The environmental practice at Santamarina y Steta offers a comprehensive range of services, including enforcement and administrative defence in proceedings before environmental and water authorities. The group provides strategic advice on CONAGUA-related regulatory matters and assists with the environmental aspects of transactions. The team also supports clients with permitting and impact authorisations for real estate and infrastructure projects, in addition to conducting thorough environmental audits. Leadership of the group is shared between Monterrey-based Heriberto Garza and Mexico City-based Claudia Rodríguez. Garza has significant experience in environmental law. Rodríguez, in turn, focuses on permitting, water regulatory issues and land-use planning, as well as real estate and agrarian matters. Also noted are counsel Jair Vaca, who was promoted to his current position in April 2026 and handles constitutional and administrative litigation, and associate David González Vega, who deals with environmental and administrative law, agrarian matters and indigenous consultation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- David González is a water expert. He has a thorough understanding of the law, a complete grasp of business needs, challenges, and risks; he has a very practical approach and establishes an exceptional partnership with internal clients.
- The solutions are effective and focused on environmental compliance, while still prioritizing client needs and priorities. They are proactive and analytical. The support of David Gonzalez Vega and his team was invaluable. He is the most professional and personable person I've ever worked with.
- Their lawyers are the most up-to-date on the laws applicable to Mexico, as well as on new proposals and implications for their clients.
- What makes the firm's lawyers stand out is their personal approach, their knowledge and experience in the subject, and their availability to take calls.
- I think they're an excellent team of lawyers. They're very knowledgeable about the subject and offer practical solutions. I find them far superior to other firms, with more personalized service and a more cost-effective approach.
Key clients
- Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma
- Minera Cuzcatlán
Work highlights
Provided advice to Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma in connection with the construction of what will become the client’s largest brewery facility in the country, a project highly dependent on securing long-term water availability in a water-stressed region.
Advised Fortuna Mining on the sale of Minera Cuzcatlán to JRC Ingeniería y Construcción, providing environmental and indigenous consultation advice that was critical to the completion of the transaction.
Practice head
Heriberto Garza; Claudia Rodríguez
Other key lawyers
Jair Vaca; David González Vega