Restructuring & Insolvency
Mexico
20 August 2025
Sainz Abogados boasts an active disputes practice in the financial, real estate and energy sectors which regularly handles commercial and civil lawsuits regarding contractual issues, shareholder conflicts and state liability. The team is equally adept in restructuring and bankruptcy matters, public procurement and amparo law. Daniel Díaz Álvarez heads the administrative and commercial litigation practice, with specialist expertise in bankruptcy proceedings (the firm’s core strength), public works disputes against government entities, and civil liability cases; he regularly participates in complex commercial litigation and amparo proceedings. Álvarez is flanked by junior partners Adrián Villagómez, who handles a diverse range of litigation types in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors; and Federico Villela, who maintains a practice focused sharply on shareholder and contractual disputes and insolvency proceedings. Counsel Estefanía Sierra is well-versed in handling commercial bankruptcies and disputes related to energy law; while at associate level, Daniel Pardo and Gabriel Nájera are key names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The firm's litigation team has extensive knowledge of the subject. They generate reasonable proposals and adequately explain the risks to enable business decisions. The quality of their services is extraordinary in its clarity, content, and integrity.’
- ‘The legal practice led by Federico Villela Lascurain is distinguished by its strategic and personalised approach. Federico, in particular, stands out for his negotiation skills, leadership, and analytical depth, facilitating agreements in challenging or politically sensitive contexts.’
- ‘Daniel Díaz, as a founding partner, has built a solid team of outstanding lawyers. Estefanía Sierra Ulíbarri is exceptional for her versatility and creative approach to resolving highly complex civil, commercial, and administrative disputes. She also has extensive experience in all phases of arbitration.’
- ‘The partners are always available, taking calls outside of office hours when matters are urgent. Federico Villela Lascurain and Jose Luis Rodriguez Dominguez attended to our key issue with great professionalism and dedication.’
- ‘Diana Pineda is an expert in the hydrocarbons sector. Cristina Massa is an expert in economic competition, with a distinguished public sector career that provides her with a more accurate and comprehensive perspective. Adrián Villagómez has a significant track record as a litigator, enabling him to advise clients comprehensively.’
- ‘They have a deep knowledge of the subject matter and review the case details at all levels. There is an enormous commitment from all the lawyers, from the trainees to the partners.’
- ‘Sainz Abogados offers teams that are committed to their clients' interests. The practice leaders treat all team members with respect, which generates an atmosphere of trust where the client's needs are the priority. Their transparency also distinguishes them from other firms.’
- ‘Besides their extensive professional knowledge, they have excellent client relations and extraordinary availability. They are always cordial, friendly, and have an excellent attitude.’
- ‘A solid law firm with up-to-date knowledge in complex and highly technical disputes.’
- ‘Their key values are preparation, ethics, and loyalty.’
Work highlights
Represented the ad hoc group of bondholders in recovering five jack-up rigs from Mexican oil services company, Oro Negro.
Advised Servicios Funerarios GG on a dispute related to the acquisition of Grupo Gayosso.
Represented Unifin Financiera and Unifin Credit in debt recovery litigation against defaulting debtors.
Practice head
Daniel Díaz Alvarez
Other key lawyers
Adrián Villagómez; Federico Villela; Estefanía Sierra; Daniel Pardo; Gabriel Nájera