caused by the merger of P&G and Gillete.
  • Acting for Ingersoll Rand Company in a dispute over the termination of a lease on a property for commercial use.

Dentons

Dentons has a strong grasp in the core areas of dispute resolution, covering domestic litigation and cross-border arbitration (including investment arbitrations). The firm handles disputes before courts and tribunals at every level, from the local ICC chapter to the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Practice head Ramón Alvins specialises in litigation and arbitration, with a focus on insurance disputes. Other notable contacts in the team are Sergio Casinelli, who handles foreign arbitration procedures, and Paris-based of counsel Pedro Saghy, who handles both civil and commercial litigation and national and international arbitration. The team was further strengthened by the addition of senior counsel Fernando Sanquirico, who is noted for his experience in international arbitration, from Lega in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Ramón Alvins


Testimonials

They have a lot of experience in these types of conflicts.

Ramón Alvins and Sergio Casinelli have in-depth knowledge of the law and its application in arbitration cases.

The teamwork at Dentons is simply spectacular. Their professionalism makes them superior. In our experience, communication has been the key to moving cases forward.

Their professionalism is the plus that makes them stand out. Ramón Alvins stands out by far compared to past experiences with other lawyers.

Key clients

Venezuela Heavy Industries


Davine Property


Modexel Consultants Services


Hidroponías Venezolanas


Banesco


Pay Loader


Hotel Tamanaco


OBF Consortium


Venezuelan Football Federation


Maria Josephine Velutini


Work highlights


  • Representing Hidroponías Venezolanas in a claim for damages against a banking institution in Venezuela.
  • Representing Davine Property in an arbitration claim against it for breach of contract.
  • Representing LG Electronics Panama in a claim for the payment of invoices from Venezuelan company Comercializadora LWest.

Lega

Lega has a comprehensive dispute resolution offering, with notable experience in white-collar crime litigation (in addition to criminal investigations) and domestic and international arbitrations. The firm handles cases for both local and international clients, including multinationals in the pharmaceutical and telecoms sectors. At the helm of the practice, Carlos Domínguez is a specialist in commercial and IP litigation, especially cases relating to the protection of trade marks, and José Gregorio Torrealba has experience of acting as counsel before international and national arbitral proceedings under the rules of UNCITRAL, ICSID, ICC, CACC and CEDCA. José Alberto Ramírez, who is a founding member of the Venezuelan Arbitration Association, is also a notable contact for national and international proceedings, and Lisette García Gandica has expertise in civil, commercial and IP litigation.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Domínguez; José Gregorio Torrealba


Testimonials

Lega has an excellent dispute resolution team. José Torrealba and José Alberto Ramírez have extensive experience in domestic arbitration, international commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and sports arbitration before FIFA bodies.

Without a doubt, this team is among the most outstanding in the country.

‘José Torrealba, José Alberto Ramírez and Carlos Domínguez have the ability to work on complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions.

Key clients

Dell Acqua


OIV Tocoma Consortium (OEC, Webuild, Vinccler)


Rafay Ingenieros & Asociados


Dianamen Investments


Guy Carpenter & Company


Webuild


Owen Illinois


Real Seguros


Mercadolibre of Venezuela


General Import De Venezuela


Axis Capital – Argenta Group


Glencore International


Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of Consorcio OIV-Tocoma in arbitration proceedings (under the rules of CACC) filed by Consorcio OBF for the amount of $8m.
  • Acting for Rafay in an international commercial arbitration under ICC rules for $15m.
  • Acting as local counsel to Glencore International regarding the arbitration proceedings taking place in London as a consequence of PDVSA Petroleo and Petroleum Marketing International’s non-payment of several purchase agreements with the client.

Araquereyna

Araquereyna is noted for its experience in international and domestic arbitration, while within the litigation sphere, the firm is particularly active in commercial litigation. Marcos Carrillo and Luis Alfredo Araque frequently act as mediators and arbitrators before institutions including the ICC, ICSID and CIAC, alongside representing clients in a variety of disputes. Rafael Aneas has expertise in civil law, and has also acted as co-arbitrator in disputes before the International Chamber of Commerce of Paris. Guido Mejia is knowledgeable in alternative dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Marcos Carrillo; Luis Alfredo Araque; Rafael Aneas; Guido Mejia


Testimonials

The team stands out for the experience of its partners in various areas.

Integrity, rigour and attention to detail are the skills to highlight. In particular, the firms handling of their cases is to be commended.

They deal with cases with a lot of legal precision and attention to what is needed. Their personalised service makes the difference.

Key clients

Ghella and Ghella Sogene


General Motors (General Motors Venezuela)


Polar Companies


Telefonica de Venezuela


Otaola Engineering


Philip Morris Products


Industrias Alimentarias Hermo de Venezuela


Merino Group


Concept Next


Work highlights


  • Representing Alimentos Polar Comercial in a dispute over the fulfilment of a purchase contract.
  • Representing Ghella Sogene in a damages’ lawsuit related to the construction of the Caracas Metro.
  • Representing GM Venezuela in consumer protection cases.

D'Empaire

D'Empaire is focused on investor-state arbitration and is currently involved in significant ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings, including in relation to nationalisation and measures carried out by the Venezuelan government. The firm also handles both domestic and international commercial arbitration and civil and commercial litigation. José Humberto Frías, who is well versed in commercial and investor-state arbitration, and Pedro Perera, a specialist in civil, commercial, IP and constitutional litigation. Dubraska Galarraga is also a key partner, while Giancarlo Carrazza and Daniel Bustos are the names to note at associate level.

Practice head(s):

José Humberto Frías; Pedro Perera


Testimonials

D’Empaire’s lawyers are highly trained and always willing to collaborate on different issues.

José Humberto Frías is an excellent lawyer, with a solid background, and shows great energy when working directly on the issues. Daniel Bustos is also always willing to help and is very technically solid.

Not only do they know Venezuelan law, but they know the political and economic context perfectly, allowing them to give comprehensive advice which considers the commercial perspective of the client. They know how to give creative solutions to complex problems.

D’Empaire stands out for the speed of responses, availability of the partners, quality of advice, the super-trained professionals, and the personal qualities of the team.

The most important thing about the D’Empaire team is the quality of the service they offer and their focus on customer service. The approach is pragmatic and focused on the needs of the client, which allows them to tailor the solutions they offer to the particular situation. Response time and flexibility when negotiating fees and billing are also an important point.

They stand out for the quality of the work. D’Empaire’s lawyers provide an excellent service both in relation to legal knowledge and analysis, but also in strategic and commercial matters. It is evident that they approach each case always thinking about what would be the best outcome for the client. The main difference with the competitors is that the service is at the level of leading firms in New York or London. For example, the team is always available to deal with urgent matters, they reply to emails promptly and meet all of their deadlines.

The team have a lot of experience in large international arbitrations and can represent clients in those proceedings as they fully understand how they work in practice. José Humberto Frías and Daniel Bustos are names to highlight.

Key clients

Smurfit Kappa


Lufthansa


Liberty Mutual


Werthein Group (DirecTV)


Automotive CMM


Visa International


Radio Caracas Television (RCTV)


Work highlights


  • Acting for Smurfit Kappa in an ICSID arbitration stemming from the nationalisation of its Venezuelan operation (Carton de Venezuela and subsidiaries).
  • Acting for Lufthansa in an UNCITRAL arbitration relating to the measures taken by Venezuela that ultimately led to the suspension of its operations in the country.
  • Representing Liberty Mutual in ICSID additional facility and UNCITRAL arbitrations relating to its exit from Venezuela.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.'s dispute resolution practice covers a broad range of areas, including administrative, tax, import duties and labour-related disputes. The firm has a successful track record in cases before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, including constitutional injunctions, and is also active in arbitrations and conflict prevention negotiations. At the head of the team, both Carlos Eduardo Acedo and Esteban Palacios specialise in labour litigation, particularly cases with international connections; Rosemary Thomas is highly experienced in cassation proceedings; and Alfonso Graterol handles civil, commercial and labour disputes. Associate Francesca Rigio is a name to watch for her expertise in corporate and intellectual property disputes.

Practice head(s):

Esteban Palacios; Carlos Eduardo Acedo; Rosemary Thomas; Alfonso Graterol


Testimonials

It is a team with very solid and diverse knowledge and experience that efficiently organises its resources for the benefit of its clients. They structure billing alternatives for their services, meeting the client’s needs for each case. The service is provided with high standards of cordiality and professionalism, and it is a firm that stands out for its ethics in its own actions and advice to clients.

The team stands out for the quality of its services in terms of its mastery of the subject, effective and timely advice in various areas of law, and its focus on protecting the interests of clients.

Key clients

Miranda Capital Partners


MSD Farmacéutica


Corporación de Cemento Andino


Four Seasons Caracas


Coca-Cola Servicios de Venezuela


Grupo Formiconi


DHL Global Forwarding


Mercantil Banco Universal


Inversiones Velicomen (Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes)


Universidad Metropolitana (UNIMET)


Grupo Orbis (Corporación Grupo Químico, Venezolana de Pinturas, Química Industrial)


Work highlights


  • Assisted Corporación Grupo Químico in appeals before the local tax court against decisions filed by the Venezuelan Tax Authority over differences in income tax.
  • Acted for Corporación de Cemento Andino in the expropriation procedure of a cement production complex in Valera.
  • Assisted Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes (Inversiones Velicomen) in a claim for damages brought by an injured hotel worker.

Ponte Andrade & Casanova

Ponte Andrade & Casanova's full-service dispute resolution offering includes administrative, employment, tax and public law cases, and the team is also noted for its strength in mediation and negotiations such as collective bargaining procedures. Practice head Ignacio Ponte Brandt is well versed in civil, employment, administrative and tax litigation. Ignacio Andrade Monagas is a name to note, especially for labour disputes, while Ramón Andrade Mongas is particularly experienced in international cases. Elainy Vicuña Gil is another key contact at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Ponte Brandt


Testimonials

The firm stands out for its availability when needed and the confidence shown. Billing, diversity and technology are important points but secondary after trust.

The firm stands out for its know how, and for giving me the confidence that they are aware of my case and do not make excuses at any time. There is great synergy among all the partners but I would like to mention Ignacio Ponte since he is in charge of handling my case and I have never doubted his legal abilities.

Key clients

Revlon Overseas Corporation


Banesco Banco Universal


Banco Exterior


Banco Universal


Uraplast


C.A. de Seguros American International (American International-AIG)


Coca-Cola FEMSA de Venezuela


Hospital de Clínicas Caracas


Hyland Software


Servicios Panamericanos de Protección (SERPARPO) (Brinks Group)


Documentos Mercantiles (DOMESA)


Consorcio Hotelero Lake Plaza


Inversiones Instrumental Atlas


Infocent


Agribrands Purina Venezuela


Norton Rose Fulbright


SC Johnson & Son de Venezuela


ZEA BBDO Venezuela


Farmacias Aliadas


DELSUR Banco Universal


Inversiones Tegnaval


Torres, Plaz & Araujo

Torres, Plaz & Araujo handles litigation in the civil, commercial, aeronautical and banking spaces, including multi-jurisdictional disputes, and also has strong suits in domestic arbitration and insurance cases. Practice head Jesús Escudero specialises in insurance disputes within the maritime and aeronautical sectors. Andrea Cruz Suárez is also noted for her experience in litigation and arbitration, including cross-border proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Jesús Escudero


Key clients

Banco Occidental de Descuento, Banco Universal


HFW


C.A. Ron Santa Teresa


Petrosaudi Oil Services (Venezuela)


C.A. De Seguros La Occidental (CASLO)


Alimentos Polar Comercial


Osorio Internacional


Médicos Unidos Los Jabillos (Policlínica Méndez Gimón)


Work highlights


  • Acting for Banco Occidental de Descuento, Banco Universal in the recovery of credits.
  • Acting for HFW in claims arising from reinsurance contracts signed by Venezuelan insurance companies and international reinsurers.
  • Representing Petrosaudi Oil Services in international arbitration proceedings brought against Petróleos de Venezuela.

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz‘s dispute resolution team is led by Pedro Rengel Nuñez and Javier Ruan, both of whom are experienced in litigation, commercial arbitration and mediation, with Rengel being a founding member of both the Venezuelan Arbitration Association and the Venezuelan Society of Commercial Law. The firm is active in representing both domestic and international clients, including the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce (Venamcham). Hernando Barboza Russian is particularly knowledgeable in labour litigation. Seasoned litigator Wesley Soto López, and associates Leonardo Villoria and Sofia Annese Barrios are also key names to watch.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Rengel Núñez; Javier Ruan


Testimonials

An excellent team, with a lot of expertise in litigation. They maintain excellent communication with the client.

Pedro Rengel, Javier Ruan, Wesley Soto and Hernando Barboza stand out for their knowledge in different areas of law, impeccable handling of cases and the transparency of their actions.

Key clients

ExxonMobil


Vestey Group


Owens Illinois


Servicios Petroleros San Antonio


Ford Motor de Venezuela


Corporación Digitel


Grupo Arquina/Galerias Avila Center


Del Monte Andina


Mondelez


Work highlights


  • Representing Indigo Energy/Servicios Petroleros San Antonio Internacional in proceedings for the collection of monies filed against the company.
  • Representing Servicios Petroleros San Antonio Internacional in a proceeding for collection of monies filed against the company.
  • Representing Corporación Digitel in claims for damages filed by a group of companies for an alleged breach of an agency contract.

Altum Abogados, S.C.

Altum Abogados, S.C. is specialised in international investment arbitration, having participated as co-counsel in ICSID cases. The firm represents clients in a broad range of industries, from agri-food and construction to real estate to finance. Álvaro Posada SessaregoAlfonso Porras Machado and María Eugenia Reyes head the team, while associate Froila Eugenia Pimental is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Alfonso Porras Machado; María Eugenia Reyes; Álvaro Posada Sessarego


Brando, Ochoa, Rodríguez - Abogados (BORA)

Brando, Ochoa, Rodríguez - Abogados (BORA) is a dispute resolution boutique with a focus on the real estate sector. The firm is also experienced in defending and challenging arbitral awards and cross-border litigation. Mario Brando is skilled in real estate litigation and, as the only member of ICC Fraudnet in Venezuela, handles asset tracing and recovery actions. Javier Ochoa-Muñoz has a focus on cross-border litigation and family disputes. Luis Ernesto Rodríguez Carrera is regarded for his expertise in civil and commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mario Brando; Javier Ochoa; Luis Ernesto Rodríguez


Testimonials

We feel that the Brando, Ochoa, Rodríguez team fully understands our needs. They not only have an excellent knowledge of legal issues, but they can adapt and integrate our needs into their processes.

We feel that we receive a very personalised level of attention, with this firm focused on results, which have been very positive so far. A great advantage is the ability to understand the client and adapt to what the client needs, while correctly covering the legal concepts that apply to the case.

A law firm specialised in technological innovation, with lawyers who are highly trained and up to date in legal matters.

Key clients

Laser Airlines


Grupo Biniam


Inmobiliaria Tova – Minidepósitos Denpar


Venfruca, Alkes Corp


Millennium Shopping Mall


Pastas Capri


IFEDEC


Organización Los Bosques


Banco Fondo Común (BFC)


Jesus Sol


Work highlights


  • Represented Inmobiliaria Tova in a claim over the damage caused by the fire in the building where Revlon Overseas operated in Caracas, involving legal actions both in Venezuela and the US.
  • Represented Laser Airlines in lawsuits related to air transportation.
  • Represented the Biniam Group in arbitration proceedings to recover important real estate in Caracas.

InterJuris Abogados

InterJuris Abogados represents clients in both litigation and arbitration, notably in contractual, debt collection, real estate, administrative and bankruptcy-related disputes. Thanks to its offices in Miami and Madrid, it is well equipped to handle international arbitration. Practice head Luis Ortiz Álvarez has experience of acting as counsel and as an arbitrator. Other key contacts are managing partner Juan José Delgado, Gonzalo Pérez Salazar, whose expertise includes constitutional and regulatory proceedings, and Magdalena Maninat.

Practice head(s):

Luis Ortiz Álvarez


Testimonials

I have worked closely with InterJuris for many years on a variety of matters. I hold their team in very high regard. They are very diligent and have deep experience in a variety of Venezuela-related matters.

Professionalism, competence, and consistent communication.

InterJuris’ dispute resolution team are solid, knowledgeable and solution driven, with understanding of the national and international trends that makes them a must when considering a law firm in this field.

Key clients

Transban


Valle Verde


Geohidra Consultores


Sindoni Group


Rafay Ingenieros & Asociados


Work highlights


  • Acting for Sindoni North America in new and ongoing arbitration proceedings relating to the termination of an international distribution agreement.
  • Represented Defisa Group and the related company ILP-International Logistic Providers in international litigation against UTI and DSV, arising from UTI’s termination of ILP’s exclusive representation and agency relationship.
  • Acting for Seguros la Occidental in six major litigation cases in Venezuela.

Mezgravis & Asoc

Mezgravis & Asoc is a boutique firm with a focus on international and domestic litigation and arbitration, especially investment disputes. New York-based Andrés Mezgravis is the founding partner and chair of the dispute resolution department, while Militza Perez and Víctor Henríquez Díaz are noted individuals in the team.

Practice head(s):

Andres Mesgraviz