Morgan & Morgan

Kharla Aizpurua Olmos

Kharla Aizpurua O. is a Partner and leads the Banking & Finance and Telecommunications, Technology & Data Protection practice areas at Morgan & Morgan. She is also well recognized for her expertise in Corporate & Commercial Law and Corporate Investigations & Compliance. With extensive experience, Kharla regularly advises clients on local and cross-border financing transactions, including syndicated loans, public project financing in transportation and energy, securitizations, public issuances, acquisition finance, mergers and acquisitions, and advisory services related to the telecommunications, startups, and e-commerce sectors, compliance, and data protection. As the leader of the firm’s Start-Ups service line, she guides companies at various stages of growth and investment rounds, particularly in FinTech, Technology, Telecommunications, and Consumer industries, supporting their strategic planning and sustainable development in Panama. She has also participated as a speaker in several editions of the data protection course specifically related to the banking and financial sector course within the Data Protection Diploma at the Universidad Latina de Panamá. Prior to joining the Firm, Kharla worked as an associate in the Corporate Department of Garrigues in Spain, handling M&A, banking and project finance, and securities matters.

Fernando Alfaro

Fernando Alfaro is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and currently works in the Maritime Litigation practice group. Mr. Alfaro specializes in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. His client portfolio includes ship-owners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests. In the public sector, Mr. Alfaro served office as Director of the Public Registry of the Republic of Panama. Mr. Alfaro graduated from the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua with a major in Law and Political Science, and later completed a master’s degree in law from American University, College of Law in Washington, DC. Mr. Alfaro is a member of the Panamanian Maritime Law Association and the National Bar Association of Panama. Mr. Alfaro is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama

Aristides Anguizola

Aristides Anguizola is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Corporate Law Department since 2010. Mr. Anguizola has concentrated his practice in mining, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, project finance, banking law and securities matters. He has significant experience providing legal support for mineral exploration and mine development and finance. During the last years, he has been very active assisting clients in aspects related to corporate and commercial, development and regulatory work. He has acted as co-counsel on complex mega projects such as Cobre Panama, the biggest private sector investment in the country; Metro of Panama, the most important public infrastructure project under development in Panama; the public bus rapid system for Panama City - Metro Bus, among others. Furthermore, he was part of the team that advised the Ministry of Public Works on the drafting and approval of the new law for public-private partnerships (PPPs). Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Anguizola gained experience in the Corporate, Litigation and Labor practice groups, as summer associate in McConnell Valdes LLC, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He also worked as summer associate in Greenberg Traurig LLP, Washington D.C., U.S.A. dealing with the Government Affairs Practice Group to lobby the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Since 2005 to 2007, Mr. Anguizola was the Communications and Media Attaché of Consular Affairs ad interim and managed White House press coverage during President of Panama Martin Torrijos working visit to the White House from February 14-16, 2007. Mr. Anguizola contributed as a writer in some publications such as the Panama Chapter of Doing Business (a project of the World Bank Group), and the Panama Chapter of Chambers & Partners´ Insolvency and Mining guides. IFLR1000 recognized Mr. Anguizola as leading corporate and financial lawyer. Mr. Anguizola has been also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm playing an active role advising various NGOs on their legal issues, as well as participating as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Anguizola obtained an LL.B. from the University of Virginia (2005); and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Georgetown University Law Center (2009).

Francisco Arias

Francisco Arias G. is currently a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities and Capital Markets, Intellectual Property, and Real Estate practice groups of the firm. Mr. Arias has over 20 years of legal experience, first in New York as an associate at Kronish, Lieb, Weiner & Hellman (today Cooley Kronish); and then in Panama as an associate and then a partner of Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega. He regularly advises clients in connection with the sale and purchase of businesses as well as joint ventures. During the last years, he has participated in transactions in several industries, including electricity generation, insurance, construction, real estate, hospitality, banking related services, shrimp farms, restaurants, retail, printing and editing, and non-alcoholic beverages, some with cross border components. Mr. Arias also has extensive experience in capital markets transactions including but not limited to capital raising through public and private offerings, capital markets regulatory work and listings on the Panama Stock Exchange. Furthermore, he has consolidated himself as a leading project finance lawyer in Panama, participating in the country’s most important transactions representing institutions involved in the principal projects in Panama such as the Panama Canal Expansion project. Chambers & Partners, IFLR 1000, Latin Lawyer, Legal 500 and LACCA have recognized Mr. Arias as a leading lawyer in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, capital markets and government contracts. Mr. Arias has been also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm playing an active role advising various NGOs on their legal issues. Mr. Arias obtained a B.A. in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University (1986) and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center (1989). Francisco Arias is currently admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama and was admitted to the bar of New York.

Ricardo Arias

Ricardo Arias is a Partner in the corporate law department and co-heads the Securities and Capital Markets practice. Mr. Arias focuses primarily on complex securities transactions some involving cross-border components and usually involving dollar amounts in the millions. He has worked on a broad range of public and private transactions for investment banks, financial institutions and companies in a number of industries, including energy, banking, real estate, education, private funds, gaming, automotive, aviation, among others. Mr. Arias also regularly counsels on transactions related to banking, M&A and project finance. He has represented local and foreign lenders as well as local and foreign developer/borrowers in secured and unsecured financings and project financings. He also specializes on setting up investment companies, including Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs); and is recognized for his participation in the first ever public offering of revolving Green Bonds issued in the Republic of Panama. Mr. Arias has been recommended by Chambers & Partners as a leading lawyer in Capital Markets, an collaborate with publications in the securities sector.

Rodrigo Arias

Rodrigo Ernesto Arias Valderrama holds a degree in Law and Political Science, and nearly 30 years of experience. He began his professional practice as associate attorney of Morgan & Morgan in 1987, and laterbecame a partner of the group in 1996. Mr. Arias Valderrama is part of Morgan & Morgan’s team of lawyers specialized in civil and commercial matters, contract and non-contract civil liability, litigation and dispute resolution in regular and arbitration venues. He advises clients interested in the collection of debts from natural or legal persons, seeking to collect damages that may have been caused as a result of defaulting legal or contractual obligations and/or illegal and non-contractual facts, actions and omissions involving fraud or some level of negligence or fault. Mr. Arias Valderrama has become a leading practitioner in the Republic of Panama, particularly in civil and commercial litigation fields and application of precautionary measures of all sorts, effectively representing the interest of clients of Morgan & Morgan seeking this type of service. Mr. Arias Valderrama graduated from Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua, in the Republic of Panama (1987); and made postgraduate studies in Procedural Law at Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (2001). He also made postgraduate studies in Mediation at Universidad de Panama (2002). Among his clients there are renowned banking entities, private companies, and multinational corporations operating in Panama. Mr. Arias is the author of “Civil Liability from Crime under the New Penal Code (1982)”. He is a member of the Bar Association of Panama, and the Instituto Antioqueño de Responsabilidad Civil. Mr. Arias is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Miguel Arias M.

Miguel A. Arias Mamais is an international associate in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. He regularly represents clients in matters related to banking and finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, insolvency, startups and e-commerce. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Arias worked as an International Law Clerk in the Latin American Corporate Law and International Arbitration Departments of the major US law firm Holland & Knight LLP (Miami, Florida). During this time, Mr. Arias advised clients on corporate matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, some involving cross-border components, as well as on litigation, and international arbitration matters. He is a member of the Hispanic Law Students Association at the University of Miami School of Law and has authored several publications on business, economic and financial topics. Mr. Arias obtained a B.A. in Business Administration - International Business and Legal Studies (with Honors) from Loyola University, New Orleans, U.S.A; and a Juris Doctor with an emphasis on business innovation, law, and technology at the University of Miami, Florida, U.S.A. Mr. Arias is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, U.S.A.

Yaneth Barrera

Yaneth Barrera is an associate and works in the Labor Law Department of the firm since 2014. Ms. Barrera concentrates her practice advising local and multinational companies with their labor matters, including labor disputes, labor conciliations, drafting of internal labor procedures, employee registrations, wage agreements, labor investigations, professional risk, and other related processes before the Social Security office and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Development. She is also involved in the firm's pro bono activities, advising various NGOs on labor and social security issues. Ms. Barrera holds an LL.M. in Labor Law from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. She completed her LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad de Panama and recently obtained a Certification in Safety and Labor Health from Universidad Sant Maria La Antigua. She is Vice-President of the Labor Law Commission of the National Bar Association of Panama. Ms. Barrera is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Laura Barrios

Laura Barrios is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm, advising clients on international tax issues, mainly assisting companies on efficient corporate structures and compliance matters. Ms. Barrios is considered one of Panama´s most knowledgeable tax treaty and CRS and FATCA reporting export. She has been an advisor to the Panamanian Government in tax treaties negotiations and in the implementation of fiscal and transparency regulations and policies that favor Panama´s jurisdiction. Prior to becoming an attorney at Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Barrios worked as Senior Consultant in an international consulting firm specializing in audit, tax, financial and accounting services. In the public sector, Ms. Barrios has been appointed as head of the Legal Department of the International Tax Sub directorate of the General Directorate of Revenue of Panama, as well as the Technical Secretary of the High-Level Presidential Commission for the Defense of International and Financial Services. Currently, she is part of the negotiating team of Tax Agreements of the Republic of Panama. She obtained an LL.B. in the School of Law of the Universidad Catolica Santa María La Antigua in Panama (Magna Cum Laude), and a LL.M. in International Tax Law from the WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business). Ms. Barrios is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Raul Bermudez

Raul Bermudez is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Bermudez specializes in company incorporation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Bermudez served as an associate in the Corporate, Estate Planning and Due Diligence practice groups, in a local firm in Panama City, Panama. Currently, he served as Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Panama. Mr. Bermudez has been also very involved in pro bono activities at the firm playing an active role advising NGOs on their legal issues, as well as participating as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Bermudez obtained an LL.B. from the Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama City, Panama (2010); and an LL.M in Corporate Law from the Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois (2013). Mr. Bermudez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Fernando Boyd

Fernando Boyd is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department, specializing his practice in business and corporate law, estate planning, private interest foundations, and company formation and management. Mr. Boyd has over 15 years of background advising local and international corporations in complex matters such as group restructurings, asset protection and management and private equity investments. Recognized for his knowledge of Panamanian Corporate Law, Mr. Boyd has also specialized in the creation and administration of complex multi-client and multi-jurisdictional structures. His client portfolio includes well-known private companies, banking and financial entities, corporate practitioners and private clients. He caters to wealthy families and professionals in South America, especially Chile, Ecuador, and Perú. He is one of the lawyers responsible for the firm for managing the relationship with Terralex, a worldwide organization of more than 155 firms worldwide. Mr. Boyd also participates as a conference speaker. In 2019, he was invited to give a speech on the upcoming constitutional reforms to the American Chamber of Commerce of Panama. Mr. Boyd is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Maria Eugenia Brenes

María Eugenia Brenes is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan and currently works in the Intellectual Property and Corporate Department. With over 15 years’ experience, on IP Prosecution and Protection she has been assisting clients for, and has personally handled portfolios in Panama for important clients such as LVMH Group and The Clorox Company. Mrs. Brenes is very business oriented attorney with strong experience advising clients on medical regulations pertaining IP matters, health product regulations, public procurement and data protection regulations applicable to the health sector. She has actively participated in policy making process for regulations of Law 35 of 1996, especially in the Trademark Chapter of said regulation. She has successfully supported clients through public procurement of health products (such a drugs and medical devices), civil engineering and goods for the defense sector. On competition matters, she has assisted in various transactions related to Antitrust (including M&A approvals), Anti-Dumping, and Safeguard measures. She has been involved in several mergers and acquisition approvals before the antitrust authorities in different industries, such as beer, automotive, financial, and dairy, among others. Mrs. Brenes is also very active in defending corporations in consumer protection actions before the Authority for Consumer Protection, Defense and Competition Entity (ACODECO for its acronym in Spanish). She is also mastered in tax matters and advises clients on making businesses and successfully obtaining all permits required to establish operations in Panama, with special interest in incentive areas for clients. Chambers & Partners have profiled Mrs. Brenes as an associate to watch in Competition Law and Intellectual Property. Mrs. Brenes is a member of the American Association of Intellectual Property, the Panama Association of Intellectual Property and the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property. She is also involved in pro bono activities of the firm serving as adviser in Panama of the Fundación El Caño, a non-profit that seeks topromote, support, and disseminatescientific researchofourarchaeological history, specifically in the areaof ElCaño, developing projects for the conservation and education of this heritage. Mrs. Brenes obtained a LL.B. degree from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua Law School in Panama and a LL.M. degree from the Franklin Pierce Law Center in Hampshire, U.S.A. She also obtained a LLM degree with high honors in Tax Law and Panamanian Taxation System from the Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado in Panama. Mrs. Brenes is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Milagros Caballero

Milagros Caballero is a Partner in the Labor & Employment Law practice of Morgan & Morgan. With over 20 years of experience, she focuses her practice on advising national and multinational companies from various industries in the process of establishing and developing their operations in Panama. She has extensive experience handling individual and collective labor matters, including union negotiations and the resolution of labor disputes through litigation and alternative dispute mechanisms. She also has recognized expertise in maritime labor law, providing specialized advice to companies in the sector on issues related to seafarers, their employment conditions, and the applicable special labor regime. Milagros earned her law degree from the University of Panama and holds specializations in Procedural Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods, and Business Management. She is certified as an arbitrator and mediator by the Ministry of Government and Justice of the Republic of Panama and is a member of the Panamanian Academy of Labor Law, where she currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors.

Allen Candanedo

Allen Candanedo is a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property Department of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Candanedo focuses his practice on all matters related to Intellectual Property Law, including the registration and protection of trademarks, as well as litigation related to oppositions against trademark registrations, cancellations, and criminal prosecutions against all sorts of infringements on Intellectual Property Rights. He is also well known for his practice in franchising and distribution agreements by assisting clients entering commercial relations with Panamanian counterparties. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Candanedo was in charge of the IP Department of a local law firm for ten years. He coordinated and managed relations with international correspondents regarding trademark registration, protection, and international litigation in North, Central, and South America from this position. Likewise, he attained experience in customer service and investor-relation fields in Panama and the Colon Free Zone. In pro-bono matters, he frequently advises and serves as a speaker for non-profit organizations on trademark registration and protection issues. Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 recognized Mr. Candanedo as a leading lawyer Intellectual Property. He graduated from the Universidad Catolica Santa María La Antigua, Law School, in Panama. He completed the program of Orientation in the U.S. Legal System at the International Law Institute at the George Washington University Law School, in Washington, United States of America. Completed the IP Program at the International Law Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and obtained a Degree in Negotiations, Treaties, and International Trade from ULACEX, Panama, in collaboration with Universidad de Santiago de Chile. Mr. Candanedo is a member of the American Association of Intellectual Property (AIPLA), Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), and the International Trademark Association (INTA). He is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Jose Carrizo

Jose Carrizo is a Partner and heads the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm leading a team that advises clients extensively in the area of commercial litigation, corporate dispute resolution and criminal law. Mr. Carrizo has been involved in complex matters, especially in the fields of civil, criminal, administrative, commercial, banking, insolvency and insurance law. In the course of more than 20 years of practice, his experience covers all kinds of litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian law before the different jurisdictional organs of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Furthermore, Mr. Carrizo has substantial expertise in both domestic and international arbitration processes. He has served as arbitrator in the National Arbitration and Mediation (NAM), based in New York. Mr. Carrizo has also acted as an expert witness before national and international arbitral tribunals and courts. He has been involved in complex matters and leading important processes regarding corporate insolvency and restructuring, refinancing advice, debt and asset recovery worth several million dollars. His client portfolio includes renowned private companies, banking and financial entities, governmental entities and multinational corporations in a broad array of local and international disputes. Mr. Carrizo has been recommended as a leading individual in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 in the area of Dispute Resolution. He has also served as a speaker at conferences related to the arbitration and is the author of several books and publications on a wide range of legal issues related to this topic. Mr. Carrizo is also involved in pro bono activities as he assists regularly to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation on subjects such as family law, domestic violence, labor law, immigration, litigation, among others. Mr. Carrizo is graduated from Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Law and Political Science (1996). In 2003, he completed his Master’s Degree in Universidad Externado de Colombia, in Bogotá, specializing in Civil Liability. Jose Carrizo is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ana Carolina Castillo

Ana Carolina Castillo Solis is a Partner in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. She specializes in energy transactions and advisory work in corporate and commercial, finance, mergers and acquisitions, among others. Ms. Castillo regularly advises clients in energy (power), finance, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions, among others. In recent years, she has been particularly active advising clients involved in the generation of energy, including hydro, wind, thermal, and solar projects. She has represented investors, developers and financial institutions in a wide variety of transactions including project finance, regulatory, licensing, permits, environmental and administrative law. She has served as Vice Chair of the Energy Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Panama (AmCham). In addition, Ms. Castillo is a member of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and an affiliate of the Women’s Directors Association of Panama (ADP). She is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm, having served as director of an environmental NGO, and regularly advising various NGOs on their legal issues. Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal have recognized Ms. Castillo as a leading lawyer in projects and energy, banking and finance, and corporate law. Ms. Castillo obtained a Bachelor of Law and Political Science (Summa Cum Laude) from the Law School of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama; she also participated in the International Law Exchange Program at Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and furthermore, obtained an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law (with honors) from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Furthermore, she coursed a Taxation program in the Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado in Panama and she also coursed an Electric Market program with the World Energy Council and the Electric Engineering Faculty of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. Ms. Castillo Solis is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Raul Castro

Raul Castro de la Guardia is a Partner and heads the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm. Mr. Castro has almost 25 years of experience in the use of corporations as asset protection vehicles and has specialized in tax consultancy, the design and implementation of cross-border structures and corporate and estate planning. His clients range from fellow practitioners, professionals in the financial and trust sector as well as families mainly from Europe and Latin America. He is the President of MMG Fund Services (Bahamas) and managing partner and President of the Board of MMG Trust, S.A., a duly licensed trust company in Panama, thus his experience in the management of fiduciary structures and their uses, is extensive. Mr. Castro has worked as an advisor to the Panamanian government regarding international tax matters, CRS and FATCA implementation and is currently a member of Panama’s tax treaty negotiation team. He has been instrumental in helping the Panamanian government in passing legislation and policies that help the jurisdiction comply with international requirements from FATF and OECD. Mr. Castro obtained a B.A in Financial Management from The Catholic University of the Americas in Washington D.C., U.S.A. and a JD in 1996 from Universidad de Puerto Rico.

Yosela Escudero

Yosela Escudero is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm. Ms. Escudero has particular experience in company formation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Escudero began her career with renowned local companies where she gained experience in the drafting and administration of contracts, immigration, commercial aviation and international public law. In pro bono matters, she regularly participates as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities. She is graduated from the Law School of University of Panama. Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Ms. Escudero is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Fanny Evans

Fanny Evans is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department, specializing her practice in business and corporate law, estate planning and company formation and management. She also has a leading role as the Vice-President of Operations of Morgan & Morgan offices in the British Virgin Islands, Belize, and Bahamas. For almost a decade, Fanny lived in the British Virgin Islands where she served as the Executive Director of our offices in that jurisdiction. Fanny has also served as speaker at conferences and workshops related to the corporate legislation in the Caribbean jurisdictions. She has also published articles about matters related to comparative law anti-money laundering, corporate governance, and regulatory law. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Fanny served as an associate in the Commercial Law Department of a well-known local firm. Fanny obtained an LL.B. at the Universidad Catolica Santa María La Antigua Law School in Panama and a Master in International Commerce at Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid, Spain. She also completed the International Program in Business Administration for Lawyers from the INCAE Business School. Fanny is fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian. Fanny is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). In addition, she is an associate of the Association of Directors of Panama (ADP). Mrs. Evans is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Arantxa Fernandez

Arantxa Fernandez Chang is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the firm's Corporate Law Department. Before joining our legal team, Ms. Fernandez gained experience in the Legal department of a U.S. investment management organization, where she was engaged in private equity investigations and other related matters. She also interned in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan (2017-2020), providing legal assistance in corporate, administrative, and due diligence matters. Ms. Fernandez obtained an LL.B. (Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and studied a certificate program in Capital Markets from the same university. Later, she obtained a Legal Tech and Innovation Specialization from George Washington University. Furthermore, she graduated from the Duke University School of Law with an LL.M. (Pro Bono Distinction) and a Business Law Certificate. Ms. Fernandez Chang is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Inocencio Galindo

Inocencio Galindo is a Senior Partner at Morgan & Morgan Legal and heads the Mining & Natural Resources, Project Development & Public Procurement, and Corporate Investigations, Compliance & Ethics practice groups. Inocencio is also highly recognized in the areas of Corporate & Commercial Law; Banking & Finance; and Mergers & Acquisitions. Prior to joining the Firm, Inocencio was an Associate at a major international law firm. He has over 25 years of experience and he has played a significant role in the development and financing of large infrastructure projects, such as Line 1, 2 and 3 of the Metro of Panama, the public transportation system Metro Bus, road projects including toll roads, electricity generation, potable water, and sanitation, among others. He has also served as external legal advisor of Minera Panamá, S.A. for over two decades and led the legal team in negotiating a Refreshed Concession Agreement with the Government of Panama for the Cobre Panamá project, which represents an investment of over US$10 billion, making it the largest private investment in Panama's history. Inocencio has also led legal teams in some of the major mergers and acquisitions that have taken place in the Republic of Panama, spanning industries such as banking, insurance, mining, beverages, electricity, automotive, cement, among others. He also possesses extensive experience in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration related to the projects he advices in. After holding other prominent positions within the organization, Inocencio was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama for the 2017-2018 period (the Chamber of Commerce is the most important association of the private sector in Panama with a membership of over 1700 companies); he served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the National Council of the Private Enterprise (CONEP) for the period 2018-2019, and he is a board member in companies from the banking, construction and related services, as well as pharmaceutical and consumer product distribution industries.

Ivette Gonzalez

Ivette Gonzalez is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Labor and Immigration Law Department since 2016. Ms. Gonzalez concentrates her practice in matters related to immigration law. Her experience includes preparing applications for residence permits, entry visas authorizations, work permits, as well as interacting regularly with Panamanian immigration authorities. Ms. Gonzalez obtained an LL.B. (Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (2009). Ms. Gonzalez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Nicole Gonzalez-Ruiz

Nicole Gonzalez-Ruiz De Ycaza is an associate attorney in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Gonzalez-Ruiz worked as a Legal Officer in an important local law firm, where she attended operational and administrative matters related to the Judicial Collections Department. In addition, she regularly advised clients in civil proceedings, proceedings before the Courts and other state entities, among other matters. Ms. Gonzalez-Ruiz holds an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (2019), an LL.M. in Accusatory Criminal Law from Universidad Latina de Panama (2021), and a Specialization in Procedural Law from Universidad Latina de Panama (2021). She is a member of the Executive Women's Commission of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and the National Bar Association of Panama. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez

Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Antitrust and Consumer Protection, Government Procurement and Contracts, Telecommunications, and Insurance and Reinsurance practice groups of the firm. He also plays a key role in the Corporate Law practice group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory and commercial law. As a corporate adviser, Mr. González Ramírez has been very active assisting multinational corporations from different industries such as Maersk, AES, Philips, 3M, Sony Corporation, Yamaha Motors, among others, upon establishing their headquarters operations in Panama. On matters related to competition defense, Mr. González Ramírez practice focuses on Antitrust (including M&A approvals), Anti-Dumping, and Safeguard measures. He has been involved in several mergers and acquisition approvals before the antitrust authorities in different industries, such as beer, automotive, financial, and dairy, among others. On Dispute Resolution matters, Mr. González Ramírez has served as adviser on local and international arbitration proceedings. He was appointed by the Panamanian Government, as arbitrator and conciliator of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based in Washington, U.S.A. He is a member of the Commission of the National Directorate of International Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama. Mr. González has also participated as Consultant and collaborator in the authorship of Law N° 5 of 2007 that sped up the process of opening a company and establishes other provisions. He also served as collaborator in the authorship of Law N° 41 of 2007, for the establishment of Headquarters of Multinational Companies. Furthermore, Mr. González has been co-author of the conceptual framework of the La won Transparency in Public Administration, and author of the conceptual framework of the Law on Free Competition and Consumer Affairs. He participated as editor and author of Decree Law No. 11 of February 22, 2006, which creates the Panamanian Authority for Food Safety and makes other provisions. Mr. González Ramírez is listed as a leading individual in the Corporate & Commercial chapters of IFLR 1000. He has also been awarded with the “Pedro Boyd Galindo Medal” granted by the Panamanian Business Executives Association, as recognition of his work, trajectory and dedication to this organization, as well as his permanent contribution to the development and protection of Panama as an International Business and Financial Center. Mr. González Ramírez obtained a Master (LL.M.) in International Legal Studies, in the Washington College of Law, at American University. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama. He is also the President of the Panama/Japan Friendship Association; Vice President Liberty Foundation; member of the Consultive Council of AES Panamá, S.A., and member of the Ibero-American Institute of Constitutional Law (Panama Chapter). Mr. González Ramírez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Luis Miguel Hincapie

Luis Miguel Hincapie is a partner at Morgan & Morgan. He advises clients in corporate and trust matters, private interest foundations and contracts in general. Mr. Hincapie has a marketing degree from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, and an LLB from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in the Republic of Panama. He also obtained his Master of Science in Management from the University of Miami, Florida, United States. In 2010, Mr. Hincapie was appointed by the President of the Republic of Panama as Vice Minister of government. Later, in 2011, he became Vice Minister of Labour. He has been invited to take part in the Forum for Young Leaders of Latin America by CAF (Corporacion Andina de Fomento) and the Brookings Institute in Washington, DC (2011) and the Forum of Emerging Leaders from Emerging Markets in Singapore (2012). On 1 July 2014, Mr. Hincapie was appointed as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Republic of Panama. For 5 years, he was responsible for defending the country's image at the international level in fiscal matters before the United Nations, the European Commission, the OECD, the FATF and bilaterally with more than 20 countries. As vice-chancellor, he was Chairman of the Organization Committee for the Seventh Summit of the Americas held in Panama in 2015, being instrumental party in all aspects of the organization for the summit that for the first time in 60 years was attended by all 35 countries of the American continent, including Cuba and the United States. Mr. Hincapie was appointed as ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Five, Gender Equality. He has also participated in different forums as a guest on issues related to the Venezuelan Crisis, Integration and Development of the Central American Region, as well as forums related to the participation of Women in public politics and Gender Equality. Mr. Hincapie is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm advising various NGOs on their legal issues. Luis Miguel Hincapie is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Sophia Lee

Sophia A. Lee de Siu is a partner in the Labor Law Department of the firm, where she concentrates her practice in all aspects related to Labor Law, specializing in the judicial and extrajudicial representation of clients for the resolution of labor conflicts, labor terminations, negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements, labor arbitration, among others. Sophia has a proven track record of more than 15 years in the practice of law. Prior to joining our legal team, she worked as a litigator associate in a major local law firm where she advised important national and multinational companies. She completed her LL.B. in the School of Law of Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama (Magna Cum Laude, 2006). She later completed a Postgraduate with Specialization in Labor Law (Summa Cum Laude, 2008), and a Master's Degree in Labor Law (Summa Cum Laude, 2011), both at the same university. In addition, Sophia completed courses in Labor Law at the University of Salamanca, Spain (2008), and Law and Legal English at Boston University Summer Legal Institute in London, England (2009). She is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama and is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ariana Linares

Ariana V. Linares T. is an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Linares worked as an attorney in the private banking sector, focusing on corporate matters and the review and drafting of legal documents required for credit facilities for leading companies in the region. She also worked as a Law Clerk in the Litigation and Arbitration Department of a top local law firm. During this time, she specialized in commercial, civil, administrative, constitutional, and corporate litigation processes. Ms. Linares obtained an LL.B. with honors (Summa Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and obtained an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law (with honors) and a Certificate in International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Ms. Linares is a member of the Georgetown International Arbitration Society and of the Latin American Law Students Association of Georgetown University Law Center. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Francisco Linares

Francisco J. Linares F., BA (Phil. & Econ./PPE), JD (cum laude), is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and currently serves in the Maritime Litigation practice group of the firm. Mr. Linares is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama. Mr. Linares career includes more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims at the Maritime Courts of Panama, dealing with collisions, cargo claims, oil spills and pollution, charter party disputes, personal injury, maritime liens, marine insurance claims, ship mortgage executions, among others. His client portfolio includes shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, bunker traders, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests. Mr. Linares is a current member of National Bar Association of Panama and of the Panama Maritime Law Association. Through the years, Mr. Linares has held various positions in the Board of Directors the Panama Maritime Law Association, formed part of important commissions in it dealing with law reform, and was its President for two consecutive terms, from 2017 to 2019. Mr. Linares has given lectures on Panamanian Maritime Law in various international venues, ranging from Asia, Europe and the Americas. He has provided comments on current topics on Panama’s maritime sector and law in international publications, such as Marine Money International and Market Intelligence. Chambers and Partners have recognized Mr. Linares as a leading individual in Shipping-Litigation. Mr. Linares has taught Maritime Law at the Universidad Santa María La Antigua’s Law School, and has been a member of that Law School’s Board of Advisors. Mr. Linares holds a BA degree from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, US), in Philosophy and Economics, with a concentration in PPE (1992). He also holds Juris Doctor degree (with honors) from Tulane University Law School (Louisiana, US), specializing in Maritime Law (1996). Additionally, Mr. Linares holds a diploma on IMO Conventions from the Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá (2010).

Irene Lombardo

Irene Lombardo is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan and is currently involved in complex litigation matters, with subjects such as liability, torts, banking, insurance, among others. Ms. Lombardo also participates in matters related to Human Rights, Administrative Law, Insolvency and Pro Bono matters. She authored academic publications such as “La Teoria de la Perdida de Oportunidad: Daño, Prueba e Indemnizacion en la Responsabilidad Medica” and “Diligence or Negligence?” Ms. Lombardo obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (2022). She is fluent in Spanish and English and handles French. Ms. Lombardo is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Luis Manzanares

Luis Manzanares is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Special Structures team of the group which helps clients create tax efficient multi-jurisdictions asset protection and distribution structures. During his long-career, Mr. Manzanares focuses his practice on estate planning and fiduciary services, as well as corporate services in multiple jurisdictions. His client portfolio includes banks and trust companies, family businesses and companies, all of which require sophisticated, custom-made fiduciary solutions for the organization and administration of private matters or specific business transactions. Mr. Manzanares has served as Managing Director of Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Limited, in the British Virgin Islands. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Manzanares was head of Legal and Trust Services, Dresdner Private Banking International (DPBI) in Panama. He was also Co-Founder and Director of the Panamanian Chapter of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP); and former President of the Panamanian Chapter of STEP. Mr. Manzanares authored “The Private Foundation as an Alternative to the Trust,”; “Offshore Companies: The Planners Trusted Tool- A Belize Approach”; and “The Private Wealth & Private Client Review” Panama Chapter. He is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm as he assists regularly to the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation on subjects such as family law, domestic violence, labor law, immigration, litigation, among others. Mr. Manzanares has an LL.B. from the School of Law of the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (1997) and a LL.M. in International Banking and Financial Law from the School of Law of the Boston University in U.S.A. (1998). Mr. Manzanares is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Alexis Medina

Alexis Medina is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Medina has over 15 years of experience in the Wealth-Management and Private Banking industry, focusing on company formation, design and implementation of cross-border structures and wealth planning and management. Since 2008 through 2013, Mr. Medina was the Executive Director of the Morgan & Morgan´s office in Singapore, dedicated to providing qualified legal advice as a foreign Law Practice, as well as services on corporate structuring, private foundations, trusts, and ship registration. Prior to becoming head of our Singapore office, Mr. Medina gained experience as an Associate attorney at MMG Trust (Panama), S.A., headquarters fiduciary activities of Morgan & Morgan in Panama; as well as Fiduciary Officer at Dresdner Private Banking International (DBPI), Dresdner Bank Lateinamerika AG, (DBLA), Panama Branch. As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Mr. Medina has held several committee positions, both in the Panama and Singapore branches. He is also a member of the National Bar Association of Panama. Mr. Medina has authored “The Supply Contract under Panamanian Public Contracting Law”, 1997. Mr. Medina obtained an LL.B. from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (1997) and a LL.M. from the University of Boston, U.S.A. (1999). He is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Andres V. Mejia

Andres V. Mejia is an associate in the firm's Shipping and Admiralty Litigation and Ship Finance and Registration departments. Andres specializes in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims, including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. He also represents ship owners, charterers, and leading financial institutions on all types of registration options available under Panama flag and ship finance structures, including ship mortgages and pledge of shares of Panama ship-owning companies. In addition, Andres advises clients on the sale and purchase transactions of vessels, including negotiation and closing of MOAs and on ship finance projects. He is also actively engaged in the licensing process for companies interested in starting maritime auxiliary businesses in the Republic of Panama. Andres is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm. He constantly participates as a volunteer and Legal Advisor to Fundamorgan and its Community Legal Assistance Program. Andres obtained a Master's in Admiralty and Maritime Law at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans as a recipient of the Tulane Alumni Association of Panama Scholarship and an LL.B. from the Law School of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. He also has an LL.B. in Maritime Business Administration with emphasis in Ports and Multimodal Transportation from Universidad del Istmo. He is the author of "Panama Ship Registry, 100 Years Serving the Maritime Community", a publication winner of the Tulane Maritime Law Society and the law firm Maynard Cooper & Gale Admiralty Writing Competition. Andres is a member of the Board of Directors of the Panama Maritime Law Association and is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Albalira Montufar

Albalira Montufar is a partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the immigration practice of the firm. For over 15 years, she has led some of the most important projects in Panama involving foreign personnel. Her expertise legal advising in matters related to immigration and labor law, including work and residence permits, visas and citizenship applications, as well as advising multinational corporations with such processes when establishing headquarters in Panama. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Montufar was a Partner at a consulting regional firm specializing in corporate labor and immigration counsel and related affairs. Who´s Who Legal and Latin Lawyer have recognized Ms. Montufar as a leading immigration lawyer in Panama. Ms. Montufar is a member of the Panama Bar Association and chaired its immigration commission in 2019-2021. Albalira has been a speaker on multiple conferences and forums and participates actively in advising on immigration matters to Panama’s Executive Branch, drafting and reviewing regulations related to immigration. In addition, she has contributed to the Panama chapter of Chambers Corporate Immigration Practice Guide 2023, the first edition of this guide globally. Ms. Montufar holds an LL.B. in Law and Political Sciences, from the Universidad de Panama (J.D. equivalent); Postgraduate Degree in International Trade and a Master in Negotiation, Administration and Execution of Commercial Treaties from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Comercio Exterior in Panama; and an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Juan David Morgan Jr.

Juan David Morgan Jr. is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and head of the Shipping and Admiralty Litigation practice group of the firm. Mr. Morgan Jr. has been practicing at Morgan & Morgan since 1990, specializing in all kinds of maritime claims, including those against the Panama Canal Authority for accidents occurring while vessels transit through the Panama Canal. He represented shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests in all types of maritime disputes. Mr. Morgan Jr. has served as Director and Financial Secretary of the National Bar Association of Panama; Director and President of the Maritime Law Association of Panama; Director of the Panama Chamber of Shipping; President of the Panama Maritime VII Conference & Exhibition Organizing Committee; Director and President of the Deutsch Panamaische Industrie-und Handelskammer; and President of the Tulane Club in Panama. He also serves on the Board of different private companies. He is a frequent speaker at international maritime law seminars and is the author of the publication “Ship Arrest and Arrest Defenses in Panama”. Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who´s Who Legal have profiled Mr. Morgan Jr. as a leading lawyer in Shipping and Admiralty Litigation. In addition, he has been distinguished with the International Award for Exceptional Achievement at the Tulane University Alumni Awards Gala 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Mr. Morgan Jr. obtained a B.S., at the Universität Heidelberg in Germany (1984); a B.A. at the Ohio Wesleyan University in the U.S.A (1986).; an LL.B. at University of Grenoble in France and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel (1987); and a J.D. at the School of Law of Tulane University in the U.S.A. (1989). He is fluently in Spanish, English and German. Mr. Morgan Jr. is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Angelica Ortiz

Angelica Ortiz is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Taxation Department of the firm. Ms. Ortiz regularly advises individuals and companies in matters pertaining to Panamanian tax system, including special tax regimes. She is very active assisting clients across many industry sectors such as construction, logistics and transportation, insurance, food and beverages, and technology. Ms. Ortiz is constantly interacting with the different structures of public administration with different aspects related to regulatory and tax compliance for corporations, trusts and private interest foundations. She also has expertise with proceedings related to Panamanian tax residence. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Ortiz gained experience in a local law firm. She also worked as volunteer for NGOs in Brazil and Panama. She has been also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm playing an active role advising NGOs on their tax issues. Ms. Ortiz is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Rodolfo Palma

Rodolfo Palma is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the criminal law practice since 2011. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, he worked at the Judicial System as National Director of the Clearing Judicial Program. He has also worked as, Special Substitute Magistrate of the Second Superior Court, Penal Circuit Judge, Circuital Defense Attorney, and as Assistant of Magistrate of the Supreme Court. Mr. Palma is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm, assisting Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation. Mr. Palma obtained his degree at the Law School of the Universidad de Panama. He obtained a certificate in Human Rights and another in Forensic Sciences from Universidad de las Americas and University of Panama, respectively. Later, he obtained a specialization in Public Law from ULACIT and a Master´s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Law from the University of Panama and ULACIT, respectively. Mr. Palma is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Perla Piña

Perla Piña is an associate at Morgan & Morgan Legal, working within the firm's Corporate Law Department. Currently assisting in matters related to Data Protection, Capital Markets, Energy, E-Commerce, Due Diligence, Insurance and Reinsurance and other corporate services. Perla obtained an LL.B. with honors (Summa Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the National University of Panama. Prior to joining our legal team, she gained valuable experience in litigation and dispute resolution at a local firm. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

David Ramos

David A. Ramos Alvarez has been part of the firm since 2018 and is currently an Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Ramos is frequently involved in complex national and international litigation and arbitration matters, especially in the fields of insurance, banking, trust, consumer protection, civil and administrative liability, torts law and constitutional proceedings. Mr. Ramos also specializes in academic and legal investigation of both national and international doctrine and caselaw studies. Furthermore, Mr. Ramos has advised in matters involving International and Comparative Law, especially in International Instruments of Human Rights (such as Convencion Interamericana de Derechos Humanos) and International Criminal Law (such as the Rome Statute and the Geneva Convention). Mr. Ramos has authored several academic publications such as "Analisis juridico-practico del acto medico y actos conexos a la prestación de servicios médicos, en el derecho privado y derecho publico”; and “Supranacionalismo: El Leviatán que Hobbes no observó”, and others. He also serves in Pro Bono matters and human rights investigations. Mr. Ramos obtained a Bachelor of Law and Political Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (2020) and is currently undertaking an LL.M. Degree in Medical Law in Universidad Externado de Colombia. Mr. Ramos Alvarez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Luis Raven

Luis G. Raven is currently a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Maritime Litigation practice group of the firm since 2007. Luis advises in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. Mr. Raven client portfolio includes shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Luis obtained experience as a Summer Law Clerk for Frilot, LLC in New Orleans and as a part time Law Clerk for the Assistant Attorney General of the Maryland Port Administration, United States of America. In addition, before becoming an attorney, Luis worked on merchant vessels and as a marine superintendent at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Raven obtained a B.S. in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation (Cum Laude) from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (2002) and a J.D. with a Certificate in Maritime and Admiralty Law from Tulane University (2007). He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and the Maritime Law Association of Panama. Luis is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama and in the State of New York, U.S.A.

Jose Rafael Reyes

Jose Rafael Reyes is a partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Taxation practice group of the firm. Mr. Reyes has over ten years of experience handling complex legal and tax matters. He regularly advises clients from multiple industries in connection with international taxation, tax planning, transfer pricing, regulatory compliance, proceedings before local tax authorities, and representation before the Administrative Tax Court. Prior to joining the firm´s legal team, Mr. Reyes was a partner in an important local firm specializing in corporate law, tax, real estate, and other related matters. He also worked as a partner in a renowned international accounting and tax planning services firm. Mr. Reyes obtained an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama; and an LL.M. from the School of Law of Tulane University, New Orleans (awarded with the Harry F. Stiles scholarship). He also participated in the Harvard Law School's Instructional Program for Lawyers. Furthermore, Mr. Reyes holds a degree in Taxation from Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado (UNESCPA) and has participated in seminars on International Tax Law and Transfer Pricing at the International Tax Center Leiden in The Netherlands; and on International Tax Planning from the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBDF) in Prague, Czech Republic. Mr. Reyes is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Karen Rodriguez

Karen Rodriguez Cuevas is an attorney at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm. She specializes in company incorporation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and regulatory compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Rodriguez served as an attorney for local consulting firms where she handled matters related to Corporate and Commercial Law, Administrative Law, Public Bids, Real Estate, and general compliance and regulatory matters. In addition, she worked in the public sector as Lawyer of the Administrative Direction and Legal Advisory Direction of the Presidency of the Republic of Panama. She obtained an LL.B. in Law and Political Science from the University of Panama (2009) and holds a Master´s Degree in Commercial/Corporate Law from the Interamerican University of Panama (2013). In addition, she has also completed studies in Public Administration with emphasis on Government Contracts, Administrative Law and Administrative Procedural Law, and Drafting and Evaluation of Legal Documents in Public Management. Ms. Rodriguez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Miguel Rodriguez

Miguel Rodríguez joined Morgan & Morgan in 2003 as a Paralegal and is currently an Attorney in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm. Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in matters related to litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian Law before the different jurisdictional branches of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Rodríguez worked at the Seventh Civil Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Panama. Mr. Rodriguez is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm regularly assisting to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Rodriguez obtained an LL.B. from the Law School of Universidad Interamericana in Panama. Mr. Rodriguez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Omar Rodriguez

Omar Cadul Rodriguez Muñoz heads the criminal law practice of the firm and has over 25 years´ experience litigating complex cases and acting before local arbitration tribunals. He has been engaged to work in several processes representing clients form sectors such as construction, public infrastructure, oil and gas, banking, energy, hospitality, and government. Mr. Rodriguez also focuses on all aspects of business and private crime defense and has appeared as counsel in high-profile cases in Panama during the last years including financial and business frauds, injuries to economical heritage, informatics security, crimes against public administration and national economy among others. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Rodríguez held various public positions such as Assistant Prosecutor to the First Deputy Prosecutor to the General Prosecutor; Secretary to the Second Deputy Prosecutor to the General Prosecutor; Acting Prosecutor for the Panama Circuit; Acting First Secretary to the General Prosecutor; Municipal District Prosecutor to the District of San Miguelito; Acting Secretary to the General Prosecutor of the Nation; Assistant Lawyer for the General Prosecutor of the Nation. He is a regular lecturer on criminal law, procedures and arbitration to associations such as the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Mr. Rodriguez is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm regularly assisting to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation. He is graduated from the School of Law of the Universidad de Panama; a Postgraduate Degree from the Universidad Latina de Panama; and a LL.M. in Commercial Law from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. He also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Criminal Law from the Universidad of Salamanca in Spain and has participated in special courses on Mediator, Conciliation, Arbitration and Accusatory Penal System. Mr. Rodríguez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Romulo Roux

Romulo Roux is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Corporate Law practice group of the firm. Mr. Roux leads the team that advises clients in multiple areas of law when doing business in Panama. Mr. Roux has over 20 years of expertise advising both domestic and international companies, multinational corporations, banking and financial entities, governmental entities and private investors in a wide range of matters. Under his supervision, the firm advised clients on the management of complex transactions including cross-border operations. He has acted as representative for the financing of projects, as well as in banking and telecommunications transactions, representing institutions involved in the country´s most important projects such as the Panama Canal Expansion. Chambers & Partners, Which Lawyer Yearbook and IFLR 1000 have recommended Mr. Roux as a leading individual. In the public sector, Mr. Roux has served as Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal, Ministry of the Panama Canal Affairs and President of the Panama Water Authority Committee. Mr. Roux obtained a B.S. in Marketing (Cum Laude) at the Babson College, in Boston, Massachusetts; a J.D. (Cum Laude) at the University of Miami, Florida; and a MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at the Northwestern University of Illinois. Mr. Roux is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and the National Bar Association of Panama. Mr. Roux is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Jazmina Rovi

Jazmina Rovi is a Partner and head of the Ship Finance and Registration Department of the firm. Ms. Rovi has over 25 years’ experience representing ship owners, charterers and leading financial institutions on all types of registration options available under Panama flag and ship finance structures including ship mortgages and pledge of shares of Panama ship owning companies. She has an extensive practice in assistance on sale and purchase transactions of vessels including negotiation and closing of MOAs and on ship finance projects. She is also actively engaged in the licensing process for companies interested in starting maritime auxiliary businesses in the Republic of Panama. Ms. Rovi has been also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm playing an active role in the drafting of various Panama maritime legislations including the General Merchant Marine Law No. 57 of 2008 and the Executive Decree No. 86 of 2013 which implements the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. She promoted the initiative of Panama negotiating with People’s Republic of China the most favored nation clause which would grant Panama flag vessels preferential rates in Chinese ports and was invited to attend the first State Visit of a President of Panama to China that took place on November 2017 where a maritime agreement with MFN clause was signed. She has also collaborated with review and drafting of Panama regulations for fishing vessels and licenses for fishing vessels and reefers. Ms. Rovi is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama, Maritime Law Association of Panama and the Iberoamerican Institute of Maritime Law. She was elected to chair the Maritime Law Association of Panama from 2011-2012 and re-elected for the 2012-2013 and 2019-2020 periods. In addition, she is listed as a leading lawyer in the Shipping chapters of Chambers & Partners, Latin Lawyer 250, Legal 500 and Who´s Who Legal. Ms. Rovi obtained an LL.B. in 1989 from the School of Law of the Universidad de Panama and holds a PH.D., in Private International Law from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain, in 1994 Ms. Rovi is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Mayte Sanchez Gonzalez

Mayte Sanchez Gonzalez is a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan and frequently participates in complex and high-value civil, commercial, administrative, and corporate litigation matters where she has represented medium and major domestic and foreign corporate clients as well as governmental entities. She also has extensive experience formulating creative solutions to complex and high-stake domestic and international arbitration processes (both investor-state and commercial) in a range of industries, including large-scale infrastructure projects, construction, energy, ports and shipping, logistics, hospitality, retail, insurance and reinsurance, and government. Ms. Sanchez is a certified as a Mediator and Conciliator from the Ministry of Government of Panama; and has been included in the list of Arbitrators of the Center for Arbitration and Conciliation of Panama (CeCAP). She also is a member of the Young Arbitrators Forum (YAF) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Women Way in Arbitration (WWA LATAM), among others. In the public sector, Ms. Sanchez served at the Panamanian Judicial System as an Assistant Judge of Civil Circuit Court and of a Justice of the Supreme Court (Third Chamber). Ms. Sanchez has been recognized by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 (Rising Star) for her work in Dispute Resolution. In addition, she has been shortlisted by Women in Business Law Americas Awards in the category “Best in Commercial Arbitration.” On pro-bono matters, she regularly advises non-governmental organizations, including her counsel on creating Panama’s first Central Blood Bank. She also collaborates with local and international publications on matters related to dispute resolution. Ms. Sanchez obtained an LL.B. from the University of Panama (2008) and a LL.M. in Global Legal Studies from the Universidad Catolica Portuguesa de Lisboa in Portugal (2010) and a Master Degree in Administrative Law from the Latina University of Panama (2014). She also has a Diploma in Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration, and a Diploma in Criminal Justice. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Carolina Tejada Vaprio

Carolina Tejada Vaprio is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan Immigration Law Department since 2017. Ms. Tejada regularly advises executives and multinational companies with the immigration processes required when establishing its regional headquarters in Panama. Her experience includes preparing applications for residence permits, entry visas authorizations, work permits, as well as interacting regularly with Panamanian immigration authorities. Ms. Tejada obtained an LL.B. from the University of Panama (2010), and a LLM in Private Law (Civil, Commercial and Labor) from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, in Spain (2013). She also holds an LLM. in Procedural Law from the University of Panama (2017). Ms. Tejada is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Mario Tejeira

Mario Tejeira is currently a Partner at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Tejeira has over 20 years of experience in business and corporate law, estate planning, private interest foundations, company formation and management. His client portfolio includes well-known private companies, banking and financial entities, corporate practitioners and private clients. Mr. Tejeira has authored “Active Legitimation and the Principle of Finality in a Civil Rights Action”, 1997. Mario Tejeira is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Orlando Tejeira

Orlando Tejeira is an Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Tejeira frequently is involved in complex matters, especially in the fields of public infrastructure, construction, oil and gas, insurance, banking, mining, ports, energy, media, and telecommunications. Mr. Tejeira joined the firm in 2010 in the areas of Immigration and Litigation, where he gained experience in all aspects of immigration law including residence permits, visas and citizenship applications, as well as dealing with complex litigation proceedings related to civil, administrative and commercial law. Later, he became Resident Attorney of the Morgan & Morgan office in London, England. Furthermore, he has been involved in other international activities such as The White & Case International Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, arguing before The International Court of Justice, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Tejeira was one of the competitors representing Panama in the 2011 and 2012 editions. On pro bono matters, he regularly advises in Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation. He is graduated (Magna Cum Laude) from the Law School of Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and holds a Master of Laws – LL.M. in Litigation and Dispute Resolution from University College London (UCL). Mr. Tejeira is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Joy Torres

Luis Vallarino

Luis Vallarino is a Partner and co-head in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm. Mr. Vallarino has a strong reputation for dealing with complex litigation matters related to government contracts, regulatory law, energy, ports, banking law, media, technology, telecommunications, transportation, hospitality, among others. Mr. Vallarino has almost 20 years of experience, focusing on all kinds of litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian law before the different jurisdictional organs of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Furthermore, he has ample experience in arbitration processes both domestic and international. He is a member of the Young Arbitrators Forum (YAF) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and has participated as lecturer in forums related to local and international arbitration. Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Benchmark Litigation (Euromoney plc) recognized him as a leading lawyer in Dispute Resolution. His client portfolio includes well-known private companies, banking and financial entities, governmental entities and multinational corporations in a broad array of local and international disputes. Mr. Vallarino is also involved in pro bono activities and NGOs, such as the Food Bank of Panama (member of The Global FoodBanking network), advising on legal issues and participating in the Board of Directors of this organization. He is graduated from Law and Political Science and holds a master’s degree in Business Law from the School of Law of Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua. Mr. Vallarino is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Humberto Vanegas

Humberto Vanegas joined Morgan & Morgan in 2010 and is currently an Associate at the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. Mr. Vanegas focuses his practice in litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian law before the different jurisdictional branches of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Mr. Vanegas is also involved in probono activities of the firm regularly participating in Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Vanegas obtained and LL.B. from the School of Law of the Universidad de Panama (2013). Mr. Vanegas is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ramon Varela

Ramon Varela is currently a Partner and heads the Energy and Projects practices of the firm. He also has a leading role in the Corporate Law practice, counseling clients in matters related to mergers and acquisitions, joint-ventures, securities, corporate governance and regulatory law. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Varela served as an associate in the Commercial Law Department of a well-known local firm, reviewing matters related to mergers and acquisitions, project finance, contracts, environmental law and securities. With almost 20 years’ background in corporate law, including project finance matters, Mr. Varela’s experience includes major areas of infrastructure projects, including transportation, ports and energy. His practice focuses advising clients involved in the generation of energy, including hydro, wind, natural gas and solar projects. He led the Morgan & Morgan team that represented The AES Corporation in the development of the Changuinola I Hydroelectric Project, one of the most important private investments in the country. He also led the Morgan & Morgan team advising a group of lenders in a credit facility of up to US$300 million for the financing of four wind farms, with an aggregate capacity of 215 MW, in Coclé Province; Republic of Panama, expected to be the largest wind farm in Central America. In addition, Mr. Varela is currently advising The AES Corporation in the development of an integrated gas to power facility in the Telfers Islands in the province of Colon, at the North Coast of the Republic of Panama. The project consist of a 380MW net combined cycle gas-fired power plant and an onshore LNG import terminal with an 180,000 m3 storage tank, as well as the construction of power evacuation facilities to interconnect the generation plant with the existing electricity transmission network. Mr. Varela has also served as speaker at conferences and workshops related to the energy market in the country, to discuss the investment needs of the energy sector and new energy projects in Panama. His client portfolio includes developers, operators, EPC contractors, investors and government authorities who are actively involved in the energy sector. Chambers & Partners, IFLR 1000 and Legal 500 have recognized Mr. Varela as a leading lawyer in corporate and M&A, project finance, government contracts, energy and infrastructure. Mr. Varela obtained a B.A. in 1995 from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. and a J.D. in 1998 from The George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C. Mr. Varela is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Daniel Vargas

Roberto Vidal

Roberto Vidal is a Partner in the Corporate Law Department of the firm and co-heads its Mergers and Acquisitions practice. Mr. Vidal specializes in banking law, insurance law, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and regulatory matters. He has participated and led transactions from several industries such as, ports, energy, real estate, banking, insurance, mining, securities, restaurants, hotels, retail, among others. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Vidal acquired his experience as an International Associate at White & Case, LLP, Miami, Florida, U.S.A., where he worked in the Corporate Law Department reviewing mergers and acquisitions, project finance, securities matters, among others. During the last years, he has been very active assisting domestic and international clients such as General Electric, Grupo Codere, Inter-American Development Bank, Grupo Cirsa, International Finance Corporation, DEG (German Investment Corporation), FMO (Dutch Development Bank), Travelers Insurance, Lloyds Bank, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Norfund, Wells Fargo, OeEB (Development Bank of Austria), Proparco (French Development Agency), Hyatt International, Inc., HSBC, Panama Ports Company (a subsidiary of Hutchinson Ports Holdings), Bank of China, Credit Suisse, Lazard, UBS, The AES Corporation, Caterpillar, AON Benfield, Lombard Odier, Banco Davivienda, Mercantil Banco, Inchcape (Motores Japoneses), Marsh Semusa, Orla Mining, among others. Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 recognized him as leading lawyer Corporate and M&A lawyer. Mr. Vidal also collaborates with publications in the Corporate and M&A, and he is active in associations of law firms dealing in this sector. He is one of the lawyers responsible for the firm for managing the relationship with World Services Group, a worldwide organization of more than 130 firms worldwide. Mr. Vidal is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm, assisting Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation. He is graduated from the Law School of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (Summa Cum Laude); completed an International Law Exchange Program at Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and finally got an LL.M. in Banking and Financial Law from the Boston University. Mr. Vidal is a member of the Bar Association of Panama and is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.