Dr Alejandro Ferrer > Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee > Panama, Panama > Lawyer Profile

M&A powerhouse Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee has a stellar track record in advising on both the purchaser and seller side of high-profile transactions, with notable capabilities in cross-border matters and deals in the banking and energy sectors. It also has growing expertise in the telecoms, technology and logistics spaces. Its client base ranges from major multinationals and leading Panamanian corporations to smaller emerging businesses. The department is headed by the highly experienced duo of Arturo Gerbaud, an expert in the financial services sector, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Alejandro Ferrer, whose practice takes in energy and telecoms-related transactions and antitrust matters. Other well-regarded partners in the sizeable team include Raúl Borrell, a specialist in the natural resources and maritime fields, Rita de la Guardia, who is also admitted to practice in New York and is well versed in international transactions, Patricia Cordero and Rafael Marquínez, while Diego Anguizola (another member of the New York Bar) and Mario Vlieg stand out at the associate level.

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee is widely recognised for the depth and breadth of its dispute resolution offering, fielding a four-partner team that is equally adept at handling complex litigation and arbitration. The firm remains the first port of call for many of Panama’s leading banks in financial litigation, and also stands out for its representation of major multinationals in commercial disputes (with a marked focus on the insurance, telecoms and construction sectors). On the arbitration front, the team is active in both local and international disputes, recently playing a prominent role in a high-profile case relating to the expansion of the Panama Canal. At the helm of the practice, former Minister of Labour Jorge Federico Lee has expertise across the full spectrum of disputes, and is particularly well versed in labour cases, and Alejandro Ferrer, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has a strong recent record in construction arbitration. Eduardo Gómez, a specialist in international arbitration and commercial litigation, and Jaime Castillo, whose practice spans tax, antitrust and construction-related disputes, are also key names. The enviably deep associate bench includes Doris Nieto (who has expertise in the telecoms, energy, insurance and media sectors), Anel Roach, Arcelio Vega and Ana Gabriela Santiago.

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee houses a comprehensive projects practice, which is particularly renowned for its expertise in the transport infrastructure space. The firm has significant experience in the financing, structuring, construction and operation of major transport projects, spanning the expansion of highways, port facilities and the Panama Canal. On the energy front, the team is equally adept at advising on conventional and renewable energy (with an emphasis on solar power), as well as assisting international clients with the operation of Panamanian mining concessions. Following the departure of former practice co-head Eloy Alfaro in July 2022, the key names at the senior level are former Minister of Foreign Affairs Alejandro Ferrer; Raúl Borrell, whose practice encompasses public tenders and concessions and the development of maritime and port facilities; and energy specialist Jaime Castillo. The experienced associate group includes Diego Anguizola, Sophia Astrid Lee and Doris Nieto.