A transactional heavyweight in the energy sector, Galicia Abogados S.C. leverages its deep industry knowledge to bolster its disputes practice, handling high-stakes arbitrations involving Mexican state-owned entities and energy regulators. The group is equally adept at tackling international and domestic arbitration cases, with experience representing clients before a range of arbitral institutions. Cecilia Azar co-leads the practice and is recognised for her expertise in complex commercial disputes and arbitration-related proceedings before Mexican courts, including award enforcement and interim measures. Rodrigo Zamora is widely recognised as an arbitration expert and forms the other half of the leadership duo. Associate support is a strength of the group, with José Antonio Casas and Santiago Oñate representing clients in international arbitrations involving major domestic and foreign companies and state-owned entities.
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Profile
Work Department
Civil & Commercial Litigation and Arbitration
Position
Civil & Commercial Litigation and Arbitration senior associate
Career
José Antonio joined Galicia in 2017 and is a senior associate in the Civil & Commercial Litigation and Arbitration practices.
He has extensive experience advising major domestic and foreign companies in judicial and arbitration proceedings. José Antonio is also Private Mediator Number 291 in Mexico City, acting as a mediator in domestic disputes and on alternative dispute resolutions for foreign companies.
Additionally, he has advised and represented clients in local and international judicial and arbitration proceedings, specifically in construction, energy, oil & gas, real estate, finance and corporate disputes matters, among others.
He worked as a foreign associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, in New York, participating in multiple international disputes.
Languages
Spanish, English
Education
He holds an LL.B. and specialized titles in Amparo Law and Civil & Commercial Procedural Law from Universidad Panamericana as well as an LL.M. in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University London. José Antonio has many diplomas, including the International Dispute Resolution from Escuela Libre de Derecho.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cecilia and her team quickly understand complex disputes and design appropriate solutions for each situation. This team stands out for its experience and proactivity in handling difficult disputes.'
‘Extraordinary management skills, proactivity, and ability to adapt to difficult needs.’
‘Galicia's lawyers have stood out for their constant updating and strategies for the development of novel and effective arbitration. The firm has included issues of diversity and gender equity. Their understanding of the controversy allows them to identify key information as well as relentless strategies.
‘Multidisciplinary training and effective communication with clients. Experts and specialisation in their area of practice. Constant participation in related forums. Rodrigo Zamora and Santiago Oñate are names to note.
‘Rodrigo Zamora: Ability to focus on the objective, not only based on the arbitration issues, but also on the associated economic and political environment.'
'Santiago Oñate: Technically very solid, proactive, and able to guide the client where it matters.'
'José Antonio Casas: Excellent client relations and willingness to serve.'
'The added value of choosing Galicia as external counsel to conduct a critical arbitration for the company is their interdisciplinary approach. The technical aspect regarding construction and the regulatory aspect regarding energy were fundamental. No other firm could have provided us with such comprehensive advice.' 'Rodrigo Zamora, José Antonio Casas, and the entire arbitration team - a highly trained, attentive team with high standards of care and client service. All responsive and professional.' 'I especially highlight Cecilia Azar, partner, who takes arbitration to another level: she is an admirable, strategic, and deeply respected professional in the field. Working with her is a true privilege.'
Key clients
- FRV JLL Ternium (Grupo Techint)
Work highlights
Represented Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, FRV Solar Holdings VI and FRV Solar Holdings III in ICSID arbitration against the Mexican State under the Spain-Mexico BIT, challenging Mexico’s arbitrary refusal to permit the operation of their power plant in the wholesale electricity market amid state-favouring policies that harmed foreign private investment.