Firms To Watch: Insurance

Mañón Quintana Abogados has an up-and-coming insurance and reinsurance offering that has a focus on domestic insurance and reinsurance litigation. Experienced litigator Gerardo Quintana Pineda leads the practice, with Darío Jandette Fuentes and January 2023 partner appointment Santiago Nuñez providing additional expertise and bench depth.

Insurance in Mexico

Colin Vega Fletes Abogados

Able to break down complex insurance policies and regulations with ease’, insurance law boutique Colin Vega Fletes Abogados is a stalwart of the market in Mexico and regular counsel in its most complex insurance cases. Its client base includes major reinsurers Swiss Re Mexico, KOT Insurance and Global Aerospace, as well as a host of domestic and international insurers and insurance brokers. Francisco Fernández Guerra-Fletes focuses on insurance/reinsurance issues involving political and legal crises, specifically in relation to commercial crime, bankers blanket bond insurance, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. He co-leads the team with José Luis Arce Fernández, an expert on the corporate and regulatory side of the practice; José Luis Colin Vega who is based at the firm’s Madrid office, acting on cross-border matters; Raquel Adriana Aguirre, an expert in property, fire, crime and BBB policies; and associate Luis Alberto Valle Vidal, a specialist in the field of bonds.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Fernández Guerra Fletes; Jose Luis Colin Vega; Jose Luis Arce Fernández; Raquel Aguirre; Luis Alberto Valle Vidal


Testimonials

The team has been able to break down complex insurance policies and regulations with ease, and their attention to detail is outstanding. Their in-depth understanding of the insurance industry is notorious in their strategic approach to the cases they have handled for us, resulting in general favorable outcomes.

In my experience, José Luis Colin has shown remarkable strategic thinking, navigating complex cases with ease and providing insightful solutions to difficult problems. Additionally, Jose Luis has a remarkable ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically which has been invaluable in resolving disputes and achieving successful outcomes.

The firm’s team of lawyers and professionals is highly technical and practical at the same time.

The lawyers with whom I have worked at the firm have, in my opinion, a very close personal relationship and a business orientation that allows for intelligent and efficient decisions.

International business awareness and pragmatic approach.

Francisco Fernandez: experienced in crisis management and knowledgeable of the international insurance and reinsurance markets, mainly London, continental Europe and USA.’

José Luis Colin stands out for his expertise managing construction and engineering disputes both before arbitration and local courts.’

Key clients

Zurich CIA de Seguros


HDI Global Seguros


Bupa Global


Kot Insurance Company


Mapfre


Seguros Inbursa


Grupo nacional Provincial


Grupo Mexicano de Seguros (GMX)


Swiss


Lloyd’s


Work highlights


  • Acted for Cedant and the Secretary of Public Education in a reinsurance dispute regarding property policies following earthquake damage.
  • Representing reinsurers in the Swiss market in a class action brought by more than 200 people claiming compensation due to civil liability after the explosion of a Pemex pipeline in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo.
  • Acting for a real estate joint venture fund in arbitration against a Spanish based infrastructure developer deriving from contractual breaches and consequent insurance policy claims regarding a MXN$50m project in Mexico City.

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

Regulatory and transactional matters in insurance and reinsurance are routinely handled by Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C., a regular fixture in the market’s more complex matters and active on a number of cross-border matters during 2022. The team’s client base of insurers looked to Leonel Pereznieto and his team for advice on dealing with the particularly aggressive stance of the tax authority in recent times; elsewhere, the practice has seen medical insurance become an increasingly common source of instructions. Pereznieto is also active in contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, focusing on the negotiation and settlement of reinsurance claims, and their resolution through arbitration. In support, counsel María José Pinillos has over 15 years' experience advising insurers, reinsurers and brokers on a broad array of issues; and senior associate Carlo Romero has a growing practice focused on insurance, reinsurance and financial regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Leonel Pereznieto


Testimonials

They have a high level of knowledge in insurance matters, both at a technical level and in terms of the market situation. Additionally, they take care to know the details of the operation when a consultation is made and always show a high level of commitment and collaboration.

The lawyers of this firm have technical and market knowledge which allows them to respond to queries made considering technical issues and the situation of the insurance market.

Key clients

Axa Seguros


Grupo Nacional Provincial


MetLife México


MBIA México


El Águila Compañía de Seguros


HDI Seguros


Cardif México


Assurant Mexico


Genworth Financial


Betterfly México


Work highlights


  • Advised Genworth Seguros de Credito a la Vivienda on an internal reorganisation of the mortgage insurance business of the group.
  • Assisted HDI with preparing the framework agreement for its 10-year strategic alliance with Bupa Mexico.
  • Advised Betterfly on its landing in Mexico and on documenting its local alliance with Chubb Mexico.

Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC

Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC’s longstanding insurance practice is a constant in the market and covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Clients of the firm include the four largest insurance companies operating in Mexico -AXA, GNP, MetLife and Seguros- which benefit from the department’s strong collaboration with the firm’s leading finance practice, and a London office that acts as a base in the European insurance market. The practice is led by name partner Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly, who is widely recognised as a pioneer of the insurance law market in Mexico. His experienced team includes: Luciano Pérez, who handles the spectrum of non-contentious insurance matters, as well as managing claims, settlement negotiations, policy analysis and coverage opinions; and associate Enrique Salcedo, whose particular strengths are in regulatory and compliance, dispute resolution and other contentious matters. Senior partner Julián Garza, a transactional and regulatory expert, is also active in the sector as required.

Practice head(s):

Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly L.


Testimonials

Yves Hayoux is an exceptional lawyer with a lot of experience, who understands the business side. He has introduced us to many people with whom we can do business.

They are a very solid team technically and with great customer service. His answers are always punctual, fast and with value. It is a firm that has maintained its quality over the years and renews its teams with new talent.

Luciano Perez is a great insurance specialist lawyer. His closeness and mastery of matters makes him a great ally for clients.

Key clients

BMS Group


AXA Seguros


Grupo Nacional Provincial


AON Risk Solution


Reinsurance Group of America


The Travelers Companies


Bupa México


Principal Financial Group


Everest Reinsurance Company


Grupo Excel


KOT


Sofía Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised Sofia Salud, an insurance company specialised in healthcare, on the market launch of two new insurance products.
  • Assisted Bupa México with the negotiation and implementation of a joint venture with the purpose of implementing a project for the creation and distribution of innovative major medical insurance products.
  • Advising Grupo Excel on the constitution of an insurance company in Mexico that manages accidents and illnesses in the field of medical expenses.

Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico

Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico’s insurance law department is a reliable choice on the full range of claims' matters in both insurance and reinsurance, working closely with the firm’s Latin American desks in London, Madrid, Miami and New York. Arturo Arista heads the practice and is focused on all areas of insurance, reinsurance and transportation law, assisting domestic and foreign insurers, reinsurers, mutual associations and P&I clubs. Promoted to the partnership in June 2023, Daniel Ruíz assists across the spectrum of insurance matters, including regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Arturo Arista


DAC Beachcroft Mexico

The team at DAC Beachcroft Mexico is well-established in the country’s insurance and reinsurance market and covering the full suite of matters in the sector. The practice has been particularly renowned for its support on litigation in the insurance arena and in November 2022 hired Fabio Corominas (from boutique firm Harrsch & Corominas), who has taken on co-leadership of the practice and is a specialist litigator. He joins fellow co-head Miguel Ángel de la Fuente, who leads on the firm’s international matters in Mexico; he has extensive experience advising on claims and structuring policy, primarily in aviation, marine and energy, P&C, and financial lines. Senior associate David Gonçalves has broad experience and is director of the firm’s recoveries' hub for Latin America; fellow seniors María Isabel Alvarado Pérez, Alma Daniela Urquiza and Eduardo Sanchez also provide key support and are noted.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Ángel de la Fuente; Fabio Corominas


Key clients

Zurich Mexico


AXA Seguros


Munich Re


Lloyd’s Syndicates


Asurion


XL Catlin


Liberty Mutual


Mapfre Global Risks


Tokio Marine/Kiln


Mapfre-Division MSIG


Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group


Global Benefits Group


Tokio Marine Mexico


QBE International Markets


Zurich Ecuador


Work highlights


  • Advising the owner of a boutique hotel in San Miguel de Allende on litigation regarding the sale of the land that the hotel was developed on.
  • Advising two local insurance companies on a portfolio transfer between the two.
  • Advising AGCS and its insured (TSO-NGE México) in a potential claim arising from potential defective handlers and plates supplied to the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metrorrey for its Line 1.

Hogan Lovells

Characterised by extensive knowledge in regulatory issues’, Hogan Lovells’ insurance law department also has notable expertise in the formation and acquisition of insurance, surety and brokerage companies. Practice head Carlos Ramos Miranda is an experienced figure in insurance matters across a variety of industries and  handles regulatory issues, transactions and litigation in the insurance sector with facility. Omar Guerrero and Luis Ernesto Peón are noted for representing insurance companies in commercial litigation and insolvency proceedings, while associate Andrea Tinoco was very active in 2022 supporting on insurance industry corporate and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Ramos Miranda


Testimonials

The firm is characterised by extensive knowledge in regulatory issues, as well as knowledge in the reinsurance industry.

Carlos Ramos Andrea Tinoco stand out for their high affinity with the business and the knowledge they have in matters related to the corporate purpose of the company. They are certainly quite knowledgeable about the regulation and the needs of their clients.

The firm’s service and experience are extraordinary. They provide a very high quality service.

They are always available, they are always attentive and friendly and they give practical and innovative solutions.

Key clients

Solunion México Seguros de Crédito


Mapfre México


Chubb


Insignia Life


Swiss Re


Liberty Insurance


Lloyds


AmTrust


Partner Re


Axa Seguros


Zurich


Insignia Life


Guy Carpenter


Pan-American México, Compañía de Seguros


Kennedys

Kennedys continues to grow its client base of local and international insurers and reinsurers which it advises across all insurance lines. The firm's Mexico office was established in 2016 and can draw on the resources of the broader firm's global network, bolstering its relationships with international clients and its strength in cross-border advice. The practice is co-led by founding partner of the Mexico office, Michael Hennessy, who specialises in insurance and reinsurance coverage advice and dispute resolution; and legal director Vanessa Vargas, who has experience in financial lines as well as property and construction insurance. Senior associate Israel Castañeda is a further key contact and has guided legal strategy in high-profile liability cases.

Practice head(s):

Michael Hennessy; Vanessa Vargas


OCAMPO 1890, S. C.

Insurance and reinsurance boutique Ocampo 1890, S. C. is ‘undoubtedly a benchmark both for its staff and knowledge’ and has a long history advising on corporate and regulatory matters for insurers, along with litigation and coverage analysis, reinsurance, and bonding insurance. Head of the practice and CEO of the firm Aldo Ocampo has specialised in insurance law since 1991 and is particularly focused on contentious matters - from claims, disputes and constitutional amparos, to arbitration and reinsurance contracts. Associate Abraham Estrada is in charge of the firm's insurance litigation practice; and Leilany Reyes supports across corporate and regulatory matters, along with ‘up and coming associateMarco Tapia.

Practice head(s):

Aldo Ocampo


Testimonials

The Ocampo team stands out for its professionalism and knowledge of the insurance sector – Trends in claims issues, Supreme Court jurisprudence that affect the business, regulatory issues, etc. The team not only has excellent depth in the topics, but they also have a good policy to communicate and generate value from the information and recommendations that are constantly fed back to the business.

Personally, we have a direct relationship with Aldo Ocampo and Leilany Reyes. Qualities: knowledge, willingness to serve, communication, relationship at all levels on their part.

Ocampo is a firm specialised in insurance law. Its reputation in the market is well known and it is undoubtedly a benchmark both for its staff and knowledge as well as for its personal and sophisticated treatment. Technology begins to be one of its fundamental pillars or axes, which is why the firm is fully adapted to the present century.

When you raise any questions with the Ocampo team or require their legal services, the response is not long in coming. Behind this response is a specialized team with extensive and complete knowledge. Quick responses are appreciated. Other firms in the sector take time to find that added value that Ocampo’s firm does not provide.

In general, the team is very well prepared and they give us an agile and reliable response to all the issues we see with them.

We have worked directly with the lawyers Aldo Ocampo and Diana Angeles with very good impressions since they master the field of insurance and all its implications, quick responses and certainty in the required advice.

Excellent team and service.

Aldo Ocampo is a first class insurance lawyer and litigator Marco Tapia is an up and coming associate and highly recommended.

Key clients

Mapfre Mexico


Circuitronix


Berkley International Mexico Seguros


Kot Insurance Company


HFW


Philippi Puertocarrizosa Uría


AAR Agente de Seguros y Fianzas


Seguros El Potosí


Essity


RPC


HDI Global


SPP Institución de Seguros


AIG Aviation


DWF


Avla México


Inter, Agente de Seguros y Fianzas


Cotemar


ZPMC


CaptiveOne


Seguros Sura


Work highlights


  • Representing Barents Re as a reinsurer to Seguros Banorte, in liability cases for up to MXN$53m.
  • Advised CaptiveOne on initiating operations in Mexico.
  • Acting for an international insurer in litigation of discrimination cases.

Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.

Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.’s insurance department assists insurance institutions and insurance brokers with compliance, new product structuring, representation in administrative procedures and litigation, and transactions with insurance and surety companies. The department is jointly overseen by financial services managing partner Miguel Gallardo Guerra; litigation practice leader, Juan Bonequi; and Javier Pérez Moreno, who focuses his practice on heavily regulated sectors, including insurance, healthcare and fintech.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Gallardo Guerra; Juan Bonequi; Javier Pérez Moreno


Testimonials

They are a boutique office very close to the client. Partners are directly involved in customer service. Excellent networking in between. Very comprehensive billing towards the client, good value for money. Close attention to customers.

Miguel Gallardo Guerra has excellent technical and soft skills.

Key clients

AON


TIP


Compara en Casa


Uber


Aig


Sedna Hospital


Seguros Banorte


AirBnB


Tierra


Preminen


Mercado Libre


Axa Seguros


Auronix


VF Mexico


Morgan Stanley New York


Samsung


Work highlights


  • Assisting AON with all its insurance and reinsurance regulatory requirements, including internal policies, drafting of all contracts, and managing outside counsels for litigation matters.
  • Advising Seguros Banorte on litigation against the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) in Mexico.
  • Acting for AIG in several insurance litigation cases in Mexico.

Galicia Abogados S.C.

Well-regarded by its clients, the multi-disciplinary offering in insurance law at Galicia Abogados S.C. is a reliable choice across the spectrum of matters involving insurers and reinsurers. A ‘shrewd lawyer’ with an ‘immediate understanding of what needs to be done and how to do it’, Humberto Pérez Rocha is a banking and finance expert and co-leads the department alongside the firm’s arbitration and litigation practice head Rodrigo Zamora. Associate Ricardo Montejano is the key supporting lawyer and is also recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Humberto Pérez Rocha; Rodrigo Zamora Etcharren


Testimonials

In terms of Insurance, it is a very complete office. The responsible partner knows not only the regulation but also the market, which makes an excellent combination.’

Humberto Pérez Rocha is a very shrewd and experienced lawyer, he also has a great team. His best quality is his immediate understanding of what needs to be done and how to do it. To highlight among the associates is Ricardo Montejano.

The team, very synchronized, committed, willing and; with solid knowledge in the matter, and immediate availability by multiple means of communication. Extremely collaborative, very professional and with the greatest willingness to offer alternatives.

Extremely empathetic, direct and with the greatest disposition at all times; Humberto Pérez Rocha, always on the lookout in the affairs department.

The specific insurance legislation in Mexico makes this practice a specialty. The capacity and knowledge of Galicia’s lawyers are deep in this area, superior to their competitors.

In addition to his ability and knowledge in this specialty, his permanent availability is very valuable, as well as his flexibility to find the best solution proposal.

Key clients

The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company


Wimob


Grupo Nacional Provincial


Seguros BBVA


Integrante del Grupo Financiero BBVA


UBS International Solutions


Seguros Sura


Citibanamex Seguros


Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex


Work highlights


  • Advising The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company on its yearly registration renewal before the general registry for foreign reinsurers of the national insurance and bonding commission.
  • Assisting Wimob with four insurance claims relating to four merchandise robberies.
  • Representing Seguros BBVA and Integrante del Grupo Financiero BBVA in arbitration proceedings before the ICC and the CAM against five different reinsurance companies regarding their reinsurance agreements for coverage due to Covid-19.

Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel

As specialists in dispute resolution, Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel handles a range of contentious matters in the insurance space and are advisors to Metlife Mexico and Axa Seguros. A trio of lawyers - Javier Curiel Obscura, Daniel Ortega González and Javier Altamirano Hernández - oversee the department; all three have broad dispute resolution practices. Ernesto Palacios Juárez is another key contact for insurance matters; with support provided by associates Bernardo Basaldua and Eduardo Carrión.

Practice head(s):

Javier Curiel Obscura; Daniel Ortega González; Javier Altamirano Hernández


Testimonials

The team is highly qualified in their field and the service is excellent.

The adequate and always agile service from the lawyers.

Key clients

ING Group


AXA Seguros


MetLife México


New York Life México


HSBC Seguros