Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. > Mexico City, Mexico > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > City focus - Monterrey Tier 1

A longstanding presence in the city, global firm Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. was an early arrival to the Monterrey market. Today, its local headcount stands at over twenty lawyers and the group constitutes a key component of the firm’s Mexican network, which comprises five offices across the country – Mexico City, Ciudad Juárez, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana. The team’s capabilities encompass corporate and M&A, litigation and arbitration, labour and employment, international trade, real estate and tax, and the office has a particularly strong track record assisting manufacturers seeking to expand their operations in northeastern Mexico; it has also developed an impressive client roster to match. Recent standout matters include advising BIC on the acquisition and development of its manufacturing facilities in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila. On the labour front, team members recently handled negotiations with the National Railroad Union on behalf of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Mexico. Key contacts include national employment practice group lead Ricardo Castro Garza, who regularly handles strategic labour planning and employment-related litigation for maquila clients. José González Elizondo's practice takes in corporate, M&A, banking, and restructuring; Alfonso Cortez Fernández deals with arbitration and litigation, and has a particular focus on administrative litigation involving the energy segment. Juan Bernardo García chairs both the firm’s global real estate practice group and the Mexican national department; he focuses his practice on the development and structuring of retail, industrial, commercial and residential projects. Additional names to note include Alfonso García Lozano (labour and employment); tax partners Roxana Gómez Orta and Jorge Salazar Cebrian; Javier Jaime González (dispute resolution); Javier Navarro Treviño and Fernando Treviño Martínez (litigation and arbitration); and Rodrigo Montemayor Villarreal (corporate and commercial law, M&A and project finance). Noted associates include senior Gabriela Saucedo (real estate), and Alexandra Cavazos de la Rosa (corporate and M&A). International trade-focused partner Hugo López Miranda joined the office in August 2024. Since publication, Saucedo has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2025.

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

Appreciated for its 'local and global expertise', Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.'s energy and natural resources practice is one of the broadest in the Mexican market, representing stakeholders in projects across both oil-and-gas and renewable energy. It is as adept in major projects as it is in smaller, innovative undertakings, with the practice’s client base featuring owners and sponsors from around the world. Advice includes project development at every stage, regulatory compliance and operations; more recently the team has assisted clients with carbon offset matters. Benjamín Torres-Barrón heads the department and is also chair of the firm’s regional energy, mining and infrastructure group for Latin America. Marco Nieto-Vazquez has experience advising the private sector, the Mexican public sector, and international energy-related organisations; while the ‘deep expertise' of Daniel Sánchez is brought to bear in advice to developers and lenders on project design, implementation, collateralisation and development. Senior associate Carlos Maass-Porras 'always delivers' according to one client; with further support provided by associate Pamela Lemus and legal consultant Yuriria Mascott.

Mexico > International trade and customs Tier 1

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.'s global network is well suited to international trade advice and the firm has several Mexico offices to facilitate close collaboration with the various industrial hubs of the country. A host of multinationals from across the spectrum of key business sectors look to the department for trade and customs advice. A draw for clients is the firm’s dedicated customs department, which advises on the structuring and establishment of Immex operations, audits, customs litigation, international trade agreements and all related dealings with the Mexican authorities. Co-leader of the practice Adriana Ibarra-Fernández is well versed in the full range of Mexico-specific international trade matters, and is also a key counsel in customs audits and customs litigation. Fellow co-head Manuel Padrón-Castillo, based in Ciudad Juárez, who is one of the go-to names in the jurisdiction for work in the maquiladora industry. In Monterrey, Armando De Lille-Calatayud is a key contact for trade strategy and litigation; while Daniel Sánchez-Elizondo, in Guadalajara, is knowledgeable across all matters of customs compliance. A healthy pipeline of younger, trade-focused talent includes Jorge Ambriz-Cuevas, Verónica Rejón-Avina, José Hoyos-Robles, and counsel Andrea Diéguez-Orozco. Since publication, Fabián Navares Aguilera (at the firm's Guadalajara office), has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2025.

Mexico > Labour and employment Tier 1

The comprehensive labour and employment offering at Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is one of the premier choices in the market for major companies undergoing significant workforce reorganisations across jurisdictions. The extensive international network of the firm helps facilitate this, as do the firms multiple office locations in Mexico, covering the central industrial hubs for the full range of key sectors. Beyond restructurings and their corresponding negotiations, the team also handles transactional labour mandates, collective bargaining agreements, labour litigation and employee transfers, among other issues. Based in Monterrey, practice head Ricardo Castro works closely with the M&A department and excels in complex transactional labour matters. Also in Monterrey, Alfonso García Lozano is similarly well versed in transactional work, as well as being one of the key labour litigation contacts. At the Mexico City office, Manuel Calderón's broad experience includes complex individual and collective litigation, as well as call-to-strike procedures; he heads the labour litigation department. Javiera Medina-Reza has a strong focus on employee transfers, while also advising on litigation; and Rosario Lombero Gonzalez who 'stands out for her openness and willingness to understand the needs of the company', focuses on compensation, benefits, pension plans, labour and social security matters, and outsourcing. Clients of collective bargaiing specialist Salvador Pasquel-Villegas appreciate his 'great command of labour, union and current issues', and more junior partners Liliana Hernández-Salgado and Gabriel Ortiz-Aguilar are further key contacts in Mexico City. In Guadalajara, María José Casillas González (immigration and labour advisory) is the name to note at partner level, while Humberto Ruiz Correa is a key associate at the Monterrey office.

Mexico > Life sciences Tier 2

The life sciences department at Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is now led by senior associate Carla Calderón, following the departure of practice area veteran Christian Lopez- Silva in June 2024, to establish his own boutique. The practice group remains specialised in multiple areas of law crucial to businesses in the life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and clients include a number of global market leaders. Recent highlights have included business separations in a variety of sectors, as well as some of the standout M&A in the Mexican life sciences sector. Complex regulatory assessments and IP litigation are further areas of strength for the team. Calderón has ‘deep knowledge of regulations‘, regularly advising on matters at the intersection of regulatory, data privacy and IP for a diverse client portfolio. A multi-disciplinary team assists Calderón with different issues: Marina Hurtado-Cruz is the name to note for patent matters; Roberto Macias is a transactional lawyer with experience in life sciences; Jorge Ambriz adds foreign trade and customs knowledge; and Roberto Cardona is the contact for administrative litigation in this area, following the departure of Fernando Robles-Pesqueira to a freelance role in February 2024.

Mexico > Real estate Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is home to a well-regarded real estate group which operates from five strategic locations across the country – Guadalajara, Ciudad Juárez, Monterrey, Tijuana and Mexico City – and is equipped to handle the full range of advisory and transactional mandates. Key areas of expertise include sales and acquisitions, purchase and lease agreements, financings and joint ventures, structuring and securitisations, as well as related due diligence. The group’s client roster regularly features notable foreign corporations such as H&M, Prada, and Hitachi. Three partners co-lead the department: Juan Bernardo García, who is based in Monterrey, chairs both the firm’s global real estate practice group and the local Mexican department; his practice is focused on transactions involving real estate development and construction. Managing partner José (Pepe) Larroque in the Tijuana office is well-versed in the structuring of cross-border real estate transactions for the acquisition, development and financing of real estate and infrastructure projects across Mexico and Latin America. While in Guadalajara, Fabián Monsalve leads the firm’s North America real estate practice and majors on matters of foreign investment, real estate, and M&A. Also in Guadalajara, Juan Carlos Guerra-Gascon is noted for his transactional real estate and projects practice. Key names to note at associate level include senior Gabriela Saucedo and Alexandra Cavazos de la Rosa (both in Monterrey), and Alejandra Muriel Vizcaino in Guadalajara. Since publication, Saucedo has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2025.

Mexico > Tax Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is particularly well regarded for tax consultancy maters in a number of sectors, namely oil and gas, automotive, manufacturing and finance, with the digital technology space being an additional area of focus more recently. Legislative changes in the hydrocarbon sector have been a rich source of work, with the practice assisting with tax planning, as well as related alternative dispute resolution. More generally, the practice routinely handles the full range of contentious matters across the tax space. Practice head Jorge Narváez-Hasfura is a tax disputes veteran, and also handles international taxation and transfer pricing matters. Luis Carbajo-Martínez is also a strong choice for the range of tax controversy work; while Luis Adrián Jiménez Robles is also a widely experienced tax partner, particularly as regards tax planning in major restructurings. Javier Ordoñez Namihira is the name for international tax and private wealth, and Juan Carlos Valles for customs litigation – both adding further breadth of the offering. Younger partner Jorge Salazar-Cebrian at the Monterrey office is a further name to note. Since publication, wealth management-focused Lizette Téllez de la Vega has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2025.

Mexico > Wealth management Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. leverages the wider firm’s international network and its relationship with major banks, through which it assists with the spectrum of cross-border tax compliance issues, thus facilitating that families and HNWIs receive comprehensive advice on wealth planning and pre-migration planning. The practice has further strength in advising insurers on regulatory compliance for operating in Mexico. Jorge Narváez-Hasfura is the main contact and an expert on transfer pricing and the range of contentious tax matters. Over his 30 year career, Narváez has had gained extensive experience in wealth management, a sub-specialty where he is supported by fellow partner and tax expert Javier Ordoñez-Namihira. Senior associate Lizette Téllez de la Vega assists on the full range of work and has particular strength in identifying tax planning opportunities. Since publication, Téllez de la Vega has been raised to the partnership - effective as of Janaury 2025.

Mexico > Competition and antitrust Tier 3

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. attracts a broad multinational client base for its services in competition and antitrust law, fielding a team that is well versed in some of the highest profile merger control filings in the market. Its offering in investigations, particularly those looking at cartel activity, also stands out. Head of the practice group in Mexico City, Raymundo Enriquez is an expert across foreign trade matters and is a reliable counsel to foreign clients on dealings with Cofece. Younger partner Luis Amado is an additional antitrust expert in the team, while impressive associate Alina de la Luz draws on professional experience at the competition authority to bolster the firm’s assistance with investigations.

Mexico > Compliance and data privacy Tier 3

The focus of Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.'s compliance team lies in leading investigations for companies in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, tech, oil-and-gas, and financial services sectors. Its offering also takes in data privacy, AML, employee training, and the detection and prevention of fraud and corruption. Working primarily from the firm’s Mexico City office, the team is jointly led by Reynaldo Vizcarra Méndez and Jonathan Adams. Vizcarra Méndez focuses on matters of foreign investment, banking, and finance; while Adams’ core areas of expertise include compliance, commercial, and pharmaceutical law. Senior associate Claudia Aguilar handles criminal litigation and corporate compliance and is certified for the implementation of anti-bribery management systems under ISO 37001.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

Noted for its ‘very good local and global expertise’, the sizable team at Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is regularly called upon by public and private companies, investment banks, venture capital firms, startups and equity firms for its corporate and M&A capabilities. Spread across locations in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Ciudad Juárez, Monterrey and Tijuana, the practice group specialises in corporate matters, M&A, joint ventures, global restructurings and venture capital mandates. Ciudad Juárez-based Jorge L Ruiz coordinates the national transactional practice group and has particular experience with regards to corporate and M&A mandates involving the mining and automotive sectors. Reynaldo Vizcarra-Mendez handles matters of foreign investment, banking and finance, and international agreements. Carlo Pérez-Arizti, who is singled out for his ‘excellent and timely responses’, focuses on M&A and venture capital matters. Lorenzo Ruiz de Velasco, for his part, is praised for his ‘proven ability to negotiate and reach agreements’, and majors on corporate and cross-border financial transactions, M&A, and capital markets. Additional names to note include Stephanie Arias-Marruffo (corporate transactions); and Monterrey-based Rodrigo Montemayor (corporate and commercial law, M&A, project finance and real estate). Senior associate Jesus Perez-Palazuelos (M&A, corporate, contractual and foreign investment law) and associates Alejandra Heredia-Martinez and Javier Zenteno (corporate advisory and foreign investment) are also noted. All lawyers are based in Mexico City, unless otherwise stated. Senior counsel Gaspar Gutiérrez Centeno retired in January 2024.

Mexico > Intellectual property Tier 3

A high-profile client base of major multinationals count on Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. for the protection of their IP rights in Mexico. The department's industry-by-industy focus benefits clients through the provision of sector specialists available to assist with regulatory issues alongside the range of IP-specific work. In its frequent defence of global trade marks the firm draws on its considerable international presence as well as its multiple offices in Mexico. For patents, Marina Hurtado-Cruz is the main contact; she excels in the healthcare and life science-related matters. Copyright and media matters are overseen by Carlos Dávila-Peniche, whose practice encompasses franchising and licensing agreements, as well as clearance and litigation strategies, both locally and regionally. Gresly Marcano heads the trade mark sub-group, managing clients’ local and global trade mark portfolios. In Guadalajara, Daniel Villanueva-Plasencia is a tech law expert who handles matters at the intersection of technology and intellectual property. Fernando Robles-Pesqueira departed the practice to establish his own firm in February 2024. All lawyers are located in Mexico City unless otherwise stated.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

With projects lawyers based in both its Mexico City and Ciudad Juárez offices, Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.’s practice group is highlighted by one client as standing out for the ‘wide variety of areas’ covered by its experts. The team - which is frequently instructed by sponsors, investors, developers, lenders and operators - handles the planning, structuring, financing, and development of infrastructure projects. Recent mandates of note include advising Ammper in connection with its power supply and generation activities under the new power regime in Mexico; and assisting Canelo Energy with the structuring of JV and investment schemes for the development of the brand, entailing the acquisition of existing petrol stations across Mexico’s central-western and Bajío regions. Following the February 2024 departure of former practice co-head Gaspar Gutiérrez Centeno, the practice is steered by Benjamin Torres Barrón, whose practice takes in the development of real estate, mining and infrastructure projects. Additional names of note include Daniel Sánchez-Morales, who handles the design and development of energy and infrastructure projects; and Ciudad Juárez-based associate Carlos Maass-Porras, who provides assistance in connection with public tenders and public contracting mandates.

Mexico > TMT Tier 3

The multifaceted TMT offering provided by Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. allows it to assist with near-shoring, transactional matters, tech transformation and an array of regulatory matters, among other areas. Cybersecurity and data privacy, for example are additional areas of strength, and the practice is counsel of choice for a host of multinationals with operations in Mexico, which benefit from the firm’s international network and consistent counsel across jurisdictions. Heading the department, Carlos Vela-Treviño maintains a strong practice in IT and telecoms law, and stands out as one of the foremost data privacy and cybersecurity advisors in the country. IP expert Carlos Dávila-Peniche is also a key figure for the firm’s TMT clients, along with fellow IP-specialist Daniel Villanueva-Plasencia in Guadalajara.

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 4

The banking and finance group at Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. is regularly instructed by a host of local and international financial institutions seeking assistance with multi-jurisdictional cross-border transactions. The team advises lenders, borrowers, arrangers and guarantors, and has particular experience providing fintech clients with regulatory and transactional support. Boasting five Mexican offices (CDMX, Ciudad Juárez, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana), the firm has a strong presence in strategic locations in the north of the country. The practice is co-led by Lorenzo Ruiz de Velasco, who handles corporate and cross-border financial transactions, M&A, and venture capital financing; and Alfonso Martínez-Bejarano, who specialises in fintech regulatory and transactional work, as well as real estate finance. Daniel Sánchez Morales has notable experience in corporate, energy, and infrastructure-related transactions; while Michelle Pfeffer is the key senior associate-level contact and majors on the structuring of guarantees and loans, as well as regulatory mandates.

Mexico > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 4

Fielding key partners from three of its four Mexico offices, Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.'s litigation team is a crucial component of the firm’s wider global contentious offering. The department is often engaged in multi-jurisdictional cases and has built a strong reputation in the energy, automotive, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical and tourism sectors. Insolvency litigation and cases for debt recovery have also been areas of frequent activity, recently. Alfonso Cortez-Fernández is the chair of the litigation group in Mexico and maintains his broad contentious practice from the firm’s office Monterrey. In the capital, Alfonso Curiel-Valtierra is the lead litigation contact, with David Márquez-Lechuga the name to note in Guadalajara. Javier Jaime-González (civil commercial and agrarian litigation; constitutional amparos) and younger partner Javier Navarro-Treviño (complex litigation) are additional figures of note, located in the Monterrey office, both come with client recommendation.

Mexico > Environment Tier 4

The environmental team at Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. advises real estate, mining, energy and manufacturing-sector clients on regulatory compliance, clean-ups, audits, and corporate policies, as well as representing them in contentious administrative proceedings and litigation. Tijuana-based senior counsel Federico Ruanova Guinea leads the firm’s environmental and climate law practice in Mexico. Ruanova specialises in advising clients on compliance with air emissions, water and wastewater, hazardous and non-hazardous waste and occupational health and safety requirements. Guadalajara-based senior associate Alejandra Muriel Vizcaino is focused on banking, finance and projects, and routinely takes care of renewing environmental permits and carrying out environmental due diligence. Recent highlights saw the group advise on disposal requirements, reforestation projects and the purchase of carbon credits.