Holland & Knight > Mexico City, Mexico > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

Holland & Knight LLP excels across the full spectrum of services in relation to energy and natural resources, with its ‘extensive knowledge and experience, excellent customer service‘, and ‘professionals and innovators with a pro-business vision’ makes the firm an undoubted leader in the field, according to sources. Flush form its merger with Thompson and Knight in 2021, the firm’s energy practice is particularly robust and represents both local and international clients in project finance, M&A, public procurement, regulatory and environmental, and contractual and corporate matter, among others. The ten-strong team demonstrates significant depth in both the power and oil-and-gas segments, from the establishment and development of energy businesses through to the execution and management of projects; it also works hand-in-hand with the firm’s disputes practice as required when contentious matters arise, as well as being accustomed to working with the firm’s other international offices on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters. The core group of senior advisors comprises four partners. Carlos Ochoa, who is highly regarded for his advice on local and cross-border energy and infrastructure project development and financings and associated real estate matters. The ‘proactive, effective and highly reliable’ Claudio Rodriguez who has ‘vast experience in energy law‘ – specifically, in the power segment; and who was additionally appointed head of the firm’s construction practice in August 2022. Head of the Monterrey office, Gabriel Ruiz, whose broad advisory practice includes company planning and formation, specialised contracts, M&A, financial operations and international tax planning, as well as a niche specialisation in representing clients before relevant governmental and regulatory entities such as the SENER, CNH, CRE, ASEA, CFE, PEMEX, CNBV, and BMV; and finally, Rodolfo Rueda, who focuses on regulatory and government affairs, as well as cross-border natural resources and energy transactions, and divides his time between the firm's Mexico City and Houston offices. Key support comes from senior counsels Regina Legorreta (‘highly knowledgeable and highly reliable’) who focuses on energy and infrastructure project structuring, PPAs and EPC contracts, among other matters; and the dual-qualified (Mexico/New York) Alejandro A Sánchez Mújica, who advises on both the financing of energy projects and transactional activity in the sector. Associate Alberto Esenaro moved to Dentons López Velarde in March 2022.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Holland & Knight LLP has long-standing expertise handling all aspects of project finance, from greenfield project analysis to regulatory development and the closing of financing facilities, and has helped clients secure financing in the corporate, club deal and syndicated forms of lending. Focused on electricity, natural gas, urban infrastructure and hospitality borrowers and experienced in structuring equity and debt capital, the team also handles risk mitigation. It is led by Alejandro Landa, a qualified engineer as well as a lawyer, who specialises in project finance, capital markets and M&A with regard to infrastructure, enregy and real estate matters. Carlos Ochoa focuses on the energy, infrastructure, real estate transactions, independent power producers (IPPs), self-supply and cogeneration projects, and corporate services. Rodolfo Rueda splits his time between Mexico City and Houston (where he is a certified foreign practitioner) as part of the regulatory and government affairs practice group; he focuses on cross-border natural resources and energy transactions and has been a key advisor to Engie and Acciona in Mexico. One of the arrivals with the Spetember 2021 merger with Thompson & Knight, Claudio Rodríguez Galán is a former GC of Iberdrola and legal manager at EDF and has a wealth of expertise in the power-side of the energy sector, was appointed head of the firm’s construction practice in August 2022 (he is currently working from Lisbon, Portugal). A sturdy second line of professionals providing key support includes senior counsel Selene Espinosa, who specialises in corporate and securities law, with an emphasis on infrastructure projects (including mining, aviation and airport sectors); senior associate Aldo Gonzalez Melo, who undertakes banking and finance work in relation to the renewables, infrastructure and technology sectors; and Alberto Esenaro, who has considerable experience of competition matters in relation to the power sector, in particular.

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP's banking and finance practice, which appeals to clients for making ‘things happen successfully’, is led by the ‘passionate and knowledgeable’ Alejandro Landa, who has experience representing Mexican and foreign companies, as well as financial institutions, in a range of financial transactions - including domestic and cross-border financings, project finance, asset-backed and future-flow securitisations, and leveraged leasing. The firm's August-2021 merger with Thompson & Knight has enhanced the group's capabilities in industries such as energy, financial services, real estate and hospitality, and nurtured the team with new talent such as Monterrey-based senior counsel Alejandro A. Sánchez Mújica. Guillermo Uribe, who is particularly well-versed in capital markets mandates, and heads said practice in Mexico; and senior associate Aldo González, who earns plaudit for being ‘detail oriented’, are other names to note.

Mexico > Capital markets Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP's capital markets practice was notably reinforced in March 2022 with the arrival of former DLA Piper Mexico practice-head, Xavier Mangino Dueñas, who joined alongside senior counsel Elena Ibarrola and two associates. They join the ‘very experienced and competent’ Mexico City team, which has a solid track record in the real estate investment trust segment, advising on both equity and debt matters, including capital development certificates (CKDs), mainly drawing on the renowned expertise of practice-head Guillermo Uribe, a well know figure in this area. Distinguished REIT specialist Adrián Gay Lasa, and associates Jorge González Carlini and Santiago Soldevilla are also key contacts of the group. Work highlights include representing Fibra Uno in connection with a $650m senior notes issuance.

Mexico > International trade and customs Tier 3

Holland & Knight's international trade and customs practice merits praise for its ‘specialised knowledge in foreign trade and exceptional service’. With over 30 years' experience behind him, Luis Rubio heads the department. He represents domestic and international corporations, trade associations, and the Mexican Government in complex regulatory matters and international trade proceedings. Carlos Vejar, whose professional experience includes over two decades at the Mexican Ministry of Economy, advises on trade strategies, regulatory compliance, unfair trade practices, customs procedures, and commercial, private and international trade arbitration matters. Associates Josafat Paredes and Maria Teresa Quintero are additional names to note.

Mexico > Real estate Tier 3

Holland & Knight LLP has long been a relevant participant in the real estate sector; well versed in the industry - including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and leisure facilities, as well as FIBRAS and CKDs - it has profound expertise in cross-border real estate transactions and also offers real estate-related capital markets expertise, and advice on the planning , development, financing and construction of real estate projects, as well as tax structuring and planning. The practice is co-led by Guillermo Uribe, whose track record includes major real estate acquisitions, rights offers, follow-on offers and debt deals, and is also widely recognised (and respected) for his expertise in FIBRA-related matters; and Adrián Gay Lasa, who also focuses on matters related to Mexican REITS - particularly their IPOs - along with transactions related to the hospitality/hotels and construction segments, funding, and investment vehicles designed to fund development and/or the acquisition of portfolios. Key support comes from experienced senior Jorge González Carlini, who primarily handles real estate finance matters. Additionally, Alejandro Landa (who focuses on the energy, finance and transactional matters) also participates in real estate work on an ongoing basis. Former associate Santiago Soldevilla moved in house as legal manager at RLH Properties in February 2022.

Mexico > TMT Tier 3

Counting prestigious names such as Telefonica and Eutelsat among its clients, Holland & Knight LLP houses a ‘very prepared, efficient and knowledgeable team in the telecommunications industry that provides accurate and professional advice’. A talented partner-duo made up of managing partner Luis Rubio, who excels in both contentious and regulatory mandates; and Octavio Lecona, a former official at the Mexican telecommunications regulator, co-head the department, which advises on transactions, disputes, antitrust and regulatory matters; and covers the full range of the TMT sector – including telecommunications, satellites, media, wireless services, quadruple play, e-commerce, and cloud services and communications. The firm's merger with Thompson & Knight LLP, completed in August 2021, has expanded it's foothold in the Mexican market, including in the TMT area.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Holland & Knight LLP was one of the firms that started 2022 with important news. Following its merger with Thompson & Knight, the firm not only strengthened various practice areas  –including corporate and M&A– with talented lawyers that expanded its capabilities in key industries, but also reinforced its presence in Monterrey. Luis Rubio, a renowned market figure –particularly in the TMT segment– heads the practice, which features a ‘multidisciplinary group of high-profile corporate lawyers with excellent service attitude, commitment, and technical knowledge’. Bringing additional expertise in the telecoms space is Octavio Lecona, whose practice encompasses M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and contractual matters. Senior counsel Selene Espinosa is another name to note in the Mexico City office. Operating from Monterrey are of counsel Alejandro F Sánchez Mújica, and senior counsel Alejandro A Sánchez Mújica.

Mexico > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 4

Holland & Knight LLP ‘unique’ practice is primarily known for its experience in the telecommunications and energy sectors, demonstrating excellent cooperation between its arbitration team and the firm's experts in TMT and energy transactions. Carlos Véjar, who specialises in international trade, investment and commercial arbitration, heads the practice and brings his ample experience in a broad range of significant proceedings to the table. Key support comes from managing partner Luis Rubio, lawyer of choice for a number of industrial, mobile, and satellite operators in Mexico; and senior counsel Juan Pablo Moyano, who focuses on commercial arbitration and cross-border disputes, and garners praise from clients for ensuring ‘work of the highest quality’. Associates Josafat Paredes, ‘one of the most creative minds in the firm’, according to one client; and Laura Yvonne Zielinski, are other names to note.

Mexico > Intellectual property Tier 5

Full-service international firm Holland & Knight's merger with Thompson & Knight in August 2021 has strengthened its Mexico IP team (among other practices). The team has experience in trade marks, patents, and copyright; the acquisition, transfer, and licensing of intellectual property rights; administrative procedures and litigation; and trade secrets. The team is led by José Luis Villareal, who advises Mexican and international clients from a wide variety of sectors on complex transactions and litigation proceedings related to intellectual property rights, including trade marks, patents and copyright. On the media side, Octavio Lecona's focus on telecommunications, media and technology, also involves IP matters - particularly copyright issues.

Mexico > Tax Tier 5

Holland & Knight LLP continues to see the benefits of its August 2021 merger with Thomson & Knight, particularly in its tax department, which is gaining momentum thanks to the good work of its two partners Eugenio Grajeda , ‘one of the best problem solvers’, and Mario Barrera, whose mastery of ‘tax matters is outstanding’. Grajeda has a focus on international tax and estate and patrimonial tax planning, while Barrera regularly acts for clients before tax authorities in tax examinations, administrative appeals, settlements, and mutual agreement procedures. Key support comes from associate Catalina Mandujano.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

Holland & Knight LLP covers commercial and investment-treaty disputes under all major arbitration rules and is known for its expertise in infrastructure, energy, mining and construction cases. Experienced international arbitration practitioner Adolfo Jimenez, who acts as both advocate and arbitrator, leads the firm’s international arbitration practice out of Miami, with domestic and international trade attorney Carlos Vejar (in Mexico City), providing senior support. Other key senior names include highly experienced arbitrator Enrique Gómez Pinzón, who divides his time between the firm’s Washington DC and Bogota offices; and New York-based litigation partner Marisa Marinelli. Bogota-based dispute resolution partner Alberto Zuleta left to join Cuatrecasas in late 2021.