Mr Ramon Varela > Morgan & Morgan > Panama, Panama > Lawyer Profile

Morgan & Morgan‘s ‘broad interdisciplinary team‘ handles both large-cap financing deals and regulatory issues on behalf of a diverse client base that includes leading domestic and international banks, financial institutions, public entities and corporations. The team- which is rated for ‘its knowledge of Panamanian regulations’– has been highly active in large-scale domestic lending transactions, most notably the financing of significant infrastructure projects, but is also well placed to offer ‘support in structures involving different jurisdictions‘. Also noteworthy is the firm’s newly established practice dedicated to start-ups in the fintech sector, and its remarkable strength in insolvency matters. Kharla Aizpurúa, who is recognised for her experience in project finance and syndicated lending, leads the team alongside the highly endorsed Inocencio Galindo. Francisco Arias is a name to note for structured finance and regulatory matters, while Ramón Varela specialises in project finance and senior associate Ana Carolina Castillo focuses on energy-related transactions. Since publication, Castillo has been raised to the partnership – effective as of January 2023.

Noted for its ‘extensive knowledge and experience‘ in the projects and energy spaces, Morgan & Morgan acts for an impressive client base, comprised of multilateral agencies, financial institutions, public bodies, mining and energy companies, in the full range of mandates. Project finance is a particular area of strength for the team, which showcases significant expertise in the development of major transport infrastructure projects, including the recent expansion of the Panama Metro, as well as hydroelectric, solar power and mining plants. The practice also ‘facilitates the development of legal strategies‘ in the context of public tenders and concession contracts. Leading the department, Ramón Varela stands out for his wealth of experience in project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Other noteworthy practitioners include finance specialists Inocencio Galindo and Kharla Aizpurúa; Aristides Anguizola, a key name for mining clients; and senior associate Ana Carolina Castillo, who specialises in energy transactions. Since publication, Castillo has been raised to the partnership – effective as of January 2023.

The corporate team at Morgan & Morgan has recently been active in a number of significant M&A transactions, particularly in the financial services industry, acting for an impressive roster of international financial institutions and corporations from a variety of sectors. As well as domestic matters, the practice is frequently instructed in multi-jurisdictional transactions within Latin America and cross-border M&A between the US and Panama. The firm also stands out for its expertise in the establishment of multinational headquarters in Panama. The M&A team is under the joint leadership of Francisco Arias, who also takes the lead on corporate work, and the ‘agile and efficient’ Roberto Vidal. Inocencio Galindo and Ramon Varela are highlighted for their expertise in the mining and energy sectors, respectively.