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Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Panama > Projects and energy Tier 3

Dentons‘ wide-ranging practice spans projects, energy, government contracts and public procurement matters, with a strong track record in the development of road, public utilities, healthcare and energy infrastructure projects. Its client base includes a host of major international construction companies, multilateral investment institutions and energy companies. Practice head María del Rosario de Roux stands out for her advice on high-profile public infrastructure projects, while Panama managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras brings extensive experience in the public sector (including as director of Panama’s internal revenue service and as Minister of Commerce and Industry). Associate Nicole Goldoni provides capable support in energy and government contracts matters.

Panama > Banking and finance Tier 4

Lauded for its ‘knowledge, prestige, availability, efficiency and proactivity‘, the Panamanian branch of Dentons leverages the firm’s extensive global network to act as local counsel to an array of leading international banks and development finance institutions on loans granted to domestic borrowers. The team’s expertise in multi-jurisdictional financing transactions extends to the maritime sector, where it frequently advises on mortgages over Panama-flagged vessels. The practice is headed by office managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras, who focuses on financial regulatory matters and asset finance. Associate Angie Mei Sánchez stands out for her experience in shipping finance transactions.

Panama > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Dentons‘s extensive global network makes it a strong choice to advise international clients; the Panamanian branch frequently joins up with the firm’s offices across Central America and further afield to assist with multi-jurisdictional M&A and due diligence processes. The team also advises on company restructurings, the establishment of operations in Panama, and day-to-day commercial and regulatory issues. Office managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras leads the practice, drawing upon extensive experience in Panama’s public sector (including as director of the Internal Revenue Service and Minister of Commerce and Industries). Senior associate Analiz Nieto, who directs the compliance department, and associate Angie Mei Sánchez provide capable support.

Panama > Dispute resolution Tier 4

The ‘creative, astute and agile‘ dispute resolution team at Dentons uses the firm’s vast global network to its advantage, focusing on representing international clients in cross-border disputes with Panamanian law components. The broad practice spans commercial, civil, administrative and shipping litigation, as well as commercial arbitration, with a strong suit in disputes related to public utilities, particularly energy and telecoms. Following the departure of former practice head Fernando Aued in August 2023, the key contacts in the team are Panama managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras; María del Rosario de Roux, an experienced litigator with specialist expertise in the public contracting and projects sphere; and associate Nicole Goldoni.

Central America > Corporate and finance

As the Central American branch of global firm Dentons, Dentons is one of the few firms in the region to have an international presence, making it well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional transactions. In Costa Rica (where the firm has two offices), real estate and hospitality specialist Eduardo Zúñiga leads the corporate team with Tatiana Reuben. Luis Abundio Maldonado, who also co-chairs the infrastructure practice for Latin America and the Caribbean, is the name to note in Guatemala, while in Honduras Arturo Zacapa heads the team. In Nicaragua, Edgard Torres handles corporate and finance matters, and Daniel Martinez, who has a strong track record in international deals, leads the El Salvador practice. The highly experienced Gisela Álvarez de Porras is the key contact in Panama.