Mexico: Arbitration
At the start of 2011 new regulations were published on commercial arbitrations in Mexico, clarifying referral procedures, enforcement of interim measures and proceedings relating to arbitral awards. Lawyers explained that the reform has created more demand for specialist advice on dispute resolution options for clients, particularly regarding challenging and enforcing awards. The result has been more work for disputes lawyers and the trend is expected to continue for the next 12 to 18 months as clients seek guidance on the new rules. This year we feature 21 lawyers: an increase of 19 per cent on the number of experts listed last year.
Three lawyers represent Azar Ortega y Gómez Ruano SC this year, including two former secretary generals of the Arbitration Centre of Mexico. Sofia Gómez Ruano has worked as an adviser to corporate entities and private clients. She has wide experience advising on the use of mediation and arbitration frameworks for entities such as the World Bank and Latin American NGOs, as does Cecilia Azar Manzur, an arbitration and mediation lawyer with experience advising Mexican state governments. Elsa Ortega acts on behalf of clients on investor-state arbitrations under NAFTA and drafts arbitration contracts for national and international clients.
Head of the disputes team at Barrera Siqueiros y Torres Landa SC, Eduardo Siqueiros T is an “excellent” arbitrator in commercial domestic and international trade disputes. Luis Omar Guerrero Rodríguez is a “talented” lawyer and the head of the litigation practice. He counsels on commercial litigation, including bankruptcy, arbitration and antitrust issues.
Two lawyers feature from Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle LLP: Kate Brown de Vejar and Gabriela Alvarez-Avila. Brown de Vejar advises on the ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, JCAA and CANACO arbitration proceedings. She is “truly an international lawyer” having represented clients in Mexico, New York, Japan and Australia. Alvarez-Avila is both an arbitrator and an arbitration lawyer with a focus on investor-state matters for national agencies, as well as private law issues concerning telecommunications, energy, infrastructure and oil and gas disputes.
At Abascal Segovia & Asociados, José María Abascal is “first rate and a must for inclusion”. He is “very well known” for his representation of clients within the construction, oil & gas and infrastructure industries. He is also noted for his work as an arbitrator and expert witness in international proceedings.
Borda y Quintana boasts Julián Treviño, an arbitrator who is “impressive” on energy and telecommunication matters and counts Sony, Group TMM and Aksys among his clients.
Rodrigo Zamora Etcharren from Bufete Zamora Pierce focuses on representing national and international corporations, and enjoys an active cross-continental practice in Mexico and New York.
Luis Enrique Graham from Chadbourne & Parke LLP “is well known” in this field of law. He has appeared before ICC, ICDR and LCIA tribunals on matters involving NAFTA, FCPA and other issues. His clients belong to a range of industries, including shipping, IT, telecommunications, energy and automotives.
Enrique A González Calvillo of González Calvillo SC is a “big name” in Mexico for arbitration and mediation, with a reputation for big domestic disputes. He is highly recommended.
From González de Castilla Abogados SC, Emilio Gonzålez de Castilla Jr has a broad knowledge of the field and is considered “first class” by his peers.
At Heather & Heather, former chairman of the Mexican Mediation Institute, Thomas Heather is “the one at the firm for arbitration” and is “excellent” at what he does. He is recommended by clients and peers.
At González de Cossío Abogados SC, Francisco González de Cossío is “very good” as an arbitration practitioner. At Loperena Lerch y Martín del Campo, former president of the Mexican Bar Association Carlos Loperena R is “first class” and a “major practitioner in the field”.
At Miranda & Estavillo, founder and senior partner Fernando Estavillo is a leading arbitration lawyer and enjoys a varied practice in administrative, constitutional, civil, mining, oil and gas and technology matters.
Ogarrio Daguerre SC, Alejandro Ogarrio is “one of the best known arbitrators” in the field. Peers praised his commercial awareness and his vast experience in the field.
At Santamarina y Steta SC, Fernando del Castillo E is a construction, trade and bankruptcy arbitration lawyer based in Mexico City. He advises clients on contract drafting and strategy.
Head of the national and international commercial arbitration practice group at Von Wobeser y Sierra SC, Claus Von Wobeser is a renowned practitioner and experienced in acting on constitutional, administrative, finance, M&A, securities and investment proceedings. He is a former chairman of the arbitration committee at the IBA and is “a must” for inclusion in the chapter.
At Wöss & Partners SC, Herfried Wöss acts for clients in arbitration proceedings concerning investment, trade, construction, energy and infrastructure matters. He is a specialist in contract matters during public acquisitions and is “one to watch” for the future.