Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises domestic and international clients on the full spectrum of trade and customs matters, with particular strength in Argentina’s key sectors, including agribusiness, mining, oil and gas, and energy. The group is well placed to handle import and export issues, representing clients before Customs Offices nationwide and in administrative and judicial proceedings, and also assists with anti-dumping matters, tariff classifications, and free trade agreements. María Laura Bacigalupo leads the practice and is a key reference for domestic and international clients seeking advice on specialised trade regimes, customs litigation and the structuring and implementation of foreign trade transactions. ‘Expert counsel’ Andrea Callegari provides critical advisory and litigation support on the full array of foreign trade and customs matters. Other noteworthy individuals include senior associates Maria Agustina Muse and Daniela Adana Perez D’Agosta. Eduardo Mallea left the firm in May 2024 after being appointed the Director General of Customs for Argentina, while former senior associate Sebastián Lerner subsequently left the firm in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Bruchou provides an excellent service in customs and foreign trade law with a strategic business perspective. Their vast experience in the agro-export sector is a significant added value.’
- ‘The Foreign Trade team, led by Laura Bacigalupo and Andrea Callegari, has a technical solidity that has allowed us to clarify complex concepts. They are available when needed and have a great ability to detect potential contingencies for our business.’
- ‘The quality that differentiates them is their active listening when we present a problem, and their intellectual honesty when they are unfamiliar with a more operational customs issue.’
- ‘The firm's lawyers are agile and always available when needed. María Laura Bacigalupo, the partner in charge of the sector, knows all the issues in detail and always excels in her analysis of complex topics.’
- ‘The team is characterised by a very high level of professionalism. They always have the right answer, and there is great speed in their client care and responses to queries. They always keep us updated on new developments.’
- ‘They see the client as someone to whom a legal service must be provided. In the case of Andrea Callegari, she provided an efficient, quality service focused on satisfying our needs and helping us to conduct our own cost-benefit analysis.’
- ‘As in-house lawyers, we need to understand the options and chances of success to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Bruchou compares favourably with other firms in this regard, providing support and personalised attention to our needs.’
- ‘In addition to their professionalism and knowledge, we always find them to be excellent people. That is a bonus when working with a firm of this nature. Personal relationships are as important as subject matter knowledge.’
- ‘María Laura Bacigalupo's experience in valuation and general customs regulations particularly stands out.’
- ‘All the lawyers are academically excellent and respond in a timely manner. They are all excellent professionals and are committed to the client.’
Key clients
- Molinos Río de la Plata
- Petronas E&P Argentina
- Vista Oil & Gas
- SPI Energy (former Araucaria)
- Glucovil Argentina
- Cargill SACI
- Expro Argentina
- Bunge Argentina
- Compañía Agroindustrial La Oriental
- NewSan
- Halliburton Argentina
- Genneia
- MSU Energy
- YPF
- Molinos Agro
- Minas Argentinas
- Minera Andina del Sol
- Barrick Exploraciones Argentina
- Yamana Gold
- Stracon International Argentina
Work highlights
Advised MSU GREEN ENERGY S.A.U. on the import of equipment and components for multiple solar power projects in Argentina.
Advised Barrick Exploraciones Argentina S.A. on successfully challenging a $19m customs tax claim related to an alleged breach of the Staggered Shipments Regime.
Advised Cargill, Bunge, Amaggi, and Molinos Agro on successfully challenging export duty claims filed by the San Lorenzo and Rosario Customs Offices regarding soybean product exports between 2018 and 2023.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
María Laura Bacigalupo
Other key lawyers
Andrea Callegari; Maria Agustina Muse; Daniela Adana Perez D’Agosta