Banking and finance Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is the firm of choice for a significant market share of international financial institutions, domestic banks and large companies undertaking sophisticated and high-value transactions. It acted for Pan American Silver in its $500m financing granted by Bank of Nova Scotia, and is advising Standard Chartered Bank on its exit from the Peruvian market, both matters led by head of department Jean Paul Chabaneix, who is widely respected for his skill handling complex mandates. Strong support is provided by a large team of finance partners that grew to nine with the hire of capital markets specialist Nydia Guevara (from rival firm Miranda & Amado) and the promotion of Augusto Cáceres - although regulatory partner Gino Sangalli retired. Other names to note include Jorge Trelles, Juan Diego De Vinatea and Luis Enrique Palacios, while Nicolás Cornejo is a standout associate.

Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is involved in some of the largest and most high-profile insolvencies in Peru, such as Doe Run, where it is acting for largest creditor Consorcio Minero - CORMIN, and the $1.5bn bankruptcy of China Fishery Group (CF Group), advising HSBC alongside Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. The team excels in procedural bankruptcy matters including private reorganisations, with a focus on the post-petition financing, reorganisation plans and asset-acquisition/divestment operations of insolvent or distressed companies. Practice head Guillermo Puelles is a full time specialist; he is supported by a strong team of cross-disciplinary partners including: Hugo Silva, recommended for corporate restructuring, construction and public procurement; finance expert Jorge Trelles; and counsel Gaspar Flores, who leads on administrative insolvency proceedings.

Compliance Tier 1

Excelling in both criminal prosecution work and the implementation of sophisticated compliance programmes, Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados attracts a string of leading domestic and international companies as clients. Work includes anti-corruption programmes, criminal risk assessment and regulatory compliance for the likes of Lazard, Nexa Resources and Lima Airport Partners. On the corporate criminal side, the firm has a hefty caseload of money laundering, bribery and cartel cases, for example, acting for companies, executives and directors. Head of the practice José Reaño leads on the bulk of the matters, both advisory and criminal prosecution defence, with assistance from regulatory and industry specialists from across the firm, including infrastructure and projects partner Italo Carrano and Fernando Molina, a leader in project finance.

Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Showcasing a sterling deal list in a difficult market, Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is rarely without a role in the country's headline deals. It acted for Sempra Energy in the $3.59bn sale of its Peruvian and Chilean business units to China Yangtze Power International, Peru's largest deal by value in 2019; and represented Entel in its $722m international sale of telecommunication towers to American Tower. Both deals were led by the respected Jean Paul Chabaneix, head of the firm's M&A practice, who worked alongside fellow partner Jorge Trelles on the Entel deal. Heading up the corporate advisory practice is Ramón Vidurrizaga, who is also a litigator, while a string of stand-out individuals include: mining expert Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado; Luis Enrique Palacios, who led advice to Asterion Capital Partners in its $550m acquisition of 11 data centres from Telefónica; and 'professional’ Juan Diego De Vinatea.  Augusto Cáceres was made partner January 2020, bringing the corporate partner headcount to an impressive 16.

Dispute resolution Tier 1

The 'outstanding’ Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is a mighty force in the disputes arena where it defends the interests of some of the largest companies in the country. It has stand-out dominance in the energy and mining sector, acting for the likes of Latin America Power Perú (LAP), Luz del Sur, Minera Las Bambas and Southern Perú Copper Corporation. It successfully defended LAP in a $150m international arbitration brought by GCZ Ingenieros and GCZ Energía (GCZ) that was not only dismissed, but saw damages and costs were awarded to the client. The 19-strong team, all full-time disputes lawyers, advise across the board of civil, commercial, criminal, constitutional and public law matters. Each of the team's six partners bring niche strengths or specialism to the practice, which is led by José Tam, an expert in civil/commercial and constitutional litigation and commercial arbitration. Tam led on the LAP case alongside international arbitration specialist Italo Carrano. Juan Guillermo Lohmann has been at the pinnacle of arbitration for decades, while José Reaño heads up the firm's first-rate white-collar crime practice. Indicative of the slew of work handled by the firm, it expanded its associate bench from ten to 13 in 2019, hires including that of experienced senior associate Martin Chocano from rivals Miranda & Amado.

Electricity Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados remains dominant in the sector, despite the 2018 departure of former head of practice and leading light Maria Teresa Quiñones to form her own firm, Quiñones Alayza Abogados. The well-trained, 13-strong team, led by Verónica Sattler, has expertise across the full array of electricity matters, from generation and transmission to distribution. Consequently, it acts for a broad spread of major players in the sector; most notably, Sempra Energy, which the team advised on the $3.6bn sale of its Peruvian businesses - comprising Luz del Sur (generation), Inland Energy (generation) and Tecsur (an electrical construction company) - to China Yangtze Power International (CYP), in what was the largest ever transaction in the sector. The practice groups is also to be reckoned with on the regulatory front, where Alejandro Manayalle and experienced counsel María del Rosario Quiroga provide top flight advice and analysis; both are names to note.

Environment Tier 1

A long-term pacesetter in this discipline, Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados continues to be a dominant force, serving its extensive energy and mining client base with all their environmental law needs, contentious and advisory. A specialist environment subgroup, led by leading practitioner Francisco Tong, sits within the firm's top-tier energy and natural resources team, which is steered by the pre-eminent Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado, providing clients with a streamlined offering. The in-demand team has expanded at associate level with two new recruits, while other lead advisors to mention include: Jenny Caldas, who is client partner to Repsol, CNPC and Perú LNG; and counsel Úrsula Zavala, a specialist in environmental and natural resources law.

Intellectual property Tier 1

Market frontrunner Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados provides a fully comprehensive IP service to a multitude of elite global brands, including Prada, Microsoft, Pepsi Cola and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a list which demonstrates the diverse sector spread of the practice. The firm has been very active in the past year defending technology-related trade marks in judicial proceedings on behalf of some of the world's largest companies. The team boasts two market-leading individuals in co-practice heads Héctor Álvarez, who has steered the group for almost 40 years, and the high-profile María del Carmen Alvarado. Maritza Reategui heads the life sciences practice at the firm, while a modest-sized pool of associates includes the experienced Ricardo De Vettor and Ximena Aramburu.

International trade (IT&C) Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados handles trade and customs work of the highest strategic importance for its extensive client roster of domestic heavyweight companies and well-known multinationals. The team stands out for its expertise in customs planning and international trade structuring to maximise the customs benefits of import and export operations. Indeed, it represents some of the largest importers and exporters in the mining, oil and gas, power, chemical, technology and telecommunications, vehicle importation, agriculture and textiles sectors; and is experienced in disputes and administrative challenges before all relevant forums, including the Court of Justice of the Andean Community. The practice is led by the only full-time international trade specialist partner in the Peruvian legal market, Julio Guadalupe, who is particularly expert in customs valuation matters. He is assisted in the practice by two associates: senior Juan Acuña , who has 13 years' experience and litigates before the customs, tax court and the judiciary; and the more junior Enrique Vargas, who has eight years' experience in the field.

Labour and employment Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is a stalwart of Peruvian labour law, dominating large-scale collective bargaining procedures in the heavily unionised mining sector, and handling labour structuring, redundancies and litigation on behalf of some of the country's largest companies. Clients highlight the 'well organised' and 'united’ team that provides 'out-of-the-box and practical, customised solutions’. It is led by market frontrunners José Balta, who is currently advising a well-known company on salary equality, and Mario Pasco, who recently led advice to a leading mining company with regard to strike action. The 18-strong team also includes Ernesto Cárdenas, described as a 'luxury’ to have at the union bargaining table, and senior associate Iván Blume, who specialises in corporate immigration, discrimination, cross-border labour issues and privacy matters.

Mining Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados dominates the sector, its tier-one corporate, finance, public law and disputes practices combining with expert mining regulatory and market knowledge to provide an unparalleled offering. Consequently, numerous international and domestic mining companies instruct the firm for ongoing strategic advice, such as Anglo American Quellaveco, Pan American Silver, Marcobre and MMG Las Bambas, while at the other end of the spectrum the firm advises over 20 junior mining exploration companies. Practice head Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado is pre-eminent in the field, and notably led advice, alongside Francisco Tong, to Southern Peru Copper Corporation on the reinstating of its construction permit for the $1.4bn SPCC Tia Maria mine, which had been suspended by the State following violent local protests. The case attracted international media attention and sets a precedent for the Peruvian mining industry. Other key advisers of the 20-strong team include Oscar Benavides and Claudio Ferrero, who both focus on the corporate and finance aspects of the mining sector; and Francisco Barrios was made partner in August 2019.

Oil and gas Tier 1

A stellar client list at Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados includes dominant players from both the oil and gas industries, such as Shell Operaciones Peru, ExxonMobil and Promigas. It excels in all areas of regulatory, contract, financing, projects and disputes work, most notably assisting Gases del Norte del Peru (GASNORP) in winning the concession for the distribution of natural gas (by pipeline) in the Piura Region following a six-year, litigious battle with the State. A large team of twelve advisers is led by leading figure Jorge Pérez-Taiman, who is highlighted for his international experience; Jenny Caldas, who is particularly strong in the environmental and regulatory aspects of the hydrocarbons industry; and top-ranked corporate and finance lawyer Jean Paul Chabaneix, who is recommended for upstream activities. The junior bench includes senior associates Carolina Noriega, who focuses on downstream issues; and Eduardo Ramos, formerly of OSINERGMIN and Petroperu.

Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados draws upon leaders from across the firm for a stellar offering, many of whom have specialist expertise in major infrastructure and project finance. Eminent mining lawyer Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado joins forces with top-notch project finance partner Jean Paul Chabaneix to steer teams from the firm's finance, mining and regulatory practices on projects of economic importance and top-drawer financings. They include acting for the lenders, led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and BBVA Securities, in their $355m syndicated loan to natural gas distributor Contugas for the refinancing of its existing project financing. Fernando Molina is widely lauded for his project finance expertise; and senior associate Nicolás Cornejo is also noted.

Public law and regulation Tier 1

Few firms can match the scale of the offering provided by Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados, where the sector is split into two distinct practices: public law, led by Carlos Carpio, and regulatory, led by energy specialist Verónica Sattler. The firm is able to leverage from multiple tier one teams in other practice areas across both these areas, and is particularly strong in associated litigation and arbitration matters. Its stellar client roster includes Microsoft, which the firm advised on its public procurement to provide electronic paperwork for the Peruvian Tax Authority (SUNAT), a matter led by key partner and public procurement specialist Hugo Silva. Other recommended individuals include: infrastructure and international arbitration partner Alejandro Manayalle; Italo Carrano, who advises on concessions and PPP; and from the associate bench, Augusto Effio and Diana Briones, who specialise in public procurement and regulatory law respectively; and fisheries expert Richard Inurritegui.

Real estate Tier 1

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados provides comprehensive expertise across all property law disciplines, with specialist know-how in areas such as urbanism, engineering, architecture, archaeology, analysis of seismic risk and traffic impact studies, among others. Led by leading public law and real estate partner Carlos Carpio, the practice evidences particular strength in the public law aspect of the practice, as demonstrated by its experience in municipal regulations and major infrastructure projects. Clients particularly appreciate the standout team work, both within the department and across the wider firm. Other key advisers include construction partner Hugo Silva; and capable associates Isabel Carrascal (who advises both the public and private sector), and Hugo Sarria, an 'excellent professional’ with 15 years' specialist real estate experience.  

Tax Tier 1

The human resources at Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados eclipses rivals, its line-up of ten partners unmatched in the market and backed by a formidable pool of associates. The team size is indicative of the breadth of the practice, which encompasses all corporate tax needs, including complex litigation, with added expertise in individual wealth management, an area led by practice co-head Alex Morris. The firm excels in the tax strategy and implications of big-ticket transactions and financings, this year closing the Peruvian aspects of Belmond's global sale of its businesses to Louis Vitton for $3.2bn, advice led by Jose Talledo. The very highly regarded Alex Córdova is fellow co-head of the practice, and it also includes tax luminary Humberto Medrano, who remains active, albeit with a limited practice.  

Capital markets Tier 2

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados has valuable capital markets capability within its market-leading finance and M&A practices. The firm's focus is set to grow further with the key hire of securities specialist Nydia Guevara  from top-tier firm Miranda & Amado. She joins experienced counsel Paul Castritius, formerly of the Peruvian Securities and Exchange Commission, and leading finance lawyers Jean Paul Chabaneix, head of the practice, and Jorge Trelles. Augusto Cáceres was promoted to partner in January 2020.

Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados is recommended for antitrust advice in major corporate transactions, as well as anticompetitive prevention via compliance review, which it is conducting on behalf of Anglo American Perú, Mitsui & Co (Chile) and Compañía Minera Antamina. The firm also handles some administrative and judicial proceedings on behalf of both complainants and defendants. Despite the lack of full-time specialists in this sphere, the firm nonetheless offers valuable expertise from its cross-disciplinary team led by energy and infrastructure partner Verónica Sattler, while Alejandro Manayalle and counsel María del Rosario Quiroga are also key members of the team.

Insurance Tier 2

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano – Abogados has enjoyed a leading reputation in the field, attracting work of the highest level particularly from international reinsurers. In this regard, it acts for some of the biggest names in the industry, and is also a favourite among leading London-based insurance law firms requiring Peruvian advice. However, the firm's head of practice, the 'brilliant’ Jorge Velarde, stepped down from the helm in early 2020, and while he continues to do some billable work, has semi-retired from practice. In addition, his second-in-command, star associate Fernando Hurtado de Mendoza, moved to rival Kennedys in April 2020, taking partnership there. Hurtado de Mendoza has niche expertise in aviation insurance, and was largely responsible for the firm's reputation and client base in this sphere. The versatile Guillermo Puelles has currently assumed leadership of the practice.