Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja > DLA Piper LLP (US) > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a large team of Latin America specialists, spread across its US and Latin America offices. It has extensive connections to developers and project sponsors, and is increasingly building its presence in renewables and energy transition matters (including wind, solar, hydro and battery storage). The practice is also noted for PPP transactions, thanks to its headline role in advising LUMA Energy as the winning bidder in the PPP transaction for the management and operation of the transmission and distribution assets of the state-owned electricity utility in Puerto Rico. The firm is further noted for its M&A expertise in energy and infrastructure, including portfolio acquisitions of renewables assets. Marcello Hallake has joined the New York office from Jones Day, bringing significant energy sector transactional expertise. New York’s Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is Latin America head of banking and finance and has an excellent record in project financings in the region. San Juan partner Miriam Figueroa is a key figure in PPPs and infrastructure projects. Santiago partner Diego Peña is also an integral team member, as is Raul Farias in San Diego/New York. Since publication, the practice has been furhter strengthened with the hire of Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares from Allen & Overy LLP – effective as of February 2024.

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s sizeable Latin America team in the US alongside practitioners in the region itself, provides a solid platform for a growing banking and finance practice. The firm has built an enviable client base, particularly Latin American borrowers, and is widely recognised for its geographic spread of engagements in project finance and large restructurings. The team was further strengthened by the hire of Latin America banking and finance specialist Robert da Silva Ashley from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in April 2023; splitting his time between New York and Miami, he brings wide-ranging experience in project finance and corporate lending, including wind and solar projects. Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is co-regional head of Latin America banking and finance, and is another experienced figure in project finance and general corporate lending. Mexico City partner Edgar Romo and Lima’s Sergio Barboza, are also co-regional heads of the group, and are key figures within the team, along with José Sosa-Lloréns in Puerto Rico. Raul Farias, who splits his time between San Diego and New York has made a big impression in cross-border financings and refinancings, and has also led on a series of large-scale restructuring engagements; he was the lead partner in advising Mexico-based Crédito Real on its $2.9bn global debt restructuring encompassing six different jurisdictions and more than 45 different creditors.