Pellerano Nadal > Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic > Firm Profile

Pellerano Nadal > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dominican Republic > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

Pellerano Nadal‘s assistance for mining corporation Barrick Gold is a highlight of its work, with the firm advising the client on two billion-dollar investments in recent years regarding the Pueblo Viejo Mine. Mining clients are a key focus of the firm, advised by the team on regulatory requirements, such as surface rights, verification of permits and exploration and exploitation licences. The practice also negotiates with authorities, such as the Ministry of Environment and Environmental Commission of the Senate of the Republic, regarding community disputes. Aside from mining, the firm advises liquefied natural gas (LNG) and chemicals clients on procurement and acquisitions. The team aided a client in its participation in a tender for the construction and operation of an LNG plant, while acting for global chemicals distributor IMCD Group in its acquisition of Latin American chemicals provider Andes Chemical, including environmental compliance and due diligence. Practice head Luis Rafael Pellerano co-heads matters alongside Gustavo Mena, who has a focus on environmental law, with associate Eduardo Pellerano providing assistance.

Dominican Republic > Tax Tier 1

Pellerano Nadal practice co-head Luis Rafael Pellerano covers high-value tax litigation cases, co-led with Gustavo Mena, as well as advice on free zones, tax due diligence and regulatory work; the latter includes advising on regulations for international transactions for US logistics client Expeditors International and registration before the tax authorities for airline JetBlue. Senior counsel Urania Paulino and senior associate B Génesis Rodríguez frequently assist in tax work, while the practice was boosted by the arrival of former Pellerano & Herrera practice head Caroline Bonó, who co-heads the team.

Dominican Republic > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Pellerano Nadal is highly regarded for its advice to major local and multinational clients on high-profile domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and foreign direct investments, as well as day-to-day corporate matters. Notable areas of strength include the energy, mining and aviation sectors. Practice head Luis Rafael Pellerano is highly experienced in M&A and other international transactions, with an emphasis on the energy and natural resources sectors. Senior counsel Urania Paulino frequently advises on foreign investment, M&A and international trade, as well as distribution and commercial issues, and senior associate B Génesis Rodríguez has expertise in regulatory and compliance matters. Since publication, Paulino has been raised to the partnership, and -in a notable February 2023 hire- the firm has incorporated Marielle Garrigó – formerly of Medina Garrigó Abogados – who arrives from a role as special counsel at the Superintendencia de Bancos de la República Dominicana

Dominican Republic > Environment Tier 2

Gustavo Mena oversees the environmental practice at Pellerano Nadal, which advises clients on regulatory compliance during projects and transactions. Examples include working on permits and a strategy to abide by environmental regulations for Barrick Gold Corporation in its billion-dollar expansion of the Pueblo Viejo Mine; advising construction company J Fortuna on its level of environmental responsibility for drilling a cavity during a construction project; and providing an environmental compliance assessment during the due diligence for IMCD Group’s acquisition of Andes Chemical. Negotiations with the Ministry of Environment and Environmental Commission of the Senate of the Republic are another highlight, relating to community disputes, while the firm also represented mining company DOCALSA in litigation regarding alleged contamination.

Dominican Republic > Banking and finance Tier 3

Pellerano Nadal‘s Luis Rafael Pellerano advised J.P. Morgan Securities and Citigroup Global Markets on liability management for the Dominican Republic’s issuances of sovereign bonds worth $2bn, $118m and $1.6bn, assisted by senior counsel Urania Paulino and associate Eduardo Pellerano. With particular experience in securities law, the firm also assists with acquisition and project financing. The team often handles work for clients based in the US, with Pellerano, Paulino and associate Daniella Pellerano providing local counsel to foreign law firms. Tax practice head Caroline Bonó joined from Pellerano & Herrera and co-leads on investment matters. Since publication, Paulino has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2023.

Dominican Republic > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Pellerano Nadal‘s broad dispute resolution practice spans litigation, local and international arbitration, and mediation. The team handles civil, criminal, commercial, labour and tax disputes, as well as constitutional and administrative litigation, and has notable strength in environmental and mining cases, where Gustavo Mena has particular expertise. Mena, who is also active in commercial and labour litigation, co-heads the practice with managing partner Luis Rafael Pellerano. Associate B Génesis Rodríguez provides key support.

Dominican Republic > Real estate and tourism Tier 3

Boosted by the hire of Caroline Bonó from Pellerano & Herrera, the team at Pellerano Nadal advises clients from the transport sector on corporate, labour and regulatory issues. Luis Rafael Pellerano provides ongoing assistance to airline JetBlue, including regulatory and PR advice during the pandemic, and has helped a client bidding to take on the concession of Manzanillo Port. The firm also oversees project financing in the tourism sector and acquisitions of real estate assets in other sectors.