Skip to content
The Legal 500 Main Logo
  • Home
  • Rankings
    • Asia Pacific
    • EMEA
    • Latin America
    • UK Solicitors
    • UK Bar
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • Deutschland
    • Paris
    • The Lex 100 – student guide to law firms
  • Profiles
    • Law Firm Profiles
    • Set Profiles
    • Hall of Fame
    • International Law Firm Networks
    • Supplier Profiles
    • Interview with…
    • Doing Business In / Focus On
    • Firms in the Spotlight
    • Press Releases
    • Legal Developments
    • Meet the Team
    • Firms to watch
  • Powerlists
    • GC Powerlist
    • The Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlists
  • Publications
    • fivehundred
    • GC Magazine
    • In-House Lawyer
    • Legal Business
  • Special Reports
  • Comparative Guides
  • Events
  • Webinars
  • Data Blog
  • Podcast
  • Global Green Hub
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • FAQs
    • About The Legal 500
    • How it works
    • Meet The Legal 500 Team
    • Marketing
    • Research+
    • Research Calendar
    • Submission information
    • Newsletter

Consortium Legal > San Jose, Costa Rica > Firm Profile

Consortium Legal Offices

Consortium Legal company logo
Consortium Legal
DEL RESTAURANTE TONY ROMAS, 600M
AL OESTE, ESCAZÚ
SAN JOSE
Costa Rica
Email firm Visit website 506 2257 35 53 506 2255 1398
  • Go to...
  • Rankings
  • Firm Profile
  • Main Contacts
  • Comparative Guides

Consortium Legal > The Legal 500 Rankings

Costa Rica > Banking and finance Tier 1

The powerhouse banking and finance practice at Consortium Legal remains a market leader. Providing 'an impeccable service' to top international lenders and private equity firms, it advises on a wide range of matters, including secured and unsecured financing, loans, compliance, regulatory issues, legal due diligence, and asset-based financing. The group, which is led by cross-border finance expert Mario Quesada-Bianchini and regulatory authority David Arturo Campos, represents a diverse portfolio of clients such as Citibank, Scotiabank and the Inter-American Development Bank in a variety of sectors, including finance, tourism, real estate and food. A separate team, headed by Randall Barquero, handles all matters related to fintech.  Andrés Chamberlain manages the retail banking division. The regional firm's expertise extends to the structuring of local and international bond issuances, assisting with licensing requirements and M&A in the financial industry.

Leading individuals

Randall Barquero - Consortium Legal
Mario Quesada-Bianchini - Consortium Legal

Practice head(s):

Mario Quesada-Bianchini; David Arturo Campos; Randall Barquero; Andrés Chamberlain; Oscar Sandoval

Testimonials

‘The knowledge of the partners is very broad, both in the sector and on the national and international scene. Mario Quesada and Randall Barquero are very good professionals who always seek to provide the best service to their clients, constantly following up and monitoring the instructions given, which has allowed us to be aware of details that other firms might consider irrelevant.’

‘Consortium Legal has acted for our bank and its branches in Central America for more than ten years, providing an impeccable service. It is a very professional, proactive, competent and innovative team, which offers a service of the highest quality in banking and finance matters.’

Key clients

Citibank

Scotiabank

Banco Davivienda

BAC Credomatic

Banco Lafise

Banco General

First Citizens Bank

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)

Bancolombia

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

Work highlights

  • Advising Citibank, Scotiabank, Davivienda, Bac Credomatic and Banco Lafise on various matters, including commercial transactions, loans and regulatory issues.
  • Advised Banco General, First Citizens Bank, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) and Bancolombia on corporate and commercial banking and regulatory issues.
  • Advised Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) on project financing.

Costa Rica > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

‘Able, knowledgeable in their field, responsible and dedicated‘, the corporate and M&A lawyers at leading Central American firm Consortium Legal regularly advise multinationals involved in high-value transactions, including M&A, asset purchases and bulk sale processes. The group’s other services range from addressing regulatory, environmental and permitting matters to advising on concessions, capital restructuring, investment funds and free trade zones. Assisting a portfolio of high-profile clients including Google, Coca-Cola, Maersk and Walmart, the team’s work spans the pharmaceuticals, real estate, financial services, fintech and manufacturing sectors. The group is headed by M&A expert Rolando Laclé Zuñiga, free trade zone specialist David Reuben, restructuring authority Juan Manuel Cordero, and Juan Manuel Godoy, who brings 21 years of experience to the corporate arena. In other developments, since publication the firm has opened a second office in the country; located in Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, it will service primarily hospitality, tourism and real estate clients.

Leading individuals

Juan Manuel Godoy - Consortium Legal
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga - Consortium Legal

Practice head(s):

Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; Juan Manuel Godoy; David Reuben; Juan Manuel Cordero

Testimonials

‘An excellent team. They are always available and attentive to the needs of our company. Their response times are usually very good and their advice is highly professional.’

‘The team members are highly qualified. They provide comprehensive advice and seek to understand the company’s line of business. The team are attentive to our requests.’

‘The team know how to combine their skills and knowledge very well. They have a complete grasp of the facts and this makes it easier to present and analyse solutions to complex problems. Each member of the team plays an integral part in the development of deals or the resolution of problems facing our business.’

‘Every member of the team is very able, knowledgeable in their field, responsible and dedicated. This is what sets them apart from other practices and what makes them so important to our company.’

‘In our long experience of working with them, we can say that the team is well-rounded, efficient and always available to clients. Consortium Legal is our principal adviser in the field of corporate and M&A law and they have always provided a high-quality service.’

‘Juan Manuel Cordero has been our right-hand man during negotiations and his skill is outstanding. He is the kind of lawyer who always has an answer to the concerns that we raise.’

‘They have a broad understanding of the market and an excellent reputation. We have been working with them for many years, so they know our business very well, which makes it easier for them to advise us.’

‘They keep things clear and straightforward when that’s what we need, but can provide more detailed and extensive explanations if necessary, and they are very knowledgeable about their areas of law. Juan Manuel Godoy has an excellent understanding of his subject.’

Key clients

FUTV

Café Volio

Camposol

Corona

Tempisque Marbel

Rappi

Walmart de México & Centro América

APM Terminals

Maersk

Ultrapark Development Group

Cuestamoras

Cemex

Grupo Barceló

Fyffes

Cefa

Stein

Work highlights

  • Advised FUTV on antitrust matters.
  • Advised Camposol on the launch of its operations in Costa Rica
  • Advised Tempisque Marbel on its inclusion in the free zone regime and on a capital structuring.

Costa Rica > Tax Tier 1

The Consortium Legal tax group continues to be a leader in the practice area, providing a ‘professional, diligent service‘ to top multinationals. The team advises on private initiatives, concession projects, internal taxation, free trade zone tax issues, and litigation. The team’s client roster includes household names such as Del Monte, Uber, and Walmart, and spans a wide range of sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, aviation, and retail. The group is headed by experienced tax law experts Diego Salto and Rafael Luna, and Anayansi Mora, who specialises in tax litigation, and is supported by senior associates Johanna Quesada and Felipe Guevara. However, former partner Cristina Sansonetti moved to KPMG in October 2020.

Leading individuals

Rafael Luna - Consortium Legal
Diego Salto  - Consortium Legal

Rising stars

Felipe Guevara - Consortium Legal

Practice head(s):

Diego Salto; Rafael Luna; Anayansi Mora

Testimonials

‘The tax team at Consortium provide a professional, diligent service. Their advice has outstanding results. It is one of the best firms in this practice area in Costa Rica.’

‘Diego Salto is an excellent lawyer who stays up to date with developments in his field, offering very professional advice. Felipe Guevara, Anayansi Mora and Alejandro Segura make up a very professional team providing efficient and timely tax advice.’

Key clients

Chiquita

Del Monte

Walmart

APM (Maersk Group)

Cuestamoras

Uber

Mayca (Sysco)

Globalvía

PMI

Avianca

Work highlights

  • Assisted Chiquita Brands Costa Rica following a tax adjustment carried out by the tax administration based on transfer pricing.
  • Acting for Del Monte in negotiations with the Tax Administration following a transfer pricing adjustment.
  • Advising Walmart on tax and customs matters relating to its day-to-day operations.

Costa Rica > Real estate Tier 2

The real estate group at Consortium Legal advises advise national and multinational clients, with services extending to advice on due diligence processes, antitrust issues, real estate acquisitions and sales, leases, the constitution and modification of condominium regimes, obtaining concessions, and free trade zone regime matters. The ‘solid, serious and knowledgeable‘ team is led by international transaction authority Rolando Laclé Zúñiga, and expert real estate development strategists David Reuben and Juan Manuel Cordero, with key support provided by senior associates Daniel Rojas and Marcela Alfaro. The group acts for high-profile international clients including Walmart, Maersk and Cemex. Moreover, since publication the firm has opened a second office in the jurisdiction, in Guanacaste on the country's north-western Pacific coast; it will primarily service hospitality, tourism and real estate clients.

Leading individuals

Rolando Laclé Zúñiga - Consortium Legal

Next Generation Partners

David Reuben - Consortium Legal

Practice head(s):

Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; David Reuben; Juan Manuel Cordero

Testimonials

‘The commitment they show to their clients makes them unique, as well as their excellent service, attention to detail and high level of technical expertise. I would like to highlight the team’s ability to quickly understand our requests and the accessibility of their lawyers.’

‘Their warmth and excellent service make clients feel welcome and very happy to work with them. Contacting Juan Manuel Cordero and David Reuben is always simple and pleasant, not only because of the level of complex, technical legal advice they can provide, but because of their excellent customer service.’

‘Consortium is a team of professionals who are solid, serious and knowledgeable, with more than proven experience, so working with all of them generates peace of mind and security that the company is in the best hands. Each of the specialists in various areas complements each other perfectly, to achieve the best results. The experience of having Consortium on our side is the best of all and that is why they are our firm.’

Key clients

Walmart de México & Centro América

APM Terminals

Maersk

Ultrapark Development Group

Cuestamoras

Cemex

Grupo Barceló

Fyffes

CEFA

Stein

Work highlights

  • Advised Walmart de México & Centro América on day-to-day real estate matters.
  • Advised Banco BAC on structuring the sale of its geo-tracking business and a joint venture agreement with the buyer.
  • Advised HPC Costa Carmel on the sale of a piece of land in Guanacaste.

Costa Rica > Dispute resolution Tier 3

The litigation and arbitration group at Consortium Legal acts for regional and multinational clients. Led by arbitration authority Rolando Laclé Zúñiga, antitrust expert José Pablo Valverde and experienced litigator Andrés Martínez, the group represents such multinational clients from a broad spectrum of sectors, including hospitality, pharmaceuticals, building materials, food and financial services. The group handles banking and public law litigation, commercial and civil litigation, cases involving extra-contractual civil liability and contractual liability, and arbitration at the local and international level.

Practice head(s):

Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; Jose Pablo Valverde; Andrés Martínez

Costa Rica > Intellectual property Tier 3

With its customised trade mark software to assist with daily portfolio management and 'willingness to accommodate clients' different requirements', the group at Consortium Legal advises clients on how to monetise their intellectual property assets from a global perspective. It offers a full service, assisting with regulatory matters, due diligence procedures, patent filings and prosecution, copyright and trade mark infringement assessments. Led by the founder and senior partner of the Costa Rica office Rolando Laclé Castro and 'available and knowledgeable' department director Fabiola Sáenz, the team’s client portfolio includes companies from the banking, food and beverages, and medical device sectors.

Practice head(s):

Rolando Laclé Castro; Fabiola Saenz

Testimonials

‘Fabiola Sáenz is available, knowledgeable about the subject and flexible in accommodating clients’ specific requirements. She is very professional.’

‘They follow-up on cases and don’t leave it up to the client. They have a presence in various countries and reasonable prices.’

‘They stand out for their availability and willingness to accommodate clients’ different requirements, as well as the high quality of the client service.’

Key clients

Arabela

Banco Lafise

Rappi

Republic Technologies

Productos Alimenticios Centroamericanos

Hardell Investments

Cemex Research Group

Ecareyou Innovation

Entrepinares

Grupo BAC San Jose

Work highlights

  • Advised Republic Technologies on criminal actions to prevent the counterfeiting of key products.
  • Advised Rappi on the annulment of a third party’s trade mark, which was infringing the client’s main brand.
  • Advised Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala on protection for its exclusive appellation of Guatemalan rum.

Costa Rica > Labour and employment Tier 3

The team at Consortium Legal provides an 'excellent client service' to multinationals in relation to a broad spectrum of labour issues, including administrative and judicial employment proceedings, the creation of internal regulations and labour issues relating to M&A transactions. The team’s services also extend to advising on immigration matters, such as temporary and permanent residencies and assistance with visa renewals and naturalisation processes. The group is led by Osvaldo Madriz and Mario Quesada-Bianchini, and supported by associates Gerardo Delgado and Catalina Rivera Sanabria, who are labour litigation experts. The team’s roster includes clients across the financial services, fitness, tourism, restaurant and hospitality, and construction sectors. It was strengthened by the arrival of associate Jose Andrés Gutiérrez, a specialist in immigration issues, from an in-house role in February 2020.

Practice head(s):

Osvaldo Madriz; Mario Quesada-Bianchini

Testimonials

‘Clear and precise advice. Successful monitoring of cases. Excellent client service, response times and prices.’

Work highlights

  • Managed a collective bargaining process for Citi Group involving 16 judicial processes.

Costa Rica > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

The public law team at Consortium Legal advises local and international clients on a broad span of matters related to the development of large-scale infrastructure projects. Such issues include project finance, public bidding and procurement, public-private participation in projects, and proceedings before the administrative and constitutional authorities. The experienced team is led by foreign investment expert Rolando Laclé Zuñiga and senior associate Roy Ramos, who has extensive experience in the public sector. The group represents clients across the energy, infrastructure and telecoms sectors.

Practice head(s):

Rolando Laclé Zuñiga; Roy Ramos

Costa Rica > Environment

Firms to watch

Advising on compliance with environmental legislation is a key area of activity for the team at regional powerhouse Consortium Legal, led by Rolando Laclé Zuñiga, David Reuben and Juan Manuel Cordero.

Central America > Corporate and finance Tier 1

The largest firm in Central America, Consortium Legal has offices in Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, and frequently advises on complex, region-wide corporate and financial transactions, including M&A, corporate restructurings and bond issuances, acting for an impressive roster of regional and international banks and financial institutions and multinational companies. It also has expertise in project finance, particularly in the energy and mining sectors, foreign investment and fintech. Among the key contacts in the Costa Rican office are Mario Quesada-Bianchini, an expert in cross-border finance; and Randall Barquero, who leads the fintech practice, along with the experienced Juan Manuel Godoy and M&A expert Rolando Laclé Zuñiga. In Guatemala, Alfredo Rodríguez and Rafael Alvarado Riedel are the standouts for corporate work, while firm president Álvaro Castellanos specialises in banking and finance matters. Rodrigo Taboada and Olga Barreto, an expert in financial and corporate restructurings, are the key contacts in Nicaragua, while the experienced trio of Gustavo León-Gómez, José Ramón Paz Padilla and José Rafael Rivera are names to note in Honduras. In El Salvador, Óscar Samour leads the banking and finance practice, as well as heading the corporate team alongside Diego Martín and Maria Alejandra Tulipano.

Consortium Legal > Firm Profile

 

We are the largest law firm in Central America with more than 200 attorneys and seven strategically located in the five countries of the region and a multigenerational team that knows your needs. We provide regional coordination from a single point of contact for all your transactions.

Consortium is a full-service firm that has focused in the care of all types of companies that wants to do business in the region. We have specialist departments led by our partners in different areas of practice. Recognised as Central America Law Firm of the Year by the most valuable international legal directories, we are your strategic legal advisers.

Banking and finance: Having 15 years of regional experience, with both leading local and international banks, our clients’ excellent references prove we are undeniable leaders in banking and finance. Our long history of financial transactions has resulted in a deep practical knowledge of the regulatory landscape, making us the firm of choice for premium advice in the financial industry. Advising investment projects, our multi-disciplinary team flexibly covers all phases of your projects across a spectrum of legal areas (labor, corporate, criminal, and tax). Our M&A, corporate, and regulatory teams advise our clients together, saving them weeks in the negotiation of M&A transactions by addressing the legal issues concurrently.

Corporate law: We advise on the most important and complex corporate transactions in the region, covering all your legal needs with one of the largest teams of over 40 corporate lawyers. Our corporate specialists can quickly develop optimal structures for your investment projects, with flexibility, efficiency and transparency to meet your needs in the region. We combine our reach, with team members having previous in-house industry experience, allowing us to practically overcome your business challenges.

Intellectual property: Our regional IP team is led by women with more than 15 years of experience in the field and that today leverages technology to offer the best standard of service in Central America. We show our clients how to add value to their intellectual property assets, managing an innovative advisory, both in the identification of protectable intangible assets (know-how, technology, domains, trade dress), as well as in the structuring of franchises and licenses of the same. We avoid costly and time-consuming disputes over priority rights, through a strong and timely protection of your intangible assets.

Tax law: We specialize in local and international tax advice, and we have defended significant cases that have even established judicial criteria and precedents. We have unique experts specializing in tax matters (customs, municipal, litigation, auditing, and accounting) distinguishing us in Central America to provide comprehensive advice in client legal defense cases. We have generated major client savings through tax efficiencies, and through a high success rate in tax litigation, our advice is always within the legal framework, guaranteeing client legal security before the state.

Labor: The labor law team in all our offices has more than 15 years of experience and preparation in the development of processes and products aimed at preventive and proactive advice on labor legal matters. We provide labor advice to many industries with differing compliance requirements yet always with an eye toward growing the company and making it more competitive.

Firmwide managing contact: Valeria Di Palma (vdipalma@consortiumlegal.com)
Number of partners worldwide: 54
Number of other lawyers worldwide: +200
Website: www.consortiumlegal.com

Main Contacts

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Banking and Finance Mario Quesada Bianchinimquesada@consortiumlegal.com
Corporate Rolando Laclé Zuñigarlacle@consortiumlegal.com
Banking and Finance David Arturo Camposdacampos@consortiumlegal.com
Tax Diego Saltodsalto@consortiumlegal.com

Staff Figures

Partners : 18
Associates : 77
Total Staff : 183

Comparative Guides

  • Guatemala: Banking & Finance

    Published: March 2022

    Authors: Melissa Odily Morán Tobar de Orantes Alvaro Rodrigo Castellanos Howell

    This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Banking & Finance laws and regulations that may occur in Guatemala.

    Top Tier Firm Rankings

  • Banking and finance
  • Corporate and M&A
  • Tax

    Firm Rankings

  • Real estate
  • Dispute resolution
  • Intellectual property
  • Labour and employment
  • Projects and infrastructure
  • Environment

    Top Tier Firm Rankings

  • Central America > Corporate and finance
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
© 2022 Legalease Ltd. All rights reserved
Registered company in England & Wales No. 2427356 VAT 321572722
Registered address: 188 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2AG
  • Data Protection policies
  • |
  • Cookies Policy
  • |
  • FAQs
  • |
  • Contact Us
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Save & Accept