Indacochea & Asociados > Santa Cruz, Bolivia > Firm Profile

Indacochea & Asociados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Bolivia > Real estate Tier 1

Indacochea & Asociados‘ strong real estate team advises clients on the development and financing, as well as the sale and purchase, of property. Anwar Farah is a specialist in the practice area and leads the team, assisting clients with a range of real estate procedures, such as mergers, subdivisions and the restructuring of real estate projects. He also advises investors, and has been actively assisting clients with urbanisation projects, particularly in Santa Cruz. Maria José Martinez, who was raised to the partnership in December 2022, supports clients in the commercial, hotel and agro-industrial industries, from the selling of urban and rural land, to the purchase and lease of commercial properties. At the associate level, Fabiana Vaca Pereira carries out processes related to the regularisations and transfers of real estate. Alejandra Suarez advises clients on the acquisition, development, financing, sale and lease of real estate, and on obtaining licenses, permits and authorisations before national and departmental authorities.

Bolivia > Banking and finance Tier 2

The banking and finance team at Indacochea & Asociados provides a broad range of services to both national and international clients, from banks to corporate borrows to stockbrokers. The firm has experience in project finance, acquisition finance and real estate finance, and advises on complex cross-border deals, as well as demonstrating extensive knowledge of the Bolivian market and financial regulations. The team has significant experience in debt capital markets, advising clients on the public and private listings of bonds and promissory notes in the Bolivian market. Mariana Pereira leads the team, assisting with a range of matters, from local debt tap issues to major acquisition finance deals. Managing partner Alonso Indacochea has extensive experience in debt refinancing, capital increases and credit lines with major financial institutions, as well as bank restructurings and loan portfolio acquisitions. Ana Carola Muñoz has in-depth knowledge of banking operations, and Maria José Martinez, who was promoted to partner in December 2022, regularly advises clients on obtaining financing. Senior associate Maria Laura Paz also plays an active role in the team. Since research concluded the team has been further strengthened with the hire of Leonardo Azurduy as a partner; a commercial, banking and finance specialist, he joined from his own boutique with effect from June 2023.

Bolivia > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

The corporate and M&A team at Indacochea & Asociados handles complex corporate transactions and foreign investment mandates, including M&A, capital increases and incorporations. The firm has experience helping foreign companies to establish operations in Bolivia, as well as assisting such clients with restructurings and liquidations. The team advises local, regional and international clients from various sectors, including agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and retail, as well as possessing an extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry. The team of 'very attentive' lawyers is led by Alonso Indacochea and Mariana Pereira. Ana Carola Muñoz is involved in M&A and corporate reorganisations, while Maria José Martinez focuses on the incorporation of companies, corporate restructurings and capital increases and reductions. Senior associate Maria Laura Paz has experience of incorporations and capital increases.

Bolivia > Labour and employment Tier 2

Indacochea & Asociados‘ labour and employment team acts on the full range of employment and social security matters. The group handles restructurings, labour audits, the drafting or revision of employment policies and an increasing number of liquidations. The team works on a preventative basis, endeavouring to reduce the risk of labour claims, but also has experience in administrative processes and labour litigation. Complex union negotiations have been a regular feature of the group's workload. Andere Indacochea leads the team and has extensive experience in all employment and social security matters, from restructurings and dismissals to individual and collective disputes. Associate Jeannine Lozada Raldes works with clients on regulatory matters, compliance and due diligence reports.

Bolivia > Tax Tier 2

Indacochea & Asociados continues to grow its stand-alone tax department, advising clients on tax regulations, tax planning and customs matters. The team takes a preventative approach, performing tax audits and offering advice to clients on best tax practices. The firm also handles tax disputes, representing clients in litigation, conciliation and appeals before the internal revenue services. Candys Dorado leads the tax team, and has a wealth of expertise in tax regulations and disputes with the tax authorities, thanks to her experience working for the internal revenue services (GRACO). Associate Dolly Salazar has similar experience working in the public sector and heads the firm’s tax litigation practice.

Bolivia > Dispute resolution Tier 3

A team of ‘excellent lawyers with an impeccable reputation‘ makes up Indacochea & Asociados' dispute resolution practice, known for its procedural expertise and experience litigating at all judicial levels. The firm has continued to develop its judicial debt collection practice, and consistently demonstrates its ability to negotiate out-of-court settlements. The team is building on its experience in the commercial arbitration sphere, representing banks, financial institutions and agrochemical companies in commercial disputes. Representation of private clients in high-value inheritance disputes is a further niche strength. Senior associate Marcelo Longaric leads the team, with extensive experience in civil, commercial and administrative litigation. He also represents clients in conciliation and arbitration proceedings. At the associate level, Juan Pablo Sanchez, Leonardo Reyes and Sebastian Alba are all frequently involved.

Bolivia > Energy and natural resources Tier 3

Indacochea & Asociados advises oil and gas companies, both national and international, on a range of regulatory and commercial matters. The firm often represents clients before the relevant regulatory authorities or public sector bodies. Beyond oil and gas, the group has also seen a rise in activity in the mining sector and has recently advised on cross-border transactions in this area. Some of the firm’s notable clients include EIG Management, ISA Bolivia and Pan American Energy, and the group continues to build on its client base. Mariana Pereira, a specialist hydrocarbons attorney, leads the team alongside Ana Carola Muñoz, whose broad practice includes a strength in lithium matters. Maria José Martinez was promoted to partner in December 2022, while at the associate level, Maria Laura Paz is another important figure.

Bolivia > Intellectual property Tier 4

The 'very well-formed' IP team at Indacochea & Asociados has strong experience in trade mark registration and renewals, and in enforcement, including the filing of opposition actions. The group handles privacy and data protection matters, and software licensing agreements. The department has noted recent increased activity in the pharmaceutical and agribusiness industries. Practice head Maria José Martinez, who was promoted to partner in March 2023 and receives high praise from clients, has extensive knowledge of IP law and assists national and international clients. The associates on the team also come with client recommendation: Juan Pablo Sanchez focuses on the registration of patents, utility models and copyrights; and Leonardo Reyes has experience in the registration of all types of intangible assets and prepares opposition requests and administrative appeals.