Following the December 2024 integration of litigation specialists Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel into the group, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. has an increasingly well-rounded high-level disputes practice. The firm had already invested on the arbitral side with its mid-2022 absorption of boutique specialists Ortega & Gómez Ruano and today the practice handles an impressive caseload across both commercial and investment segments, particularly as regards the infrastructure, natural resources and construction sectors. The senior bench comprises practice head Elsa Ortega, who has acted as party counsel, sole arbitrator and tribunal chair in numerous commercial cases; Sofía Gómez Ruano, who can draw on over two decades’ experience in domestic and international commercial arbitration; and of counsel Bernardo Sepúlveda Amor, a former Judge of the International Court of Justice and an éminence gris for strategic in-put regarding complex and weighty cases. Counsel Luis Jardón is an up-and-coming figure of note, while associate Andrés Sánchez Ríos y Valles provides additional support. The group has been further strengthened with the arrival of leading former-Martinez Algaba practitioners Javier Curiel, Diego Gutiérrez and Mauricio Mendoza, all of whom are highly experienced in commercial arbitration.
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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The practice has been consolidating over recent years with competent and experienced lawyers.'

  • ‘Excellent team of lawyers.’

  • ‘Great experience and knowledge.'

  • 'Sofía, Elsa, and their team are extraordinary. Experts in their field, proactive, and exceptionally personable. It's a pleasure working with them and knowing we have the help and advice of Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza, and Enríquez for any dispute. We sleep soundly.'
  • 'Sofía Gómez Ruano and Elsa Ortega are always available to answer any questions and participate in our initiatives.'
  • 'I worked with Luis Jardon to advise a mutual client on their investment restructuring and investment treaty protection. Luis is one of the few practitioners with this type of knowledge.'

Key clients

  • Legacy Vulcan LLC (NAFTA)
  • Jiangxi Gangfeng Lithium Co. / Bacanora Lithium PLC
  • Playtech LLC

Work highlights

Advised Legacy Vulcan on a high-profile NAFTA arbitration against Mexico regarding discriminatory measures impacting its investment in a limestone quarry in Quintana Roo. The arbitration involves the submission of an ancillary claim and the granting of provisional measures to prevent escalation in the media.
Advised Jiangxi Gangfeng Lithium and Bacanora Lithium on an investment arbitration against Mexico under the Mexico-UK BIT and Mexico-China BIT; the case concerns the nationalisation of the lithium industry following amendments to the Mexican Mining Law, affecting several mining concessions held by the clients.
Advised PT Malta, a subsidiary of Playtech LLC, in an ICC arbitration against subsidiaries of Grupo Caliente concerning the breach of a Framework Agreement for online gambling services in Latin America.

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.

Bernardo Sepúlveda Amor

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Luis Jardón Piña

Practice head

Elsa Ortega

Other key lawyers

Sofía Gómez Ruano; Bernardo Sepúlveda Amor; Luis Jardón; Andrés Sánchez Ríos y Valles; Javier Curiel; Diego Gutiérrez; Mauricio Mendoza