Dispute resolution: arbitration in Mexico

Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells’ Mexican capabilities -across offices in Mexico City and Monterrey- are particularly well known for international arbitration (as well as domestic arbitral matters). The international arbitration group works closely with the wider firm’s global offices (particularly the Miami-based group), allowing the firm to offer comprehensive multi-jurisdictional support on cases. Omar Guerrero is deeply experienced in all types of dispute resolution and maintains an an active arbitral practice encompassing both sole arbitrator roles and acting as lead party counsel. Guerrero co-leads the practice group with Luis Enrique Graham, another long established figure who is a  regular as party counsel in arbitrations or as arbitrator in national and international disputes. The department displays admirable strength-in-depth: Monterrey-based Alejandro García González’s practice includes representation of clients in proceedings under a variety of rules, including ICC, LCIA, ICDR, CAM and CANACO; Jorge Valdés King has focused on dispute resolution through his career and undertakes arbitration, litigation and bankruptcy; and Luis Ernesto Peón is a key contact when it comes to arbitration in the finance arena. Counsel Juan Arturo Dueñas regularly supports on cases relating to contract disputes, cross-border arbitrations, torts, damages and collection - notably in the energy, automotive, insurance, pharmaceutical and constructions sectors. Senior associate Rogelio Gama is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Omar Guerrero Rodríguez; Luis Enrique Graham


Testimonials

The Hogan Lovells team provides timely, efficient, and high-quality care. The team that has provided us with services has extensive experience and knowledge in arbitration processes. Likewise, the analysis they carry out on the legal situations that concern us, allows the company to make informed decisions.

The lawyers Omar Guerrero and Rogelio Gama show an empathetic attitude, are always available and have shown outstanding knowledge of the arbitrations in which the company is involved.

In the case of Luis Enrique Graham, his ability to understand problems stands out, as does his ability to attack them in the best way, always maintaining a professional, realistic and very grounded posture. As for Juan Arturo Dueñas, he has also performed very diligently and professionally, and always very attentive to any change or event within the matters that deal with us.

Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC

Acting for a client base predominantly made up of foreign companies, Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC‘s practice in arbitration has an international focus and a standout selection of Japan-based clients. Alongside the dedicated international arbitration department that has established a leading position in the market, the firm also has arbitration expertise extending to other practice areas, fielding a large pool of associates and senior associates with arbitration training employed on a multi-practice basis. Another strength of the department is in disputes against government entities, in cases with commercial and administrative law components. The name of Claus von Wobeser carries a lot of weight in the Mexican arbitration market, his 40 years of experience proving invaluable to long-term and new clients alike. He co-leads the department with Adrián Magallanes, whose broad practice covers all forms of dispute resolution and a focus on energy and natural resources. Montserrat Manzano is another contact with complementary experience in the energy space, and Raymundo Soberanis is a specialist in public contracting procedures. Pablo Fautsch‘s arbitration practice includes a key role in the firm’s construction and infrastructure group, and Jessika Rocha is another young partner with a burgeoning international arbitration practice, especially in energy. Rodrigo Macín and Rodrigo Barradas are the most prominent associates in the department. Since publication, Barradas has been promoted to counsel - effective as of December 2023.

Practice head(s):

Claus von Wobeser; Adrián Magallanes


Key clients

Sempra Energy


Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA)


Anheuser Busch InBev – Cervecería Modelo


The Mitsui Group


Vitol Marketing Mexico


BMW


Seadrill


Mitsubishi


The Coca Cola Company


Partners Group, Femaca Pipeline de Occidente


Cervecería Hondureña


FCTG Singapore


Huawei Technologies de México


Quino Energy (JV between Villanueva Solar and Parque Solar Villanueva Tres)


Dal-Tile


Work highlights


  • Acted for IENOVA in various arbitrations (both ICC and LCIA) seated in Mexico City, acting as both claimant and respondent, against the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) deriving from a $842m dispute.

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.

As part of a broad dispute resolution practice that plays an integral role in the firm’s assistance with cross-border transactions and projects, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. fields an arbitration team of practitioners with plentiful experience handling a full array of arbitration types under the diverse arbitration rules of domestic and international institutions. The Mexican government’s stricter rulings and regulations for foreign companies operating and investing in Mexico has generated a host of matters for the team, whose clients include major international players in the corporate, financial, and energy and natural resources' sectors, among others. Practice head Elsa Ortega has experience acting as party counsel, arbitrator and chair of arbitral tribunals in numerous domestic and international cases, and is well-versed in matters ranging from M&A and shareholder disputes to construction agreement claims. Ortega and Sofía Gómez Ruano - a former Secretary General and Council of the Arbitration Center of Mexico (CAM), who has a strong reputation for the administration of arbitration proceedings - arrived from their own boutique in June 2022, substantially bolstering the practice. The group can also call on profoundly experienced of counsel Bernardo Sepúlveda, a senior figure who is also regularly sought out to presides over arbitral tribunals and arbitral award annulment proceedings; while additional strength-in-depth is provided by experienced counsels Luis Jardón and Héctor Anaya Mondragón. Former counsel Carlos Martínez Betanzos left the firm in June 2022. Since publication, Anaya Mondragón has moved to Gritwood Dispute Resolution S.C. - effective as of February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Elsa Ortega


Testimonials

Their strengths are their knowledge and mastery of the topics, and if there is any doubt, they investigate and resolve it; they have communication skills, they put professionalism before any fees, charges, etc., in truth there is a genuine interest in resolving the issue You feel part of your in-house legal department.

The client vs lawyer treatment really becomes a relationship of wanting to resolve the matter. They are 100% involved in the subject, regardless of the area that corresponds to them.

The team stands out for its in-depth legal knowledge and its ability to analyze disputes.

Luis Jardón has extensive experience and knowledge of international and domestic law applicable to the solution of arbitration proceedings.

The team grew at the end of last year with the incorporation of Sofía Gómez Ruano and Elsa Ortega, excellent additions to the team who stand out for their experience and performance in international arbitration. I highlight the professional quality of the professionals involved, the sensitivity in response times, as well as the attention to detail.

We recommend Sofía Gómez Ruano, Elsa Ortega, Héctor Anaya Mondragón and Luis Jardón.

Key clients

Legacy Vulcan


Monterra Energy


Servicios y Terminales de Tuxpan


Work highlights


  • Representing Legacy Vulcan in a high-profile NAFTA arbitration before ICSID against Mexico, acting as co-counsel with Covington & Burling LLP.
  • Acted for Monterra Energy in NAFTA proceedings against Mexico resulting from an arbitrary shutdown of its fuel oil storage terminal in Tuxpan, Mexico, by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

DLA Piper Mexico

DLA Piper Mexico is a critical cog in the firm’s global dispute resolution offering. The offices arbitral practice is coordinated by Kate Brown de Vejar, who is ‘at the top of her game’ and acts of co-chair of the global international arbitration practice, as well as deputy managing partner of the Mexico office.  While remaining active internationally, Brown de Vejar and her team have enhanced the practice’s visibility in the domestic Mexican market in recent years and have become particularly well-established in the energy space, including electricity generation and renewables. Co-head of the firm’s Latin America dispute resolution practice Gabriela Álvarez-Ávilabrings a truly international wealth of knowledge’ and focuses on international arbitration particularly in relation to investment law. Additional figures of note include Antonio Cárdenas, who specialises in obtaining amparos suspending government measures ending resolution of the merits of arbitration; and younger partner Daniel González Estrada who has extensive experience in obtaining provisional measures and the enforcement of arbitral awards before Mexican courts. At associate level, Fernando Osawa E provides dedicated support. Senior figure Gerardo Lozano Alarcón departed the firm in 2022 to establish a practice as a solo arbitrator.

Practice head(s):

Kate Brown de Vejar


Testimonials

During proceedings the DLA team exhibited minute knowledge about how incremental regulatory changes affected the industry and the company, and how these changes were subject to various international agreements and treaties. The also showed a keen awareness of precedent that was favorable to their client. With these facts in mind they advanced the proceedings in a strategically advantageous way in order to optimize the outcome for their client.

DLA had an extremely strong team headed by Kate Brown de Vejar. In addition to very strong representation during the actual tribunal, the team doing preparation, from background research to preparation for witnesses was extremely hard working and diligent. They had experts obviously in the legal matters at hand but also in other less visible areas such as language experts to assess the native language testimony and the demeanor of witnesses, also IT savvy team members to build impactful visual presentations to name a few.

From a diversity standpoint, the team was truly international, and the three main partners were women. I have never seen, and I think it would be unusual at other firms to see team leadership comprised as such.

‘Kate Brown de Vejar is amazing. She is at the top of her game and showed it during the tribunal proceedings. Counsel from the other side was poor in comparison. Her understanding of client needs and issues, her sense of teamwork and leadership, and her grasp of the industry, company, and case overall was outstanding. I believe that almost every word she utters is well thought out calculated to best represent her client’s needs. From preparation to tribunal, overall unequivocally excellent.

Gabriela Alvarez-Avila brings a truly international wealth of knowledge and experience. She was incredibly focused on the client, their needs, and how to bring the case forward in a way that was most advantageous to them. Her willingness to talk to, and work with clients and the outside consultants was exceptional, and her communication ability and overall sense of empathy really made teamwork easy, and enjoyable. Her understanding of the case and industry overall were top level and without her the team would not have been nearly as successful.

Key clients

Government of the Republic of Lithuania


Work highlights


  • Defending the Republic of Lithuania against a claim brought by a Russian fund in respect of the nationalisation of Banka’s Snoras.

Galicia Abogados S.C.

Since launching its arbitration practice in 2015, Galicia Abogados S.C. has become an ever more prominent name in the market for a broad range of arbitration types, with the prowess and expertise of its practitioners backed by the multi-practice breadth and heft of the wider firm's full-service offering. As it has grown, the department has forged a particularly strong reputation for arbitrations against Mexican state-owned entities and matters in the infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors involving multimillion-dollar government contracts. Co-head of the practice Cecilia Azar is one of the foremost figures in the arbitration sphere in Mexico; she has vast experience across arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, especially in cases relating to energy, infrastructure and construction, along with commercial mediations. She co-leads the department with Rodrigo Zamora, a seasoned counsel and arbitrator in multi-jurisdictional cases. Senior associate José Antonio Casas maintains a dedicated contentious practice and acts on both litigious and arbitral matters. Former fellow senior Arantza Vargas is currently a visiting professional at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York; and associate Ana Sofía Sapiña left the firm in July 2023 to undertake her LLM at Harvard.

Practice head(s):

Cecilia Azar; Rodrigo Zamora


Testimonials

They are very agile, they act not only according to what the arbitration process requires but also at the pace necessary for the client. Very clear and aligned communication. They gladly receive feedback and make changes, if necessary. I would like to see more women in leadership ranks or leading meetings or boards as leaders facing the client and not just as support.

They are very solid technically speaking, they know the process, the implications and give specific recommendations on what to do.

It is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary and inclusive team.

Ability to respond immediately and always go the extra mile to meet customer needs.

Malpica, Iturbe, Buj y Paredes, S.C.

Arguably best known as a litigation boutique, the arbitral capability of Malpica, Iturbe, Buj y Paredes, S.C. is sometimes overlooked, but the firm handles a significant caseload of sizeable and strategically significant arbitrations – institutional or ad hoc – including investment arbitrations subject to international treaties. The firm saw exponential growth of its commercial arbitration practice during 2022, and is currently involved in two ongoing investment arbitrations against Mexico, with a further two cases -one NAFTA, one Brazil-Mexico BIT- in prospect. The team also hanldes all the different judicial proceedings related to arbitration, including those related to interim measures, claim referrals, and annulment and enforcement proceedings.  Recent matters have seen commercial and ICC arbitrations expert Rolando Zarate and senior partner Carlos Malpica acting for Exterran Energy de Mexico and Exterran Energy Solutions in a $600m case against Iberoamerciana de Hidrocarburos for payments related to agreements for the conditioning a gas plant in Tamaulipas; the pair are described as ‘highly prepared lawyers, capable of proposing creative strategies and thinking "outside the box" in complex cases’. Zarate is also acting with energy disputes specialist Horacio Paredes in seeking the annulment -on behalf of Mayakan- of a MXN$110m award granted to the CFE for payment of natural gas transportation services (the case rests on the interpretation of the arbitral agreement and its relation to Mexican public policy in the energy sector); the ‘very capableJuan José Iturbe in a MXN$250m ICC arbitration initiated by DAS against Tesla Energy to obtain payment of several amounts related to a stock purchase agreement; and Rodrigo Buj, in commercial arbitration initiated by FV Mexsolar against the CFE regarding the termination of an energy sale and coverage agreement. Buj's standing in arbitral matters was highlighted in 2022 with his appointment by White & Case LLP  (NY Office) as Mexican Law expert in an investment arbitration against Mexico.

Testimonials

They have a team capable of developing effective litigation strategies in commercial and governmental fields.

The team has an sizeable structure and is suitable for a boutique law firm specialising in disputes. Juan Jose Iturbe is the partner with whom I have shared the most and he is very capable and focused on business.

I believe that what makes them unique is that they are a boutique specialised in litigation and arbitration, which makes them focus on their practice, but with a corporate and transactional approach, since most of their lawyers have knowledge of these areas from their previous experience, which helps that they fully understand the problem and in a holistic way can prepare arguments for the litigation that they prepare.

Personalised attention and background and knowledge of other areas of law such as corporate law.

MIBP is the firm in Mexico with the best quality of litigation/arbitration lawyers. Carlos Malpica and Rolando Zarate are highly prepared lawyers, capable of proposing creative strategies and thinking “outside the box” in complex cases.

There is no other law firm in Mexico that has so many good litigants under the same roof.

Key clients

Inter-American Development Bank


Citibank


Santander


BBVA


Banorte


Hermes


Macquarie


IZZI Televisa


Artha


Engie


3M


AES


Peñoles


Cargill


British Petroleum


GBM/Goldman Sachs


Técnicas Reunidas (TRSA)


Petronas


Exterran (today Eneflex)


Continental Automotive Mexicana


Elevadores Schindler


Credit Suisse México


Toyota México


Work highlights


  • Co-counsel, with Milbank, in the successful representation of Grupo Bursátil Mexicano (GBM) and Goldman Sachs (as owners of Eólica Tres Mesas) in an AAA arbitration brought by Abengoa for the supposed non-fulfilment of a contract.
  • Co-counsel, with King & Spalding LLP, to Exterran Energy México (now: Enerflex) in ICC arbitration against Iberoamericano de Hidrocarburos (Avanzia) for the non-fulfilment of its contractual obligations with respect to the reconditioning of a gas plant in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.
  • Represented Tractabel Energía de Monterrey (Engie) in an arbitration brought by Estrategia Energía Eléctrica Comercializadora (E3), for alleged non-fulfilment of an energy supply contract.

Wöss & Partners

Specialist commercial and investment arbitration firm Wöss & Partners maintains offices not only in Mexico but also Washington DC and Lima, and also has a rep presence in Vienna. Perhaps best known as a go-to destination for damages claims stemming from construction, infrastructure and energy projects, the firm's arbitral practice is co-led by renowned international arbitration practitioner Herfried Wöss, a key name in the market; and Adriana San Roman is a leading figure as counsel and damages expert in large infrastructure and energy arbitrations. Both are frequently sought out not only as counsel but also to act as president, panel member or sole arbitrator, or as damages experts or expert witnesses. The firm maintains bench depth through an of counsel network including Christian Carbajal Valenzuela (in Lima), Paolo Cammarota (in New York, where he is also a founding partner of Cabrera Cammarota PLLC), Devin Bray (in Amsterdam), and Ivan Labastida, who is part of the Mexico City based team. Moreover, since early 2022, the firm has operated a collaboration agreement with Curitiba-based firm Braz, Coelho, Campos, Veras, Lessa e Bueno Advogados so as to mutually facilitate their international arbitration capabilities; aforementioned of counsel Carbajal, who formerly divided his time between Washington DC and Mexico, now divides his time between Sao Paolo y Curitiba as part of this association.

Bufete Asali

An ‘extremely talented’ team at Bufete Asali is appreciated for its ‘high quality and sophisticated’ service in arbitrations, where it draws on the international experience of its practitioners. Clients come from a spread of countries and sectors, engaging the practice in arbitrations relating to NAFTA, construction contracts and, purchase agreements, among other areas, along with significant ancillary matter such as award annulments. Leadership of the practice is shared between Luis Asali, whose experience spans a broad range of industries, including construction, energy, finance and entertainment; and Jorge Asali, who has expertise in investment arbitrations and is valued by clients for his ‘network of professional contacts’. Senior associate Santiago Escobarhas a knack for asking the right questions’ and concentrates on the construction. technology, energy, and food industries.

Practice head(s):

Luis Asali; Jorge Asali


Testimonials

We appreciate the level of investigation that the team carries out to find out issues specific to the business to which they are providing the service. Not only do they focus on the explanation that the client gives them about how the business works, they also do in-depth research work to fully understand the client’s business in the macroeconomic environment. They come to develop a “strategic” level understanding of how the client works. With this, they design a robust and strong legal strategy that minimizes risks. In fact, they do “research and development” work with a legal approach.

Jorge Asali behaves as if he were a partner in the client’s business. He offers a strategic vision of “business” in a case, and offers solutions, not only legally, but also financially and in other strategies necessary for success that make the client sure that the issues are being treated with the utmost care. He is visionary, empathetic, demonstrates a certainty that strengthens client trust, is a strategist and undoubtedly has excellent knowledge in legal and business matters. Exercises “motivational” leadership and does whatever it takes to get things done. He has a network of professional contacts over which he exerts a great constructive influence to broaden the level of expert collaboration for the cases that are being dealt with and, in addition to being a lawyer of the highest level, he is an outstanding businessman, which makes him the cases are considered from a strategic point of view in such a way that it is sensitized in such a way that it detects with great ease, the damages that the client’s business has suffered and consequently, the business conditions of the same that make it design the approaches from a point of view with total attachment to justice.

Santiago Escobar connects in a precise way and with great certainty, the conditions of the client’s business with the legal elements that are needed to integrate the case. It is very objective and detects the key aspects that should be considered as the highest priority. Observes a high-level knowledge regarding the legal and guides the client with maximum clarity in such a way that the client is sensitized to a higher level and this helps the client himself offer evidence that for some time had not been considered important. He also observes an outstanding level of intelligence with an ability to understand complex criteria of the client’s business. He has a knack for asking the right questions that help the client focus on what’s important.

The attention of the office is extremely professional and efficient. They have excellent knowledge of the arbitration area and law in general, which is evident in every strategy and comment. They are very attentive to the client and their treatment is exceptional. The writings they prepare are of an excellent level.

The quality of the work is extraordinary. On the other hand, the level of customer service and the degree of detail in his writings denotes many hours of study and dedication. I highly recommend them.

The lawyers at Bufete Asali are extremely talented and have wide experience in resolving complex legal matters. They provide high quality and sophisticated legal services that showcase their extensive knowledge of Mexican law, as well as its control of the docket.

They have a large team with great analytical capacity, with specialists in various areas that complement each other efficiently.

They are professionals who leave no detail unattended, increasing the chances of success.

Key clients

Omega Construcciones Industriales


Spica Telecom


Sukarne


Grupo Gicsa


BBVA México


Inetum España


Secretaría de Economía (Mexican Ministry of Economy)


Nordex Mexico


Terminales Portuarias del Pacífico


Sinohydro Costa Rica


Work highlights


  • Represented Sukarne in an arbitration governed by the CISG relating to the purchase of defective meat processing equipment.
  • Representing a Mexican subsidiary of BBVA in connection with an award annulment proceeding.
  • Acting for Geos Holding Group in an arbitration regarding defective devices that would allow the creation of a “smart city” using internet-of-things technology.

Cuatrecasas

Bolstering its international arbitration offering across Latin America, Cuatrecasas’ burgeoning practice in Mexico is led by René Irra, whose ‘leadership in the market is unquestioned’. Irra has been particularly active in the construction, infrastructure and energy fields in recent years, and is well-versed in acting as party counsel, arbitrator and as an expert on Mexican law in proceedings outside Mexico. Moreover, the practice bench was further strengthened with the promotion of experienced senior associate Miguel Ángel Ortiz to the partnership in April 2023. The department collaborates closely with the firm’s offices throughout Latin America (and the Iberian peninsula) on relevant cross-border cases, with clients -particularly those across the energy and projects segments- look to the firm as a one-stop-shop for transactional matters and any subsequent disputes. Key support is provided by intermediate associate Iván Esquivel.

Practice head(s):

René Irra


Testimonials

René Irra has built a formidable practice, his leadership in the market is unquestionable. Cuatrecasas in Mexico is taking a very strong position in the dispute resolution market.

I have had the opportunity to see the work of the refereeing team and it is exceptional. There is teamwork and a high level of knowledge and commitment to their clients.

I think practitioners René Irra and Iván Esquivel are very outstanding. Their level of preparation for briefs and hearings in arbitrations is superlative.

Fonseca, Rodríguez, Perchemlian & Martínez Abogados

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in the market, the former Fonseca, Rodríguez & Perchemlian is now known as Fonseca, Rodríguez, Perchemlian & Martínez Abogados following the arrival of Carlos Martínez Betanzos -as a partner- from Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. in October 2022. The specialist boutique fields a four-partner, 10 strong arbitration team with the recent caseload including mandates in the construction, health/hygiene and aquaculture sectors. A former head of the disputes’ practices at both Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. and Holland & Knight, Salvador Fonseca has over 25 years’ contentious experience and is one of the representatives of ICC Mexico before the global Arbitration Commission of the ICC for 2022-24; he is also on the steering committee of the Mexican chapter of the ICDR. His fellow partners all have over 20 years’ experience: the aforementioned Martínez was previously counsel and head of arbitration at his former firm having previously spent some two-and-a-half years as an international arbitration consultant in New York; Sergio Rodríguez Labastida, a former CIArb representative for Mexico, is a specialist in international commercial arbitration – both institutional and ad hoc; and Antonio Perchemlian, who has a primarily in-house background, maintains a practice dedicated largely to civil, commercial and constitutional litigation. Key support is provided by senior associate Hugo J Morales. Since publication, Martínez Betanzos has left the firm – effective as of February 2024


Practice head(s):

Salvador Fonseca; Sergio Rodríguez Labastida; Antonio Perchemlian


White & Case S.C.

The Mexico office of White & Case S.C. plays a key role in the firm’s North America presence in the field of arbitration. Practice head Rafael Llano Oddone and his team are key advisors for the firm’s international client base, particularly as regards navigating the landscape of regulatory reform under the López Obrador administration. This has involved a considerable volume of energy sector work, as well as challenging the Mexican government on contract terminations within the framework of NAFTA and successor USMCA agreement. Francisco de Rosenzweig is the name to note for clients requiring energy regulatory law counsel, and counsel Marièle Coulet-Diaz bolsters the firm’s commercial and investment arbitration offering in the region. The practice was further strengthened in August 2023 with the hire of Carlos Véjar; while perhaps best known as an international trade specialist, Véjar also has extensive investment arbitration and private commercial arbitration experience. Since publication, Coulet-Diaz has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Rafael Llano Oddone


Testimonials

So far all the interactions we have had with Rafael Llano have been excellent, his knowledge on the subject at hand is always outstanding – as is his will to find the required solution.

The work of White & Case is very efficient and commendable. They are always attentive and diligent.

Rafael Llano is an experienced attorney who always adds in-depth detail and always poses pertinent and thought-provoking questions.

The history of White & Case’s investment arbitration practice defines them as a tier 1 firm in that practice. The team in the Mexico office in particular allows us to obtain an unmatched quality-price ratio at an international level. Rafael Llano and Mariele Coulet-Díaz are excellent lawyers for investment arbitrations.’

Exceptional knowledge of the practice and ability to quickly understand a dispute and convert it into a reasonable investment arbitration case (or rule it out). They work openly and cooperatively with the client.

Key clients

Consolidated Water


Iberdrola México


Grupo Energía Bogotá


Transportadora de Energía de Centroamérica


Kappes, Cassiday & Associates


Telefónica


Rutas de Lima


Zurich Insurance Company


Zurich South America Invest


Red Eagle Mining


Jindal Steel Bolivia


Work highlights


  • Advising CWC on an investment dispute against Mexico brought under the NAFTA related to the termination by Mexican authorities of a public partnership agreement (PPA) for the construction and operation of a desalination plant in Mexico.
  • Advising GEB and TRECSA in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Guatemala.
  • Advising  Telefónica in an ICSID arbitration under the Spain-Colombia BIT, arising from a dispute in connection with the reversion of its assets in a telecoms concession.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle S.C.

The ‘truly international’ arbitration practice at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle S.C. has established a strong niche in acting for states in investor-state proceedings. Built upon its global platform, the Mexico office plays a role in multi-jurisdictional teams (generally led from New York or Washington DC), and acting both in cases requiring Mexican law expertise and international cases. The firm is also growing its commercial arbitration offering in terms of variety of cases handled, the team being familiar with proceedings before the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC), the LCIA and the Centro de Arbitraje de México, UNCITRAL, ICC and the AAA. Eloy Barbará de Parres is a well-known counsel to states and state-owned entities, particularly in the energy and oil and gas sectors. He leads the department, while Antonio Prida is the main contact for mediations. ‘Extremely talented lawyerRicardo Mier y Teran is active in international arbitrations in the energy, construction, and banking industries; and Javier Jiménez Guttiérez’s diverse sector coverage has included renewables, packaging manufacture and data. Counsel Irene Cuéllar Araiza is also a key practice figure.

Practice head(s):

Eloy Barbará de Parres


Testimonials

Excellent communication with everyone and very well coordinated. We carried out a remote mediation process and everything worked excellent.

Dealing with Antonio Prida was always excellent: a lot of warmth, ethics and experience at the table. In his capacity as a mediator, he always behaved in the way we expect and was a key player in the favorable resolution of the matter.

Curtis-Mexico has a compact team but with a true international practice. Its lawyers frequently intervene in both investor-state and commercial arbitrations in many latitudes of the world. This allows them to have a global vision for any dispute they face.

Key clients

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela


Republic of Panama


Dominican Republic


Colombia


Argentine Republic


State of Kuwait


Republic of Cyprus


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Boliarian Republic of Venezuela in an ICSID arbitration aginst the ConocoPhillips companies’ demand for damages of $30bn.
  • Represented the Republic of Panama in an ICSID arbitration commenced by two US companies under the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement in connection with the construction of a women’s rehabilitation centre.
  • Acting for the Dominican Republic in an investment treaty arbitration against a Jamaican company regarding a waste disposal facility.

Holland & Knight

Holland & Knight’s arbitration practice is particularly sought after for commercial and investment disputes with public international law or multi-jurisdictional components. Per one client, ‘its main strength is the international structure that feeds important issues to the Mexico City office’; and indeed, the team in Mexico works closely with others around the world, especially the Washington DC group. Some of its most recent Mexico-led arbitrations have come in the telecoms, technology and energy sectors; in the latter area, the team has handled several arbitration proceedings relating to infrastructure and power purchase agreements. Following the August 2023 departure of former practice head Carlos Vejar, Luis Rubio is the key name (particularly for NAFTA-related matters), while senior counsel Juan Pablo Moyano specialises in commercial arbitration and cross-border disputes. At associate level, Antonio Barrera joined from Mañón Quintana Abogados in October 2022 and bolsters the energy side of the practice, with Laura Yvonne Zielinski (who was appointed senior counsel in September 2023) and Josafat Paredes being the other younger practitioners of note.

Practice head(s):

Luis Rubio


Testimonials

Its main strength is the international structure that feeds important issues to the Mexico City office, in addition to the collaboration and coordination between various partners from the US offices and partners and lawyers in Mexico and Monterrey.

I believe that the H&K arbitration team is very complete, both in terms of the experience of its lead partner Luis Rubio, and the talent and potential of the senior associates Juan Pablo Moyano, Laura Zielinski and Antonio Barrera, who have very diverse profiles and backgrounds. which greatly enriches its services, mainly due to the sophistication of its investment arbitration criteria.

Their legal advice is very pragmatic and efficient.

Antonio Barrera’s specialty and efficient dedication in advising and analyzing the case for the presentation of various solutions is something that I consider very important to highlight.

Their team is made up of young people from various regions.

I have had the opportunity to see the work of lawyers Juan Pablo Moyano and Josafat Paredes. They are aware of the matter, they fulfill the commitments agreed during the arbitration. They operate with a good procedural attitude.

Key clients

CB&I UK


Finley Resources


MWS Management


Prize Permanent Holdings


Pérez Correa González

The ‘timeliness and precision’ of the lawyers in Pérez Correa González’s arbitration practice are hallmarks of its ‘outstanding performance’, according to clients. The practice has a particularly strong track record in both domestic and international cases related to the energy and natural resources sector. Recent work has included acting for manufacturing companies in contractual disputes, as well as tax arbitrations and arbitral award annulments. Fernando Pérez Correa, an experienced figure in some of the market’s more innovative matters, co-leads the team with José Covarrubias, who impresses clients with ‘his professionalism and his legal acumen’.

Practice head(s):

Fernando Pérez Correa; José Covarrubias


Testimonials

The performance of the lawyers seemed to me very outstanding, due to its timeliness and precision.

José Covarrubias: his human quality, his professionalism and his legal acumen embodied in his writings and in conducting arbitration.

Its economic proposal is fair, compared to its professionalism and vision to review all possible implications.

We admire the humane, close treatment, the empathy and the security that they give.

Key clients

Comisión Federal de Electricidad


Crowley Technical Management


Japan Tobacco International


Exportadora de Sal


Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes


G 500 Group


Abengoa


Work highlights


  • Acting for Crowley Technical Management in judicial proceedings for the enforcement in Mexico of an arbitral award from the US in 2017, and other related procedures.
  • Represented Exportadora de Sal in a proceeding for the annulment of an arbitral award or the rejection of its enforcement.

Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.

The dispute resolution practice at Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C. brings to bear ‘exceptional ability to work in multidisciplinary teams’ on arbitral matters, especially in the energy sector. ICC arbitrations and those under other rules in the energy space have all been part of the practice’s recent caseload. These are led by department head Adriana Padilla, who acts in commercial and investment arbitrations, both as counsel and arbitrator. Senior associate Sara Hardy (compliance, investigations, arbitration), provides key support to Padilla.

Practice head(s):

Adriana Padilla


Testimonials

Excellent legal structures and definition of strategies.

The implementation of innovative structures developed in a particular way to meet the exclusive needs of the client.

Exceptional ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Experience and openness to approach problems from different perspectives.

Del Castillo y Castro Abogados

Since the firm was established in 2018, Del Castillo y Castro Abogados’ arbitration specialists have advised on local and international arbitrations that include civil, commercial, construction and insurance representations. The department regularly acts for clients on matters before the ICC, the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO), the Arbitration Centre of Mexico (ACM), and public institutions that administer arbitration proceedings. Fernando del Castillo has broad arbitration experience but is especially prominent in proceedings related to bankruptcies and restructuring. He is based in Mexico City and co-leads the practice with Monterrey-based partner Camilo Vázquez López, who oversees the broader dispute resolution offering at that office.

Practice head(s):

Fernando del Castillo; Camilo Vázquez López


Key clients

Acciona Ingeniería Industrial


Altán Redes


Alpek Polyester


Alphacredit Capital


Banco Credit Suisse


Banco Invex


Banco Mercantil del Norte


Deutsche Bank México


Grupo Lamosa


Grupo Calidra


Tesla


Promoción y Operación


Work highlights


  • Acting for Acciona Ingeniería Industrial in an arbitration related to a dispute arising from an EPC agreement between it and Parque Eólico Reynosa III.
  • Advising Alpek Polyester on an arbitration related to an EPC agreement dispute entered into between it (in conjunction with Avanzia Instalaciones), and Cogeneración de Altamira.
  • Advising Promotora Hospitalaria Tepic and Banco Invex on an arbitration regarding a PPA agreement between it and the Mexican government entity in charge of the administration of Mexican health care and social security.

García Barragán Abogados

Specialist boutique firm García Barragán Abogados is recommended for its ‘exceptional experience in international arbitration’ and in commercial arbitral matters; in addition, it is also well-versed in the preparation and negotiation of arbitration clauses, and representation in arbitral-award nullity actions. According to his clients, ‘the extraordinary legal services provided by Daniel García-Barragán make this firm stand out’ and he takes the lead on all arbitration matters handled by the firm.

Practice head(s):

Daniel García-Barragán


Testimonials

‘It is a boutique with hardly comparable experience for its size in commercial law and with a very strong angle for arbitration.

Personal and direct contact with partners. Daniel is always a phone call away and has a quality rarely seen in the region: he knows a lot, but if he doesn’t know something, he tells you openly and you find the answer. This is essential when it comes to being able to advise clients and avoid surprises or changes in advise. It’s a plus to have him on the team.

García Barragán is a very strong firm in dispute resolution, mainly in litigation and arbitration. One important thing is that García Barragán can solve minor and simple questions, as well as the most complex ones.

Daniel García Barragán is a great lawyer with a lot of knowledge on the subject of litigation and arbitration. This firm is fast, has personalized attention and is emerging as one of the best in the field of dispute resolution.

García Barragán Abogados is a law firm with exceptional experience in international arbitration. What sets them apart from other firms is the exceptional knowledge, experience and dedication of their team to their clients. They have an in-depth understanding of the complexities of international arbitration and offer practical and strategic solutions to their clients. The team not only have a proven track record of success in handling complex litigation, but their entire team possesses in-depth knowledge of the legal, commercial and technical aspects of litigation. Their attention to detail and client-focused approach make them the best choice for businesses seeking high-quality legal representation. Compared to other firms, García Barragán Abogados stands out for its personalized service and its approach adapted to the needs of its clients. Regarding the novelties introduced in practice, García Barragán Abogados has invested in technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its legal services. They have also implemented measures to ensure diversity and inclusion within their team and promote a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

At García Barragán Abogados, the extraordinary legal services provided by Daniel García Barragán make this firm stand out among its competitors. His in-depth knowledge of international arbitration and sharp strategic vision have been invaluable to our firm in the ongoing arbitration case. What sets Daniel García Barragán apart from other lawyers is his exceptional ability to quickly understand complex legal issues and offer innovative solutions tailored to our specific needs.

Daniel Garcia Barragan is a very experienced lawyer. He has been involved in some relevant cases in Mexico, including arbitrations against Mexico representing investors. Your practice, as a boutique firm, has seen prominence in recent months, and I look forward to seeing you increasingly involved in large-scale disputes.

Daniel Garcia Barragan has the ability to analyze very different topics, with diverse specialties, which gives him the ability to act in disputes of enormous complexity. Daniel is a boutique lawyer who is getting more recognition every day, and it will continue to be so.

Key clients

] Retail Solutions & Innovation


Vicnamex


Doups Holdings


Dream Walker Company México


ABV Energy


Soluciones Portuarias Integrales de Minatitlán Veracruz


Muebles y Modulares Mónaco


Work highlights


  • Advising Retail Solutions & Innovation on the preparation of a claim analysis’ memorandum involving a potential arbitration claim, arising from an investment memorandum of understanding (MOU).
  • Representing Vicnamex in an ICC arbitration proceeding involving the breach of an exclusive distribution agreement for the territory in Mexico with a global cosmetics company.
  • Advising the defendant, Soluciones Portuarias Integrales de Minatitlán Veracruz on an ICC arbitration alleging a breach of an investment agreement with a group of Mexican investors in a hydrocarbons storage facility, energy plant and industrial park.

Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico

Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico is gaining traction in the arbitration market, with particular focus on the shipping sector, insurance arbitrations, and energy infrastructure disputes. As part of the wider firm's international network, the team has access to counsel around the world for effective cross-border advice; while locally, practice head Vicente Bañuelos Rizo has a broad dispute resolution practice. From its group of non-partner lawyers, Agustín Ortega Téllez is singled out by one client as ‘undoubtedly an expert in commercial arbitration’.

Practice head(s):

Vicente Bañuelos Rizo


Testimonials

The firm’s lawyers are very prepared, responsible and kind people. Their treatment is very cordial and precise. They recently renewed their image by incorporating new lawyers who inject new ideas and new objectives.

Jesús Gerardo Agustín Ortega Téllez is undoubtedly an expert in commercial arbitration, his professionalism is extraordinary, the management of his skills and the knowledge of negotiating with the parties due to his training as a mediator, place him as the best lawyer in the firm.

Key clients

Baker Hughes


Diavaz Oceanteam Servicios Navieros


Navarro Offshore


Sapura Energy Mexicana


MMG Oil


Work highlights


  • Acting for Pemex in a dispute against Baker Hughes Mexico and Vigilancia y Protección Privada del Sureste regarding a subcontracting agreement.
  • Assisting Navarro Offshore with an arbitration against Kanutam regarding a breach of a shipping charter agreement.
  • Advising Diavaz on an arbitration against Naviera Naranja regarding a shipping agreement.