Latin America international arbitration is big business for international law firms, not least because of constant political and economic turbulence in the region. Firms now focus on Latin America from multiple locations, especially New York, Washington DC, Miami, Houston, London and Paris. Madrid is also becoming another significant centre for Latin America international arbitration and is regarded as a lower cost centre compared to other cities. Competition among firms for Latin America disputes mandates has heated up as they have sought prestigious engagements, often resulting in pressure on fees and consequently pushing some firms away from certain market segments. Representing sovereign states in investor-state arbitrations is known to command lower rates, though many firms continue to specialise successfully in this area. For others, commercial arbitration has become a more prized area as fee rates tend to be less sensitive.

Arnold & Porter is a giant of investor-state arbitration in Latin America, frequently representing sovereign states in the region in large-scale and high-value arbitration proceedings. Clients include the Republics of Peru, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Chile, along with the Dominican Republic. It has a genuinely remarkable track record of winning on behalf of states, with 52 positive results out of 53 final and potentially final awards and decisions. Along with its strong connections to sovereign states, the firm has a first-class reputation for international arbitration worldwide, including specialists in Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and London. It further benefits from the presence of former government officials, a range of practitioners that cover both common and civil law systems, and a multitude of native or fluent Spanish speakers. Key partners in the team include outstanding Washington DC partner Paolo Di Rosa who founded the international arbitration practice and led it for 17 years; he continues to have a primary focus on Latin America, Europe and Asia, is a native Spanish speaker and maintains strong connections to a range of Latin American sovereign states. London based Patricio Grané Labat has a major emphasis on representing Latin American sovereigns and has a tremendous record in the region, including cases under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and bilateral investment treaties; he and Di Rosa frequently work alongside each other on behalf of number of Latin American states. New York’s Mélida Hodgson is a prominent figure in investor-state and commercial arbitrations, having represented Venezuela, Panama and Peru in disputes including UNCITRAL treaty arbitrations and ICSID cases. London partner Alvaro Nistal specialises in investor-state and public international law cases involving Latin America. Mallory Silberman left the firm in April 2023.

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 'has one of the strongest arbitration teams in the market', covering a broad range of investment and commercial disputes involving multiple jurisdictions across Latin America. It has represented clients in some of the largest cases of recent years, securing significant wins involving large awards. The firm is noted for its experience representing investors in high-value cases against Latin American states; it has acted for clients in series of headline cases against the Government of Peru in particular. The practice also has an outstanding record in commercial arbitrations. Clients praise the group’s team work and collaboration, its abilities in the Spanish language, and its expertise in common and civil law. The global international arbitration practice is co-led by Catherine Amirfar and New York and London-based Mark Friedman, the latter having an outstanding record in Latin America investor-state and commercial disputes. Dietmar Prager  is co-head of the Latin America practice group and has represented clients in some of the largest cases involving the region, including recently acting for Freeport-McMoRan and its affiliate Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde in an ICSID arbitration against the Government of Peru. Colombian national and native Spanish speaker Laura Sinisterra is a recently elected partner, having been promoted in 2022, and is dedicated to the Latin America market, including major cases in the mining, financial services and energy sectors. Ina Popova splits her time between New York and Paris, and has a primary focus on international arbitration and public international law cases in Latin America. London partners Samantha Rowe and Patrick Taylor are also active in Latin America cases. Julio Rivera Ríos is an experienced associate and is admitted to practice in both Mexico City and New York. The international arbitration team has a number of other well-regarded associates that are dedicated to the Latin America region. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global leader in international arbitration and its longstanding focus on Latin America has brought major rewards. Staying at the forefront of sectoral developments, the Latin America international arbitration team has landed a series of large-scale ESG-related cases, including those involving community consultation, social licence and indigenous rights issues; this is across both the investor-state and commercial arbitration segments. The practice is also noted for its expertise in energy transition and decarbonisation cases, along with resource nationalism-driven disputes. It has seen further growth in arbitrations linked to judicial activism in various Latin American states. Technology is another expanding area for the firm, including cases linked to new regulations imposed on ride hailing app providers. Many in the Latin American team have either lived, studied or worked in the region, including a number that are dual-licensed in the US and a Latin American jurisdiction. Washington DC-based Nigel Blackaby KC is a giant of the international arbitration market and co-heads the Latin America team, having represented clients in some of the biggest cases of recent times. Noiana Marigo also co-heads the team and is highly rated; as is Washington DC’s Caroline Richard, who has made a further impact in mining and minerals cases. Lee Rovinescu is another emerging talent, along with counsels Natalia Zibibbo and Washington DC-based Maria Julia Milesi. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

King & Spalding LLP has a tremendous international arbitration heritage and it has continued to develop its emphasis on Latin America, landing many of the big engagements that are connected to the region. As part of this concerted focus, the firm has expanded its nascent office in Miami and grown its contingent of Spanish and Portuguese speakers, including practitioners from Argentina, Brazil and Peru, among other jurisdictions. The practice remains noted for its expertise in investor-state cases, especially in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors; and has acted in numerous cases involving Mexico, Peru, Chile, Venezuela and other key economies, including leading a high proportion of investor-state cases against Peru in recent years. The group has also developed a strong record in M&A-related disputes, particularly in Brazil, and is experiencing particular growth in commercial arbitration. Among its heralded group of international arbitration specialists, Doak Bishop is a pre-eminent practitioner, with more than 40 years' experience, including headline and bulge-bracket cases in Latin America such as Chevron’s landmark investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador. Miami based Harry Burnett is co-head of the Latin America arbitration practice and is similarly highly reputed in investment treaty and commercial arbitrations. Roberto Aguirre Luzi also co-heads the team and remains at the forefront of energy and infrastructure disputes. Craig Miles is the final co-head of the group; he divides his time between Houston and Miami and has an outstanding record in bilateral investment treaty (BIT) disputes in the oil and gas, mining and infrastructure sectors. Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina is a Mexican national with experience of cases across the region, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Paul Hastings LLP made a marquee hire in the Latin America international arbitration field in 2024 with the incorporation of of pre-eminent figure, Jonathan Hamilton (‘a global leader and true pioneer in the field of international arbitration‘), and a select team from White & Case LLP. An acknowledged ‘thought-leader’ in the arbitral field, Hamilton arrives at the firm as global co-chair of the international arbitration team and brings decades of experience in Latin America cases – especially big ticket investment and commercial arbitrations; this includes acting for Rutas de Lima (majority shareholder Brookfield Infrastructure) in a $2bn+ commercial arbitration under UNCITRAL rules relating to a toll toad concession against the Municipality of Lima. The new team brings extensive expertise in large-scale infrastructure disputes, investor-state cases and arbitrations linked to mega energy projects. Of counsel Jonathan Ulrich also brings high-level expertise in arbitration-associated enforcement litigation, while fellow of counsel Jaime Crowe is noted for investment disputes before ICSID and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). International counsel Alejandro Martinez de Hoz is common and civil law trained, having previously practised in Argentina and Mexico. At associate level, upcoming intermediate Hernan Chiriboga – a June 2024 hire from Clifford Chance – is also noted. All named individuals are based in Washington DC.

Three Crowns LLP is an international disputes heavyweight with a reputation for commercial, investor-state and state-to-state cases. Its new Madrid office, opened in autumn 2023, has resulted in an uptick in engagements from Spanish and Latin American clients; international arbitration leader Carmen Martinez Lopez heads the office with support from recently promoted partner Agustin Sanz and dual qualified (New York/Brazil) senior associate Laura França Pereira. The wider international arbitration team continues to represent a mix of states and multinationals in some of the largest investment treaty cases to involve Latin America, including representing the Republic of Chile in a $200m+ ICSID claim filed under the Chile-Colombia FTA, concerning the largest electricity transmission project in Chile’s history. The team also remains especially active in a broad array of commercial arbitrations. London based Gaëtan Verhoosel KC is a leading name in international arbitration with a substantial focus on Latin America, including commercial and investment treaty arbitrations; he recently represented Sacyr in a $1bn+ dispute relating to claims brought by a contractor for the Panama Canal Third Set of Locks project. Washington DC’s Luke Sobota is another key team member on a number of headline Latin America cases.

White & Case LLP‘s giant Latin America team incorporates a leading international arbitration group. The team’s cases span the entire region with a fine presence in both investor-state and commercial arbitration. The department has achieved further prominence in critical minerals disputes, including those involving Chile, Bolivia and Mexico. It has also made considerable headway in ESG-related cases and disputes linked to political disruption, and remains especially active in energy cases. The firm continues to represent a number of large multinationals in cases against Latin American states. Mexico City’s Rafael Liano Oddone is at the forefront of energy, construction, and infrastructure cases arising out of the policy shift in Mexico in recent years, and is further noted for investor-state cases against a range of Latin American countries. Miami and Houston-based Silvia Marchili handles energy, natural resources, and infrastructure cases, making a further impression in critical minerals disputes. Ecuadorian native Francisco Jijón has handled a series of major ICSID and UNCITRAL arbitrations in recent times. New York-based Ank Santens is active in Latin America-related ICSID arbitrations. Miami’s Estefanía San Juan was made partner in January 2023 and Mexico City-based Marièle Coulet-Diaz was promoted to the partnership in January 2024. Brazilian native Michelle Grando impresses at counsel level. However, in a notable departure, long-standing practice head Jonathan Hamilton has left the firm – along with counsels Alejandro Martínez de Hoz and Jonathan Ulrich. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Covington & Burling LLP has an established record in investor-state and commercial arbitration in Latin America. The international arbitration team has a major focus on Mexico and Colombia, along with Chile and Peru. It is also seeing further growth in tech and life sciences industry disputes, sectors of strength for the firm itself. The firm’s government affairs and public policy expertise, regulatory experience and ESG knowledge also feeds into its abilities in the arbitration sphere, notably in environmental and social impact cases. The Latin America-focused international arbitration group houses both well-established and newly-minted partners, including a number of fluent and native Spanish and Portuguese speakers, and practitioners that are nationals of Latin American states. 'Extraordinary leader' Miguel López Forastier, co-head of the global practice, is a trilingual practitioner (English, Spanish and Portuguese), who is admitted to practice in Argentina, along with several US bars, and has a formidable record in investment and commercial arbitration. Chair of the Latin America group and based in New York, Nicole Duclos is 'a superstar'; also trilingual and is admitted to practice in Chile and New York, she is active in construction and infrastructure cases across the region. New York-based Erin Thomas is also an established figure in construction and infrastructure arbitrations, while highly rated Clovis Treviño was promoted to partner in October 2023. José Arvelo provides further senior level expertise at of counsel level, while special legal consultant Ricardo Chirinos is licensed to practice in Venezuela and New York. All named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Foley Hoag LLP continues to be known for its representation of Latin American states and state-owned entities in high-stakes dispute resolution proceedings, including investment and commercial arbitration, state-to-state disputes, and litigation before the US and French courts. Sovereign state clients include Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Uruguay. The team features a range of practitioners that cover common and civil law with many having trained in Latin American jurisdictions and being fluent in Spanish or Portuguese. Kenneth Juan Figueroa is co-chair of the Latin America practice with a focus on investor-state arbitration, along with commercial and construction arbitration; he has represented Peru, Dominican Republic and Panama in a series of recent arbitration proceedings. Fellow co-chair Clara Brillembourg's recent caseload includes representing Uruguay, Chile and Panama in headline cases, including state-to-state and investor-state arbitrations. Ofilio Mayorga is also noted for public international law, investment treaty arbitration and commercial arbitration, and has represented a number of Latin American states. Gisela Paris was elevated to the partnership in January 2024 and she too has acted for a range of Latin American sovereigns, as has Christina Beharry. All named individuals are based in Washington DC.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s substantial team is led by the highly-rated Christian Leathley, who co-chairs the Latin America practice and is US head of international arbitration; Leathley now splits his time between New York and London. Among the large department of fluent Spanish and Portuguese speakers, Paris-based Thierry Tomasi, himself a Portuguese speaker, leads the Brazil-focused group; many in the department are dual qualified in New York and a Latin American jurisdiction. Leveraging the strength of the team and the global firm’s standing in international arbitration, its Latin America practice covers energy, construction, infrastructure, telecommunications and financial services, among other sectors. It is also noted for its experience in the enforcement of arbitral awards; recent mandates include acting for Andes Petroleum Ecuador in an arbitration to recover its 40% share of a $1.06bn arbitral award from Occidental Exploration and Production Company, as well as representing Sigma in the enforcement of three foreign arbitral awards rendered against the Republic of Guatemala before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Senior associates Benjamin Guthrie and Daniela Páez are also key members of the team, the latter being a native Spanish speaker and admitted to practice in Ecuador and New York.

Hogan Lovells US LLP has a massive presence in international arbitration, in relation to both the investment and commercial spheres. With Latin America-focused arbitration practitioners in its Miami, New York, Mexico City, Madrid and Paris offices, the firm has a long history of representing both Latin American states and investors launching claims against sovereign entities; it has also achieved considerable growth in commercial arbitration. The multi-lingual and multi-cultural team has a number of practitioners that are dual-licensed in the US and a Latin American jurisdiction, providing in depth knowledge of common and civil law systems; many department members are also experienced advocates. Richard Lorenzo and Daniel González are hugely experienced in big-ticket Latin America arbitrations. Maria Ramirez is another increasingly prominent figure, while counsel Juliana de Valdenebro Garrido, a Colombian native, is an up-and-comer of note. New York’s Oliver Armas, global head of international arbitration at the firm, is a fluent Spanish and Portuguese speaker and has a background in major Latin America cases, including in Brazil. Paris based Melissa Ordonez is French/Colombian, and has a strong focus on Latin America, including ICC arbitration cases. All named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Latham & Watkins's Latin America international arbitration practice primarily sits in its Paris, New York and London offices. The expanding team is adept in English, Spanish and Portuguese proceedings and continues to achieve growth in commercial arbitrations, notably in post-M&A disputes; the firm is a market leader in Latin America M&A. With its 'outstanding and reliable associates to take on highly complex tasks' the firm is at the forefront of energy, oil and gas, and natural resources cases, with additional progress in pharmaceuticals and construction disputes. The department represents both states and investors, although it has more of an emphasis on company representation. Fernando Mantilla-Serrano ('attention to details makes the difference') is global co-chair of the international arbitration practice and is a recognised leader in Latin America disputes. Fellow global co-chair and New York-based John Pierce brought further weight to the team when he joined in 2022; while less focused on Latin America, he nevertheless has plenty of experience in the region. New York counsel Santiago Bejarano ('very kind, extremely intelligent, he always makes himself available') is another genuine Latin America specialist; while London’s Samuel Pape, elected to the partnership in 2023, has a fine record in the region, having represented the Republic of Colombia in a series of ICSID cases and acted for clients in a range of commercial arbitrations. Associates Esperanza Barrón-Baratech and Diego Romero (who 'stands out in the group of lawyers at Latham & Watkins') are also key team members. Named individuals are based in Paris unless stated otherwise.

Reed Smith LLP is an established force in investment and commercial arbitration, acting for a range of international companies and multilatinas. On the investment arbitration front, the team primarily acts for claimants, notably a number of investors in claims against Venezuela and Peru. The firm’s growing presence in Miami has also afforded it with a growing number of engagements in arbitrations seated in the city. The team features a substantial list of practitioners who are dual qualified in the US and a Latin American jurisdiction. Replete with a sizeable Brazil desk, the group has a focus on energy and natural resources, life sciences and shipping, among other sectors. The wider department has experienced considerable growth over recent years with a series of senior lateral recruits, resulting in a new generation of capable arbitral specialists. Moreover, Houston’s William Russell was promoted to partner in January 2024, this following the promotion of fellow-Houston based practitioner Arturo Muñoz Holguin in 2023. Francisco Rodriguez is vice-chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice in the US, and has a major focus on Latin America. Houston based Francisco Rivero is head of the Latin America department and former co-head of the global international arbitration group. Sandra Millor is another key practitioner, along with Edward Mullins and Brazil specialist Felipe Berer. Gilberto Guerrero-Rocca provides further Latin America arbitration expertise at counsel level. Dual qualified (Panama/New York), Rebeca Mosquera is an impressive associate in New York. A doyen of Latin America arbitration, José Astigarraga is leaving in 2024 to become an arbitrator and mediator, while Cristina Cárdenas left the firm in 2023. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Squire Patton Boggs has ‘an exceptional combination of experience and specialised skills‘ and has made a big impact on the market, particularly in investor-state arbitrations where it now represents a series of Latin American states, including Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala and Panama; aside from Ecuador, the other states are all new to the practice since 2021. It continues to represent the Republic of Peru in connection with three ICSID arbitrations relating to alleged breaches of a concession agreement entered into with Metro de Lima Linea 2, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Latin America. The growing team has a mix of common and civil law expertise. Miami-based Raúl Mañón is dual-qualified (Florida/Dominican Republic) and ‘has a highly developed technical and commercial vision’. José Ricardo Feris, who is also admitted to practice in the Dominican Republic, is heavily focused on the Latin America region. Singapore partner Rodman Bundy is a leading name in public international law. Associates Paul von Muhlendahl, Aline Ramos Poelaert and Santa Domingo-based Francisco Batlle are also praised by clients. Named individuals are based in Paris, unless stated otherwise.

Launched in January 2024, Wordstone Dispute Resolution AARPI is a specialist boutique led by former Dechert LLP partners - and recognised market leaders - Eduardo Silva Romero ('brilliant mind') and José Manuel García Represa ('one of the smartest lawyers'). The Paris-based group has an established record in investment and commercial arbitrations, and has a major focus on Latin America. The team is widely recognised for its investor-state experience, representing a range of sovereign and state entities in big ticket international mandates. 'Outstandingly positioned to take on defences in Latin America', it continues to act for the Republic of Colombia, Republic of Guatemala, Argentine Republic, Plurinational State of Bolivia and Republic of Paraguay in major cases. The firm also acts for private companies in claims against sovereign states and entities. 'Exceptional talent' Catalina Echeverri Gallego became a partner on the launch of the firm; and experienced associate Javier Echeverri is also noted.

Baker Botts L.L.P. cemented its position in the international arbitration field by hiring Jennifer Haworth McCandless and special counsel María Carolina Durán, 'two of the best lawyers in the field', along with a broader Washington DC-based team from Sidley Austin LLP in 2023. Featuring a number of native and fluent Spanish speakers, the new group brings further credibility - particularly as regards investor-state arbitration; current mandates include the ongoing representation of the Republic of Peru in a series of ICSID and other arbitrations; the team has also acted for a number of other Latin American states. Beyond sovereign governments, the firm represents a range of investors and Latin American corporates. The practice continues to be recognised for energy and infrastructure disputes, with further growth in technology, mining, ESG and energy transition cases. The wider Latin America-focused department is largely spread across  the firm's Washington DC, New York and London offices, the latter housing key partner Alejandro Escobar ('an outstanding lawyer who works to the highest standards') is located. London senior associate Ernesto Féliz De Jesús ('critical thinking and assertiveness in understanding aspects of technical complexity') specialises in Latin America cases, including public international law matters, and commercial and construction arbitration.

Chaffetz Lindsey LLP remains a substantial force in investment and commercial arbitration, notably representing the AES Corporation in a multibillion-dollar ICSID case against Argentina and acting for APM Terminals in an ICSID dispute against the Government of Peru. In commercial arbitration, the firm is active in energy disputes, especially wind and solar power cases; it represented Enel and two of its Mexican subsidiaries in a dispute against the majority shareholders of three mega solar facilities in Mexico with a combined capacity of 1,088MW. James Hosking is a co-founder of the firm and heads the international arbitration group; he continues to lead the team that is representing AES in its ICSID case against Argentina. Aníbal Sabater is a recognised Latin America specialist with an extensive record in investment and commercial arbitration. Caline Mouawad is another senior member of the practice and Yasmine Lahlou is noted for Brazil cases. Gretta Walters is an increasingly prominent partner, while Matilde Flores impresses at associate level. All are based in New York.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton continues to make considerable progress in Latin America-related international arbitration, building on its immense reputation in the region. It represents a range of multilatinas, along with a number of foreign owned multinationals with local operations. Peru remains an especially active market for the New York international arbitration team, which has a primary focus on Latin America. Cases involving Paraguay, Argentina and Panama reflect the region's centrality to the practice group, while its track record reflects an emphasis on oil and gas, and mining and natural resources. Post M&A disputes have also been an especially buoyant area. The firm has an extensive record in commercial cases along with further expertise in investor-state disputes, primarily acting for investors, although it does have a strong connection to the Republic of Argentina. Ari MacKinnon is co-head of the international arbitration group and has a fine record in Latin America disputes. Jeffrey Rosenthal is another key partner for Latin America commercial and investor-state arbitration, along with arbitration-related court proceedings. Counsel Boaz Morag and associate Katie Gonzalez are also key team members. All named individuals are based in New York.

Clifford Chance has a fast-growing practice, ‘undoubtedly one of the best for Latin America‘, covering both investor-state and commercial cases. Construction, energy, infrastructure and oil and gas are key industries. The team has a significant share of ongoing ICSID cases involving Latin American states, where the firm typically represents investors. The firm’s US, Madrid, London, Paris and other international offices are central to the success of the practice, which is engaged in disputes connected to Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Chile, Honduras and Panama, among other Latin American jurisdictions. The team features a number of native Spanish speakers, along with practitioners who are fluent in Portuguese or Spanish. José Ignacio García Cueto (‘one of the best lawyers for international arbitration in the region‘) has made a big impression on the market and now leads many of the firm’s top engagements involving the region. Other partners from across the network are frequently involved in Latin America, while Sao Paulo counsel Marie-Isabelle Delleur and associate Florencia Bohl are also key members of the Latin America-focused team. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Cuatrecasas has a sizeable Latin America-focused international arbitration team, somewhat uniquely spread across its Madrid, Santiago, Mexico City, Bogota and Lima offices. Much of the practice centres on energy and infrastructure, including disputes connected to construction and project implementation. The firm is noted for both investment and commercial arbitrations. Among a series of notable engagements, it has represented major clients in claims against Latin American states, including acting for the international consortium awarded the concession agreement for the Lima Metro Line 2 project in its claims against the Republic of Peru for delays in the construction work. Alfonso Iglesia leads the international arbitration group and has an impressive record in Latin America cases, particularly in relation to construction and infrastructure matters. Santiago partner Cristián Conejero is another experienced international arbitration specialist with extensive experience in investment and commercial arbitration. Alberto Fortún and Manuel Franco are also key members of the team, along with Juan Manuel Rey in Santiago, Mexico City-based René Irra and Bogota’s Alberto Zuleta. Named individuals are based in Madrid unless stated otherwise.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is a leader in representing sovereigns in investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, including states and state-owned enterprises. Clients include Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Venezuela and Ecuador, and it added further sovereign clients in 2023. The firm is known for its long-term experience in representing sovereigns, handling a significant proportion of the largest cases before ICSID, and it is widely recognised for its experience and expertise in the oil-and-gas, infrastructure and construction sectors. The firm’s commitment to the Latin America region extends to having senior practitioners based at offices in Mexico City, Bogota and Buenos Aires. New York’s George Kahale is chairman of the firm and head of the international arbitration team, having represented Latin American states and other sovereign entities in some of the largest ever ICSID cases, including the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and PDVSA. Claudia Frutos-Peterson is managing partner of the Washington DC office and is a pivotal figure for Latin America cases, leading many of the team’s key disputes involving the region. Fernando Tupa splits his time between New York and Buenos Aires, while Elisa Botero works from both the Bogota and New York offices. The firm has several other partners that are either full-time or partially based in Mexico City.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has maintained its solid reputation in investment and commercial arbitration, along with its standing in the enforcement of arbitral awards; it has achieved a series of victories on behalf of Crystallex in its efforts to enforce an $1.4bn judgment against Venezuela. The practice frequently acts for US, Europe and Asia-based multinationals against Latin American states and other entities, across a broad range of industries. The team 'inspires a lot of confidence', is 'very dedicated to the case' and has represented clients in a series of cases against the Government of Venezuela in connection with expropriation and breaches of bilateral investment treaties. It has also acted for clients in major claims against the Colombia and Mexico. Rahim Moloo continues to win accolades for his work in big-ticket arbitrations and enforcement proceedings, with Lindsey Schmidt also gaining prominence in the field alongside Charline Yim. All are based in New York.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has demonstrated a deep commitment to Latin America-related arbitration over the years with a substantial team spread across its Houston, New York and London offices. The firm has handled arbitration matters involving the majority of Latin American nations. Its outstanding reputation in the energy sector (including oil and gas) has enabled the international arbitration team to act for major clients in a series of investment and commercial arbitrations connected to Mexico’s recent energy reforms. In the infrastructure space, the firm continues to act for the Panama Canal Authority in construction disputes (valued in the region of $5bn) related to the Panama Canal expansion project. Camilo Cardozo is head of international disputes for the Americas and has a major focus on Latin America-related commercial arbitrations, particularly construction and infrastructure cases. Jose Sanchez has a fast-growing reputation in the market, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and post-acquisition disputes. Houston based Latin America expert Peter Danysh was promoted to partner in January 2024 and is a key team member on many of the firm’s primary cases involving the region. London’s Nick Henchie is leading the firm’s representation of the Panama Canal Authority in the Panama Canal expansion project dispute. Fellow London partner Louise Woods is noted for upstream oil-and-gas disputes across Latin America. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to expand its presence in international arbitration and has a strong weighting towards Latin America cases. Kate Brown de Vejar is co-chair of the firm’s global international arbitration group and is based in Mexico City, where prominent arbitration partner Gabriela Álvarez-Ávila – who previously spent seven years as senior counsel at ICSID – is also located. The firm also has strong teams in Brazil and Peru, particularly for energy and infrastructure cases, is present in Chile, and has a growing team in Colombia. The firm has increased its presence in investor-state disputes, including the enforcement of arbitration awards against Latin American states. Carlos Núñez heads the Latin America international arbitration practice from Lima. Former Bogotá-based practice director Ricardo Alarcón is now a counsel in the México office following the departure of the Colombian office from the DLA network in June 2024.

Sidley Austin LLP has maintained its solid presence in the market. It has a good mix of investor-state and commercial arbitration engagements, with the emphasis now on representing investors and private businesses, as opposed to states. The practice is noted for energy sector cases, including in Mexico and Peru, and increasingly represents investment funds in contentious Latin America matters. The team has a number of Spanish speakers including native Spanish speaker Simon Navarro; and Martin Jackson, a commercial litigator by background who has developed into an important figure in the international arbitration practice. Splitting his time between New York and Singapore, Tai-Heng Cheng is co-head of the international arbitration group and provides further senior firepower in Latin America cases. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Jennifer Haworth McCandless and former managing associate María Carolina Durán have left the firm.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is a global force in international arbitration which, through its prestigious client base and commitment to Latin America, has built a strong position in the region. Somewhat uniquely among leading international firms, its very highly-rated head of international litigation and arbitration for the Americas, Julie Bédard, now splits her time between Sao Paulo and New York; she is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and trained in both common and civil law. The practice is increasingly active advising clients in connection with their investment treaty options under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other regulations that have impacted various sectors in Mexico. Clients include a number of major multilatinas. Timothy Nelson is also a seasoned international arbitration specialist with a fine record in investment treaty disputes and ICSID claims; he has additionally developed a profile as regards oil-and-gas cases, along with becoming an authority on the Helms-Burton Act. Jennifer Permesly is a long-term Latin America expert and fluent Spanish speaker, often representing big-name companies from the region in bulge-bracket cases. Amanda Raymond Kalantirsky is a fluent Spanish and Portuguese speaking associate and a key team member on many of the firm’s most significant Latin America cases. All named individuals are either entirely or partially based in New York.

Uría Menéndez continues to represent a multitude of European clients, especially those based in the Iberian Peninsula, in investment treaty cases against Latin American states; many of its matters are connected to Spain’s bilateral investment treaties with states such as Peru and Colombia. The firm is also a key player in commercial arbitration and in public international law cases. The Madrid headquarters houses a sizeable cohort of international arbitration specialists, many of whom have extensive experience of Latin America disputes. The Barcelona and Lisbon offices provide further senior experience and resources, all of which can be further combined with the local expertise provided by associated firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría from its offices in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Gabriel Bottini has a prolific record in Latin America international arbitration, frequently acting as counsel or as arbitrator in major cases. Another prominent figure in Latin America disputes, José Miguel Fatás is now head of the international arbitration practice. Álvaro López de Argumedo is an experienced arbitral specialist with a lengthy track record in Latin America matters; while younger partner Heidi López Castro continues to build his practice having being promoted to partner in January 2024. All named individuals are based in Madrid.

With a team based across Santo Domingo, Bogota and Panama City is increasingly gaining profile in the arbitral market With a mixture of common and civil law practitioners, the firm represents a variety of states and investors, and is exclusively focused on Latin America. 'Impeccable work' is delivered by 'top-notch professionals', with recent work including the representation of the Republic of Costa Rica in an ICSID case; it has also acted for other sovereign states in large-scale disputes. Engineering and construction; energy, mining and natural resources; and oil and gas disputes are key areas of expertise. Santo Domingo-based Stephan Adell is a dual Bolivian-French national with a fine record in investor-state and construction arbitrations; while Bogota partner Juan Felipe Merizalde is civil and common law trained and has worked on cases at many of the world’s primary arbitration centres.

Akerman LLP haș a sizeable international arbitration team with a Latin America focus driven primarily by its Miami office. The firm is weighted towards commercial arbitration, representing a range of US and Latin America-based businesses, along with private equity investors, ultra high net-worth individuals and family offices. The international arbitration team has a mix of civil and common law trained practitioners. Chair of the Latin America and Caribbean practice, Luis Pérez is co-managing partner of the Miami office and has a longstanding record in commercial arbitrations connected to the Latin America region.

Based in Madrid, B. Cremades & Asociados has a prestigious history in international arbitration, notably cases involving Latin America. The growing practice at the firm founded by Bernardo Cremades is now being forged by Bernardo Cremades Jr, and encompasses both investor-state and commercial arbitrations. Moreover, it also has notable expertise in arbitration-related court proceedings, notably the annulment and enforcement of arbitral awards. The firm represents a number of Spain and Latin-America based clients, including corporates and individuals. Its wide-ranging experience also includes a series of arbitrations under the Spain-Venezuela bilateral investment treaty. Ángel Tejada and José López Useros provide further senior-level expertise. All named individuals are based in Madrid.

BakerHostetler has an active Latin America international arbitration practice covering both investor-state and commercial disputes; it is noted for representing states and state-controlled entities, as well as multinationals and international investors. It has represented the Republic of Nicaragua in a series of investment and commercial arbitrations, although it also acts for private investors in claims against Latin American states such as Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela. Along with commercial and financial disputes, the team has particular experience in oil and gas, renewable energy and construction cases. Uruguayan native Analía González heads the Latin America arbitration and litigation team from Washington DC, and has a long track record in defending Latin American states. Costa Mesa partner Marco Molina leads the international commercial arbitration team and has a major focus on Latin America. New York’s Gonzalo Zeballos and Carlos Ramos-Mrosovsky are also senior members of the team.

Led by former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP lawyer and 'consummate professional' Jean Paul Dechamps, specialist international arbitration boutique Dechamps International Law continues to impress. The firm, which also has a major presence in Buenos Aires, has an exceptional record in both investor-state and commercial arbitrations, and frequently teams up with the London-based Deschamps former firm in big-ticket disputes. The team represents private investors, states and state agencies in major arbitrations, and now features two partners, one counsel and some 10 associates who are all dedicated to international arbitration. Among a number of headline cases, the firm is especially active in claims against Venezuela. Gustavo Topalian heads the Buenos Aires office and has a focus on the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, having also previously worked at Freshfields. Also based in Buenos Aires, 'stand-out counsel' Pablo Jaroslavsky was promoted to his current position in May 2023, while associate Juan Ignacio González Mayer impresses clients and is one to watch.

Greenberg Traurig LLP has demonstrated true commitment to the Latin America region over many years and this extends to international arbitration where it has landed a series of major engagements in investor-state and commercial arbitrations. It is also noted for Section 1782 and enforcement actions. The firm was appointed as lead counsel for the Republic of Panama in an investor-state arbitration pending before ICSID in a claim filed by a Panamanian company, Campos de Pese. It has also represented private investors in claims against Latin American states. Washington DC-based Daniel Pulecio-Boek is a true Latin America specialist with a fine record in international arbitration and white-collar crime cases. Miami partner Joseph Mamounas is a senior dispute resolution specialist with a background in Latin America commercial arbitration.

Holland & Knight LLP has major focus on Latin America and an established international arbitration practice to match. With offices in Mexico and Colombia it has a history of cases involving the two jurisdictions, along with Argentina, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. The 'fabulous team' is further noted for its experience in energy, infrastructure, transport and hospitality cases. The group features multilingual practitioners trained in both common and civil law. Adolfo Jimenez leads the team, which includes Katharine Menéndez de La Cuesta, who is licensed in Florida, New York and Spain; both Miami-based partners are described as 'simply extraordinary'. Washington DC and Bogota-based Enrique Gómez Pinzón is another key member of the department, along with New York partner Marisa Marinelli, who is also highly rated by clients.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP has held a strong position in Latin America international arbitration for many years, recently reinforced by the arrival of leading name Gaela Gehring Flores from A&O Shearman in April 2024; a native Spanish speaker, she joined as international arbitration practice co-head and has a background in Latin America disputes, including investment treaty and commercial arbitrations. The legacy team has earned recognition for investment treaty arbitration under ICSID, UNCITRAL and the Permanent Court of Arbitration rules, frequently acting both for and against states. It is also noted for commercial arbitration. Active in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, Diego Durán de la Vega is co-head of the Latin America disputes group; he frequently acts for Mexican clients in major arbitrations. James Boykin is chair of the investment treaty arbitration group and Rémy Gerbay is another notable figure in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. All named individuals are based in Washington DC.

Linklaters LLP has achieved considerable growth in international arbitration over the last five years. In Latin America, it has represented clients in cases against El Salvador and Peru, as well as defending the Dominican Republic in arbitration under ICSID's Additional Facility Rules brought by Sargeant Petroleum under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). In commercial arbitration, the firm benefits from the presence of 'exceptional lawyer' Christian Albanesi, the former managing counsel at the ICC International Court of Arbitration; Albanesi is praised for his cross-examination skills. In addition to investor-state disputes, he has established the team as a presence in the construction and infrastructure disputes segment, ass well as for post-M&A conflicts. London partner Matthew Weiniger KC has a huge global reputation and frequently leads Latin America-related cases. Adam Lurie provides further senior level expertise, along with Roland Ziadé in Paris. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Norton Rose Fulbright's global standing in international arbitration brings it enormous credibility in Latin America cases. It has an excellent record in the energy sector, along with infrastructure, mining, transport and life sciences disputes. Teams from Houston, Washington DC, New York and London work closely with colleagues in São Paulo and Mexico City to handle a caseload well-balanced between investment and commercial arbitrations; the group has extensive experience in ICSID and UNCITRAL cases, along with the enforcement of arbitral awards. Global head of arbitration Mark Baker and US head of arbitration Kevin O’Gorman are deeply experienced figures in Latin America disputes; both are based in Houston. Matthew Kirtland heads the Washington DC arbitration team, where senior counsel Courtney Hikawa - who joined in 2023 from Sidley Austin LLP - stands out for her investor-state arbitration expertise.

Stewarts Law LLP has made a solid impression in Latin America international arbitration under the leadership of Alejandro Garcia. Based in London, he and the team are ‘extremely skilled at finding quick and creative solutions’, have an established reputation in investment treaty and commercial arbitration and frequently team up with Latin America-located firms as co-counsel on significant cases. The firm is also recognised for its use of third-party funding in cases, with the majority of its Latin America arbitration engagements being funded. It has represented clients in two multimillion-dollar investment treaty arbitrations against Mexico, along with handling substantial commercial arbitrations across Latin America. The global team was further augmented by the arrival of Sherina Petit as head of international arbitration in November 2023 after almost 15 years at Norton Rose Fulbright. Mark McMahon and Marco Piccolo stand out among the associate bench.

Volterra Fietta is a prominent force in investor-state arbitrations and is a major authority on public international law cases. It frequently represents investors and Latin American states in big-ticket disputes, notably obtaining high-value ICSID awards for a number of international investors. It continues to act for clients in large-scale investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, along with enforcement of awards proceedings. Founding partner and 'outstanding international lawyer' Robert Volterra is a leading name in investor-state arbitrations and public international law, including Latin America cases. Gunjan Sharma and Peter Flint are also key members of the team. All are based in London.

Winston & Strawn LLP's expanded presence in New York, Miami and Houston has given it a more sizeable platform for international arbitration engagements, with teams in Washington DC, Chicago and London are also active in Latin America disputes. The firm has a major focus on the energy sector (which has been reinforced by the growing team in Houston), with mining and maritime also areas of key strength. It also has a fine record in investor-state and commercial arbitrations involving multiple Latin American states. Chicago partner and former chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice, Ricardo Ugarte is an established name noted for his ability to move seamlessly between (investor-state and commercial) arbitration and litigation; although he has a global focus, he has an impressive background in Latin America cases. Marcelo Blackburn is a pivotal figure in the Latin America team, handling a mix of investigations and arbitratal matters, and with a strong emphasis on Mexico. Miami’s Gustavo Membiela is another experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a substantial focus on Latin America international arbitration. Houston’s Imad Khan was promoted to partner in January 2024.