Mr Francisco Arias > Morgan & Morgan > Panama, Panama > Lawyer Profile

Winning high praise from clients for its ‘technical capacity‘ and ‘extensive knowledge‘, Morgan & Morgan fields a broad banking and finance practice, encompassing commercial loans, real estate finance, debt refinancing and financial regulatory issues. The firm has also established an active insolvency-related practice (following the introduction of new legislation in Panama) and has growing expertise in the fintech and start-ups space. The financing of high-profile infrastructure and energy projects is another core source of mandates. The team is headed by Kharla Aizpurúa, whose wide-ranging practice takes in syndicated loans, project finance and M&A in the banking sector, and the highly experienced Inocencio Galindo. Ramon Varela and Ana Carolina Castillo, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, are key names to note on the energy and project finance front, and the team also includes Francisco Arias, Roberto Vidal, international associate Miguel Arias M and senior associate Alejandro Vasquez, who joined from Fabrega Molino in June 2022.

Morgan & Morgan‘s capital markets practice is particularly distinguished by its expertise in the constitution of Panamanian real estate investment trusts (SIIs) and their registration with the securities regulator, and is lauded by clients as ‘the leading law firm in Panama‘ in this space. The team, which receives further praise for its ‘knowledge, experience and diligence‘, also handles a high volume of public bond offerings on the Latin American Stock Exchange (Latinex) – including transactions with an international component – as well as advising on private issuances. Francisco Arias, who is skilled in advising both issuers and underwriters on capital markets transactions and regulatory matters, leads the team alongside Ricardo Arias, a specialist in SIIs. At the partner level, Roberto Vidal and Ana Carolina Castillo (an expert in energy-related matters) also play a prominent role in the practice, while international associate Miguel Arias M is the name to note at the junior level.

Morgan & Morgan‘s corporate team attracts strong praise for its ‘knowledge of Panamanian law‘ and ‘professional way of handling any matter, even internationally‘, which is reflected in its robust experience in both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. The firm also has an active practice advising multinationals across the full spectrum of industry segments (including telecoms, aviation, finance, e-commerce, technology and pharmaceuticals) on the establishment of their headquarters in Panama and regulatory and corporate issues affecting their day-to-day operations. Francisco Arias, whose expertise spans transactional and corporate governance issues, jointly leads the team with go-to M&A specialist Roberto Vidal, who is highlighted for his ‘great experience and knowledge of the corporate field‘. Also among the key names at the senior level are Inocencio Galindo, who has complementary finance and tax expertise; Carlos González, the head of the firm’s antitrust and consumer protection practice; and Aristides Anguizola, who has considerable strength in the mining and infrastructure sectors. They are ably supported by a strong line-up of junior lawyers, including international associate Miguel Arias M and senior associate Alejandro Vasquez, who joined the firm from Fabrega Molino in June 2022. The firm also has a robust pro bono practice, which includes providing training to non-governmental organisations in Panama.

Morgan & Morgan is noted for its robust experience in the registration of trade marks and management of portfolios in Panama and internationally, benefitting from close links to firms in other jurisdictions. It is also a strong performer in patent prosecutions and has recently been increasingly active on copyright mandates (particularly in the entertainment and software development sectors). In addition, the team frequently assists clients with regulatory issues, including health registrations, and with the IP aspects of M&A and franchising and distribution agreements. Francisco Arias steers the practice, while experienced associate Allan Candanedo is a go-to specialist in the full range of IP matters, from litigation to portfolio management and commercial agreements. Corporate associate María Eugenia Brenes brings additional IP and regulatory expertise to the team.

Morgan & Morgan leverages its full-service model to advise an extensive roster of major real estate developers, investors and financial institutions on corporate, financial and regulatory matters in the real estate space, with notable recent experience in tourism-related projects. In addition to handling M&A and joint ventures, the firm routinely assists with the acquisition, sale and leasing of properties, permitting and environmental issues, and project finance. Another standout area of activity is the constitution and registration of SIIs, where Ricardo Arias, who co-heads the firm’s securities practice, has specialist expertise. The firm also fields a dedicated department focused on administrative issues such as the registration of mortgages. Francisco Arias, whose broad practice encompasses real estate-related corporate, financial and securities matters, leads the team. Experienced senior associate Giselle Moncada, who heads the firm’s office in David, Chiriquí, is also a key figure in the team.