Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC is lauded by its distinguished global clientele for its expertise in international disputes, including investor-state and commercial arbitration under ICC and other major institutional rules. The group has a strong track record of handling disputes against government entities, with a deep bench capable of tackling cases at the intersection of commercial and administrative law. The firm’s sector expertise spans energy, real estate, and telecoms, among others, and it maintains a specialised relationship with foreign companies operating in Japan. Long a distinguished leader in the field, founding partner Claus Von Wobeser is now of counsel; nevertheless, with experience in more than two hundred international arbitration proceedings (under various rules) he continues to co-lead the team with Adrián Magallanes, who frequently serves as lead counsel, particularly in high-stakes energy and construction arbitrations, often against entities such as CFE, Pemex, and other Mexican government agencies. Montserrat Manzano is also an arbitral practitioner (as both counsel and arbitrator) of note; she specialises in domestic and international commercial and investor-state disputes and advising on investment treaty structuring, administrative law and public procurement. Younger partners Raymundo Soberanis and Pablo Fautsch handle the full range of arbitration, litigation and compliance issues, while Jessika Rocha strengthens the firm’s energy dispute group. Counsel Rodrigo Barradas is an up-and-coming figure with a certain focus on commercial disputes across the shipping, manufacturing and construction sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Von Wobeser y Sierra is the largest and most experienced arbitration team in the country, constantly participating in very high-profile disputes against both domestic and international firms.’
- ‘The main difference between Von Wobeser and its competitors is its experience and degree of specialisation in the practice of arbitration.’
- ‘They have a great capacity to understand the complex technical details of disputes and work with expert witnesses. Every work product, from the simplest communication to the most important memorial, is cared for down to the smallest detail.’
- ‘Partner Adrián Magallanes stands out as both an arbitrator and as counsel, with a long and successful career in arbitration.’
- ‘Rodrigo Barradas is responsible for the firm's most complex and relevant cases. I would highlight his strategic thinking on behalf of the client, which begins even before a dispute formally starts. He is an extraordinary advocate and cross-examiner in hearings.’
- ‘Pablo Fautsch has been outstanding in the support and the prompt, professional response he provides each time we submit a delicate matter for his consideration.’
- ‘VWyS's use of international precedents, its brilliant junior partners, and the communication throughout the entire team make it stand out from the rest.’
- ‘The experience and attention to detail of Carlos Lopez-Cordova are a key differentiating factor.’
- ‘An exceptional firm, and one of the best in Latin America, composed of extremely experienced and capable lawyers.’
- ‘The team has a mix of very experienced practitioners and arbitrators, as well as talented younger lawyers.’
Key clients
- Macquarie
- Esentia Energy Systems
- Huawei Technologies
- Giesecke+Devrient
- Vitol Marketing Mexico
- MSK Covertech Inc.
- Seadrill
- British Petroleum
- InfraRed Capital Partners
- Sempra Energy
- Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA)
- AB InBev - Cervecería Modelo
- Mitsui & Co
- Invex Capital and Invex Infraestructura
- Kino Energía
Work highlights
Represented an independent power producer owned by three international investment funds in a bet-the-company arbitration over a power plant worth more than $800m.
Represented one of the largest energy companies in the world in a highly technical arbitration for more than $130m against the manufacturer and former operator of two wind farms in northern Mexico.
Represented one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world in an arbitration over breaches of a long-term supply agreement, with claims exceeding $220m.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.
Practice head
Claus von Wobeser; Adrián Magallanes
Other key lawyers
Montserrat Manzano; Raymundo Soberanis; Pablo Fautsch; Jessika Rocha; Rodrigo Barradas