Demonstrating strength across the energy, telecoms, utilities and transport sectors, Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee‘s top-flight practice advises on the full life cycle of major domestic projects, from public tenders, concession contracts and power purchase agreements (PPAs) to financing, development and acquisition. In addition, the team is well versed in advising on M&A transactions and regulatory issues in the renewable and traditional energy sectors – with a particular emphasis on the electricity space, where the firm counts one of Panama’s largest electricity distributors among its clients. The sizeable team is led by Alejandro Ferrer, a go-to name for both transactional and contentious matters; energy expert Jaime Castillo; Raúl Borrell, who is noted for his experience in infrastructure projects; and Carlos Cordero. The practice also benefits from the support of senior figure Anibal Galindo and associate Doris Nieto.

Galindo, Arias & López is widely renowned for its expertise in the energy sector (particularly the renewables sphere), advising on project finance and development, as well as all manner of corporate, administrative and regulatory issues. In the wider projects space, the team is skilled in the full range of public procurement, project finance and construction and development matters, with a strong recent record in the development of hospitals and medical facilities. Of counsel Salomón Behar, whose broad practice spans the energy and infrastructure sectors, leads the team alongside Cristina Lewis, who is particularly noted for her project finance expertise. Other key names include Diego Herrera, a specialist in project development and finance; Diego de la Guardia, an expert in the public utilities sector; and Selva Quintero who assists with regulatory issues. Former associate Claudia Juárez has left the firm - effective mid-2024.

‘Among the best firms on the market', Morgan & Morgan is widely recognised for its prowess in the development of major energy, public transportation and utilities projects, including advising both government institutions and private contractors on Panama’s first PPP projects. The enviably broad practice covers public tenders, concession contracts, project finance, and corporate, regulatory, litigation and environmental issues. Inocencio Galindo leads the mining and natural resources, project development and public procurement practices, while Ramón Varela heads the energy and ESG department. Other notable contacts include Ana Carolina Castillo, who is skilled in transactional and regulatory energy matters; Aristides Anguizola, an expert in the mining sector; and finance specialist Kharla Aizpurúa. The team was further strengthened by the addition of associates Clarissa Vega from the Panama Fourth Bridge Consortium and Ariana Linares from BAC Credomatic in June 2023.

With an impressive recent record that includes advising on the successful bids for the first PPP projects in Panamanian history, Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez stands out for its expertise in public procurement, although its broad practice covers all aspects of project financing, construction contracts and regulatory issues associated with project development. The team has seen strong recent activity in the development of healthcare facilities, in addition to advising on major energy and transport infrastructure projects. At the head of the practice, Annette Bárcenas provides expertise in public procurement and project finance; Juan Antonio Alfaro has a particular focus on energy and port infrastructure; and Luis Horacio Moreno specialises in public procurement and PPPs. Associate Ramón Morales assists with public tenders and concessions contracts.

Dentons' projects and energy practice draws on the firm’s global connections to advise international energy and construction companies and leading financial institutions on major healthcare, transport and utilities infrastructure projects in Panama. The team’s extensive expertise in this area covers public tenders, government contracts, compliance issues and contentious-administrative proceedings relating to project development. María del Rosario de Roux leads the practice, advising on all stages of project development, with a strong suit in public contracts and litigation, while Panama managing partner Gisela Álvarez de Porras contributes vast experience in the public sector. Associate Nicole Goldoni, a specialist in the energy sector, provides capable support.

Project finance is the central pillar of the projects and energy practice at Fabrega Molino, which is equally adept at handling borrower and lender-side mandates, acting for local and international financial institutions and energy and mining companies. In addition, the team, which also has a strong record of advising on the development of large-scale infrastructure projects in the transport sector, assists with public tenders, government contracts and corporate and regulatory issues in the energy sphere. Ana Lorena Morales, whose practice spans government contracts and procurement, project finance and energy matters, leads the team.

Corporate and finance boutique SIGMA International and Global Market Attorneys enjoys a strong presence in the energy sector, with a practice encompassing energy-related M&A and joint ventures, the acquisition of wind, hydro and solar power assets, and the negotiation of contracts for the construction and operation of projects. Benefitting from the robust international experience of its members – all have worked at international law firms, and both Cecilio Castillero and associate Eric Carles are admitted to practise in New York – the team is particularly active in cross-border transactions. Castillero, a go-to adviser on financial transactions and energy-related deals, leads the practice. Senior associate Mónica Moreno is also a name to note.

Launched in 2022, the projects and infrastructure practice at Virtù Atelier Legal has already established a strong record of advising on the development of major infrastructure projects in the transportation and utilities sectors. Leaning on the public procurement and regulatory expertise of department head Marcia Arosemena de Paz, who previously acted as an adviser to Metro de Panamá, the team recently advised on the bidding process for Panama’s first PPP project, as well as other highway maintenance projects. Managing partner Ana Lucrecia Tovar and Melissa Cortizo, both specialists in complex financial transactions, are other key names at top level. Associate Lourdes Martínez provides capable support.