The Legal 500

Argentina

Banking and finance

Banking and finance - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The consensus among Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s clients is that its banking team is ‘the most reliable in Argentina’, due its ‘deep and experienced bench’ and ‘reassuringly well-informed partners’. The group packs a punch across the full spread of syndicated loans, structured finance, debt capital markets and project finance, and it also has formidable supplementary expertise in banking M&A and regulatory matters. Among the names to note, department head Santiago Carregal is an ‘instantly recognisable name for banking deals’; he recently advised the international purchasers (UBS and Itaú Securities) and the local purchasers (Balanz, Industrial Valores and Puente H’nos) on the local aspects of Raghsa’s $100m notes offering. Other senior members of the team include the ‘very experienced and creative’ Roberto Silva Jr and department coordinator Gabriel Matarasso; the latter acted as local counsel to International Finance Corporation (IFC), Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on a $410m project financing provided to Renova. Matarasso also teamed up with Juan Diehl Moreno and Diego Chighizola to act for the banks on a $750m acquisition financing granted to Cablevisión Holding to support its purchase of a stake in Telecom Argentina. Among the banking group’s company-side work, Fernando Hernández, Hernán Slemenson and M&A specialist Pablo Viñals Blake assisted Adecoagro on its $500m international bond offering. The practice also draws on the experience of ‘banking expert’ Cecilia Mairal and senior associate Francisco Abeal, who is a ‘lawyer to watch’.

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Bankruptcy and restructuring

Bankruptcy and restructuring - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s sizeable bankruptcy department is further supported by well-staffed corporate, banking and litigation groups, which ensures it has the capacity to resource large and complex restructuring transactions. Among the names to note, of counsel Martín Campbell is widely regarded as a reference in the restructuring space and the team also draws upon the senior experience of group head Fernando Hernández. On the creditor side, the firm is representing Credit Suisse, TWM Capital and Capital Markets Argentina in Sociedad Comercial del Plata’s contentious restructuring case. Debtor-side work includes representing RR Donnelly de Argentina in its bankruptcy proceedings.

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Competition and antitrust

Competition and antitrust - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Put simply, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is ‘clearly the best firm in Argentina for antitrust’, with its ‘highly effective advice’, ‘agile and client-oriented service’ and ‘technically solid team’ all striking the right note with clients. Standing out as its key assets are its ‘top-tier lawyers’, who are widely commended for their ‘proactive approach’ and ability to ‘keep constantly up-to-date with industry issues’. Most notably, department head Miguel del Pino is a ‘titan in the area’, while newly promoted partner Santiago del Rio is ‘thorough and knowledgeable’ with a ‘strong ability to simplify complex scenarios’. Excelling in merger filings, investigations and compliance work, the practice also leverages the firm’s wider full-service offering to bring ‘deep industry and cross-practice expertise to all cases’. On the transactional side, del Pino is acting for both ChemChina and Syngenta on the local aspects of their headline $43bn merger. On the contentious side, a major international bank turned to the firm to represent it in the Argentine Competition Commission (CNDC)’s high-profile investigation into alleged collusion and abuse of dominance in the management of the VISA card system – del Rio led that work. Senior partner Alfredo O’Farrell and experienced associate Gabriela Ariel Irizar are also central figures in the group.

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Corporate and M&A

Corporate and M&A - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

A ‘stand out firm for sophisticated M&A’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is also a popular choice for joint ventures, equity capital markets and corporate restructurings. The ‘corporate powerhouse’ continues to win a significant share of cross-border transactions and is often the first port of call for major multinational clients doing business in Argentina. In a case in point, Pablo García Morillo advised The Brinks Company on the acquisition by Brink’s Argentina of MACO Transportadora de Caudales. In a further example of its cross-border prowess, Pablo Artagaveytia acted for Brazilian food giant JBS on the $300m sale of JBS in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to companies controlled by Minerva. The firm also acts for leading domestic corporations and Loma Negra turned to the firm for support on its $1bn international IPO ¬¬– Fernando Hernández and Hernán Slemenson led that work. In other headline mandates, senior corporate specialists Héctor Mairal and Santiago Carregal paired up to advise BP on a joint venture with Bridas and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to form a new integrated energy company, Pan American Energy Group. Other recommended names include ‘heavyweight M&A star’ Pablo Viñals Blake, who acted for Sibanye on the local aspects of its $2.2bn acquisition of Stillwater Mining, Alfredo O’Farrell and Diego Krischcautzky.

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Dispute resolution

Dispute resolution - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Knowledgeable, responsive and agile’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal scores highly for its ability to ‘think outside the box’. The ‘collaborative and hands-on’ team, which is particularly praised for its ‘strong multidisciplinary approach to complex problems’, is led by ‘seasoned and strategic litigator’ Ricardo Ostrower – who has an impressive record in politically-charged litigation and arbitration. Ostrower recently led the group’s representation of Cargill against the Province of Chaco in a case arguing the unconstitutionality of certain provincial regulations impacting on its operations. Facundo Viel Temperley is ‘extremely effective’ and paired up with senior counsel Martín Campbell to defend Credit Suisse in a $40m class action related to the Madoff fraud. Santiago Soria is also a key contact and is acting hand-in-hand with the energy department to represent Roch in a complex dispute against Apco Austral, Apco Argentina and Apco Oil & Gas International related to the ‘right of first refusal’ provisions in a joint venture agreement for the exploitation of three hydrocarbon concessions. Other recommended names in the ‘high-calibre’ group include Elías Bestani, Rodrigo García, the ‘business-oriented’ Gonzalo Fontana and high-profile arbitration specialist Héctor Mairal.

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Environment

Environment - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal excels across the full spread of transactional support matters, regulatory issues and environmental litigation. Oil and gas expert Francisco Macías heads the group and continues to represent Compañía General de Combustibles in three environmental class actions filed by ASSUPA against several oil and gas companies, which seek remediation for the alleged damage caused by exploration and production activities. On the transactional front, the team advised GE on the environmental aspects of its acquisition of a stake in YPF Energía Eléctrica. Senior associate Gabriel Fortuna is also a key contact.

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Insurance

Insurance - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Several steps ahead of the rest’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal provides ‘first-class service’, which is ‘timely, knowledgeable and cost-effective’. In particular, department head Pablo Cereijido is widely lauded as a ‘reference in the Argentine market’ and ‘probably the best insurance lawyer in the country’. Elías Bestani, who is ‘very knowledgeable in marine, aviation and litigation matters’, is also highly rated. The comprehensive practice encompasses corporate, regulatory and contentious matters and it is regularly called upon by insurers and reinsurers to advise on key strategic files, such as its representation of Aseguradora de Créditos y Garantías in a $16m claim brought by the Argentine government testing the application of certain insurance provisions against the government. In another contentious case, the team represented Zurich Argentina Compañía de Seguros on various collective actions brought by consumers’ associations for allegedly mis-selling life insurance protections. Counsel Alberto Cappagli is also very well regarded.

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Intellectual property

Intellectual property - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The client consensus is that few firms can match Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s ‘long experience in the area’ or its ‘deep bench of professional partners’. The sizable eight-partner team covers all the bases in IP law and is able to draw upon specialist skill sets in patents, trade marks and IP litigation; overall the department is roundly praised for its ‘proactive ability to find solutions’ and its ‘very practical and business-oriented approach’. Among its recent trade mark cases, the ‘very strong’ Iris Quadrio successfully represented Procter & Gamble in an opposition action brought by Chinfield. Elsewhere, senior figure Sergio Ellmann successfully represented Ford in overcoming the Argentine Trademark Office’s objections to the registration of the "Ford Bronco" trade mark. On the patent side, Martín Bensadon is widely revered as a ‘leading expert’ and led many of the department’s recent high-stakes patent litigation cases. Of counsel Iván Poli and Ignacio Sánchez Echagüe are also noted for patent matters, while Gustavo Giay and Martin Chajchir are key names for IP litigation.

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International trade and customs

International trade and customs - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal houses a wide-ranging international trade practice, which shines in trade remedies, customs matters, tariff classification and WTO disputes. Pablo Gayol heads the group and brings to bear an impressive record in antidumping investigations and WTO dispute settlement procedures; he recently represented exporter Far Eastern in a changed-circumstances review concerning polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from Taiwan. Of counsel Patricia López Aufranc is also a renowned specialist in international trade law and recently advised Oki Data Americas (Argentine branch) on import and export regulations. On the customs front, Juan Pablo Rothschild assisted a manufacturing company with its challenge to an assessment made by the customs authority for import duties. Other representative clients include Carestream Health, Nike Argentina and Weyerhaeuser Productos. The group also benefits from the experience of customs specialist Horacio García Prieto and impressive associate Jazmine Daruich.

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Labour and employment

Labour and employment - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal sets itself apart through its ‘deep resources’ and ‘comprehensive complementary service lines’. Its far-reaching employment offering is also a big draw for clients; although the group is particularly recognised for its litigation prowess, it also has expertise in transactional support issues, collective bargaining and consultancy matters. Firm managing partner Javier Patrón heads the department and assisted Loma Negra with the amendment of its compensation structure and on the launching of a phantom stock incentive plan. The ‘very experienced’ Enrique Stile is another senior figure in the team and advised Nike on the termination of its regional CEO and two directors. Diego Kelly has established a reputation as an ‘up-and-coming partner’ and advised Amazon on the employment and labour aspects of the launch of its cloud business in Argentina. Rodrigo Solá Torino is also a key contact and represented Dufry in salary negotiations with two unions, namely the APA (Association of Aeronautical Personnel) and UPSA (the Union of Commercial Airline Senior and Professional Personnel).

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Public law

Public law - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The ‘effective and efficient group’ at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal impresses with its ‘excellent legal knowledge and soft negotiation skills, which combine with a practical approach’. In particular, María Lorena Schiariti secures strong praise for her ‘invaluable technical strength and public law knowledge’ – she co-leads the department together with Enrique Veramendi (‘strong ability to provide innovative solutions’), and senior administrative law expert Héctor Mairal. On the transactional front, the firm advised toll road concessionaire Autopistas del Sol on the renegotiation of its contract with the federal government. Key contentious cases saw the group represent Compañía Mega (a three-way joint venture between YPF, Petrobrás and Dow) in challenging a rate surcharge created to fund natural gas imports.

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Real estate

Real estate - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s ‘high service levels’ is well received by clients who commend the ‘strong real estate expertise’ of department co-head Hernán Slemenson. The ‘very committed team’ also includes practice co-lead Diego Chighizola and transactional specialist Santiago Carregal. Over the past year, it advised on a string of sale and purchase transactions, development matters and property finance deals – for a mix of investors, hotel groups and financial institutions. Highlights included advising real estate tycoons Edmond Safra and Nassef Sawiris on the $150m purchase and construction of office buildings in Buenos Aires.

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TMT

TMT - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Over the past year Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s department, which is well weighted between technology, media and telecoms clients, acted on a steady stream of regulatory and transactional mandates, including licensing issues, privacy and data protection matters and corporate finance deals. Daniel Di Paola co-leads the practice and acted alongside the M&A and competition teams to advise Turner on its joint, five-year contract with Fox for the audio-visual rights (including TV) of Argentine football. In another key highlight, practice co-head Javier Etcheverry Boneo advised Cell Site Solutions on the development of telecoms infrastructure in Argentina. IT and internet law specialist Gustavo Giay co-heads the practice and brings to bear a strong record in contentious and regulatory matters. Other representative clients include América Móvil, British Telecom LATAM and Microsoft.

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Tax

Tax - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Responsive, committed and collaborative’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s tax unit scores highly for its ability to provide ‘different alternatives with deep analysis of the relative risks and advantages involved’. The group, which handles a broad spread of transactional, consultancy and contentious matters, is particularly noted for its ‘comprehensive service’ and ‘deep understanding of business implications’. Among the names to note, Gabriel Gotlib is a ‘leading light in the tax arena’ and advised Terrifico Capital on the creation of a foreign private fund to invest in cryptocurrency and ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). Walter Keiniger is ‘very professional, client-oriented and analytical’ and advised Loma Negra on its $1bn IPO on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and NYSE. Among the department’s contentious cases, Keiniger successfully represented Loma Negra in a case discussing whether delays by the public registry of commerce can affect the tax-free status of a corporate reorganisation. The group also benefits from the senior expertise of high-profile tax litigator Horacio García Prieto, ‘very experienced tax expert’ María Inés Brandt and Fernando Vaquero. Senior associates Maria Soledad Gonzalez and Tomás García Botta are also well regarded. In 2017, Juan Pablo Rothschild made partner.

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Argentina: Energy and natural resources

Electricity

Energy and natural resources: Electricity - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Under the leadership of energy and natural resources head Francisco Macías, the team at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is particularly active in transactional matters. Macias recently led advice to Senvion on the construction and operation of the $150m Vientos Los Hércules wind farm, which is co-owned by Eren and Total, and he is also advising Chinese nuclear energy companies on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Buenos Aires. Additionally, the department possesses significant regulatory expertise, with public and administrative law associate Gonzalo Santamaria particularly recommended for work in this sector.

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Mining

Energy and natural resources: Mining - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Excellent in all respects’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s mining practice garners strong praise for its ‘unrivalled breadth of expertise across many practice areas’ and its ‘excellent client service’. The group’s ‘strong business mindset’ also finds favour, with key partner Leonardo Rodríguez highlighted as a ‘multifaceted lawyer who displays strong commitment to the client’s corporate aims’. Rodríguez recently advised Minera Hochschild Argentina on several issues, including exploration operations, environmental matters and the acquisition and maintenance of mining rights. Department head Luis Lucero is a ‘stand-out expert in his field’ and leads the firm’s representation of Oroplata, a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldcorp, on day-to-day matters relating to its Cerro Negro mine – a multibillion-dollar gold and silver operation. On the litigation front, Lucero represented Pachón (a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore) in its $300m dispute with Minera Los Pelambres concerning a waste dump built by Minera Los Pelambres on Glencore’s property in Argentina. Senior associate Andrés Villarreal is also a key contact.

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Oil and gas

Energy and natural resources: oil and gas - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The oil and gas practice at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal strikes an enviable balance between corporate and contentious matters, with a strong recent showing in major energy arbitrations. As a case in point, transactional specialist Ricardo Beller acted hand-in-hand with the firm’s litigation department to successfully represent Total Austral in a high-profile arbitration brought by Metrogas stemming from the alleged breach of an international natural gas supply agreement. In another example of the firm’s ability to leverage its extensive resources to provide multidisciplinary advice, department head Francisco Macías teamed up with the corporate and tax groups to advise BP on a joint venture with Bridas and CNOOC to form Pan American Energy Group. Macías also led the oil and gas aspects of the firm’s advice to Total on the Argentine leg of its €237.5m multi-jurisdictional acquisition of a minority stake in Eren. Other recommended names include experienced counsel Arturo Pera and Pedro Serrano Espelta.

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Latin America: International firms

Local practitioners of note (by country)

M & M Bomchil’s head of arbitration Guido Tawil is ‘one of the most eminent arbitration specialists in Argentina’, and is particularly well known for energy cases. Tawil represents multinationals in disputes with the state, and recently handled cases heard under ICC and UNCITRAL arbitration rules. At Rivera & Asociados, founding partner Julio César Rivera has notable expertise in energy-related disputes, and is currently serving as arbitrator in a number of ICC arbitrations. Bruchou, Fernández Madero & Lombardi’s recent highlights saw Carlos Rotman, Leandro Caputo and regulatory specialist Ignacio Minorini Lima acting for Pan American Energy in a breach of contract dispute with Transportadora de Gas del Sur, as well as representing Papelera Tucumán in ICC arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Argentina. Héctor Mairal at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is widely recognised as a leading name for arbitration with a strong record in public and administrative law; his colleague Ricardo Ostrower is also noted for his arbitration experience. Héctor Alegria at Estudio Alegría, Buey Fernández, Fissore y Montemerlo has a strong record in complex arbitration proceedings and also has experience sitting as an arbitrator in commercial disputes. Luis Alberto Erize at Abeledo Gottheil Abogados is a well-known expert in energy arbitrations, as is his colleague Hernán Martín Oriolo. José Martínez de Hoz Jr, who recently established his own firm Martínez de Hoz & Rueda, is noted for his significant expertise in oil-and-gas sector arbitration.

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Argentina

Banking and finance

Banking and finance - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The consensus among Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s clients is that its banking team is ‘the most reliable in Argentina’, due its ‘deep and experienced bench’ and ‘reassuringly well-informed partners’. The group packs a punch across the full spread of syndicated loans, structured finance, debt capital markets and project finance, and it also has formidable supplementary expertise in banking M&A and regulatory matters. Among the names to note, department head Santiago Carregal is an ‘instantly recognisable name for banking deals’; he recently advised the international purchasers (UBS and Itaú Securities) and the local purchasers (Balanz, Industrial Valores and Puente H’nos) on the local aspects of Raghsa’s $100m notes offering. Other senior members of the team include the ‘very experienced and creative’ Roberto Silva Jr and department coordinator Gabriel Matarasso; the latter acted as local counsel to International Finance Corporation (IFC), Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on a $410m project financing provided to Renova. Matarasso also teamed up with Juan Diehl Moreno and Diego Chighizola to act for the banks on a $750m acquisition financing granted to Cablevisión Holding to support its purchase of a stake in Telecom Argentina. Among the banking group’s company-side work, Fernando Hernández, Hernán Slemenson and M&A specialist Pablo Viñals Blake assisted Adecoagro on its $500m international bond offering. The practice also draws on the experience of ‘banking expert’ Cecilia Mairal and senior associate Francisco Abeal, who is a ‘lawyer to watch’.

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Bankruptcy and restructuring

Bankruptcy and restructuring - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s sizeable bankruptcy department is further supported by well-staffed corporate, banking and litigation groups, which ensures it has the capacity to resource large and complex restructuring transactions. Among the names to note, of counsel Martín Campbell is widely regarded as a reference in the restructuring space and the team also draws upon the senior experience of group head Fernando Hernández. On the creditor side, the firm is representing Credit Suisse, TWM Capital and Capital Markets Argentina in Sociedad Comercial del Plata’s contentious restructuring case. Debtor-side work includes representing RR Donnelly de Argentina in its bankruptcy proceedings.

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Competition and antitrust

Competition and antitrust - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Put simply, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is ‘clearly the best firm in Argentina for antitrust’, with its ‘highly effective advice’, ‘agile and client-oriented service’ and ‘technically solid team’ all striking the right note with clients. Standing out as its key assets are its ‘top-tier lawyers’, who are widely commended for their ‘proactive approach’ and ability to ‘keep constantly up-to-date with industry issues’. Most notably, department head Miguel del Pino is a ‘titan in the area’, while newly promoted partner Santiago del Rio is ‘thorough and knowledgeable’ with a ‘strong ability to simplify complex scenarios’. Excelling in merger filings, investigations and compliance work, the practice also leverages the firm’s wider full-service offering to bring ‘deep industry and cross-practice expertise to all cases’. On the transactional side, del Pino is acting for both ChemChina and Syngenta on the local aspects of their headline $43bn merger. On the contentious side, a major international bank turned to the firm to represent it in the Argentine Competition Commission (CNDC)’s high-profile investigation into alleged collusion and abuse of dominance in the management of the VISA card system – del Rio led that work. Senior partner Alfredo O’Farrell and experienced associate Gabriela Ariel Irizar are also central figures in the group.

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Corporate and M&A

Corporate and M&A - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

A ‘stand out firm for sophisticated M&A’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is also a popular choice for joint ventures, equity capital markets and corporate restructurings. The ‘corporate powerhouse’ continues to win a significant share of cross-border transactions and is often the first port of call for major multinational clients doing business in Argentina. In a case in point, Pablo García Morillo advised The Brinks Company on the acquisition by Brink’s Argentina of MACO Transportadora de Caudales. In a further example of its cross-border prowess, Pablo Artagaveytia acted for Brazilian food giant JBS on the $300m sale of JBS in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to companies controlled by Minerva. The firm also acts for leading domestic corporations and Loma Negra turned to the firm for support on its $1bn international IPO ¬¬– Fernando Hernández and Hernán Slemenson led that work. In other headline mandates, senior corporate specialists Héctor Mairal and Santiago Carregal paired up to advise BP on a joint venture with Bridas and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to form a new integrated energy company, Pan American Energy Group. Other recommended names include ‘heavyweight M&A star’ Pablo Viñals Blake, who acted for Sibanye on the local aspects of its $2.2bn acquisition of Stillwater Mining, Alfredo O’Farrell and Diego Krischcautzky.

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Dispute resolution

Dispute resolution - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Knowledgeable, responsive and agile’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal scores highly for its ability to ‘think outside the box’. The ‘collaborative and hands-on’ team, which is particularly praised for its ‘strong multidisciplinary approach to complex problems’, is led by ‘seasoned and strategic litigator’ Ricardo Ostrower – who has an impressive record in politically-charged litigation and arbitration. Ostrower recently led the group’s representation of Cargill against the Province of Chaco in a case arguing the unconstitutionality of certain provincial regulations impacting on its operations. Facundo Viel Temperley is ‘extremely effective’ and paired up with senior counsel Martín Campbell to defend Credit Suisse in a $40m class action related to the Madoff fraud. Santiago Soria is also a key contact and is acting hand-in-hand with the energy department to represent Roch in a complex dispute against Apco Austral, Apco Argentina and Apco Oil & Gas International related to the ‘right of first refusal’ provisions in a joint venture agreement for the exploitation of three hydrocarbon concessions. Other recommended names in the ‘high-calibre’ group include Elías Bestani, Rodrigo García, the ‘business-oriented’ Gonzalo Fontana and high-profile arbitration specialist Héctor Mairal.

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Environment

Environment - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal excels across the full spread of transactional support matters, regulatory issues and environmental litigation. Oil and gas expert Francisco Macías heads the group and continues to represent Compañía General de Combustibles in three environmental class actions filed by ASSUPA against several oil and gas companies, which seek remediation for the alleged damage caused by exploration and production activities. On the transactional front, the team advised GE on the environmental aspects of its acquisition of a stake in YPF Energía Eléctrica. Senior associate Gabriel Fortuna is also a key contact.

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Insurance

Insurance - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Several steps ahead of the rest’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal provides ‘first-class service’, which is ‘timely, knowledgeable and cost-effective’. In particular, department head Pablo Cereijido is widely lauded as a ‘reference in the Argentine market’ and ‘probably the best insurance lawyer in the country’. Elías Bestani, who is ‘very knowledgeable in marine, aviation and litigation matters’, is also highly rated. The comprehensive practice encompasses corporate, regulatory and contentious matters and it is regularly called upon by insurers and reinsurers to advise on key strategic files, such as its representation of Aseguradora de Créditos y Garantías in a $16m claim brought by the Argentine government testing the application of certain insurance provisions against the government. In another contentious case, the team represented Zurich Argentina Compañía de Seguros on various collective actions brought by consumers’ associations for allegedly mis-selling life insurance protections. Counsel Alberto Cappagli is also very well regarded.

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Intellectual property

Intellectual property - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The client consensus is that few firms can match Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s ‘long experience in the area’ or its ‘deep bench of professional partners’. The sizable eight-partner team covers all the bases in IP law and is able to draw upon specialist skill sets in patents, trade marks and IP litigation; overall the department is roundly praised for its ‘proactive ability to find solutions’ and its ‘very practical and business-oriented approach’. Among its recent trade mark cases, the ‘very strong’ Iris Quadrio successfully represented Procter & Gamble in an opposition action brought by Chinfield. Elsewhere, senior figure Sergio Ellmann successfully represented Ford in overcoming the Argentine Trademark Office’s objections to the registration of the "Ford Bronco" trade mark. On the patent side, Martín Bensadon is widely revered as a ‘leading expert’ and led many of the department’s recent high-stakes patent litigation cases. Of counsel Iván Poli and Ignacio Sánchez Echagüe are also noted for patent matters, while Gustavo Giay and Martin Chajchir are key names for IP litigation.

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International trade and customs

International trade and customs - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal houses a wide-ranging international trade practice, which shines in trade remedies, customs matters, tariff classification and WTO disputes. Pablo Gayol heads the group and brings to bear an impressive record in antidumping investigations and WTO dispute settlement procedures; he recently represented exporter Far Eastern in a changed-circumstances review concerning polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from Taiwan. Of counsel Patricia López Aufranc is also a renowned specialist in international trade law and recently advised Oki Data Americas (Argentine branch) on import and export regulations. On the customs front, Juan Pablo Rothschild assisted a manufacturing company with its challenge to an assessment made by the customs authority for import duties. Other representative clients include Carestream Health, Nike Argentina and Weyerhaeuser Productos. The group also benefits from the experience of customs specialist Horacio García Prieto and impressive associate Jazmine Daruich.

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Next generation lawyers

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Labour and employment

Labour and employment - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal sets itself apart through its ‘deep resources’ and ‘comprehensive complementary service lines’. Its far-reaching employment offering is also a big draw for clients; although the group is particularly recognised for its litigation prowess, it also has expertise in transactional support issues, collective bargaining and consultancy matters. Firm managing partner Javier Patrón heads the department and assisted Loma Negra with the amendment of its compensation structure and on the launching of a phantom stock incentive plan. The ‘very experienced’ Enrique Stile is another senior figure in the team and advised Nike on the termination of its regional CEO and two directors. Diego Kelly has established a reputation as an ‘up-and-coming partner’ and advised Amazon on the employment and labour aspects of the launch of its cloud business in Argentina. Rodrigo Solá Torino is also a key contact and represented Dufry in salary negotiations with two unions, namely the APA (Association of Aeronautical Personnel) and UPSA (the Union of Commercial Airline Senior and Professional Personnel).

Leading lawyers

Next generation lawyers

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Public law

Public law - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The ‘effective and efficient group’ at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal impresses with its ‘excellent legal knowledge and soft negotiation skills, which combine with a practical approach’. In particular, María Lorena Schiariti secures strong praise for her ‘invaluable technical strength and public law knowledge’ – she co-leads the department together with Enrique Veramendi (‘strong ability to provide innovative solutions’), and senior administrative law expert Héctor Mairal. On the transactional front, the firm advised toll road concessionaire Autopistas del Sol on the renegotiation of its contract with the federal government. Key contentious cases saw the group represent Compañía Mega (a three-way joint venture between YPF, Petrobrás and Dow) in challenging a rate surcharge created to fund natural gas imports.

Leading lawyers

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Real estate

Real estate - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s ‘high service levels’ is well received by clients who commend the ‘strong real estate expertise’ of department co-head Hernán Slemenson. The ‘very committed team’ also includes practice co-lead Diego Chighizola and transactional specialist Santiago Carregal. Over the past year, it advised on a string of sale and purchase transactions, development matters and property finance deals – for a mix of investors, hotel groups and financial institutions. Highlights included advising real estate tycoons Edmond Safra and Nassef Sawiris on the $150m purchase and construction of office buildings in Buenos Aires.

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TMT

TMT - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Over the past year Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s department, which is well weighted between technology, media and telecoms clients, acted on a steady stream of regulatory and transactional mandates, including licensing issues, privacy and data protection matters and corporate finance deals. Daniel Di Paola co-leads the practice and acted alongside the M&A and competition teams to advise Turner on its joint, five-year contract with Fox for the audio-visual rights (including TV) of Argentine football. In another key highlight, practice co-head Javier Etcheverry Boneo advised Cell Site Solutions on the development of telecoms infrastructure in Argentina. IT and internet law specialist Gustavo Giay co-heads the practice and brings to bear a strong record in contentious and regulatory matters. Other representative clients include América Móvil, British Telecom LATAM and Microsoft.

Next generation lawyers

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Tax

Tax - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Responsive, committed and collaborative’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s tax unit scores highly for its ability to provide ‘different alternatives with deep analysis of the relative risks and advantages involved’. The group, which handles a broad spread of transactional, consultancy and contentious matters, is particularly noted for its ‘comprehensive service’ and ‘deep understanding of business implications’. Among the names to note, Gabriel Gotlib is a ‘leading light in the tax arena’ and advised Terrifico Capital on the creation of a foreign private fund to invest in cryptocurrency and ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). Walter Keiniger is ‘very professional, client-oriented and analytical’ and advised Loma Negra on its $1bn IPO on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and NYSE. Among the department’s contentious cases, Keiniger successfully represented Loma Negra in a case discussing whether delays by the public registry of commerce can affect the tax-free status of a corporate reorganisation. The group also benefits from the senior expertise of high-profile tax litigator Horacio García Prieto, ‘very experienced tax expert’ María Inés Brandt and Fernando Vaquero. Senior associates Maria Soledad Gonzalez and Tomás García Botta are also well regarded. In 2017, Juan Pablo Rothschild made partner.

Leading lawyers

Next generation lawyers

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Argentina: Energy and natural resources

Electricity

Energy and natural resources: Electricity - ranked: tier 2

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

Under the leadership of energy and natural resources head Francisco Macías, the team at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is particularly active in transactional matters. Macias recently led advice to Senvion on the construction and operation of the $150m Vientos Los Hércules wind farm, which is co-owned by Eren and Total, and he is also advising Chinese nuclear energy companies on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Buenos Aires. Additionally, the department possesses significant regulatory expertise, with public and administrative law associate Gonzalo Santamaria particularly recommended for work in this sector.

Next generation lawyers

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Mining

Energy and natural resources: Mining - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

‘Excellent in all respects’, Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal’s mining practice garners strong praise for its ‘unrivalled breadth of expertise across many practice areas’ and its ‘excellent client service’. The group’s ‘strong business mindset’ also finds favour, with key partner Leonardo Rodríguez highlighted as a ‘multifaceted lawyer who displays strong commitment to the client’s corporate aims’. Rodríguez recently advised Minera Hochschild Argentina on several issues, including exploration operations, environmental matters and the acquisition and maintenance of mining rights. Department head Luis Lucero is a ‘stand-out expert in his field’ and leads the firm’s representation of Oroplata, a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldcorp, on day-to-day matters relating to its Cerro Negro mine – a multibillion-dollar gold and silver operation. On the litigation front, Lucero represented Pachón (a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore) in its $300m dispute with Minera Los Pelambres concerning a waste dump built by Minera Los Pelambres on Glencore’s property in Argentina. Senior associate Andrés Villarreal is also a key contact.

Leading lawyers

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Oil and gas

Energy and natural resources: oil and gas - ranked: tier 1

Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal

The oil and gas practice at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal strikes an enviable balance between corporate and contentious matters, with a strong recent showing in major energy arbitrations. As a case in point, transactional specialist Ricardo Beller acted hand-in-hand with the firm’s litigation department to successfully represent Total Austral in a high-profile arbitration brought by Metrogas stemming from the alleged breach of an international natural gas supply agreement. In another example of the firm’s ability to leverage its extensive resources to provide multidisciplinary advice, department head Francisco Macías teamed up with the corporate and tax groups to advise BP on a joint venture with Bridas and CNOOC to form Pan American Energy Group. Macías also led the oil and gas aspects of the firm’s advice to Total on the Argentine leg of its €237.5m multi-jurisdictional acquisition of a minority stake in Eren. Other recommended names include experienced counsel Arturo Pera and Pedro Serrano Espelta.

Leading lawyers

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Latin America: International firms

Local practitioners of note (by country)

M & M Bomchil’s head of arbitration Guido Tawil is ‘one of the most eminent arbitration specialists in Argentina’, and is particularly well known for energy cases. Tawil represents multinationals in disputes with the state, and recently handled cases heard under ICC and UNCITRAL arbitration rules. At Rivera & Asociados, founding partner Julio César Rivera has notable expertise in energy-related disputes, and is currently serving as arbitrator in a number of ICC arbitrations. Bruchou, Fernández Madero & Lombardi’s recent highlights saw Carlos Rotman, Leandro Caputo and regulatory specialist Ignacio Minorini Lima acting for Pan American Energy in a breach of contract dispute with Transportadora de Gas del Sur, as well as representing Papelera Tucumán in ICC arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Argentina. Héctor Mairal at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is widely recognised as a leading name for arbitration with a strong record in public and administrative law; his colleague Ricardo Ostrower is also noted for his arbitration experience. Héctor Alegria at Estudio Alegría, Buey Fernández, Fissore y Montemerlo has a strong record in complex arbitration proceedings and also has experience sitting as an arbitrator in commercial disputes. Luis Alberto Erize at Abeledo Gottheil Abogados is a well-known expert in energy arbitrations, as is his colleague Hernán Martín Oriolo. José Martínez de Hoz Jr, who recently established his own firm Martínez de Hoz & Rueda, is noted for his significant expertise in oil-and-gas sector arbitration.

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