Mr Santiago Llano Zapatero > Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C. > Mexico City, Mexico > Lawyer Profile

Clients of Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.‘s tax department view it as ‘the best ally in transactions‘ and the team is particularly well versed in tax matters (particularly structuring) in connection with some of the biggest deals in the Mexican market. In this respect it has a truly notable reputation in the real estate and energy spheres, while in capital markets-related tax work, the team also acts for a number of private equity groups and other finance sector entities. On the contentious side, the team assists with tax authority negotiations regarding audits, mediation procedures, and litigation, including before the Supreme Court. Three lawyers share leadership of the practice: Oscar López Velarde, a veteran of numerous contentious tax procedures; Santiago Llano Zapatero, who is a go-to tax advisor in the energy sector; and Juan José Paullada, an upcoming name in tax controversy. At associate level, former senior Eric Humberto Palacios left the firm in August 2024. However, the practice was substantially boosted the following month with the arrival of high-profile practitioner Alejandro Santoyo, formerly head of the tax practice at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C..