DLA Piper LLP (US) has significantly expanded its US-based Latin America corporate and M&A capabilities in the past few years with top-drawer senior names in New York now operating alongside leading practitioners in Miami. The firm also has an extensive network of offices across the region itself. The enlarged team has further extended its connections to large global corporates and private equity funds, while retaining its leadership in mid-market deals. The Latin America team has become more prominent on inbound and outbound Brazil transactions due to senior New York-based Brazilian partners Marcello Hallake and Bruno Soares (a new recruit who joined from A&O Shearman in February 2024); Hallake is an 'amazing lawyer' and a 'highly qualified lawyer for international deals' who is also noted for representing large French corporates in their Latin America acquisitions and investments. Another Brazilian, Amadeu Ribeiro brings additional antitrust expertise to the team in New York. A further New York-based partner Michael McGuinness is a hugely experienced Latin America M&A specialist with an active recent record in Mexico deals. Colombia is another key jurisdiction for the wider team. Miami-based Francisco Cerezo is chair of both the US-Latin America practice and the Latin America corporate and finance team; a 'pro-deal practice leader', he continues to lead a multitude of headline transactions in the region. Dividing his time between San Diego and New York, Raul Farias is another key partner, particularly in relation to energy deals in Mexico. In Puerto Rico, Nikos Buxeda is highly rated for his expertise in cross-border deals. Miami associate Joseline Rodríguez also impresses.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My main point of contact and preferred partner is Marcello Hallake in NY. Marcello is a Brazilian lawyer who lived most of his life in Europe and in the US. He is a highly qualified lawyer for international deals, who speaks fluent English, Portuguese, French, etc. Amazing lawyer.’
‘The DLA Piper team led by Raúl Farías is very robust and knowledgeable about the energy sector in Mexico. We have worked with them in different areas (trade agreements, corporate issues, tax issues, etc.) and we feel very comfortable with the comprehensive service they offer.’
‘Raúl Farías stands out as an exceptional professional in the field of commercial law, especially in the energy sector in both Mexico and the US. He has deep legal and technical knowledge, which, complemented by his outstanding commercial skills, makes him an extremely valuable resource for any transaction. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue collaborating with him throughout my professional career, as his participation in my team contributes significantly to the success of our projects.’
‘Highly qualified experience and knowledge. Practical and strategic advice. Business-oriented advice and ability to understand business needs. Permanent willingness to work and seek solutions with the client.'
‘The lawyers are very intelligent and practical minded. Helpful in finding solutions.’
‘Nikos Buxeda is highly intelligent, has great experience and is a valued adviser. His experience working in NYC is helpful for mainland companies looking to understand and navigate working on the island of Puerto Rico.’
‘They have a very large team with excellent knowledge of each Latin American country. They have formed a great team really led by Francisco Cerezo.'
‘Francisco Cerezo is a super pragmatic, pro-deal practice leader, with great knowledge of the region. He is very intelligent and has all our trust.'
Key clients
- Banco Itau Uruguay
- SGP BioEnergy Holdings
- American Tower Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Itau Uruguay on the acquisition of the minority stakes in two Uruguayan fintech companies, Prex and Paigo.
- Advised SGP BioEnergy Holdings on the acquisition of two terminal facilities in Panama, as well as the acquisition of other ancillary operating entities required for the project.
- Represented ATC on the sale of its local fibre optics subsidiary redIT to Mexican digital infrastructure provider Flō Networks.
Lawyers
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
Francisco Cerezo