Lexincorp > Tegucigalpa, Honduras > Firm Profile

Lexincorp > The Legal 500 Rankings

Honduras > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Central American firm Lexincorp has a thriving arbitration practice in Honduras, with an emphasis on projects and concessions-related disputes, stemming from firm-wide expertise in this space. The team is also noted for its strength in mediation and litigation, including representing municipal authorities and major regional groups in the recovery of unpaid debt and taxes. Honduras managing partner Benito Zelaya leads the practice and enjoys a strong profile in arbitration; he previously shared leadership duties with senior associate Fabian Villeda, who left the firm in May 2023. The capable pool of junior lawyers includes senior associate Max Canelas, who has an emphasis on criminal and financial enforcement litigation, and experienced associate Juan Carlos Benítez, a key contact for the full spectrum of litigation.

Honduras > Energy and projects Tier 2

Thanks to its considerable expertise in PPP law, Lexincorp is frequently sought out by government bodies and investors for advice on the structuring of consortiums for project development and the operation of concession contracts and environmental licences. The firm also advises on corporate, financing and regulatory issues relating to the development of energy, transportation and recycling infrastructure, including the construction of highways and airports. Taking advantage of the firm’s regional structure, Honduras managing partner Benito Zelaya is experienced in advising on projects matters throughout Central America; he leads the practice alongside Engels Zelaya, who is renowned for his expertise in government procurement and PPPs in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Honduras > Banking and finance Tier 3

Benefitting from an extensive network in Central America, Lexincorp‘s banking and finance team routinely advises international financial institutions on loans to national banks. Project finance is also among the team’s core areas of expertise, and it is noted for its strong skill sets in the energy (particularly renewable energy), infrastructure and telecoms spaces. Among the senior names to note are Engels Zelaya, who specialises in the public and energy sectors and is recognised for his project finance expertise, and Nora Amaya, who has longstanding experience in handling banking and finance transactions in Honduras and El Salvador.

Honduras > Tax Tier 3

Highlighted by clients for its ‘customised approach‘, the tax team at Lexincorp is well versed in assisting regional and international companies with the tax structuring of their Honduran operations and disputes with the SAR, frequently joining forces with the corporate and litigation departments. The firm’s focus on the projects space has also opened up a core source of tax mandates, including advising on tax exemptions for foreign investors in the transport and infrastructure sectors. Honduras managing partner Benito Zelaya and Sylvia Zelaya, who heads the San Pedro Sula office, lead the team. Associate Nicole Fugón provides support, drawing on notable in-house experience at the SAR.

Honduras > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

The corporate team at regional firm Lexincorp draws on the wider firm’s signature strength in public-private partnership law and the energy and infrastructure spaces to handle a steady stream of corporate and commercial mandates relating to the construction of major projects. In addition, the department is routinely active in the establishment of companies in Honduras, benefitting from a presence in both Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Engels Zelaya, who is skilled in corporate matters in the public and energy sectors, leads the experienced team, which also includes Honduras managing partner Benito Zelaya; Nora Amaya, whose practice spans company incorporations, corporate governance and commercial contracts; and San Pedro Sula office head Sylvia Zelaya.

Central America > Corporate and finance

Originally founded 20 years ago by partners in Guatemala and El Salvador, Lexincorp has built a strong presence in Central America, with further offices in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Counting a host of leading international and regional banks, financial institutions and corporations among its clients, the firm routinely advises on multi-jurisdictional M&A, syndicated loans and refinancings, with a growing offering in the fintech space. In El Salvador, Antonio Guirola, a specialist in international transactions; Adriana Portillo, who also handles related tax and competition issues; and Enrique Escobar, a standout name in the energy and financial fields, are the key figures. Roberto Rodríguez, who has a notable track record in advising international clients in the banking sector, takes the lead on corporate and finance matters in Nicaragua, while Julio Aparicio, who has a niche in advising restaurant clients on franchising agreements in Central America, is the go-to contact in Guatemala. Engels Zelaya, a specialist in the energy and public sectors, heads the corporate team in Honduras, where the firm has offices in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.