Counsel of choice to many leading international and domestic companies in the oil-and-gas segment, MCM Abogados stands out for its ‘extensive technical knowledge, both at the operational and regulatory level.’ The energy boutique is equally adept at developing and financing exploration projects as it is at providing routine counsel to oil producers and operators on regulatory, antitrust, dispute resolution and procurement matters. A ’renowned attorney in the hydrocarbon sector’, Manuel Cervantes is well known for his work implementing complex energy project structures. He leads the team alongside Mariana Hernández, the head of midstream and downstream transactions; and Jorge Cabeza, who advises on the full range of transactional and regulatory issues, as well as catastrophic and force majeure events. Senior associate Francisco Valencia provides key support, particularly regarding contentious mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I don't think there's a firm in Mexico that has the same technical, regulatory, and legal expertise in the energy sector, especially in oil & gas. It's a firm that specialised in energy issues long before the 2014 energy reform, so they're experts in the industry and familiar with what's been happening there for over 20 years.'
‘Manuel Cervantes is probably the most well-prepared lawyer on regulatory issues in Mexico. Furthermore, due to his many years dedicated to the sector, he has a network of contacts throughout the industry, making him a key player in complex negotiations.'
‘Manuel Cervantes, Mariana Hernandez, and Francisco Valencia. All are attorneys with extensive technical knowledge of the energy sector, both at the operational and regulatory level.'
'Francisco Valencia's extensive knowledge as a corporate/transactional lawyer, along with his sensitivity to disputes with government agencies and private companies, makes him highly accomplished.'
‘It is a firm with a highly experienced legal team in energy matters, primarily in the hydrocarbon sector. They provide personalized and immediate attention to the matters they are entrusted with.'
‘Manuel Cervantes is a renowned attorney in the hydrocarbon sector with many years of experience handling these matters before government authorities. He provides timely and efficient service.'
Key clients
- Capricorn Energy
- Perenco México (previously named Petrofac Mexico)
- Petrolera Cardenas Mora – Cheiron Holdings Limited
- Lukoil Upstream Mexico
- Pico Mexico
- Saavi Energía
- Schlumberger de México
- ExxonMobil Mexico
- Eni Trading & Shipping
- Grupo México
- Marlin Drilling
- Halliburton
Work highlights
Assisted various industry clients - including ExxonMobil, Bardahl de Mexico, Quimica Delta, Brenntag and Ergon Mexico - with extending/obtaining more than 70 permits from the Ministry of Energy for the import of oil-refined products, lubricants and petrochemicals.
Advised Hokchi on a $3bn project to bring the second-ever privately operated FPSO to Mexico, including procurement matters, cost recovery, maritime legislation, port and export matters, among others.
Advised two of the main operators in Mexico in the first-ever conciliation and arbitration procedures under UNCITRAL rules started with the United Mexican States in terms of the relevant Hydrocarbons Exploration and Extraction Contracts signed with Mexico’s National Hydrocarbons Commission, seeking to resolve the disputes with the Mexican State.
Lawyers
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.
Jorge Cabeza
Mariana Hernández
Practice head
Manuel Cervantes; Mariana Hernández; Jorge Cabeza
Other key lawyers
Francisco Valencia