Hailed as ‘a comprehensive practice, with highly capable lawyers with excellent business understanding', the corporate offering at full-service domestic firm Legalsa stands out for its advice to local clients on the expansion of their operations in Central America, and has seen strong recent activity in the financial services and agroindustrial sectors. The team is also adept at advising foreign clients on establishing branches in Guatemala, including assisting with commercial contracts and regulatory and licensing issues. Other key pillars of the practice are advising local family-owned businesses on corporate governance and succession issues and supporting start-ups in the food and tech industries. At the head of the team, David Font is well regarded for his expertise in foreign investment, real estate and fintech matters, while Johann Hartleben enjoys a thriving M&A practice. Senior associates Mónica Linares and Andrés Dubón provide assistance with the full range of corporate issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My team receive a personalised service from the people we work with at the Comte & Font Legalsa law firm. We feel like we are the firm's most important client.’
‘A comprehensive practice, with highly capable lawyers with excellent business understanding.’
‘Committed, responsible and highly capable lawyers. I have had the pleasure of working with David Font and Johann Hartleben and they are excellent.’
‘The Legalsa team is excellent. They are a very client-oriented team and therefore offer practical solutions to complex problems.’
‘They are always available and willing to go the extra mile for the client.’
‘The service provided to us by Legalsa and in particular by Johann Hartleben is simply excellent. They respond to emails quickly, know the law and customs in Guatemala, have the necessary contacts and simply help clients solve problems.’
‘The team provides quick responses, reliability, understanding of the client's problems and practical points of view.’
Key clients
- América Móvil
- Claro Guatemala (Telgua)
- Grupo Ultramar
- Fosforera Centroamericana
- Prolease
- Grupo Cixsa
- Norton Lilly International
- Compañía Agrícola Industrial Santa Ana
- Amigo Paisano
- Super Auto Repuestos Acquaroni
Work highlights
- Advised financial services company Amigo Paisano on its agreement with a US-based company to form a co-branded online money transfer processing service customised to service the needs of Latin American immigrants to the US.
- Assisted swimming pool construction company Watermania with creating a joint venture with Caymanian investors to allow the client to expand its business into the Cayman Islands market.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
David Font; Johann Hartleben