BLP is renowned for the depth and breadth of its dispute resolution offering in Costa Rica, with a practice encompassing criminal, environmental, IP, antitrust, consumer, labour, tax, real estate, trade and customs, banking, agrarian and human rights law. The team has an excellent record in both domestic and international arbitration and litigation (including mass tort and class action cases), representing an array of leading international clients in the pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, retail, hospitality and technology sectors, among others, in high-stakes disputes. In particular, the firm stands out for its deep expertise in medical products liability and distributor and agency disputes. At the head of the practice, Mauricio Salas has extensive experience in both litigation and arbitration (including sitting as an arbitrator), with significant expertise in environmental law. Luis Ortiz, a specialist in public law cases, and Alejandro Rojas, the former head of Costa Rica’s Public Defender’s Office, who focuses on criminal litigation, also lend senior expertise to the team. The deep bench of associates includes directors Robert Morales, whose practice spans national and international litigation and arbitration, and Alejandro Goicuría, an expert in civil, commercial and banking litigation and white-collar crime cases, and senior associate José Pablo Miranda, a former prosecutor who specialises in criminal law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The dispute resolution practice is distinguished by its technical excellence, in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, and a clearly strategic, business-oriented approach. The team goes beyond simply managing the case; it closely supports clients in making critical decisions, anticipating risks and offering clear, practical recommendations. Compared to other firms, the firm stands out for its high level of partner involvement, consistent service quality, and seamless communication, fostering trust and ensuring continuity in its strategy.
- The firm's key differentiator is the combination of outstanding legal expertise with a strategic and practical business vision, allowing them to deliver value beyond traditional legal analysis. Their technical quality, proactive approach, and clear communication set them apart from competitors. Mauricio Salas, in particular, stands out for his leadership, strategic judgment, and profound knowledge of dispute resolution, making him a key advisor in complex and high-impact matters. Robert Morales, for his part, excels in technical rigour, unwavering commitment, and execution capabilities, ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively and consistently. Together, the team acts as a true strategic partner for the company.
- Mauricio Salas is my trusted advisor. He has been for many years, not only in litigation. His knowledge of the law (in general) is always impressive.
- I think that the strength of this practice is the bandwidth. They have a considerable number of experts who work together in very particular subfields of litigation. In the past, I have worked with other firms that are solid in disputes in certain areas, such as labour. This firm is strong across areas such as antitrust, environmental law, international arbitration, and others.
- What makes the team unique is the level of experience, knowledge, and trustworthiness they demonstrate to my company.
- They stand out for their market experience, legal knowledge, and the trust they inspire.
Key clients
- Pfizer
- Kraft Heinz
- Uber Technologies
- SSAT
- Initec
- Medtronic
- Adidas
- Chiquita Brands International
- Waldorf Astoria - Punta Cacique
- Grupo Enjoy
- Amazon
- Botanika
Work highlights
Representing Pfizer in mass tort litigation in Costa Rica relating to a mechanical valve prosthesis for which approval was withdrawn by the FDA in 1986.
Representing Adidas in a multimillion-dollar dispute brought by its former distributor.
Representing Amazon in multiple cases in Costa Rica, including in a criminal case stemming from a hacking.
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
Mauricio Salas