The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a first tier firm,

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee should be one of the first stops for borrowers and lenders looking for top quality Panamanian banking, finance and capital markets advice. The firm covers the full range of matters, and when it comes to the larger financings in Panama, it can usually be found at the table. Its impressive roster of lender clients includes Citibank, HSBC, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Banco Santander and Royal Bank of Canada. A recent highlight for the firm was advising FCC Construcciones on the $115m financing for the construction of the Hospital Luis Fabrega, the first such financing under new Panamanian procurement laws. Clients highlight impressive individuals; foremost among these is Arturo Gerbaud, a corporate finance lawyer and former director of the Superintendency of Banks, who is afforded a huge amount of respect by clients and peers alike. Other key partners include Jaime Aleman, Panama's former ambassador to the US, and the highly versatile Carlos Cordero.

Within Corporate and M&A, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a first tier firm,

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee has a first class corporate finance practice, which is well equipped across all areas, including tax, competition and related securities law. The firm's strong reputation within the market means that it is invariably present on the larger international transactions that flow through Panama. This has included deals across a variety of sectors, including mining, energy, real estate and telecoms. On the energy side, it recently represented Shell on the sale of its Panamanian distribution business to Petroleos Delta. On the mining front, the Brazilian company Vale is a major client of the firm. Other significant clients include London & Regional, Ashmore Energy International, Kraft Foods, Cable & Wireless, Pfizer and Philip Morris. Clients benefit from the expertise of several standout partners, including founder Jamie Aleman, a former ambassador to the US, plus Carlos Cordero, Panama's former vice-minister for foreign affairs. Corporate finance specialist Arturo Gerbaud also has an excellent reputation.

Within Dispute resolution, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a first tier firm,

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee's excellent disputes practice covers all bases, from commercial litigation, through to international arbitration, as well as competition, antitrust and labour disputes. Alejandro Ferrer has a very strong reputation, particularly for cross-border disputes and antitrust matters. Jorge Federico Lee is another top choice, and comes highly recommended for international arbitration and employment disputes. His expertise in the latter was no doubt helped by a three-year stint as the country's minister for labour and social welfare.

Within Offshore , Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a second tier firm,

Offshore work is a key area for Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee, which regularly advises a mix of high-net-worth individuals, trusts and multinational companies. This is aided by a network of offices in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Bahamas, Belize and Luxembourg, from where it helps clients establish trusts and foundations as well as setting up new companies. The firm also offers advice on tax planning and has a very well regarded dispute resolution practice. Among the partners, Raul Zuniga Brid has developed a very strong track record for trust and estate work, and founding partner Jaime Aleman has a very strong reputation, particularly on the taxation side.

Within Real estate, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a second tier firm,

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee has a very good reputation for real estate matters and represents numerous international clients investing in Panama's booming market. One of the largest clients is the UK company London & Regional, which is investing in a number of residential, commercial and warehousing developments in Panama, primarily located on one of the country's former air force bases. The firm also acts for several clients operating in the tourism and leisure sector, including Bijao Beach Resort, Punta Barco Resort, and Santa Maria Golf & Country Club. On the construction side, clients include Constructora Urbana and also the Spanish group FCC Construcciones, which it advised on the $115m financing for the construction of the Hospital Luis Fabrega. Anibal Galindo is very well regarded in this area.

Within Shipping , Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is a second tier firm,

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee has an active shipping practice that regularly represents clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious shipping matters. Ship registrations invariably feature high on the agenda, and the firm acts for a range of international clients and is regularly referred work by major foreign shipping law firms. Anibal Galindo is recommended for his non-contentious advice, while in other fields of transportation, Lorenzo Marquinez has a solid aviation practice.