Philippines

Manila, Philippines – 19 November 2025 — Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, one of the Philippines’ most respected and forward-looking law firms, proudly marks its 10th anniversary - celebrating a decade of legal excellence, innovation, and purpose in service of its clients, partners, and community. Founded in 2015 by Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, Atty. Atty. Francis A. Africa, Lucas Nicolo M. Cauton III, and Atty. Vincent Paul L. Saavedra, the firm began with a bold vision shared by four lawyers who believed that the law should evolve with business and technology. From a small office in Ortigas Center, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra has grown into a legal powerhouse, now home to more than 60 lawyers and professionals and an overall team of nearly 120 dedicated members. Today, the firm’s reach is both nationwide and global, strengthened by strategic partnerships and alliances that allow it to serve clients seamlessly across jurisdictions. Over the past decade, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra has established itself as a trusted advisor to leading corporations, financial institutions, and technology innovators. The firm’s excellence has been recognized by leading legal publications and award bodies, earning top rankings across key practice areas — including Banking and Financial Services, Fintech and Digital Innovation, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Data Privacy and Protection, and Private Equity and Venture Capital. It is also recognized among the country’s top-tier firms in Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions reflecting its standing as one of the Philippines’ most respected names in law. The milestone year was commemorated through an Anniversary Cocktail Gala held at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Manila at Bonifacio Global City, an evening that celebrated the firm’s journey and expressed gratitude to its people, clients, and partners. During the event, the firm also unveiled Gorriceta NEXT, its visionary framework that defines the next decade of growth and innovation. Gorriceta NEXT represents the firm’s evolution into a future-ready institution powered by innovation, intelligence, and impact. It envisions deeper integration of technology into legal practice, the development of data-driven insights and platforms, and continued leadership in bridging law with emerging industries in an increasingly globalized business landscape. “At ten years, Gorriceta is not just celebrating longevity, it is celebrating leadership, gratitude, and purpose,” said Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, Chairman and Managing Partner. “We are deeply grateful to our clients, colleagues, and partners who have trusted and grown with us. Our mission for the next decade is clear: to lead innovation in the practice of law, redefine how legal services create value, and build a future where the law empowers people, businesses, and communities alike.” Beyond its professional achievements, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra continues to uphold its advocacy for education, innovation, policy development, and community advancement. Through a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, the firm remains committed to creating opportunities that inspire growth, gratitude, and purpose - guided by the belief that leadership in law must always serve the greater good. As it enters its next decade, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra stands as a firm defined by gratitude and driven by innovation, continuing its legacy of legal excellence and shaping the future of law and business in the Philippines and beyond. Press Release Link: https://gorricetalaw.com/gorriceta-africa-cauton-saavedra-celebrates-10-years-of-legal-legacy-unveils-vision-for-the-future-of-law-and-business/      

September 16 2025 - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra celebrates another milestone as its lawyers are named in the 2025 A-List of Top 100 Lawyers in the Philippines by Asia Business Law Journal. This recognition reflects the trust and confidence of the clients and partners who continue to inspire the firm to deliver with excellence The A-List honorees from Gorriceta are as follows: Mark S. Gorriceta, Managing Partner | Corporate Group - Head | TMT Group – Head Vincent Paul L. Saavedra, Senior Partner | Tax Group - Head Edsel F. Tupaz, Senior Partner | Data Privacy, Cybersecurity and AI - Head Ramon Andre F. Cedro, Senior Partner | Litigation & Labor Group - Head Kristine T. Torres, Partner | ESG and Project Finance Group - Head Their inclusion in the A-List reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also Gorriceta’s reputation as a leading law firm in the Philippines and across Asia. The Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List is one of the most highly regarded legal accolades in the region, celebrating lawyers who have made significant impacts in their fields and upheld the highest standards of legal practice. The A-List is compiled through nominations and feedback from clients, in-house counsels, and peers in the legal community, making this recognition particularly meaningful for its emphasis on trust and respect within the industry. As Gorriceta marks this milestone, the firm also looks ahead with gratitude, celebrating its Road to 10 which marks not only individual success but also the collective dedication of the entire firm. Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bs3rcArPs/

Appointment reinforces firm’s commitment to energy, natural resources, petroleum, and infrastructure law Metro Manila, Philippines – September 1, 2025 – Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra is pleased to announce the appointment of Atty. Jose Ma. Emmanuel “Kiril” Caral as Senior Counsel and Head of the firm’s Energy Practice Group. With over three decades of legal and executive leadership in the energy and petroleum sectors, his appointment strengthens Gorriceta’s position in Energy Law including natural resources, petroleum, and infrastructure. Atty. Caral brings a distinguished track record in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, dispute resolution, and supporting multi-billion-dollar investments. He has held senior leadership roles including Head of Legal and Chief Administrative Officer of Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. (formerly Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. or SPEX), Managing Director and Head of Legal of SPEX, Head of Legal of the Shell companies in the Philippines, and Senior Legal Counsel for Shell Exploration and Production Asia Pacific based in Singapore, supporting business development and operations in Indonesia, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, and India. Atty. Caral has successfully led high-stakes corporate transitions, international arbitration, and public-private partnerships, with deep expertise in corporate governance, ESG, legal risk management, and stakeholder relations. “As Gorriceta continues to expand its industry-focused practice areas, Kiril’s leadership, experience, and strategic insight bring immense value to our Energy Practice,” said Mark S. Gorriceta, Chairman & Managing Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. “His appointment reinforces our ability to provide high-impact legal counsel to clients navigating complex energy and infrastructure challenges.” A British Chevening Scholar, Atty. Caral earned his Master of Laws with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh. He also holds a Juris Doctor and an A.B. in Economics from Ateneo de Manila University, where he was College Student Council President and received the Departmental Award for Economics. Currently, Atty. Caral serves as Senior Adviser to Prime Energy and as Chairman & President of the Malampaya Foundation Inc., advocating for sustainability and social investment. He is an active member of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA). “I am honored to join Gorriceta at this pivotal stage of growth,” said Atty. Caral. “The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and I look forward to building a practice that combines legal excellence with strategic foresight—helping clients succeed in an evolving and dynamic energy landscape.” The appointment of Atty. Jose Ma. Emmanuel “Kiril” Caral not only marks a significant milestone for Gorriceta internally and externally but also underscores the firm’s commitment to leading in Energy Law and supporting the Philippines’ sustainable development agenda. Press Release Link: https://gorricetalaw.com/gorriceta-africa-cauton-saavedra-appoints-energy-law-leader-kiril-caral-as-senior-counsel/

Strategic integration with Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada & Dabi and Florete Law strengthens national presence and regional capability. MANILA, Philippines — In a landmark move that signals a bold step toward national integration, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, one of the Philippines’ leading law firms, proudly announces its partnership with Florete Law (Iloilo) and Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada Dabi (Davao). With this expansion, Gorriceta formally extends its reach across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—delivering unified, world-class legal service to clients nationwide. As a result of this strategic alliance, Gorriceta has grown to a formidable team of over 60 professionals—significantly enhancing its capacity to serve clients with agility, scale, and regional insight. This partnership also brings into the Gorriceta fold some of the most respected legal minds in the country, including former Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo Nograles, former House Deputy Majority Floor Leader Atty. Migs Nograles, and international arbitrator and litigation expert Atty. Mary Christine Florete. Their regional leadership and deep legal acumen will further strengthen Gorriceta’s ability to provide nuanced, localized, and strategic counsel for clients across the Philippines. “This integration is more than just geographic, it is strategic,” said Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, Managing Partner of Gorriceta. “With our new partners from Florete and NICLD, we bring clients the same level of excellence and strategic insight – whether they are based in London, Manila, Davao, or Iloilo. This allows us to be where our clients are, understand the nuances of each region, and deliver integrated solutions with both national consistency and local depth. It is a firm step forward in our mission to be a true partner in our clients’ growth stories, wherever in the Philippines they may be.” “We are honored to join forces with Gorriceta” said Atty. Migs Nograles, Founding Partner of Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada & Dabi. “This alliance marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional legal services across the Philippines. This collaboration allows us to expand our practice while maintaining the local relationships and contextual knowledge that our clients highly value. Clients in Mindanao will now have access to a law firm that operates with international standards, ensuring top-notch legal expertise and services. By combining regional leadership with international and national capabilities, this partnership will foster growth for lawyers in Minanao and set new benchmarks in the legal industry. Together, Gorriceta and NICLD are poised to drive innovation and excellence in every case we handle.” Atty. Mary Christine Salome Florete, Founding Partner of Florete Law, said: “This alliance strengthens our presence in the Visayas and opens pathways to international markets. By combining our arbitration expertise with Gorriceta’s strength in tech, data privacy, and regulatory practice, we create a synergy that delivers real impact. With rising cross-border disputes in tech and IP, among others, our partnership is well-positioned to meet emerging global challenges.” A Unified Legal Experience Across the Archipelago This expansion marks Gorriceta’s transformation from a Metro Manila-based firm with global affiliations into a truly national law firm with on-the-ground presence and insights in the Philippines’ three major regions. The expansion complements Gorriceta's longstanding strengths in in corporate and TMT (technology media and telecommunications law) law, while also deepening its capabilities in arbitration, litigation, labor, real estate and  regulatory advisory. The firm's broadened roster of legal professionals enhances its ability to deliver context specific, regionally attuned, and business forward legal solutions to a diverse range of clients, from start-ups and family owned institutions to public institutions and multinational conglomerates. One Firm. Three Regions. A Nationwide Commitment . With this expansion, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra boldly redefines what it means to be a Philippine law firm: globally connected, locally grounded, and nationally integrated. Press Release Link: https://gorricetalaw.com/gorriceta-africa-cauton-saavedra-expands-nationwide-welcomes-regional-partners-from-visayas-and-mindanao/