DLA Piper LLP (US) has continued to take great strides forward in Latin America M&A and corporate transactions. Following a series of headline lateral hires, it now has a core group of senior specialists in New York, Miami and Mexico City, along with further experts across its US and Latin America offices – notably Chile. With its increased bandwidth, the Latin America practice is now working more frequently with Europe-based clients, especially Spanish corporates. The team has also further increased its emphasis on the Brazil market with the launch of of its foreign legal consultancy in Sao Paulo in 2024 following the hire of Bruno Soares from A&O Shearman. He has linked up with fellow Brazilian natives Marcello Hallake and Amadeu Ribeiro in New York, where Michael McGuinness has an outstanding record in Mexico and wider Latin America transactions. Francisco Cerezo is chair of the US-Latin America practice and chair of Latin America corporate and finance. Mexico City co-managing partner Mauricio Valdespino is now co-leader of the regional corporate M&A group. Joseline Rodríguez impresses at associate level. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper has a very well-prepared M&A and corporate team, led by partners with more than 30 years' experience in the field. It is a global firm with partners who really care about their clients and it seems that this culture is spread throughout the team (including the junior associates).’
‘The entire team is hands-on and relies on the guidance and close supervision of highly experienced partners such as Marcello Hallake, who is a fantastic M&A lawyer. Marcello looks after the client from start to finish, including the sensitive issue of fees.’
‘DLA Piper has extensive regional capabilities, with lawyers who thoroughly understand the challenges of doing business in Latin America. They also have highly experienced lawyers in each country.'
‘Francisco Cerezo offers great leadership. He has our complete confidence. He's very pragmatic and intelligent.'
Key clients
- Xinfra Fibra E
- Ad Hoc Equity Committee of Ebix; Melanie Lane Partners and Watch Hill Capital
- Alliança Saude
- Smartfit
- Grupo Energia Bogota
- Siemens
- WEG
- Química Delta
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Marcello Hallake
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Joseline Rodríguez
Practice head
Francisco Cerezo; Marcello Hallake; Mauricio Valdespino; Michael McGuinness; Luis Vargas