Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga > Montevideo, Uruguay > Firm Profile

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga > The Legal 500 Rankings

Uruguay > Banking and finance Tier 2

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga ‘stands out’ for its expertise in the fintech sector, and the banking and finance team advises numerous clients in the payment systems and open banking space. Noting a recent increase in infrastructure projects, the team has also been advising on a growing number of project finance transactions; renewable energy and PPP financings are particularly active areas for the group. The practice has also strengthened its capabilities in the consumer finance space, adding a number of financial entities to its clientele. Three partners jointly lead the team: Nicolás Herrera Alonso focuses on banking and capital markets matters, advising key clients such as JP Morgan; Mariela Ruanova has an established reputation in the technology sector and counts payment solution providers among her diverse roster of clients; and Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr spearheads the team’s project financing matters. Senior associates Mariana Lartigau, Alfredo Arocena, Maite Gaynicotche and Alejandra Martínez are also key members of the team.

Uruguay > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

With a multinational client base, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga regularly advises on corporate transactions across the full range of sectors, including the TMT, oil and gas, fintech, energy and infrastructure industries. The team demonstrates prowess in the drafting of various agreements, and in guiding clients through the termination of supply and services agreements. Virginia Brause co-leads the team, experienced in advising global clients on the establishment of operations in Uruguay and active in innovative projects in the construction and wastewater sectors. Practice co-head Nicolás Herrera Alonso acts for an impressive roster of multinational clients in major acquisitions, particularly in the consumer finance and fintech spaces. Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr brings sector-specific expertise in the energy, infrastructure and agriculture industries to the team, and has a successful track record advising companies on exiting projects. At the senior associate level, Jimena González plays a leading role in corporate due diligence processes. Mariana Lartigau advises a clientele of financial institutions and other regulated entities, excelling in the negotiation of transaction agreements. Alfredo Arocena and Inés Mastroianni are also senior associates to note.

Uruguay > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Drawing on the firm’s global network, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is regularly involved in cross-border litigation on behalf of both locally-based clients and an impressive roster of multinational companies. Advising significant banks in the country, namely Santander and Itaú, the team has a strong background in debt restructuring, collections and bankruptcy matters. Antitrust litigation is another prolific area, and the group represents clients against claims of anti-competitive behaviour. It also noted a recent increase in cases related to environmental law. Practice co-head Nicolás Brause focuses on commercial law and antitrust and bankruptcy cases. He leads the team alongside Mariela Ruanova, who demonstrates particular prowess in financial litigation. At the senior associate level, Bruno Steneri is regularly sought after for representation in insurance litigation, while Andrés Tiscornia advises international clients on procedural law matters.

Uruguay > Intellectual property Tier 2

From registration and acquisition to protection and litigation, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga advises an impressive list of international players on the protection of IP rights. The team’s IP litigation practice is noted for its cross-border capabilities and also encompasses unfair competition matters and alternative dispute resolution. It excels in the technology space, handling crypto assets, technology procurement, development and licensing, and digital media and software protection. Privacy and cybersecurity are other areas of expertise, including the use of electronic signatures. Héctor B. Viana heads the firm’s TMT team, focusing his practice on the IP aspects of technology matters, as well as copyright and data protection advice. Senior associate Mariana Lartigau is experienced in trade mark applications and due diligence of IP assets. Lucía Aguerre, associate, specialises in trade secrets and unfair competition matters.

Uruguay > Projects and energy Tier 2

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga remains ahead of the curve in the renewable energy sector, advising on wind and solar project financings, and refinancings and M&A of renewables projects. The team is active in PPP projects, particularly in the road and rail sectors. It continues to expand its practice to encompass the forestry, life sciences and port sectors, advising an impressive clientele of investors, financing institutions and developers. The group is involved in innovative projects, including a green hydrogen project, a water treatment project and a port terminal. Practice head and project financing expert Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr is active in financings and acquisitions in the renewables, oil and gas and tourism sectors. He is supported by a strong team of senior associates: Carolina Bianchi advises funds and sponsors on PPP projects; Daniela De Castro plays a key role in renewable energy matters; and Alfredo Arocena specialises in project financing.

Uruguay > Real estate Tier 2

Providing both legal and notary support, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga assists clients throughout the full life cycle of real estate transactions and developments. The team’s expertise encompasses both rural and urban development, as well as real estate for commercial and industrial premises. It advises developers and financers, notably Banco Santander, which the team assists in real estate financing and mortgages and other transactions. Practice head Héctor B. Viana acts for a diverse roster of clients, from investors and financiers to developers, managers, sellers and purchasers, in real estate acquisitions and developments. At the associate level, Aparicio Howard has experience in matters related to construction, leases and condominiums, including real estate disputes. Also qualified as a public notary, María José Rovira advises on rural real estate sales, bringing expert knowledge of ownership of land regulations and transfer permits.

Uruguay > Labour and employment Tier 4

Drawing on its global network, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga represents both local and multinational clients in employment and benefits-related litigation. The team’s full-service offering encompasses both corporate and government investigations and collective bargaining matters. Executive compensation is another area of expertise. Experienced negotiator Diego Viana co-leads the team and is active in labour litigation and collective bargaining. Practice co-head Ignacio Demarco is an expert in employment and social security matters, advising on reorganisations, labour audits and executive compensation. Senior associate Malenna Rovetta specialises in individual labour disputes, defending companies against employee labour claims. Joaquín Davyt, associate, is another active member of the team.

Uruguay > Tax Tier 4

Working in tandem with its global network of offices, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga‘s tax team advises an impressive roster of multinational companies, as well as both new and established companies in Uruguay. The practice specialises in business structuring and tax planning, particularly for clients looking to expand into Uruguay. It also advises on the tax aspects of reorganisations, restructurings and M&A, and the technology sector has also been an increasing area of focus for the team. Julio López heads the team and leads on all tax matters. Senior associate Martin Montoro is a key member of the group, focusing his practice on corporate tax matters and the tax aspects of investments. He also brings international experience to the team, handling foreign trade matters and taxation of international investments and projects.