De Hoyos y Avilés SC

Ivonne Aguilera

Cross-Border Transactions Specialist Ivonne Aguilera is a seasoned Mexican attorney with over 30 years of experience, born and raised on the U.S.-Mexico border. Fully bilingual and bicultural, Ivonne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the legal and business dynamics that shape cross-border operations. Her practice focuses on Commercial and Real Estate Transactions, Corporate Law, and Mergers & Acquisitions, with extensive expertise in Real Estate and Banking Law. Ivonne advises a diverse portfolio of clients conducting business along the U.S.-Mexico border, offering strategic legal counsel that bridges legal systems and cultural nuances. Ivonne is known for her practical, business-oriented approach and her ability to navigate complex legal frameworks on both sides of the border. Her commitment to excellence and deep regional insight make her a trusted advisor for companies operating in this dynamic and evolving landscape. She is the Director of our Ciudad Juárez offices and spent most of his time attending cross border legal issues on the borders with Texas and New Mexico.

Luis Armendariz

Luis specializes in advising international clients on their investments in Mexico. With a robust practice spanning transactional, commercial and regulatory matters, Luis is a trusted advisor across a diverse range of industries. Luis’ expertise is particularly notable in sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, mining, energy & infrastructure, agroindustry, life sciences and alcohol & beverage. In transactional matters, Luis routinely handles complex and strategic deals, such as joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, real estate developments, commercial and private finance, secured and unsecured lending transactions, cash flow and asset-based lending facilities. With solid academic and professional credentials in both the U.S. and Mexico, Luis' bicultural legal and business perspective provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the Mexican legal and regulatory landscape which, combined with a pragmatic approach, enables clients to navigate intricate investment opportunities and achieve their business objectives in Mexico. He is a partner in our Chihuahua office.

Ignacio Aviles Bustillos

Ignacio Avilés Bustillos is a partner at the firm, with over 30 years of experience advising both companies and individuals. His practice is centered on Civil and Commercial Litigation, where he is known for his strategic approach and deep legal insight. He also has extensive expertise in Labor Law, frequently representing corporate clients in complex labor disputes. His ability to navigate sensitive employment matters and deliver effective legal solutions has made him a trusted advisor to businesses across various industries. Ignacio has litigated cases nationwide, appearing before state and federal courts, and has a strong track record in appellate litigation before federal courts. His broad courtroom experience and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition as a leading figure in his field. He holds two master’s degrees: one in Labor Law and another in Constitutional Law, which further strengthen his legal acumen and enhance his ability to address multifaceted legal challenges.

Carlos de Hoyos

Carlos A. de Hoyos Walther is a seasoned partner at our firm with over 30 years of experience in Business Law. His practice is centered on Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, and complex real estate transactions, with a particular focus on advising international companies operating in Mexico. Carlos has cultivated deep expertise in the border industry, including IMMEX programs, making him a trusted advisor for clients navigating cross-border operations and regulatory frameworks. His strategic insight and legal acumen have led to frequent invitations to serve on the boards of private companies and non-profit organizations, where he contributes to governance and compliance matters. He primarily works from our Guadalajara and Baja California offices, providing localized support with a global perspective. Carlos holds two master’s degrees, one in Business Law and another in Tax Law, which enhance his ability to deliver comprehensive legal solutions tailored to complex business environments.

Jorge de Hoyos Walther

Jorge E. de Hoyos Walthler is the Chief Executive Officer of the firm and one of Mexico’s leading practitioners in cross‑border litigation and high‑stakes dispute resolution. With more than 35 years of experience, he has built a distinguished career representing domestic and international clients in complex civil, commercial, and multi‑jurisdictional disputes. Jorge’s practice focuses on contractual litigation, civil and commercial torts, real estate disputes, and the recognition and enforcement of international judgments and arbitral awards. He is widely regarded for his ability to manage sophisticated matters involving parallel proceedings, foreign law considerations, and cross‑border enforcement strategies. In recent years, Jorge has expanded his practice into complex real estate transactions and arbitration, advising on structuring, negotiation, and dispute prevention in high‑value projects. His experience allows him to guide clients through the full lifecycle of contentious and transactional matters involving significant financial exposure. Jorge frequently collaborates with foreign law firms on disputes and transactions with international components, serving as a key strategic partner for global clients navigating the Mexican legal system. His leadership as CEO reflects his commitment to innovation, professional excellence, and the continued growth of the firm across Mexico and abroad.

Jaleyna de la Peña

Jaleyna de la Peña Molina is a Partner at the firm and leads key aspects of the family law, real estate, and private client practice in the Baja California office. With 17 years of experience, she has built a distinguished career advising clients on family wealth planning, family‑owned business structures, probate matters, and real estate issues. She joined the firm as an associate 17 years ago and has since developed into one of its senior practitioners. Jaleyna’s practice focuses on guiding families and individuals through complex personal, financial, and cross‑border matters. She is recognized for her ability to design comprehensive legal strategies that align long‑term family governance, asset protection, and succession planning objectives. Her experience also includes counseling family businesses on structural and operational matters, often involving multi‑jurisdictional elements. She earned her law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and holds two Master of Laws degrees: an LL.M. in Civil Law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and an LL.M. in Corporate Law from Universidad Anáhuac. In addition to her legal practice, Jaleyna dedicates part of her time to social and humanitarian causes, including collaborations with organizations such as UNICEF, reflecting her commitment to community impact and social development.

Karla S. Hernandez

With over 25 years of experience, Karla S. Hernández is a seasoned legal professional and a key partner at our firm. Her practice focuses on Banking Law, Contracts, and Civil and Commercial Litigation, where she has consistently delivered strategic and effective legal solutions. Throughout her career, Karla has handled complex multi-creditor cases, involving both secured and unsecured parties. Her expertise spans debt recovery, restructuring, and asset tracing, making her a trusted advisor in high-stakes financial and commercial disputes. Karla serves as the Director of our Guadalajara office, from where she oversees legal operations and supervises cases across Central Mexico and the Pacific region. Her leadership ensures consistent excellence in client service and strategic case management throughout these key territories. She holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Law, which complements her practical experience and enhances her ability to navigate intricate corporate legal matters. Her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of financial and contractual frameworks make her an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm.

Fernando Rodriguez

With over 20 years of legal expertise, Fernando Damián Rodríguez Castillo stands out as a leading attorney in Economic and Corporate Criminal Law. His career began during his law studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, where he combined academic excellence with hands-on experience in litigation. Over the years, he has built a distinguished track record in high-stakes criminal cases involving corporate fraud, fiscal crimes, and asset protection, providing strategic counsel to both companies and individuals. Fernando’s professional background includes over a decade as a Senior Law Clerk for the Criminal Division of the State Court of Appeals of the Superior Court of Justice of Chihuahua, where he developed in-depth expertise in criminal procedure, complex case analysis, and judicial reasoning. He also served as a Judicial Clerk in the Federal Circuit Court, gaining a profound understanding of constitutional and administrative law, particularly in amparo proceedings. His academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a specialization in Adversarial Criminal Procedure, and advanced studies in Judicial Criminal Law. In addition, he has taught Criminal Law at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, training future legal professionals in advanced litigation and oral trial techniques. Since 2016, Fernando has led his private practice, advising corporations on criminal compliance, risk prevention, and corporate criminal litigation. As part of De Hoyos Avilés, he spearheads the firm’s criminal law strategies with a technical and analytical approach. His membership in the Mexican Corporate Counsel Association (ANADE) and his active role on its Chihuahua Board reflect his commitment to excellence, ethics, and innovation in corporate criminal defense.

Lisbia Soto Elenes

Lisbia Soto Elenes is a Partner of the firm with 20 years of experience advising national and multinational companies on labor and employment matters throughout Mexico. She is widely recognized for her strategic approach to labor litigation and her ability to manage complex disputes before federal and local labor authorities. Lisbia earned her law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, graduating with honors, and later completed an LL.M. in Labor Law at the Universidad Panamericana, one of Mexico’s most respected postgraduate law programs. In her daily practice, Lisbia represents employers in labor litigation, collective matters, and disputes involving termination, workplace policies, and employment relationships. She also has extensive experience leading internal investigations for her clients, both in labor‑related issues and in broader compliance‑focused matters, including workplace misconduct, regulatory breaches, and internal policy violations. Her blend of litigation experience and compliance insight makes her a trusted adviser for companies seeking to minimize risk, maintain regulatory integrity, and implement best practices in human resources management.