Firm Profile > Holland & Knight > Mexico City, Mexico
Holland & Knight Offices
PASEO DE LA REFORMA NO. 342
PISO 28, COL.JUÁREZ, DEL. CUAUHTÉMOC
C.P. 06600 MEXICO, DF
Mexico
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Holland & Knight > The Legal 500 Rankings
Capital markets Tier 2
The Holland & Knight capital markets team is particularly prominent in the Mexican real estate investment trust – or FIBRA – segment, advising on both equity and debt matters, including capital development certificates (CKDs). Recognized for his considerable experience in FIBRA-related matters, Guillermo Uribe Lara is an 'exceptional practitioner, with a very solid team and extensive reputation in the market'. He co-leads the department with Alejandro Landa and dedicated REIT-specialist Adrián Gay Lasa, who was raised to the partnership in January 2020. Key support comes from associates Jorge González Carlini, Santiago Soldevilla and Mirna Ordaz. Headline mandate work saw the team advise Fibra Uno on its $1bn issuance of unsecured senior notes; the team has been acting for the real estate investment trust since its initial public offering in 2011. Among other transactions, the team advised Fibra Inn – a client since 2013 – on its successful $64m debt offering.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Fibra Uno
Parks Desarrolladora
Banco Sabadell
Fibra Inn
Bricks Acquisition Company
Fibra HD
Banking and finance Tier 3
The ten-strong practice at Holland & Knight has a significant presence within the Mexican banking and finance market, particularly for its expertise in sub-sovereign, real estate and infrastructure finance, frequently showing its admirable cross-border capabilities. Practice head, the talented Alejandro Landa, focuses his practice on energy, bank and corporate finance; he and the team also have broad experience representing foreign and local companies and financial institutions in financial transactions, project finance, asset-backed and future-flow securitisations, aircraft and transportation financing, and leveraged leasing. Other key practice figures include Guillermo Uribe, an expert in Mexican FIBRAs, and senior counsels Adrián Gay and Selene Espinosa.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They have experience, skills, relationships and a willingness to deal with the circumstances that arise in the shortest possible time’
Key clients
Banco Santander México
Banco Multiva
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext)
North American Development Bank
New Island Capital
International trade and customs Tier 3
The young international trade practice at Holland & Knight has grown steadily over the past few years, advising on matters ranging from NAFTA verification-of-origin and renegotiation procedures, imports and exports, WTO disputes and permits, among other. The team is co-led by partner Luis Rubio, an experienced market player, also well-known for his strength in corporate and transactional matters; and Carlos Vejar, whose ‘vast experience’ and ‘excellent trajectory in the public and private sectors has allowed him to position himself as one of the most experienced lawyers in Mexico’, according to a client. Former general counsel for international trade at the Mexican Ministry of Economy, he offers specialized advice on international treaties and dispute resolution mechanisms. Associate Josafat Paredes is another key member of the five-strong department.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Carlos Vejar’s vast experience and knowledge in foreign trade and customs distinguishes him above other lawyers.’
‘Carlos Vejar’s excellent trajectory in the public and private sectors has allowed him to position himself as one of the most experienced lawyers in Mexico. In addition to his professionalism, he has an impressive ability to understand the situation and design an appropriate strategy.’
Key clients
Posco México
Amazon
Dufry
Projects and infrastructure Tier 3
Holland & Knight's Mexican projects and infrastructure team has a solid trajectory advising clients mainly from the energy and financial sectors. Experienced practice head Alejandro Landa is a qualified engineer as well as a lawyer, giving him particular insight into project development and infrastructure matters; while Carlos Ochoa has experience across the energy sector, regarding government procurement and public bids, and on contracts, regulatory matters and project finance. Recent matters include advising Bancomext on a loan agreement for a mining project in Sinaloa and a VAT loan agreement for the development of a 306MW power plant; and Banco Multiva on a $22m project financing for the drilling, interconnection and distribution works of seven oil-and-gas wells. Senior counsel Selene Espinosa focuses on corporate and securities law, with an emphasis on infrastructure projects (including mining, aviation and airport sectors), while associate Aldo Gonzalez Melo undertakes banking and finance work in relation to the renewables, infrastructure and technology sectors. However, partner José Antonio Prado left the firm in mid-2020.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext)
Banco Santander México
Banco Multiva
Buenavista Renewables México
Oak Creek Energy Systems
Real estate Tier 3
Holland & Knight has built up a robust real estate practice, with a unique expertise in placing Mexican Reits (FIBRAS) and CKDs, that has allowed it to secure important clients such as Fibra Uno, the first and largest Mexican Reit, and which has relied on the firm since its initial public offering in 2011. The five-strong team also handles cross border real estate transactions, particularly in the hospitality segment. The department is led by partner Guillermo Uribe, who focuses on real estate finance matters related to banking and securities law, international capital markets, structured finance and syndicated loans. Adrián Gay Lasa, who provides key support, especially with REIT-related work, was promoted to the partnership in January 2020. Former practice co-head Luis Moreno left the firm in August 2019.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
FibraUno
Parks Desarrolladora
Banco Sabadel
Nemesis Capital
Fibra Inn
Bricks Acquisition Company
Fibra Inn
TMT Tier 3
The three-strong practice at Holland & Knight, valued by clients for its ‘personalised attention and punctual support during the process’, covers the full breadth of the TMT sector - including telecommunications, satellites, media, wireless services, quadruple play, e-commerce and cloud services and communications; and advises on transactions, disputes, and antitrust and regulatory matters. The department is led by Luis Rubio (who includes telecoms as part of a broader practice involving corporate / M&A and international trade); and corporate specialist Octavio Lecona who is closely focused on the telecom, media and tech sectors. Recent mandates saw the pair advise Telefónica on a wireless infrastructure deal with AT&T in Mexico. However, former senior counsel Blanca Luévano, who was active in competition matters before the IFT and COFECE, moved in house at AT&T in August 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Personalized attention and punctual support during the process.‘
‘Luis Rubio is a lawyer who always takes the time to analyze queries in detail, and gives effective legal advice without incurring idle time.’
Key clients
Telefonica
Universal Pictures Mexico
Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Holland & Knight's Mexico office fields a small team with considerable experience advising on mergers, asset purchases and sales, tender offers and leveraged buy-outs, spin-offs, MBOs and joint ventures, along with corporate recapitalizations, reorganizations and restructurings. It also demonstrates impressive private equity expertise and is a frequent participant in regulated-industry transactions, notably in the financial and energy sectors. A well-known figure -particularly in the telecoms segment- experienced managing partner Luis Rubio heads an eight-strong group that primarily acts for foreign -predominantly US- clients, arriving and operating in Mexico. Alejandro Landa, whose broad corporate practice takes in a range of energy, finance, transactional and real estate matters; and Octavio Lecona, a telecoms, media and technology specialist whose corporate practice includes M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and contractual matters, bring further partner-level participation. Key support comes from senior counsel Selene Espinosa who undertakes M&A, financings, international joint ventures, cross-border transactions and strategic alliances, among other corporate activity. However, fellow former counsel Blanca Luevano moved in-house at AT&T in August 2020.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Holland & Knight’s M&A team is highly trained and accurate in its advice, providing personalised attention and punctual accompaniment during the process.‘
‘Luis Rubio is a lawyer who always takes the time to analyse consultations in detail, gives effective legal advice and without incurring idle time.’
‘Octavio Lecona is available at all times, has a great knowledge of the subjects and his advice is timely.‘
Key clients
Walter Surface Technologies
Aero Hardware and Supply
Dufry
Telefonica
Individual Foodservice Holdings
Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 4
The eight-strong team at Holland & Knight handles primarily commercial arbitration, with a mix of construction, investment treaty and NAFTA-related disputes. Led by Carlos Vejar, a ‘first-class’ practitioner who focuses on disputes and international trade, the group is currently involved in diverse commercial cases under LCIA rules involving Mexican state-owned enterprises. At associate level, focused support comes from Juan Pablo Moyano (whose past experience includes three years as an international case manager at the ICDR); and international semi-senior Laura Yvonne Zielinski, who is France and New York qualified. However, the team endured the departure of practice co-head Salvador Fonseca, who left to join disputes boutique "RoyPe" - now Fonseca, Rodríguez y Perchemlian - in June 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The follow-up they give to the entrusted matters is notably superior to that of other offices. They even give sound recommendations on points that could impact the business (eg reforms, reform projects, initiatives, etc.).’
‘Carlos Vejar is a first class partner and leads the practice. He has the support of two very well-trained associates.‘
‘If you compare, I think they analyse the elements of the case very well, they give you the required time and above all they are very sincere in their opinions without giving false hopes.‘
‘Juan Moyano is a very prepared person, when one observes the curriculum and preparation of the lawyers of that office, the truth is outstanding, he is a very patient and dedicated person, besides always providing clear answers.’
Energy and natural resources Tier 4
According to a client, Holland & Knight's energy practice ‘stands out for their complete understanding and knowledge of the industry’, which they reflect in each matter they are instructed on. The practice is led by the ‘outstanding’ Carlos Ochoa, a former CFE deputy general counsel well-known in the power and renewables sector for advising investors, lenders, sponsors and public sector entities on regulatory, transactional and infrastructure issues. Fellow partner Alejandro Landa leans into the practice, especially regarding renewables and environmental matters; and associates Alberto Esenaro and Aldo Gonzalez Melo are also noted However, former head of the energy practice José Antonio Prado left the firm in May 2020 to establish his own energy, infrastructure and litigation boutique, EnerSaPra; and Héctor Velasco Perroni, former head of the office's administrative and regulatory practice departed the following month to open specialist boutique Perroni & Associates.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They offer comprehensive advice and become the legal internal advisors of their clients.’
‘Carlos Ochoa and Alejandro Landa stand out. Outstanding.’
‘The practice stands out for its complete understanding and knowledge of the industry reflected in each operation.’
Key clients
Buenavista Renewables México
ESCO Comercializadora Energética
Energía Solar América Latina (ESAL)
Oak Creek Energy Systems
Labour and employment Tier 4
Senior counsel Leslie Palma heads a 10-strong labour and employment practice at international full-service firm, Holland & Knight's México office, which garners praise for its ‘personalised service’. An experienced figure, Palma has 20 years' corporate labour expertise, including individual and collective procedures and labour due diligence, and leads on all labour mandates. Recent matters include the labour aspect of transactional operations (including employee transfers), labour law compliance audits, restructuring processes, labour litigation and payroll and incentivisation matters. Key associate support comes from Claudia González; however, former counsel Jaime Rodríguez Eguiarte left for Ibarra, del Paso y Gallego in mid-2019.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
”What makes Holland & Knight’s work practice unique is their personalised service and ability to understand our company. They are practically an integral part of our team. Leslie Palma has been an unrivalled support in my experience with other firms. From immigration issues to trade unions, her expertise has been of great help to our company.‘
Key clients
Comercializador Sodico
Fibra Uno
PepsiCo International Mexico
Tiendas Soriana
Stericycle Mexico
Novonorndisk Mexico
Tax Tier 5
Senior associate Eugenio Grageda heads the young tax practice at Holland & Knight, which is praised by clients for providing ‘the best solutions, especially when it comes to international issues’ and for their ‘knowledge of the subject, clarity of opinion and speed of delivery’. The small team, which is backed by the firm's international network, has ‘great capabilities’ advising on corporate reorganizations, investment vehicles, start-ups and financing structures, as well as on the design of tax-efficient strategies for different types of transactions, expansion into Mexico, and offshore tax compliance. It also undertakes tax audits, estate tax and succession planning.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Strengths: knowledge of the subject, clarity of opinion and speed of delivery. They compare favourably because usually the topics we deal with are complex and not all firms have the necessary knowledge or experience, as well as in the delivery times, which can be very long.’
‘Eugenio Grajeda, Luis Rubio, Blanca Luevano, Selene Espinosa Knowledge, are fluent in other languages.’
‘It’s a small team, but with great capabilities. As a family business I need to work with many firms as clients sometimes already have a tax lawyer. However, when they do not, I refer them to the Holland Knight team in Mexico. They have always provided the best solutions, especially when it comes to international issues.’
‘They definitely compare to other firms, even if their team is not very big. I would highlight their good ideas in general and Eugenio Grageda in particular.’
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration > International arbitration Tier 5
Holland & Knight's 'well-established' international arbitration practice works primarily with clients from the mining, energy and construction sectors, along with various repeat sovereign-state clients. Led by Miami-based Adolfo Jiménez, who acts as sole or co-arbitrator in ICC and ICSID hearings, the team' most recent highlight involved representing the Republic of Guatemala against two US parties responsible for silver and gold mines in La Puya. The team also continues to handle French-side proceedings, opposing the Mexican government, in light of Eutelsat bilateral investment treaty breach claims. Bogotá-based Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón and Alberto Zuleta Londoño (who divides his time between Bogotá and Miami), are further key contacts, while Katharine Menéndez de la Cuesta and Orlando Segura, who both made partner in January 2020, are also active in the area. Salvador Fonseca – the firm's previous head of dispute resolution in Mexico – left to join Fonseca, Rodríguez & Perchemlian Abogados, S.C. in June 2020.
Testimonials
‘Preliminary observation: my knowledge of the team is limited to the fact that several of their lawyers have represented clients in cases where I was an arbitrator, or have co-arbitrated cases with me. It is a very well established and suitable firm, especially for maritime and construction disputes in Latin America.‘
‘Adolfo Jimenez, Marisa Marinelli and Katharine Menendez de la Cuesta are tireless, persuasive and educated lawyers.‘
Key clients
Republic of Guatemala
Eutelsat
A Mexican state-owned enterprise
Eco Oro Minerals
Holland & Knight > Firm Profile
Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers practicing in over 200 areas of law in 27 offices throughout the world, including Mexico City, Bogotá and London. Among the largest US-based law firms, Holland & Knight provides representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.
Holland & Knight is one of the few US-based firms with a full-service office located in Mexico. Our Mexico City office is a key component of our Latin America Practice, helping provide broad representation for clients across the region. Members of our Mexico Practice have extensive experience assisting various public and private sector interests, including advising the Mexican government; state, local and other municipal governments; foreign and domestic investors; and small companies to large multinational corporations. In particular, our team was instrumental in the development of the real estate capital, structured finance and securitization markets, including the formation of the largest real estate investment trusts (REITs) in Mexico.
Holland & Knight Mexico City was established in 2013. The firm currently has eight partners and more than 40 attorneys and legal professionals. Our hands-on experience is enhanced by working relationships established with leaders in Mexico’s business and government sectors.
Main areas of practice: Our Mexico City office offers our clients a one-stop shop with full-service practice capabilities. We have assisted the Mexican government in the analysis, design and drafting of key current legislation and regulations, and have been a leading participant in the establishment of the Mexican securitization industry. We also have significant experience in the energy sector, including oil and gas, electricity, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewables, biofuels, and government procurement. The firm also has participated in several of the nation’s most significant and pioneering transactions, as well as has designed structures for several large-scale deals that are currently considered to be a standard in the financial markets.
Our Energy Team collaborates with our corporate and financial services practices, allowing the firm to participate in important energy and finance projects. This multi-practice teamwork allows for a comprehensive in-house approach to better serve our clients and provide innovative solutions, including on several government-sponsored energy projects.
We offer a multidisciplinary mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice that includes corporate lawyers well-versed in antitrust, taxation, labor and employment. Our in-depth experience allows us to provide comprehensive services throughout the entire transaction process. Our attorneys frequently advise clients in connection with joint ventures, strategic alliances, divestitures and liquidations, and corporate governance. Our capabilities in this area include due diligence of target companies, negotiation of sale and purchase agreements, design and implementation of purchase or sale structures, and procurement of regulatory approvals.
Our Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) attorneys have deep knowledge of the industry and combine their private practice, public sector and executive-level experience to provide innovative representation. We have served as lead counsel in major transactions that have shaped the telecommunications market in Mexico, particularly the mobile and satellite industries. Our efforts have helped develop a public policy concerning infrastructure deployment, government procurement in the industry, efficient use of radio frequency bands and competition issues.
Our dispute resolution attorneys have successfully represented clients in some of Mexico’s largest and most complex litigation and arbitration cases involving commercial and investment matters.
The International Trade attorneys provide specialized consultancy of the scope and application of different matters contained in international trade agreements signed by Mexico, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Our team is well-versed in international trade strategies, customs procedures, regulatory compliance, unfair trade practices, investments, government procurement and disputed resolutions mechanisms under all free trade agreements, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and bilateral investment treaties.
The firm’s understanding of cultural differences and its multilingual capabilities (fluency in English, Spanish and more than 20 other languages) enables our office to play a key role in transitioning a case through multiple jurisdictions. Our attorneys are go-to references on corporate, finance and energy-related topics. They are committed to providing superior client service and employing a practical real-world approach to all matters in order to achieve clients’ short- and long-term goals.
Holland & Knight has extensive experience in the following areas: corporate finance; structured finance; bank finance; IPOs; project finance and infrastructure; public finance; corporate, and mergers and acquisitions; antitrust; energy; real estate; telecommunications; tax; litigation and dispute resolution; labor and employment; regulatory and technical barriers to trade; international trade competition; immigration; intellectual property; and international arbitration.
Pro-Bono:
As active members of welfare and charitable giving initiatives in the Latin American community, Holland and Knight supports different non-profit associations and NGOs located in Mexico, Colombia and the USA that execute various projects in a diverse range of sectors. The firm provided legal assistance to the victims of the Mexican earthquake of September 2017. The Pro Bono group advised victims with regard to lease contracts, insurance (property, health vehicular, etc.), inheritances and government economic support.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The firm’s Mexico City office actively supports gender equality and inclusion projects. As part of a global and firmwide initiative, during the Mexico City 2019 Pride Parade, the firm’s office worked together with the Mexico City Government and the Mexican Ministry of Tourism to hold the first edition of a “Pride Night” event at the Interactive Museum of Economics (MIDE) in Mexico City, an effort that reaffirms the firm’s commitment to support initiatives that promote LGBTQ community inclusion and equality in the country.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate, M&A and Telecommunications | Luis Rubio | Luis.Rubio@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Capital markets, Real Estate | Guillermo Uribe | Guillermo.Uribe@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Banking and finance, Project finance and infrastructure, Bankruptcy and Restructuring | Alejandro Landa | Alejandro.Landa@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Energy and Project finance and infrastructure | Carlos Ochoa | Carlos.Ochoa@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Telecommunications and M&A | Octavio Lecona | Octavio.Lecona@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Capital Markets, Real Estate | Adrian Gay Lasa | Adrian.GayLasa@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
International trade and international arbitration | Carlos Véjar | Carlos.Vejar@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Labor and employment | Leslie Palma | Leslie.Palma@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
M&A, Banking & Finance, Mining and Project Finance | Selene Espinosa | Selene.Espinosa@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Civil, Commercial & Administrative Litigation | Daniel Jimenez | Daniel.Jimenez@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Taxation, Wealth Management | Eugenio Grageda | Eugenio.Grageda@hklaw.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Intellectual Property, Banking & Finance | José Luis Villareal | Jose.Luis.villareal@hkla.com | +52.55.3602.8000 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Ms Selene Espinosa | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Mr Adrián Gay Lasa | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Eugenio Grageda | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Mr Daniel Jimenez | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Mr Alejandro Landa | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Octavio Lecona | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Carlos Ochoa | Partner | View Profile |
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Ms Leslie Palma | Of Counsel | View Profile |
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Mr Luis Rubio Barnetche | Executive Partner – Mexico | View Profile |
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Mr Guillermo Uribe Lara | Equity Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Carlos Vejar | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr José Luis Villareal | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Other fee-earners : 20+ Total staff : 40+Languages
Spanish English (fluent) Dutch FrenchMemberships
AmCham American Chamber of Commerce International Chamber of Commerce ABA (American Bar Association)Other
Partners : 7 Senior Counsels : 5Top Tier Firm Rankings
Top Tier Firm Rankings
Firm Rankings
- Capital markets
- Banking and finance
- International trade and customs
- Projects and infrastructure
- Real estate
- TMT
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution: arbitration
- Energy and natural resources
- Labour and employment
- Tax