Carlos Hamann > CMS Grau > Lima, Peru > Lawyer Profile

CMS Grau maintains a prominent position in the Peruvian hydrocarbon industry, acting for major service providers, as well as both domestic and international oil companies. The team offers comprehensive assistance with various energy-related areas, including exploration, production, and gas transportation and distribution, while also routinely advising on administrative and judicial proceedings related to alleged breaches of environmental and technical regulations. With significant expertise in permits, regulatory issues, contracting and financing matters, Carlos Hamann jointly leads the practice with Eduardo Guevara, who is noted for handling major operations and investment projects related to Peru’s energy sector; and Jesús Abanto, a key contact for matters related to the regulation of natural gas transportation and distribution tariffs. Associate support is provided by Sebastián Orrego, who focuses on administrative sanctioning proceedings; and Melissa Meza, who regularly advises clients on exploration and exploitation contracts.

Leveraging its team’s expertise across a broad spectrum of electricity matters, including regulatory advice, corporate law, and financing transactions, CMS Grau is a preferred choice for many major electricity operators. Beyond its involvement in power generation, transmission, and distribution, the team actively participates in renewable energy projects. The practice is co-led by Ramon Huapaya, an authority on the regulation of public services, concessions, and infrastructure; and Nestor Shimabukuro, who is renowned for his prowess regarding project development, title acquisition and energy-supply contract negotiations. Renewable energy and arbitration expert Carlos Hamann is another key contact; while senior associate Oscar Alejos is recommended for permitting and licensing matters, as well as regulatory and administrative issues in the power sector.

Situated within a global network, the arbitration department at CMS Grau handles both domestic and international arbitration proceedings, primarily relating to commercial issues, contracts and investment issues, often before the ICC and ICSID. The team is skilled in designing strategies for conflict prevention purposes. The group is led by Luis Alberto Linan, who is experienced in representing telecoms and mining companies in civil and constitutional proceedings; Javier Ferrero, who handles complex investment arbitration cases; and Michelle Barclay, who focuses on advising companies in relation to infrastructure and PPP projects. Carlos Hamann specialises in energy and natural resources disputes, while Ramon Huapaya’s scope of work covers public procurement and government contract-related arbitration.

CMS deepened its local expertise with the creation of FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in Sao Paulo, adding to its pre-existing presence in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The firm’s international offices outside of the region continue to play an integral role in Latin America, notably with Ted Rhodes leading the Latin America practice and Brazil desk from London; he was previously managing partner of the Rio de Janeiro office for 14 years. The firm has a longstanding record in oil and gas, complemented in more recent years by further activities in the wider energy arena, natural resources, mining and infrastructure. It continues to expand its presence in solar, wind and green hydrogen. Much of the practice involves cross-border deals involving European parties, along with intra-regional transactions. Carlos Hamann is another key partner in Lima, along with Enrique Lorente Ludlow in Mexico City.