Clifford Chance represents global clients in Latin American-focused disputes from a range of offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The team, which has notably boosted its client base in recent years, is handling a growing volume of investor-state arbitrations as well as commercial post-M&A and construction disputes in the mining, oil and gas and airport sectors. Led by the experienced José García Cueto (Washington DC), the practice frequently represents investors in ICSID arbitrations, with recent opponents including Peru, Mexico, and Honduras. Fernando Irurzun and Ignacio Diaz handle commercial arbitration matters from Madrid. Anthony Candido, based in New York, has extensive experience representing financial institutions and multinational corporations in commercial arbitrations relating to Latin America and is often supported by associate Pablo Mori. Litigation counsel Marie-Isabelle Delleur provides support from São Paulo, with a deep knowledge of the Latin American market and proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. Julio Olórtegui has specialist insight into Peruvian legal matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I have worked with the arbitration team in Washington DC, led by José García Cueto. I can say that they are exceptional and very versatile, as they can handle everything from disputes in the arbitration centre of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (under Peruvian law) to investment arbitrations at ICSID. I have had them as co-counsel but also as opponents, and their dedication is exceptional.’
- ‘Although the DC team is not large, they have a direct collaboration with the team in Madrid, which means they can handle disputes in Civil Law, but with the experience of an Anglo-Saxon firm. This was especially useful for them in a recent case where we disputed a share purchase agreement under Peruvian law but with an Anglo-Saxon structure.’
- ‘This is a team in clear growth, led by Jose Garcia Cueto. They are particularly strong in investment arbitration and in infrastructure and construction matters. Their strongest point is the personalised attention and the ability to interact directly with a partner who knows their cases like the back of their hand. It is one of the firms with a Latin American practice that has grown the most recently.’
- ‘The talent of Jose Garcia Cueto and his ability to identify with his clients' interests is what makes this team stand out. Jose Garcia Cueto is a lawyer of the old school; one of those who delegate but never lose control over the details. And his performance in hearings is outstanding.’
- ‘Their leader, José García Cueto, despite being young, brings a great deal of energy to the proceedings. He is very creative and innovative in his legal arguments, knows how to adapt to local law (while instilling his international experience) and brings his global experience to the process, which makes him remarkable.’
- ‘Clifford Chance is a firm with a practically unrivalled international and multidisciplinary reach.’
- ‘A great team of both partners and associates. Jose Garcia Cueto and Pablo Mori are two of the best lawyers in the field of international arbitration.’
- ‘Jose Ignacio Garcia Cueto is one of the best of his generation.’
- ‘In his loyalty to the client, Jose García Cueto stands out for his dedication and excellent professionalism.’
- ‘Outstanding.’
Key clients
- Odebrecht Latinvest
- Enel Green Power Costa Rica CAM Enel Colombia
- Doups Holdings
- Sepadeve International
- JP Morgan Chase Bank
- Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura
- Moneda Alturas II Fondo de Inversión|Moneda Deuda Latinoamericana Fondo de Inversión
- Global Opportunities Offshore Global Opportunities
- QGMI Infraestructura
- Banesco Holding Latinoamérica
- Cadence Minerals
- China Machinery Engineering Corporation
- British Caribbean Bank Limited
- Prize Holdings International Limited
- Eléctricas de Medellín Ingeniería y Servicios
- Ariana Management Corporation
- Grenergy Renovables
Work highlights
Represents Odebrecht Latinvest in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Peru concerning the termination of a concession contract for a major gas pipeline project in the South of Peru.
Represented Enel Green Power Costa Rica CAM and Enel Colombia in an ICSID arbitration against Costa Rica for indirect expropriation and other breaches of an investment treaty by Costa Rica in relation to two hydroelectric plants for the generation of energy.
Represents JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., and other Latin American financial institutions in a contractual ICSID arbitration against Honduras to recover payments due to our client upon the early termination of a BOT Contract for toll road infrastructure development.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Marie-Isabelle Delleur
Practice head
José Ignacio García Cueto
Other key lawyers
Fernando Irurzun; Ignacio Diaz; Anthony Candido; Marie-Isabelle Delleur; Pablo Mori; Julio Olórtegui