The practice group at Sainz Abogados demonstrates both transactional and contentious capabilities in the bankruptcy and restructuring space. The team is deeply experienced in the representation of debtors, their management and boards, unsecured and secured creditors, international noteholders and strategic investors. Recent highlights included advising the ad hoc group of bondholders on the restructuring of $700m in senior notes issued by AlphaCredit, and advising the ad hoc group of bondholders on the restructuring of Crédito Real. Alejandro Sainz directs the practice and draws on substantial experience advising debtors and creditors on Mexican and cross-border insolvency proceedings, refinancings, corporate reorganisations and the sale and purchase of assets. Additional names to note include Daniel Díaz Álvarez (bankruptcy, commercial litigation, shareholders’ conflicts and public work disputes); and Santiago Alessio, Rodrigo Guaida and Gabriela Avendaño, all of whom specialise in corporate reorganisations, bankruptcy and cross-border insolvency mandates. Counsel Estefanía Sierra Ulíbarri handles civil, commercial and administrative litigation, arbitration and bankruptcy work; associates Lucía Laganá, Luis Antonio Estrella and Yoare Heredia assist across the range of matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sainz Abogados is the leading firm in Mexico for representing bondholder constituencies in Mexican restructurings. The firm always takes a pragmatic approach to implementing solutions that are possible and effective.’
- ‘It is the best restructuring team in Mexico. The lawyers in the practice are excellent and successfully resolve matters of the highest complexity.’
- ‘The quality of their work, depth of analysis, and focus on the relationship make them stand out; it's not a transactional approach, but a comprehensive, client-focused one.’
- ‘The partners' ability to get deeply involved in mandates adds great value, bringing senior experience and strategic depth not seen at other firms.’
- ‘They have an unmatched combination of experience, youth, and knowledge in the market.’
- ‘In terms of diversity, it is one of the very few firms in Mexico with a female partner in this area, which brings a fresh and distinct point of view to the practice.’
- ‘They have a deep knowledge of not only local but also American legislation and have the best contacts abroad, which as a client, greatly facilitates the process.’
- ‘My experience with Rodrigo Guaida has been excellent. Having worked in NY, he not only has a perfect command of the English language but also a very close relationship with American lawyers who respect him. He knows all the main players, which makes negotiations more amicable and fluid.’
- ‘At Sainz, they are genuinely available 24/7, unlike other firms that claim to be but in reality are not.’
- ‘Alejandro Sainz: practical and no-nonsense. Santiago Alessio: thorough and always up to speed with trends. Rodrigo Guaida: an excellent gatekeeper in cases with complex documentation.’
Key clients
- Grupo Aeroméxico
- Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders of Oro Negro
- Nokia (Altán Redes)
- Alpha Credit
- Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders of Crédito Real
- Unifin Financiera
- Corporación de Energía Mexoil and subsidiaries
- Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders of Tangerine Pomelo Group
- Grupo Vasconia
- Operadora de Servicios Mega
Work highlights
Advised Grupo Aeroméxico on the ongoing implementation of its Chapter 11 restructuring plan, following its cross-border corporate and financial restructuring.
Ongoing representation of the ad hoc Committee of Bondholders of Oro Negro since 2017.
Represented Nokia during Altan's 2021-2024 concurso proceeding in Mexico.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Santiago Alessio
Rodrigo Guaida
Practice head
Alejandro Sainz
Other key lawyers
Daniel Díaz Álvarez; Santiago Alessio; Rodrigo Guaida; Gabriela Avendaño; Estefanía Sierra Ulíbarri; Lucía Laganá; Luis Antonio Estrella; Yoare Heredia