Consortium Legal > Ciudad Guatemala, Guatemala > Firm Profile
Consortium Legal Offices

DIAGONAL 6 10-01 ZONA 10 CENTRO GERENCIAL LAS MARGARITS TORRE II
OFICINA 1101
CIUDAD GUATEMALA
Guatemala
Consortium Legal > The Legal 500 Rankings
Guatemala > Banking and finance Tier 1
Bond issuances are a significant area of expertise for Consortium Legal‘s ‘highly competent and knowledgeable‘ team, which recently acted for BofA Securities as the global coordinator of the Republic of Guatemala’s sovereign bond issuance, which raised $1.2bn for the country’s Covid response. As part of a major regional firm, the team is active in cross-border financial transactions across Central America, working alongside its other offices in the area, and counts banks, financial institutions and multilateral organisations among its clients. The team primarily acts for clients on the lender side but also assists borrowers with corporate lending and debt restructurings. The ‘very efficient‘ Álvaro Castellanos, whose broad experience includes the fintech, insurance and aviation sectors, heads the practice. Since publication, Melissa Morán has joined the practice as a senior associate from Sfera Legal.Practice head(s):
Álvaro Castellanos
Testimonials
‘The Consortium Legal team is made up of highly competent and knowledgeable lawyers, who have a lot of experience advising different national and international entities on various legal issues. These qualities make Consortium stand out from the rest of the local law firms.’
‘The firm stands out for its client service and the direct involvement of the partners in the case, whatever the time, to provide an answer to my concerns. I have known Álvaro Castellanos for several years and the service he provides me with is very efficient.’
‘As a big Guatemalan firm, Consortium provides good client service, collaboration at all times between the partners, associates and the wider team, and a wide portfolio of legal services.’
‘The team at Consortium always keep in touch with clients, study transactions closely and propose solutions and efficiencies.’
‘The lawyers put themselves in the client’s shoes, treating every deal as if it were their own, and they stand out for their level of knowledge and experience.’
‘The follow-up on the matters that are entrusted to them is excellent!’
Key clients
Citibank
Bank of America
JP Morgan & Chase
IDB and IDB Invest
Deutsche Bank
Banco Azteca
Banco de América Central
Credit Suisse
Bupa Global and Bupa Guatemala
Bancolombia / Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala
Banco de los Trabajadores
Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (CABEI)
The Bank of Nova Scotia (Panamá)
Work highlights
- Advised BofA Securities on the Republic of Guatemala’s $1.2bn sovereign dual-tranche bond issuance, which included significant participation from accounts with dedicated environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and social bonds portfolios.
- Advised Citigroup Global Markets and BofA Securities on the underwriting of the $300m 4.875% subordinated fixed-to-fixed rate notes due 2031 (callable 2026) issued by Banco Industrial.
- Acted as local counsel to IDB Invest with regards to $50m financing provided to Banco Promerica to support the growth of the borrower’s SME portfolio and environmentally friendly projects.
Guatemala > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Standing out for the ‘extraordinary one-on-one engagement‘ of its team, regional firm Consortium Legal is highly active in cross-border M&A transactions and corporate restructurings, with a solid client base including numerous major multinationals. The firm is also part of the Central American Integration Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (Ingrerarse), an alliance to promote sustainability in Central America and the Caribbean. The experienced trio of Rafael Alvarado Riedel, Alfredo Rodríguez and Álvaro Castellanos (who also coordinates the firm’s involvement in the Vance Centre’s “Keep Families Together” pro bono initiative) heads the sizeable team, with Rodríguez and Castellanos bringing additional expertise in tax and finance matters, respectively, to the table. Other notable team members include Sofía Escribá, who is experienced in the negotiation of M&A and shareholders’ agreements, and senior associate Maria Fernanda Morales, whose expertise spans corporate matters in the aeronautics, energy, telecoms, food and non-profit sectors.Practice head(s):
Rafael Alvarado Riedel; Álvaro Castellanos; Alfredo Rodríguez
Testimonials
‘The team stands out for its level of service and engagement with clients.’
‘Extraordinary one-on-one engagement from every partner and associate. Each member of the team we work with is highly skilled and overall attention to detail is a priority.’
Key clients
Grupo PDC
Distribuidora Me Llega
Inchcape
Millicom
Citigroup
Walmart Group
Telxius Cable Guatemala
Enel Green Power Guatemala
AT&T
Whirlpool
Absortex
Entremares de Guatemala
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo PDC on the leveraged acquisition of the assets of Australian Dairy Goods in Guatemala and El Salvador and the operations of Dizac, one of the main distributors of the company’s products in El Salvador.
- Advised a group of Guatemalan investors on the leveraged acquisition of the assets of hygiene products company Absortex.
- Acted as Guatemalan counsel to Enel Green Power in the due diligence process of the entire local operation in preparation for an internal merger with Enel Americas.
Guatemala > Intellectual property Tier 1
‘Highly regarded for its practice and its track record‘, Consortium Legal draws on its position as a leading regional firm to advise clients on the management of their trade mark portfolios in Guatemala and Central America (and often assists with IP issues in Europe and the rest of Latin America). The team, which acts for a number of major multinationals, particularly in the food and beverages and pharmaceutical sectors, is also skilled in IP litigation, handling infringement, cancellation and unfair competition actions. Another key offering is the firm’s internal software system, which allows clients to send instructions in an automatic format and stores all their trade mark and patent information. ‘Outstanding‘ practice head Ninoshka Urrutia also has expertise in the protection of geographical indications, domain names and copyright. Associate Stephanie Arévalo directs the firm’s patent department and international department, which specialises in the registration of trade marks worldwide.Practice head(s):
Ninoshka Urrutia
Testimonials
‘Consortium Legal is a well-known firm in Guatemala. Ninoshka Urrutia is a very distinguished attorney and knowledgeable in this area of practice. She has about 20 years of experience in the area and has been a professor at several recognised universities in the country.’
‘Personalised attention at all times makes this practice unique. The IP team make you feel like you are the only client, and that is something really hard to find nowadays.’
‘Ninoshka Urrutia has outstanding knowledge of IP matters, local and international. Stephanie Arevalo shows attention to detail, and has great knowledge to assist with clients’ queries.’
‘Knowledge of intellectual property matters and good contacts.’
‘Ninoshka Urrutia is an outstanding lawyer – knowledgeable about the subject matter, with an impeccable approach to cases and the ability to multitask.’
‘The Consortium team in the field of intellectual property is highly regarded for its practice and its track record. Ninoshka Urrutia who leads the firm’s team is an excellent professional.’
‘Ninoshka Urrutia is an extremely active lawyer in intellectual property matters in Guatemala and her participation in different chambers and committees really makes a difference. Ninoshka, in addition to being an excellent lawyer, is extremely ethical.’
‘Their personalised attention, the fact that they are always friendly and available, and above all their very professional and ethical approach is what we value the most as clients. Advice is always given in a professional way, taking into account all the aspects of the case and all the pros and cons so that we can make the best decisions as clients.’
Key clients
CMI IP Holding
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
Productos Alimenticios Diana
Wal-Mart de México
Colgate Palmolive
Arabela
Laboratorios Arsal
Imperquimia
Fid
Laboratorios Químico-Farmacéuticos Lancasco
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Colgate-Palmolive in a counterfeiting case.
- Advising Laboratorios Químico-Farmacéuticos Lancasco on the management of its portfolio in Guatemala and Central America.
- Advising Productos Alimenticios Diana on the management of its portfolio.
Guatemala > Labour Tier 1
Consortium Legal's 'excellent' team stands out for its strength in collective bargaining and trade union disputes, but it also advises on occupational health and safety matters, the labour aspects of M&A transactions, retirement and pension fund issues, and - particularly during the pandemic - the extension and suspension of employment contracts and compliance with government labour regulations. The team focuses on advising multinationals from sectors including financial services, retail and pharmaceuticals, and often advises on cross-border matters with the assistance of the firm's other regional offices. Practice head Lionel Aguilar has broad expertise, including advising international clients on obtaining permits and licences for their foreign employees. At senior associate level, Federico Zelada is a specialist in collective bargaining, as well as advising on M&A and social security issues, and Cristina Sandoval focuses on immigration and occupational health and safety matters.
Practice head(s):
Lionel Aguilar
Testimonials
‘They know our business, have a good relationship with our team, give timely responses and propose solutions that are realistic for us.’
‘They have an excellent team. Lionel Aguilar and Federico Zelada are up to date with the legal and jurisprudential criteria, and their commitment and dedication means they provide a quality service.’
‘Consortium is an extremely reliable firm. The knowledge they have about immigration procedures in Guatemala allows us to anticipate issues and prepare properly. The client service is excellent and the follow-up on any problem that we have encountered is truly of the highest standard.’
‘The client service, response times and the quality and knowledge of the lawyers is outstanding.’
Key clients
PepsiCo
Corporación Muti Inversiones
DHL Global Forwarding
Industrias Alimenticias Kern’s (FIFCO)
Ternium Internacional Guatemala
Unipharm
Syngenta
GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit)
Walmart
Asofarma
Samsung Electronics
BAC – Banco de América Central
Dole
Work highlights
- Advising agro-industrial multinational Corporación Multi Inversiones on the standardisation of its payroll procedures in Central America, allowing the company to use the same standard of benefits and remunerations throughout the region.
- Advised PepsiCo on the restructuring of employment relations due to the introduction of new machinery in the company.
- Assisted Industrias Alimenticias Kern’s (FIFCO) in negotiations with the union of its factory in Guatemala.
Guatemala > Tax Tier 1
The ‘excellent‘ team at Consortium Legal draws on the firm’s presence throughout Central America to advise on multi-jurisdictional tax matters, including the tax aspects of M&A transactions. The team also advises on transfer pricing and tax planning, and represents clients in disputes with the tax authorities. Among its clients are local, regional and multinational companies from the financial, non profit, manufacturing, agroindustrial and mining sectors. Alfredo Rodríguez is experienced in advising on the tax aspects of corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity investments, as well as advising high-net-worth individuals and family groups on estate and succession planning. He co-heads the team with the experienced Olga Meléndez and David Erales, who leads the tax litigation practice. Associate Alejandra Fuentes-Pieruccini is noted for her advice on transfer pricing and international taxation. Since publication, the team has been rejoined by Mario Archila, previously head of his own practice at Archila & Asociados.Practice head(s):
Alfredo Rodríguez; Olga Meléndez; David Erales
Testimonials
‘An excellent team with a very good grasp of tax matters. They give constant feedback and good advice when required.’
‘They are always fully available to help, and work directly with clients, so they feel like part of the team. David Erales’s service is truly comprehensive.’
‘They stand out for their knowledge, capability, professional and ethical attitude, availability to clients and excellent interpersonal relationships.’
Key clients
United Airlines
Cemex Guatemala
Alapar
Banrural
Bantrab
Grupo Multi Inversiones
Grupo Farmagua
Grupo PDC
Grupo Bac-Credomatic
Cinepolis Guatemala
Walmart
Milésimo
Grupo Sur
Banco Industrial
Work highlights
- Advised Grupo PDC on the tax aspects of the leveraged acquisition of the Australian Dairy Goods business in Guatemala and El Salvador and of the operations of Dizac, one of the main distributors in El Salvador.
- Advised a Guatemalan group of investors on the tax matters relating to the acquisition of Absortex, which produces and distributes diapers, feminine hygiene products and other hygiene supplies.
Guatemala > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Consortium Legal‘s ‘dedicated‘ and ‘responsible‘ team handles civil, commercial and constitutional litigation, with a specialist tax litigation practice led by David Erales; it has also been increasingly active in arbitration. The team acts for large regional and international clients from diverse sectors including technology, energy, financial services and hospitality. Practice head Elías Arriaza, who has broad experience, including in shareholder, labour and administrative disputes, and associate Paulina Rodríguez, who has significant arbitration expertise, are considered 'excellent lawyers'. Other key members of the sizeable associate team include Alejandro Sánchez and Erick Efrén Pérez.Practice head(s):
Elías Arriaza
Testimonials
‘They work expeditiously and show great commitment when following up on matters.’
‘Elías Arriaza and Paulina Rodríguez work perfectly. They are extremely organised and always willing to assist.’
‘They are dedicated and very responsible in their handling of cases.’
‘The lawyers are very well prepared.’
‘Both Elías Arriaza and Paulina Rodríguez know the case inside out. They are excellent lawyers.’
‘They provide good follow-up and demonstrate deep knowledge in different areas of law. Elías Arriaza, David Erales and Erick Efrén Pérez are stellar attorneys.’
Key clients
Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI)
Walmart
Banco Internacional
Ternium
Syngenta
Cuestamoras
Industrias Licoreras
Pollo Campero
Colgate
Centro Comercial Galerías La Pradera
Work highlights
- Acting for a restaurant chain in a challenge to regulations introduced by the municipalities of San Juan Sacatepéquez (in the department of Guatemala) and Ayutla (in the department of San Marcos).
Guatemala > Real estate Tier 2
Consortium Legal has extensive experience advising major local and regional developers on the development of commercial and mixed-use real estate projects. It has been particularly active lately advising on the acquisition of land for future developments, but also assists with agreements between the project developers and obtaining authorisations for projects from the regulatory authorities. Experienced senior associate Sandra García de Zedan leads the practice and advises on the sale and purchase of real estate, project development and related tax and administrative matters. Alfredo Rodríguez brings additional expertise in corporate and tax matters in the real estate sector to the team.
Practice head(s):
Sandra García de Zedan
Key clients
Milesimo
Grupo Tarsus
Inversiones Pavalco
Grupo Ubica
Amplaherra
PM502
Grupo Enalto (Plataforma)
Calidad Inmobiliaria
Inversiones Fuenteroble
Pepsico
Work highlights
- Advising Panamanian company Conservatorio on the land investigation efforts for the implementation of the Ciudad Pedrera project in Guatemala.
- Advising Fuente Roble (La Mar) on the development of a resort project on the Pacific coast of Guatemala.
- Advising the Milésimo group on the development of six new projects.
Central America > Corporate and finance
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 want 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
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and Finance | Alvaro Castellanos | acastellanos@consortiumlegal.com | |
Labor | Lionel Aguilar | laguilar@consortiumlegal.com | |
Corporate and Tax | Alfredo Rodríguez | arodriguez@consortiumlegal.com | |
General Manager | Fernando Guerra | fguerra@consortiumlegal.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Lionel Aguilar | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Diego Alejos | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Mario Estuardo Archila | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Elías Arriaza | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Alvaro Castellanos | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Salvador Del Valle | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr David Erales | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Sofía Escribá | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Alejandra Fuentes-Pieruccini | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Sandra García de Zedan | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Ms Olga Meléndez | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Rafael Alvarado Riedel | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Alfredo Rodríguez | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ms Ninoshka Urrutia | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Federico Zelada | Senior Associate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Partners : 13 Associates : 24 Total staff : 95- Banking and finance
- Corporate and M&A
- Intellectual property
- Labour
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution
- Real estate
Firm Rankings
- Central America > Corporate and finance