Most Highly Regarded Firms: Argentina 2008 - Commercial Litigation
The Argentine legal system is undergoing some radical reforms, which require a degree of adaptability from law firms.
Litigation lawyers are exposed to the uncertainties of the Argentine legal system as the courts can deem laws passed by the government unconstitutional. In addition, Argentina is starting the transition from a civil code system to one of common law, a move which will have a momentous effect on the legal system.
The country's financial and legal uncertainties are evident in the type of litigation brought to court: insolvency and restructuring forms the majority of newly brought litigation cases, although the market in the areas of labour, banking, oil and gas, and construction is starting to expand.
Marval O'Farrell & Mairal has a "large and distinguished" litigation practice with an international reputation, according to sources. Ricardo Ostrower is "a distinguished general commercial litigator". His clients include local and international clients. Gabriel Gotlib's tax related expertise also drew praise from competitors. The firm's international links have attracted cross-border work such as gas disputes concerning multinationals.
Del Carril Colombres Vayo & Zavalía Lagos also provides two recommended practitioners for our list. Alejandro Colombres and Gonzalo Vayo received strong endorsement. Both lawyers are noted for their academic contributions to the practice area as well as their "excellent litigation record".
The most highly nominated practitioner in the chapter, Fernando Aguilar, is an independent arbitrator and of counsel at Marval O'Farrell & Mairal. His litigation experience includes collection of difficult or challenged debts, termination of distribution agreements, bankruptcy litigation and disputes between shareholders. M&M Bomchil also achieves recognition for its litigation prowess. The firm represented Peugeot Citroën Argentina in a conflict with a local dealer, as well as in disputes in the insurance, telecoms and water services sectors. Hugo Pedro Lafalce is the head of the litigation and arbitration department and peers say he is "an established, respected presence on the scene."
Brons & Salas' Miguel Ángel Carchio is "a fabulous bankruptcy litigator" with "great presence in the courtroom". The firm's clients include Citibank, Buen Ayre and HSBC. Estudio Beccar Varela is represented by Emilio Nicolás Vogelius who is praised for his skill in litigation representing pharmaceutical companies.
Nicholson y Cano's broad practice, which encompasses energy, banking, environment and real estate matters among others, attracts plaudits, as does Luis Rodolfo Bullrich's "obvious capability, expertise and experience." At Pérez Alati Grondona Benites Arntsen & Martínez de Hoz (Jr), the team is well known for its handling of tax disputes as well as its work for clients such as Banco Río. Luis Miguel Incera is a "fabulous general litigator" with expertise in the insolvency and restructuring arena.
Cárdenas Di Ció Romero Tarsitano & Lucero provides Alberto Di Ció for our list and Le Pera & Lessa's Sergio Le Pera appears by dint of his "formidable talent," especially in oil and gas litigation. Estudio Zang Bergel y Viñes is the other firm to feature in this edition, represented by Salvador Darío Bergel.