Marval O’Farrell Mairal > Buenos Aires, Argentina > Firm Profile

Marval O’Farrell Mairal > The Legal 500 Rankings

Argentina > Banking and finance Tier 1

Marval O’Farrell Mairal‘s chairman, Santiago Carregal, leads the firm’s ‘outstanding’ and ‘versatile’ banking and finance practice alongside veteran banking specialist Gabriel Matarasso. With a team of more than 50 lawyers -including nine partners- at its disposal, the firm is able to deliver a full-spectrum service offering that covers all aspects of banking and finance law. A regular presence on big ticket bank M&A deals and sophisticated loans’ mandates, the team is equally adept at taking on complex forex, regulatory and financial restructuring matters; and -despite a challenging market- the practice continues to secure project finance, structured finance and capital markets work. A niche practice in Central Bank-linked litigation and a large portfolio of highly sensitive, non-transactional banking work add a further layer of differentiation. The ‘brilliant’ Roberto Silva Jr leads on the firm’s biggest capital markets engagements and is another notable name, alongside Cecilia Mairal, who is best known for handling challenging and frequently highly sensitive work for banks. Clients also make special mention of capital markets partner Juan Diehl Moreno, who works closely with financing specialist Hernán Slemenson. Sergio Tálamo, who has a strong track record in syndicated and bilateral loan markets, was raised to the partnership in August 2021; as was Francisco Abeal, whose practice extends to foreign exchange and currency control matters, 12 months later. Former partner Fernando Hernández  has departed for an in-house role with Globant. At associate level the team has experienced considerable change – in part a strong reflection of the training they receive at the firm: former senior associate Martin Lanus moved to Paul Hastings LLP in New York in October 2021, while semi-senior Agustin López Roualdes is currently undertaking his LLM at Columbia and fellow semi-senior Ezequiel Guerrero Setti moved to Banco Santander (March 2022). Associate Pablo Lapiduz arrived from JP Morgan in May 2021 but Cecilia Ramos moved in the opposite direction in May 2022, while Josefina Griot moved to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton as an international associate in August 2022. Senior associate Manuela Lava is currently the key contact at associate level; with over 15 years at the firm she has particular knowledge of financial trusts, capital markets’ matters and fintech.

Argentina > Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 1

Marval O’Farrell Mairal is a go-to firm for complex cross-border restructuring and bankruptcy matters, with its New York office a key differentiator when supporting clients in cases heard before US courts. The practice is a consistent presence across all the major restructurings in Argentina and is comfortable handling in and out-of-court proceedings. The team will advise debtors and shareholders, but is best-known for its creditor-side work, and takes full advantage of its full service offering to provide support from overlapping practice areas including corporate, banking, litigation, tax and labour. Counsel Martín Campbell has more than 35 years' insolvency experience and leads a strong team that also includes disputes-focused veteran Julio César Rivera, judicial bankruptcy proceedings expert Gonzalo Fontana and banking and finance restructuring lawyer Roberto Silva. Banking and finance partner Ricardo Beller left to join PAG Law in May 2022.

Argentina > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

Combining a strong antitrust investigation practice with a reputation for merger filings in Argentina, Marval O’Farrell Mairal handles a range of competition matters across Latin America particularly Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Uruguay. The team assists companies dealing with economic regulations, as well as providing internal compliance advice to a broad spectrum of clients. Competition specialist Miguel Del Pino leads the team and can call on the experienced Santiago del Rio, who also focuses on the competition space, including merger control fillings. Another key name in the area is associate Ignacio Mora, who specialises in competition law and has expertise in Argentina and abroad.

Argentina > Compliance Tier 1

Marval O’Farrell Mairal‘s highly-specialised, full-time compliance department offers a broad range of compliance services with deep expertise in complex investigations, litigation and anti-corruption matters. The practice has extensive experience in complex cross-border cases, involving lawyers and forensic experts in multiple jurisdictions, and also handles day-to-day compliance work. Clients value the team’s ‘good mix of academic depth and practical experience’ and single out ‘extraordinary’ practice head Gustavo Morales Oliver for his ‘incomparable’ compliance knowledge.  The ‘impressive’ María Lorena Schiariti, who has deep experience of public and administrative law, is another key figure. Pedro Serrano Espelta  has left the firm.

Argentina > Consumer law Tier 1

Known for large, complex claims and class actions, Marval O’Farrell Mairal advises clients across industries on the preparation for new product launches in Argentina in compliance with local regulations. Key areas of work include outlining compliant corrective-action strategies, providing advice on labelling requirements and assistance with adapting products, services and sales plans. As well as the group's experience in consumer liability claims, the firm also fields a strong and sizeable tobacco product liability practice. Leandro M Castelli specialises in product liability claims, with a background in complex litigation. He co-leads the team with Fernando Montes De Oca, who focuses on litigation in the automotive industry; and Facundo Viel Temperley, whose fortes are procedural law and civil, commercial, consumer and product liability cases - he also has particular expertise in class actions. Key support is provided by associate Alejo Gascón.

Argentina > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Domestic and international clients seek out the ‘proactive and knowledgeable’ Marval O’Farrell Mairal corporate and M&A team for ‘clear and precise’ advice on large and sophisticated M&A deals. The practice continues to handle a high volume of deals across multiple sectors, despite the wider slowdown in Argentine activity, and is the go-to firm for complex, cross-border deals as well as private equity-backed transactions. The firm has also expanded its regional practice and is retained by multinationals to coordinate transactions across Latin America, in the same way that US firms have done in the region, historically. The highly regarded Pablo Artagaveytia and Pablo Viñals Blake co-head the practice, which boasts a deep roster of of senior talent and experience. The iconic Héctor Mairal continues to provide critical strategic advice when called upon, with ‘outstanding’ M&A rainmaker and firm chairman Santiago Carregal another senior name. Additional senior practitioners include veteran transactional practitioner Pablo Garcia Morillo, who can draw on over two decades' partner-level experience; and the ‘highly analytical, empathic and committed’ Diego Krischcautzky who has extensive M&A, private equity and venture capital experience. Barbara V Ramperti, whose practice centres on M&A (particularly the acquisition of new business lines), joint ventures and reorganisations; and Diego Chighizola, a recognised player in the local cross-border M&A market (who also specialises in agribusiness and real estate), are both increasingly established players with a decade's partner-level experience apiece; while a pool of up-and-coming younger partners – including María Macarena García Mirri and María Laura Bolatti Cristofaro – provide further high-level support. At associate level, senior María Virginia Canzonieri (commercial and corporate law and M&A), is the key figure.

Argentina > Dispute resolution Tier 1

The ‘excellent’ team of ‘capable lawyers’ that make up Marval O’Farrell Mairal's dispute resolution practice are praised for their ‘detailed experience and knowledge’ and ‘wide network’. The practice is a consistent presence in the biggest and most complex disputes in Argentina and has a stellar track record handling all types of litigation as well as local and international arbitration work. The firm litigates before all levels of Argentina’s courts and acts as counsel in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. Constitutional and administrative matters, as well as bankruptcy litigation, are also covered. Ricardo Ostrower, who is singled out for his ‘exhaustive legal analysis’ and ‘vast experience in litigation’, leads a deep bench of talent. The ‘extraordinary’ Julio César Rivera (h) focuses on commercial litigation, international and domestic commercial arbitration, insolvency and constitutional law; while Martín Campbell has expertise in commercial, business and labour law litigation. Santiago Soria has a strong energy and natural resources disputes practice, with civil and commercial litigation expert Rodrgio García and Elias Bestani -who has expertise in insurance, reinsurance, aviation and maritime disputes- also noted. The ‘extremely diligent’ litigation ‘guru’ Facundo Viel Temperley, who has a strong consumer practice, is also singled out by clients. The senior bench was further reinforced with the August-2022 appointment of arbitration and litigation practitioner Fernando M Alemany to the partnership; Martín Vainstein moved to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton as an international associate the same month.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1

Handling all issues related to mining projects and mining operations, Marval O’Farrell Mairal  has ‘proven that it is able to advise on different aspects of complex cross-border transaction because of its wide offering of legal services’. The practice’s strengths include large mineral-resources deals, complex regulatory matters and niche mining-related litigation. The team is also experienced in day-to-day advice on mining projects and operations in Argentina, from acquisition, exploration and feasibility, to construction and operation. Another feature of the practice is its advice to the Argentine mining chamber (Cámara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros). Following the retirement of veteran practitioner and former departmental head Luis E Lucero , practice leadership has passed to Leonardo Rodríguez a deeply experienced mining specialist with some 20 years’ dedication to the sector. He is flanked by an experienced line of associates including: seniors Ignacio Alonso (who recently assisted Glencore, Newmont and Yamana subsidiary, Minera Alumbrera, with complex litigation and regulatory matters); and Andrés Villarreal (whose recent matters include advising Anglogold Ashanti on exploration and option agreements with Latin Metals, regarding gold projects Organullo, Ana María y Trigal); along with recently appointed senior Agustina Dellacasa, whose practice centres on mining, natural resources and climate change, and associate María Mercedes Rudolph, who has a decade’s experience working throughout the mining sector.

Argentina > Environment Tier 1

Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s environmental practice ‘stands out for its high professional level and in the quality of its work, legal analysis, neatness, punctuality and availability’. The compact team nevertheless handles the spectrum of environmental matters, from regulatory issues and litigation, to due diligence and M&A transactions - with a particular specialism in handling the environmental aspects of infrastructure, manufacturing, oil-and-gas, and conventional and renewable energy projects. Another strength is litigation, including criminal cases related to environmental pollution and infractions. Leading the team is Francisco MacÍas, whose expertise includes environmental claims, particularly in the energy and natural resources sector. At associate level, experienced seniors Gabriel Fortuna (who is active in environment matters relating to the mining, food, energy, manufacturing and oil and gas sectors); and Jimena Montoya (whose practice centres on environmental regulatory matters, audits and due diligence), are also key names.

Argentina > Insurance Tier 1

Held in high regard for its ‘excellent multidisciplinary team that gives constant support to all types of queries’, Marval O’Farrell Mairal is a stand out firm in the sector, with sources noting its ‘insurance practice is sophisticated, with highly skilled individuals in the area who know the London insurance market and its nuances’. The practice work across the spectrum of insurance and reinsurance matters, advising insurance and reinsurance clients on general corporate matters. Core strengths for the team include regulatory advice and administrative proceedings, reinsurance claims, M&A, marine and aviation insurance, and product liability matters. The group particularly excels in the defence of collective and class actions against insurance companies, as well as other types of mass litigation in the insurance space. The 13-strong team is led by go-to insurance expert Pablo Cereijido  who can draw on some 25 years’ experience and focuses on complex matters. Senior support comes from fellow partner Elias Bestani  , who has over 20 years’ experience handling claims, coverage disputes and shipping and admiralty cases; and key associate María Victoria Rodríguez Mamberti , who focuses on marine and aviation matters. The group can also call on of counsel Alberto C Cappagli , who has a 40 year trajectory in the sector.

Argentina > Intellectual property Tier 1

Arguably the stand out firm for IP matters, be they transactional, contentious or tax related, it is worth recalling that full service market leader Marval O’Farrell Mairal began life as an IP boutique. It's ‘lawyers are very knowledgeable about IP issues and so are its patent technicians. They are a pleasure to work with, they are accurate, clear, timely and extremely reliable’. The sizeable practice -over 40-lawyers strong- is equally capable across all facets of IP practice, from local patent, trade mark and copyright litigation and enforcement, to handling IP prosecution and portfolio management for clients across Latin America and the Caribbean. Patent applications and trade mark prosecution are key areas of work for the team, which is further supported by the multidisciplinary expertise of the wider firm, including criminal law experts. Another distinguishing factor is its Enforcement Unit, focused on combating the damages arising from counterfeiting activities. The deep senior bench includes Iris Quadrio, who has experience advising domestic and foreign clients across the IP area; trade mark expert Sergio Ellmann; Martín Bensadon, who specialises in patents, particularly litigation and patent filing strategies in Argentina and other Latin American countries; and Gustavo Giay, whose focus is IP litigation, anti-counterfeiting and trade mark litigation. A phalanx of talented intermediate and younger partners includes Ignacio Sánchez Echagüe (patents); IP litigator Martín G Chajchir; Juan M López Mañan (trade marks and domain names); Cristian D Bittel (patent prosecution – particularly for pharma, biotech and agribusiness clients); and Diego Fernández (IP transactional matters and IT and privacy related advisory), along with Andrés O’Farrell (criminal litigation, enforcement and anti-counterfeiting) and Eugenio Hoss (patents), who were raised to the partnership in July 2021 and August 2022, respectively. Associate Manuela Adrogue, who specialises in information technology, data protection, privacy, IP asset transactions and brand protection, is also noted.

Argentina > International trade and customs Tier 1

With ‘deep knowledge of the legal aspects, added to an excellent proactivity’, Marval O’Farrell Mairal is able to ‘propose solutions and creative paths of action to carry out extremely complex matters’. Particularly active in high profile anti-dumping matters, the firm also handles a diversity of issues related to international trade remedies, customs law, tariff code classification and interpretation, rules of origin, and litigation in summary proceedings and tax assessments. Another key area of work for the practice is advising on import restrictions and export regulations related to managed trade policy and foreign exchange controls implemented by the Argentine government. Pablo Gayol is well regarded for his ‘solid background in anti-dumping rules’, and he co-leads with customs specialist Juan Pablo Rothschild. The deep senior bench also includes Patricia López Aufranc, who is similarly at the forefront of antidumping law. At associate level, Jazmine Daruich (a ‘very hard working professional’) who has broad international trade expertise, and customs specialist Juan Martin Sanz, are both noted.

Argentina > Labour and employment Tier 1

Firm managing partner and one of Argentina’s most experienced labour litigation lawyers Javier Patrón heads the ‘first-class’ Marval O’Farrell Mairal labour and employment practice, which stands out for the ‘outstanding quality’ of its team. The practice is known for handling complex, sensitive and strategic matters and is regularly sought out by international clients seeking advice ranging from paying salaries in a foreign currency, to scaling back their Argentine workforces. The team is also adept in high profile labour litigation, where it supports domestic and foreign clients before all levels of courts, and has launched a new software platform that predicts the outcome of labour lawsuits, supporting the construction of defences for clients. Non-contentious matters are also a staple for the team, which advises on the labour aspects of transactions as well as labour compliance matters, immigration and union negotiations. Key names in the team include the ‘terrific’ Enrique Stile, who clients note for his ‘calm and wise manner’; Diego Kelly, who has advised on the highly topical introduction of US dollar payments in Argentina; experienced international labour and M&A expert Rodrigo Sola Torino and labour litigation veteran José María Llano.

Argentina > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 1

Combining the resources of a full-service firm with ‘a very deep knowledge about the industry’ Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s life sciences practice ‘is a very well-disposed team with technical knowledge and the advantage of being part of a firm that covers all areas of law, which allows clients to receive quality analysis’. The department specialises in large transactions for industry clients, notably those in the pharmaceuticals, food and biotech sectors. Regulatory and contentious advice are also strengths of the team, including patent prosecution and enforcement work. Team leader Martín Mosteirin  has ‘great experience in life science matters’ and ‘stands out for his extensive knowledge about the pharmaceutical industry which is a very important plus for customers’. He is ably supported by young associate Carolina Andrea Ramirez  , who focuses on the life sciences and healthcare areas. Former fellow associate Camila Leone left the firm in May 2021.

Argentina > Public law Tier 1

The ‘technically excellent’ and ‘strategically minded’ Marval O’Farrell Mairal public law practice offers highly valued support to domestic and international clients that compares to ‘the highest international standards’. The dedicated practice group is one of the largest in Argentina and plays a key in role in public-private partnerships (PPP) and big ticket infrastructure projects. The team has helped a number of clients to secure and renew major government tenders and concessions, and its public procurement track record is equally formidable. Clients also seek the out the group's services when involved in complex, sensitive negotiations with regulatory authorities - a specialsim where it has secured multiple successes helping clients to agree government subsidies and large-scale supply agreements. Marval’s public law disputes work impresses too, with the firm advising on a wide range of disputes and litigation, including tariff annulments, Central Bank regulations and concession-contract disputes. Moreover, the team has built on this disputes expertise to become an influential regional player in investment disputes and international arbitration proceedings. Advising on public ethics and the public law aspects of M&A deals are other areas of strength. The practice is co-led by iconic firm founder Héctor Mairal; the ‘excellent’ María Lorena Schiariti, who ‘adds value to the decision-making environment’; and Enrique Veramendi, who ‘manages complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation cases with a perfect organisation’. The practice has further strengthened its talent pool with the August-2021 promotion of Gonzalo Santamaria to partner and the recruitment of four new associates, including the October-hire of rising star senior associate, Sofia Cimmarusti, from Allende & Brea.

Argentina > Tax Tier 1

Clients praise Marval O’Farrell Mairal‘s tax practice for its ‘remarkable analytical capacity’, ‘deep knowledge of the market’ and experience handling ‘complex’ and ‘sensitive’ matters. The team is co-led by partners María Inés Brandt, who provides high-level transactional and tax planning advice; corporate taxation expert Walter C Keiniger; the ‘highly regarded’ Gabriel Gotlib and the ‘excellent’ M&A tax expert Fernando Vaquero. Veteran tax and customs lawyer Horacio García Prieto is another senior presence. A deep pool of talent at associate level, including international tax specialist Maria Paula Castelli, tax litigation lawyer Sergio Vergara and tax all-rounder Luciana Virgile enables the practice to provide a full-service tax offering to international and domestic clients. The team is a formidable presence in transactional tax matters, working closely with colleagues in the firm’s heavyweight corporate and M&A practice, but also displays an impressive track record in big-ticket tax litigation matters, tax planning and wealth management, among other areas.

Argentina > TMT Tier 1

The multidisciplinary TMT team at Marval O’Farrell Mairal provides ‘solid support, complemented by professionals from related areas so that the advice is comprehensive’. The firm brings together expertise in regulation, finance and litigation to advise across the TMT spectrum, including television, telecoms and online gaming. The dedicated IT practice group handles criminal and civil matters related to technology, from internet matters to privacy and cybersecurity. Blockchain and fintech are also key strengths, with the team advising on crypto-assets, virtual wallets, and cloud and blockchain transactions. The group is co-led by Daniel Di Paola, who focuses primarily on telecoms and broadcasting; Javier Etcheverry Boneo, who specialises in business law, particularly in the broadcasting, internet, media and telecom sectors; and IT and privacy expert Gustavo Giay. Also active in the area is Diego Fernández, whose expertise includes multijurisdictional data protection and privacy work. However, key senior associate Claudia Paluszkiewicz moved in house as regional legal head at Blockchain.com in March 2022.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity Tier 2

Known for its comprehensive approach, Marval O’Farrell Mairal advises along the full length of the electricity generation and supply chain, from public tenders for generation projects (thermal, cogeneration, hydroelectric, nuclear, renewable energy), to international and local PPAs. Core strengths for the team include regulatory matters and disputes work, with renewable and hydro-electric matters being a particular area of growth. Francisco Macías  heads the practice and specialises in international and local power transactions, contracts and regulatory matters. He can call on the expertise of newly promoted partner Gonzalo Santamaria , whose strengths include regulatory and contract issues in the power sector, as well as advising on thermal, hydroelectric and renewable energy projects. ‘Exceptional lawyer‘ Luciano Ojea Quintana  rounds out the senior team.

Energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

Marval O’Farrell Mairal is recommended for combining ‘great knowledge and professional experience with an excellent understanding of the business and the needs of the client’. The firm provides ‘extensive experience in the energy sector, as well as a professional team with great experience and reputation, and a panel of relevant clients’. The core strengths of the practice include large transactions, oil and gas sector disputes and arbitration, regulatory and administrative matters the length of the hydrocarbons supply chain - from E&P to mid and downstream, and increasingly, decarbonization and green hydrogen projects. Moreover, the full-service firm can bring multidisciplinary expertise to the table, and demonstrates a particularly strong track record in the natural gas market. Oil-and-gas specialist Francisco Macías spearheads the practice and can call on the expertise of experienced associate Jimena Montoya, who focuses on oil, gas and environmental matters. The April-2022 departure of former practice co-head Ricardo Beller to join Miami-based PAG Law, was undoubtedly a loss, but the firm has moved with its characteristic speed to re-stock its partner-level bench with the hire of hydrocarbons specialist Soledad Riera, formerly head of legal (for liquids, telecommunications and new business) at Trasportadora de Gas del Sur; and the promotion of Agustina Ranieri, who in addition to her energy sector know-how has expertise in banking and finance matters – effective June and August 2022, respectively. The practice group also has recourse to 40-year veteran Arturo Pera, who formerly worked in house at Total and current vice-president of the Argentine Association of Energy Law and Mineral Resources.

Argentina > Real estate Tier 2

Providing ‘a lot of knowledge of the real estate sector', Marval O’Farrell Mairal handles pure real estate transactions as well as real estate issues related to M&A deals. The team’s strength lies in purchase, sale and lease transactions, along with real estate development, construction and financing - particular specialisms being conservation projects in Argentina and AAA office buildings in downtown Buenos Aires. The real estate practice can also call on the firm's market-leading banking, corporate and tax departments when needed. Hernán Slemenson focuses on real estate financing, development, sale, purchase and leasing transactions, as well as restructuring. He co-leads the team with Diego A Chighizola, whose fortes are real estate development and financing.