A go-to firm for advice on public tenders, BKM | Berkemeyer boasts a team of public procurement experts who ‘stand out‘ for their specialised experience. The group is experienced in traditional public tenders, as well as public-private partnerships, and advises clients on bid stages and turnkey project financings. Thanks to its pre-eminence in PPP, the firm is advising on the first PPP project in Paraguay and is regularly involved in key infrastructure and construction projects spanning the road, transportation, sanitation and energy sectors. Fielding extensive international experience, Martín Carlevaro heads the infrastructure and project finance team, advising on concessions and PPP projects across Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Managing partner Hugo T. Berkemeyer co-leads and focuses his practice largely on investment matters. Milena Sljivich is a senior associate, experienced in PPP, turnkey projects and project financing, while associate Vivian Maldonado advises a diverse mix of public and private entities on administrative law matters. Marcela Llano joined the team in September 2023 at the senior associate level.
Administrative law in Paraguay
BKM | Berkemeyer
Responsables de la pratique:
Hugo T. Berkemeyer; Martín Carlevaro
Les références
‘The practice in question stands out for several unique characteristics that differentiate it and make it exceptional. The team’s strengths and abilities are its breadth of specialised experience, culture of collaboration and diversity, as well as a strong stance of strategic client support.’
‘The lawyers of this firm stand out for several distinctive qualities that differentiate them from the competition. Some of the highlights that constitute their plus and make them stand out include excellent breadth of knowledge, ability to work as a team and adapt to client needs, and quick and proactive responses.’
‘The firm’s lawyers have a breadth of skills that allows them to approach cases from multiple legal perspectives, comprehensively supporting the client’s needs. Not only teamwork but proactivity in adapting to the client’s needs, ensuring efficiency in the delivery of the objective. I highlight Martin Carlevaro, partner of the firm, for his extensive experience.’
Principaux clients
Rutas del Este
Sacyr Concesiones
Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico
Itacamba Cemento
Somarco Paraguay
Sacyr Construcción Paraguay
Consorcio Asi Paraguay
Acciona Agua Sucursal Paraguay
Consorcio Rutas 2 y 7
Stiler
Consorcio DC STILER
Ocho A
BTD
Soundata
Prourbe Medios
Queiroz Galvao
Mota Engil
NeoGreen
Siemens
Rieder & Cia.
JCDecaux
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Rutas del Este on the first and only PPP in Paraguay, covering regulatory and administrative law matters during the concession term, amendments to the PPP contract, and a bank loan of $29m with Sudameris.
- Providing legal support to Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico and sponsors in the negotiations with public sector officials and in all regulatory and administrative law matters during the construction phase.
- Providing legal counsel to Acciona Agua in the construction and operation of Bella Vista water treatment plant in Asunción.
Ferrere
The highly experienced administrative and public law team at Ferrere provides a one-stop-shop service to private companies and both state and independent public entities across the full range of industries, particularly the fintech sector. With a strong footing in the infrastructure and construction space, the firm is involved in turn-key projects, concessions and project finance, and also advises on the preparation of private initiative proposals and agreements with the state. As well as guiding clients through competitive bid processes, the team is experienced in administrative litigation and disputes, including appeals, actions and protections. With a wealth of public sector experience, recently-appointed managing partner Carlos Codas is well-placed to head the team and leads on administrative litigation matters. Practice co-head Maurizio De Oliveira is a senior associate who also specialises in administrative disputes, and handles disciplinary procedures and inquiries. Carlos Vasconsellos has extensive experience in privately financed infrastructure projects and turn-key projects in Paraguay, excelling in negotiations with both public entities and private sponsorships. Senior associate Claudia Arietti strengthens the team’s capabilities in the infrastructure sector, regularly advising on PPP and turn-key projects. Associate Ana Cardozo is also praised by clients. Dario Capurro left the firm in December 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Carlos Codas; Maurizio De Oliveira
Les références
‘Carlos Codas has solid experience in the public sector, especially in regard to banking and finance law, as his experience comes from years of working at the Central Bank of Paraguay. He has built of team of experienced professionals that complement his experience and are able to thoroughly advise clients on present and potential future issues of transactions and, specifically, in regards to potential observations/comments by the regulator.’
‘Good team, with a lot of knowledge on the subject.’
‘Strengths: Constant communication with the client; timely compliance with requirements. It compares very favourably to the other offices. Collaboration, personalised attention (by the principals) in all cases.’
Principaux clients
Mare
Rabo Partnership
TK Elevator (Thyssenkrupp)
Electropar
Air Liquide
Farmacéutica Paraguaya (FAPASA)
Cementos Artigas
Castleton Commodities
Siemens
Logicalis
Global Exchange
Equifax
Marfrig Global Foods
Moderna
Banco Itaú
UENO Bank
UENO Holding
Solar Banco
Compañía Sudamericana de Empresas Eléctricas, Mecánicas y de Obras Públicas SA (Saceem)
Tecnoedil Constructora
Ingeniería de Topografía & Caminos
CSI Ingenieros
Solventa
Terminal Occidental
Industrias Citrícolas del Paraguay
Casa Boller
Consorcio del Sur
Regional Seguros
La Independencia de Seguros
El Sol del Paraguay Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros
Sika
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Consorcio del Sur on the sale of nine Certificates of Recognition of Payment Obligation (CROPs) issued by the Republic of Paraguay and on all matters in connection with completion with the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC).
- Assisting Marfrig with the process of applying for tax benefits for industrial production for its landing in Paraguay.
- Provided legal assistance and counselling to Ueno Bank on preparation and filing of the documents required to merge with Vision Bank.
Parquet & Asociados
Parquet & Asociados remains a go-to choice for public institutions thanks to its ‘experience and skill in administrative law’; its extensive list of clients includes ministries and secretariats, and the practice regularly participates in the drafting of legislation. The team is also active in the infrastructure sector, with experience presenting PPP projects to the Paraguayan state. It advises on construction projects across the sanitation, road and transportation industries. In addition to public entities, private institutions and multinational companies regularly turn to the team for advice on their interactions with the public administration and government debt collection matters. Practice head Javier Parquet Villagra counts both national and international institutions among his stellar roster of clients, including the National Development Bank and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Senior associate José Grassi Pampliega brings extensive public sector experience to the team and takes a lead role in the representation of private entities before public authorities. Also at the senior associate level, Lucas Corrales Fernandez guides both public and private-sector clients through regulation reform. Fabian Gill is another name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Javier Parquet Villagra
Les références
‘They differ from other firms due to their specific knowledge on the subject, billing is clear and convenient, the legal staff is prepared to take on any replacement and assist the client to the same extent as the main partner, giving us a feeling of security. We appreciate that achievement.’
‘Javier Parquet seems to us to be the lawyer who knows the most about Administrative Law in Paraguay, he has important knowledge of the functioning of Public Institutions and is a very important strategist who collaborates with our firm.’
‘José Grassi, excellent lawyer, with a lot of knowledge in the matter and establishing strategies, in addition to impeccable predisposition with the client.’
Principaux clients
Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)
Paraguayan Chamber of Real Estate Developers of Paraguay (CAPADEI)
National Development Bank (BNF)
Financial Development Agency (AFD)
La Perseverancia Pedro Zuccolillo
ALTAMIRA Group
FAPASA (Pharmaceutical Laboratory)
ALICORP
National Secretary of Sports
National Secretary of Tourism (SENATUR)
International Materials Inc. (IMI)
INPAGAS
Association of Chemical Engineers of Paraguay
Desarrolladora Urbana (Urba)
Paraguayan Chamber of Supermarkets (CAPASU)
Rural Association of Paraguay (ARP)
8A Constructions
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as local counsel for The Ministry of Economy and Finance in the sovereign bond issuance of 2023.
- Assisted the Paraguayan Chamber of Supermarkets (CAPASU) in presenting a bill, jointly with public authorities, to create a division to directly target the problem of smuggling in the country.
- Assisted the National Secretary of Sports in the joint candidacy to gather the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
Vouga Abogados
Active in the drafting of bills and regulations, Vouga Abogados is regularly retained by international agencies to advise government offices. As well as public entities, the firm counts an extensive list of national and international institutions among its clients, offering advice across highly regulated areas, such as the oil and gas, mining, energy, telecommunications, agribusiness and health sectors. The team also has a successful track record in disputes involving public entities, from alleged infringements to tax disputes. Practice co-head Manuel Acevedo is an expert in public procurement procedures and handles procedures for the obtention of licenses and permits on behalf of public institutions. Senior associate Silvia Benítez co-leads, bringing a strong background in administrative and civil litigation and expertise in extra-judiciary negotiations to the group, often supported by associate Andrés Vera. Rodrigo Fernández advises a diverse clientele that spans the pharmaceuticals, food and tobacco industries. Mirtha dos Santos is another key contact in the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Manuel Acevedo; Silvia Benítez
Les références
‘Vouga assists the company in administrative VAT return processes. In this field, Silvia Benítez, together with Andrés Vera, have vast knowledge and experience.’
‘They have developed truly remarkable monitoring tools that allow them to standardize processes, with the efficiency that this translates, as well as a monitoring that is very close to the judges’ criteria within the framework of the process and judging of said processes. With this, they demonstrate proactivity in the search for clear and effective communication with the client.’
‘Vouga’s team is always characterised by its commitment to providing practical and out-of-the-box solutions in simple terms for every legal challenge faced by our business. The team keeps in mind our ethos and big-picture priorities, ensuring that all recommendations protect our relationship with our stakeholders while complying with local regulations and internal policies of a multinational company. Vouga has proven to be a reliable business partner with a quick turnaround.’
Principaux clients
Paracel
CPC Corporation Taiwán
Centelsa
World Bank Group
Prosegur
Iridium Satellite
Nextar (Petrobas)
Paresa (Coca Cola)
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a foreign cable supplier in a high-value out-of-court claim filed by a state entity for alleged breaches in the quality of the products supplied in a bidding contract.
- Represented Paraguay Energy Operaciones y Logística in an administrative proceeding initiated by the customs administration due to alleged inconsistencies detected in the verification of fuel imports, obtaining a favorable result for the client.
- Assisting with the drafting and negotiation of the first private PPA in Paraguay.