Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International > Lima, Peru > Firm Profile

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International > The Legal 500 Rankings

Peru > Banking and finance Tier 1

At Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International, the banking and finance department counts an impressive range of domestic and international companies, including investment banks, among its clients. The team stands out for its expertise in regulatory work, often pertaining to alternative payment systems, and also regularly advises on syndicated loans, corporate finance, financings and refinancings. The practice is led by Pablo Berckholtz, who frequently assists global banks on derivatives and repurchase transactions. Marco Alarcón advises on liability management and real estate financing, while Juan Carlos De Los Heros is reputed for his skill in trusts and project bonds. Alonso Miranda’s core areas of focus include the structuring of complex debt instruments and securitisation. At the senior associate level, Adrian Tovar is active in bilateral and syndicated financing, and public and private offerings of securities.

Peru > Capital markets Tier 1

The well-rounded capital markets practice at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International is active across the engineering, real estate and energy sectors. The team demonstrates skill in the structuring of shares in investment funds, complex bond issuances, and private and public offerings of senior notes and securitised bonds, often representing international investment banks and broker-dealers. Pablo Berckholtz spearheads the team and focuses on acquisition financing and corporate restructuring. Alonso Miranda is a key member of the group and concentrates on securitisation, real estate investments, complex debt instruments and liability management transactions. Senior associate Adrian Tovar is noted for his knowledge of bilateral and syndicated financing, the regulation of the securities market, and the structuring of investment funds.

Peru > Dispute resolution: Arbitration Tier 1

At Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International, the dispute resolution department regularly undertakes high-profile and complex domestic and international arbitration cases, often in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Renowned for its expertise in the field, the team is also well versed in regulatory and investment law, and often handles complex disputes involving contracts between Peruvian state entities and global investor firms. The group is co-led by the experienced Ana Maria Arrarte and Maria Del Carmen Tovar, who is currently a member at the International Court of Arbitration for the ICC. Yvo Cuba, who was recently promoted to partner, is another notable practitioner within the group. Senior associates Ángela Cámara and Andrea Espejo are recognised for their skill in civil and regulatory disputes, while associate Claudia Arméstar concentrates on arbitration related to PPPs and investment projects.

Peru > Intellectual property Tier 1

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International is reputed for its depth of expertise in IP. It is sought by an impressive range of clients, including household names from the luxury goods, technology and energy sectors. The firm is well equipped to advise on several IP issues, such as trademark, patent and domain name disputes, and anti-counterfeiting matters. IP expert Manlio Bassino oversees the practice, specialising in complex trademark litigation cases. Bassino is ably supported by Alvaro Gutiérrez, who concentrates on defence proceedings before INDECOPI in matters concerning the enforcement of patents. The department also houses a strong bench of senior associates, which includes Andrea Jiménez, who advises on industrial property rights and appellations of origin; Rosmery Rivera, who handles industrial designs and plant breeder rights; and Geneve Dupont, who focuses on the protection of distinctive signs, particularly within the fashion industry.

Peru > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

Drawing strength from its global network of offices, the energy, mining and infrastructure team at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International handles the gamut of project-related work, from financing and permitting through to development and construction. The team is jointly led by Juan Carlos De Los Heros, whose experience handling project financing secures him a client base of international and national lenders, investment banks, borrowers and sponsors from across various industries, and Juan Carlos Morón, who deals with infrastructure concessions, public services and government contracts. The deep bench includes Inés Vázquez, who, equipped with a solid background in corporate law, regularly navigates mergers, acquisitions and project financings, predominantly in the electricity space; Ana Sofía Reyna, an of counsel with extensive experience in dealing with PPPs, private initiatives, concessions and privatisations; and Zita Aguilera, who is known for advising state agencies and private companies on public procurement matters for engineering and infrastructure projects. Principal associates Diana Collazos and Romina Segura are also noted. Juan Carlos Medina, principal associate, left the firm.

Peru > Public law and regulation Tier 1

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International advises a deep roster of both public and private clients -particularly those in the infrastructure sector- on a range of administrative matters. The team routinely assists with public procurement, public-private partnerships, government concessions and infrastructure projects. On the contentious side, it regularly represents clients in domestic and international regulatory arbitration proceedings and in administrative procedures, especially against antitrust issues cited by public entities. Practice co-head Jorge Danós is recognised for his expertise in administrative law, norms regarding the regulated markets, and infrastructure and public service concesions; while fellow co-chair Juan Carlos Morón focuses on government intervention in regulated markets, government contracts (including infrastructure concessions), public services and government control. ‘Committed professional‘ Zita Aguilera provides guidance to state agencies and private companies on public procurement matters for the implementation of infrastructure projects, and of counsel Ana Sofía Reyna is highly regarded for her advice regarding the design and structuring of private investment initiatives and processes, and public-private associations. Principal associate Laura Francia consistently supports private client projects and with initiatives from Proinversion and the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Associate Enzo Rojas, who covers administrative, regulatory and competition law, joined from Rubio Leguía Normand in May 2024.

Peru > TMT (Technology, media and telecoms) Tier 1

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International fields a robust TMT team which routinely advises a host of clients on the gamut of telecommunications issues, encompassing regulatory, transactional and contentious work. Teresa Tovar heads the team and is widely recognised for her expertise across the telecommunications, media, e-commerce and privacy segments. At associate level, principal Crosbby Buleje Diaz (a 'very capable and committed professional'), provides comprehensive support advising both local and international clients - particularly as regards their interactions with telecommunications, privacy and consumer protection regulators. Fellow principal Eileen Infantas specialises in defending telecom companies facing sanctioning proceedings initiated by regulatory bodies such as MTC and OSIPTEL, as well as handling arbitration related to contract execution.

Peru > Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 2

The bankruptcy and restructuring department at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International advises leading banks and corporations from the entertainment, mining, petroleum and agro-industry sectors. The firm is regularly involved in complex debt restructurings, corporate insolvency strategies and distressed schemes, and often collaborates with its public law and litigation disciplines. Rafael Picasso heads the group and is involved in several complex bankruptcy cases, often before INDECOPI. Paolo Robilliard frequently advises distressed companies and creditors on various matters, benefiting from his established corporate and M&A expertise. Associates Katherine Zapata and Luciana Palomino handle corporate reorganisations and corporate finance work.

Peru > Compliance Tier 2

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International offers comprehensive legal guidance to clients across diverse sectors, addressing a wide array of compliance matters. This includes fraud risk assessment, the formulation and implementation of antitrust training plans, and risk assessment upon request by INDECOPI. Further core workflows include advice on anti-corruption measures, prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing, and antitrust regulations. Leading the practice is Teresa Tovar, noted for her capabilities in corporate compliance, antitrust, anti-corruption and internal investigations, as well as due diligence processes. Regularly assisting Tovar with the gamut of compliance programmes and risk assessments, senior associate Viviana Chávez is also noted.

Peru > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Situated within an integrated global network, the corporate and M&A group at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International is well equipped to handle large-scale and cross-border M&A deals, often within the healthcare, telecoms and luxury retail industries. The team adopts an interdisciplinary approach by coordinating with the firm's regulatory and antitrust departments and advises on corporate governance, joint ventures, associative agreements, and the formation and incorporation of subsidiaries. Liliana Espinosa steers the department and offers expertise in private equity and private and public M&A transactions in the infrastructure, energy and education fields. Key practitioners include Ines Baca, who assists clients with acquisitions, corporate reorganisations, and asset and share participation, and Paolo Robilliard, who handles distressed M&A deals and insolvency matters. Principal associate Fernando Sam is noted for his focus on corporate finance and taxation.

Peru > Dispute resolution: Litigation Tier 2

At Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International, the litigation department has experience across the gamut of bankruptcy, civil, commercial and constitutional law disputes. Advising corporations and state-owned entities on cases in the finance, telecoms and energy sectors, the group is under the leadership of Ana Maria Arrarte, who is reputed for her experience in highly complex cross-border cases in the infrastructure and investment fields. Local and foreign corporations turn to Yvo Cuba for assistance in proceedings concerning real estate and corporate law, while counsel Roxana Gayoso concentrates on cases involving civil responsibility and government contracts. Senior associate Hugo Alonzo is noted for his work in administrative procedures.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity Tier 2

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International boasts a comprehensive practice capable of advising clients across the entire spectrum of power-related matters. From project development, regulatory advice, and administrative disputes to judicial conflicts and arbitration, the team provides holistic support including on the transactional front, where it adeptly manages complex M&A and financial transactions. At the helm of the practice, Inés Vázquez brings a distinct focus on privatisation and concession procedures in the electric power sector, and also handles acquisition transactions involving companies, assets, and share participations. Complementing this, associate Claudia Cruces regularly supports Vázquez in relation to pubic service concession bidding processes, project matters and power purchase agreements. Senior partner Maria del Carmen Tovar also has considerable power sector expertise - particularly as regards complex disputes and arbitration.

Peru > International trade (IT&C) Tier 2

Drawing upon its extensive network of firms, Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International attracts a host of high-profile clients from across the food, technology and manufacturing industries, which seek assistance in a wide variety of trade and customs issues. The team’s recent workload includes advice on trade investigations, customs valuations for consumer and retail goods, free trade zones relating to the green economy, and the environmental issues connected with transporting dangerous substances. Backed by extensive experience in international law, Gonzalo Bernal leads the department and provides a key point of contact for matters related to foreign trade and customs issues. Associates Astrid Noriega and Walter Robles Gonzales are also noteworthy. Former practice head Luis García left the firm.

Peru > Labour and employment Tier 2

The employment team at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International is consistently sought after by a diverse clientele for its adept handling of a broad spectrum of employment matters. These encompass investigations related to sexual harassment, personnel transfers and reorganisations, financial mismanagement, reinstatement of employees, discipline and terminations, and health and safety at work. Monica Pizarro leads the practice with a focus on outsourcing, workforce redesign, salary discrimination, and business restructuring –  areas in which Luis Miguel Almendariz also excels. Principal associate Elizabeth Zamudio is recommended for collective bargaining involving transnational clients, while at senior level: Karen Bustamante is an expert in occupational health and safety matters; Marco Vargas handles labour law and procedural labour matters; and Gabriela Salas Zuñiga focuses on labour consultancy, audits and training.

Peru > Tax Tier 2

Situated within a globally integrated office network, Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International is accustomed to advising major local and foreign clients in the healthcare, tech, energy and banking sectors. The department’s portfolio of work spans tax planning, tax issues in large-scale M&A transactions, proceedings before the Peruvian Tax Authorities, and wealth management tax advisory. Rolando Ramirez-Gaston Horny leads the practice and is well equipped to advise corporate clients on financial and commercial tax planning. At the principal associate level, Cristina De La Piedra handles tax compliance and income tax matters; Dora Ramos focuses on litigation; and Carla Peirano covers tax consultancy, with a particular specialism in infrastructure projects. Associate Nicolas Bullon, who joined the team in September 2023, assists mining and hydrocarbon companies in tax planning and audits.

Peru > Competition and antitrust Tier 3

At Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International, the competition and antitrust practice advises a diverse client base, consisting of both local and international brands and corporations. Benefitting from the firm’s global network of offices, the team primarily focuses on antitrust compliance matters, and advises companies on the design and implementation of programmes. Elsewhere, the group covers investigations, audits and antitrust litigation. Teresa Tovar Mena leads the department and is ably supported by principal associate Crosbby Buleje Diaz, who assists tech clients in antitrust investigations and commercial policies. Senior associate Viviana Chávez handles the design of various antitrust strategies.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 3

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International's team advises clients from the oil and gas industry on a range of matters including concession agreements related to the transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids, and administrative proceedings initiated by OSINERGIM for noncompliance with hydrocarbons regulations. The team is led by Jorge Danós, an expert in administrative law and regulated market matters; and Valentín Paniagua, whose practice revolves around project finance, corporate structuring, acquisitions, divestments, and related matters for major local and international players in the sector.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International houses a compact natural resources and environmental team which consistently guides clients through a comprehensive range of regulatory and transactional aspects in the mining industry. The team is actively involved in negotiating and drafting agreements, overseeing administrative proceedings to ensure compliance with mining obligations, and managing complex project finance and financing transactions for mining companies. Valentin Paniagua Jara heads a five strong practice, focusing on transactions in the mining and natural resources sector, including project finance, and company and asset acquisitions and sales. Following the departures of partners Ina María Drago and Cinthya Delgado in July and December 2023, respectively, key support is provided by senior associate Claudia Pacora (particularly as regards legal due diligence, agreement drafting, and corporate maintenance), and -on the environmental side- principal associate Nicole Freire.

Peru > Environment Tier 3

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International offers advice to its clients, which are predominantly active in the hydrocarbon, mining, agriculture and fishing sectors, on the full scope of environmental issues, from financings and M&A transactions through to circular economy and waste management issues. Valentin Paniagua Jara heads the group, handling corporate, regulatory and contentious matters for mining and natural resources projects, alongside industry veteran Jorge Danos Ordoñez, who, equipped with over 30 years of experience dealing with environmental mandates, regularly advises private companies on compliance and administrative and judicial processes. Senior associate Nicole Freire is a key contact for local and international clients from the mining, electricity, hydrocarbons and industrial sectors; her broad practice encompasses permitting and planning issues as well as administrative sanctioning proceedings. Former practice co-head Ina María Drago has left the firm.

Peru > Insurance Tier 3

Peru > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 3

Gonzalo Bernal has taken over leadership of the life sciences practice at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International. A specialist in international trade, market access matters and food law, Bernal is supported by senior associate Rosmery Rivera, who brings experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech and medical devices, along with hygiene products, food and beverages, and agrochemicals to the team. As part of its life sciences and healthcare offering, the team also offers assistance with IP issues, such as trademark and patents work. Former practice co-heads Luis Alonso García M and Alvaro Gutiérrez left the firm in January and March 2024, respectively.

Peru > Real estate Tier 3

The real estate team at Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International counts retail corporations, banking sector clients and real estate investment funds among its key clients. The group, which is led by Marco Alarcon Piana, guides clients through the negotiation of acquisition contracts, due diligence exercises and real estate project financing. Jorge Danós and associate Laura Francia are well versed in public law, and often provide regulatory advice on urban planning and environmental matters. Alonso Miranda handles the financing and securitisation elements of real estate projects, while senior associate Ricardo Canepa advises on the design and enforcement of contracts, and associate Daniela Maurate focuses on permits and zoning concerns. Of counsel Enrique Johanson left the firm in May 2023.

Colombia > Tax

Commended by clients for its ‘excellent combination of technical knowledge and business understanding’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. houses a dominant full-service tax offering that provides advice across the full range of tax planning, wealth management, litigation, compliance and transfer pricing cases, among other matters. Its lawyers’ ‘excellent co-ordination with teams from other jurisdictions’ is a recurring theme among sources, with the Bogotá-based group distinguished by its ability to lean on the wider firm’s dominant global practice for additional firepower in cross-border tax mandates. Among the names to note, managing partner Ciro Meza is widely recognised as a leading tax specialist, who can turn his hand to the full range of tax planning, consulting and contentious work; he advises SierraCol on all of its transfer pricing and tax issues. Meza co-heads the department together with transfer pricing specialist Gustavo Sánchez, and transactional tax partner Juan David Velasco, who is highlighted for his ‘superior sensitivity to the particularities of business and its impact at the international level’. The group further draws on a strong second line of senior associates, including Laura Durán, Andrea Jimenez and Juan David López, along with new arrival Carolina Roldán, who joined from Deloitte Legal (New York) in August 2023.