Ferrere‘s dispute resolution team is ‘one of the most outstanding in Latin America‘ and represents a stellar list of multinational companies and financial institutions. The practice excels in commercial, constitutional and administrative litigation, as well as commercial and investment arbitration on both a local and international basis. It handles contentious matters across the full range of sectors, representing clients in the pharmaceutical, banking, insurance, real estate and agribusiness industries, among others. Sandra González leads the team and has particular expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure disputes, as well as in contentious proceedings against government entities. Specialising in commercial matters, Alejandro Pintos represents clients in domestic and international arbitration. Soledad Díaz focuses her practice on the natural resources and infrastructure sectors and has an established track record representing clients in ICC arbitration. At the senior associate level, Martín Rosati advises clients on construction, mining and software disputes, while Martin Fridman plays a key role in asset management and recovery matters. Agustina Rodríguez has an active arbitration practice, advising a roster of international clients, and Eugenia Cal handles family law cases.
Dispute resolution in Uruguay
Ferrere
Responsables de la pratique:
Sandra González
Les références
‘The team is the main one in Uruguay and one of the most outstanding in Latin America. It has an excellent team with very complete and competent professionals.’
‘Sandra González is one of the leading women in international arbitration in Latam. She is capable, active and has held important leadership positions in leading institutions, such as the ICC Court. Soledad Diaz is a very talented partner while Martín Rossati is also an enormous asset to the team.’
‘Maximum attention to detail, efficiency and availability. I must highlight Alejandro Pintos.’
Principaux clients
Nordex
Hyatt
ExxonMobil
Uber
Shell
Petrobras
KPMG International
Total
Hyundai Engineering & Construction
JPMorgan Chase
Grupo Cobra
Katoen Natie
Mattel
Agrifirm
Deustche Bank
Sikeston
Mapfre
Tsakos
Travelgenio
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the local subsidiary of Otravo Topholding on its filing for bankruptcy and restructuring in Uruguay, as well as on litigation related to the bankruptcy, following a declaration of insolvency issued in the Netherlands, which triggered insolvency proceedings in Spain and Argentina.
- Advising nearly 400 investors affected by what appears to be a financial scam for more than $14m, implemented by Wenance, which granted small personal loans through an app.
- Represented NH Foods in litigation brought by PwC claiming damages in connection with the acquisition of Uruguay’s largest slaughter and meat processing plant.
Guyer & Regules
Guyer & Regules' ‘multidisciplinary and diverse‘ dispute resolution team maintains a successful track record in high-profile litigation and arbitration proceedings. Civil, commercial, administrative and banking litigation are key areas of expertise, and the practice also has a strong background in construction, antitrust, IP, labour and product liability disputes. Carlos Brandes jointly leads the team, bringing extensive litigation and arbitration experience, including in bilateral investment treaty arbitration, civil fraud litigation, and insurance and banking disputes. With a strong background in administrative law, practice co-head Mariana Santo is an expert in litigation processes against the state and negotiations with public entities. Counsel Macarena Fariña brings expert knowledge of international private law to the team, advising on arbitration clauses and the recognition of foreign awards and judgments, while Cecilia Orlando, counsel, excels in the provision of pre-dispute advice. At the senior associate level, Ana Paula González focuses on civil and commercial matters, representing clients in both litigation and arbitration, and Martín Balmaceda‘s broad dispute resolution practice encompasses contractual liability, shareholder and distribution agreements, and bankruptcy proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Carlos Brandes; Mariana Santo
Les références
‘Guyer is an extraordinary firm. Its partners are leaders in their respective practices. They have a multidisciplinary and diverse team and provides advice in a way that probably no other firm in the country can.’
‘Macarena Fariña is completely available every time I contact her. Excellent professional.’
‘The litigation lawyers form a very solid team, with a lot of experience and handling of different issues. I highlight the work of Macarena Fariña for our company.’
Principaux clients
Citibank
Philip Morris
Telefónica
Moody’s
Montes Del Plata
GNLS
BBVA
Itaú Bank
HSBC
Unilever
Tienda Inglesa
BASF
Bunge
Airbus
Sodimac Homecenter
Nicoll Uruguay
Total Chile
Rouar
Axion Energy
Codere (Mexico)
Banque Heritage
Acciona (Spain)
Enjoy – Conrad
Petroleum Geo-Services Inc (PGS)
Gx Technology Corporation (GXT)
Medtronic
Spefar
TGS-Nopec Geophysical Company
Curtiembre Paris
Verifone
Hudson Clean Energy
Brittshop
ICM Stellar Sports Limited
Bunge Argentina
Auto Lider Mercedes Benz
Securities And Exchange Commission
LG Electronics
Diaril
Mega Labs
Frutura
Grupo Lequio
Abeinsa Inversiones Latam
RBK Uruguay
Electroingenieria
Stora Enso Uruguay
Arroyo Arrandí and Maberil (Saman Group)
Principaux dossiers
- Representing G Electronics in a lawsuit filed by the former sub-distributor of all its products in Uruguay, Incotel, claiming damages related to alleged breaches of contract and termination of its contract for over $2.7m.
- Represented Frutura in a private bid of all assets (block sale) of Citricola Salteña, headquartered in Salto.
- Represented Arroyo Arrandí and Maberil in a lawsuit requesting payment of credits, loans and taxes, plus interest and the readjustment of such sums.
Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga
Drawing on the firm’s global network, Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is regularly involved in cross-border litigation on behalf of both locally-based clients and an impressive roster of multinational companies. Advising significant banks in the country, namely Santander and Itaú, the team has a strong background in debt restructuring, collections and bankruptcy matters. Antitrust litigation is another prolific area, and the group represents clients against claims of anti-competitive behaviour. It also noted a recent increase in cases related to environmental law. Practice co-head Nicolás Brause focuses on commercial law and antitrust and bankruptcy cases. He leads the team alongside Mariela Ruanova, who demonstrates particular prowess in financial litigation. At the senior associate level, Bruno Steneri is regularly sought after for representation in insurance litigation, while Andrés Tiscornia advises international clients on procedural law matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicolás Brause; Mariela Ruanova
Les références
‘The dispute resolution team at Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga seems very solid and reliable to me. Demonstrates initiative and concern for the entrusted matter, keeping the client informed at all times.’
‘Personal attitude, technical aptitude, experience, good communication and recognised prestige, since its foundation in Uruguay.’
‘Practicality and creativity to find good and efficient solutions. Dedication and follow-up of matters. Extensive knowledge of the industry and the market. Speed of response and immediacy. I highlight Nicolás Brause.’
Principaux clients
Banco Santander
Volkswagen
Tik Tok
Dubai Investment Corporation
McDonald’s
Banco Itaú
Amazon
Adidas
Genacol International Corporation
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Google in cases regarding the right to be forgotten.
- Advising Adidas on the multimillion-dollar claim filed against all Adidas companies by the former local representative of Reebok, the brand previously bought by Adidas, that alleged its insolvency was due to breaches by Adidas.
- Defending Consorcio Aguas de Montevideo against a claim seeking the annulment of a pivotal administrative act, the opening of the public tender for the Arazatí Project.
Hughes & Hughes
Hughes & Hughes has a successful track record in commercial and criminal courts and administrative law proceedings. Asset recovery and insolvency are key areas of expertise, and the team represents significant clients in the financial sector. It is regularly called upon by clients to advise on breach of contract, abuse of dominant position and inheritance claims. The practice has expertise in a wide range of sectors, with specialist knowledge of the pharmaceutical and real estate industries. Dispute resolution specialist Bernardo Porras leads the group, bringing extensive experience in insolvency and asset recovery to the team. Practice co-head Alfredo Taullard plays a lead role in commercial arbitration at both a national and international level. Senior associate Agustina Silva represents clients in fraudulent insolvency litigation. Magela Ramon is also an active senior associate in the team, and associate Felipe Riva is another name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bernardo Porras; Alfredo Taullard
Les références
‘The team of professionals stands out for their knowledge, experience and closeness to the client.’
‘Closeness to the client and dedication to matters.’
‘They are excellent professionals; they work side by side and are always available for any concerns.’
Principaux clients
Abriley
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aker Biomarine Antarctics
Akuo Energy Uruguay
Akzonobel
Alcafe Hnos (Agronovax)
American Express
Baluma (Enjoy Conrad Punta del Este)
BBVA Uruguay
Banco Galicia Uruguay
B.G. Industria Láctea
Blanvira
Camposol
Cardiomovil
Carrasco Nobile
Chembulk Maritime Denmark
Cielo Azul Cementos y Calizas
Colgate Palmolive
Corporación Nacional para el Desarrollo
Corporación Ferroviaria del Uruguay
Diremar
Emprendimientos de Valor
Extreme Liquidation
Forestal Oriental
Generación Eólica Minas
Grendene
GMO Renewable Resources Uruguay
Pestana Group
HRU
Jebesen & Jessen GmbH
Lojas Renner
Olam Group
Pernod Ricard Uruguay
Pinturas Inca
Procampo Uruguay
Samifruit Uruguay
S.C. Johnson & Son de Uruguay
Statoil
Timac Agro Uruguay
Trade & Commerce Bank (In Official Liquidation)
Trade & Purchasing Company
UPM
Wartsila Uruguay
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Uruguay on an asset recovery matter, with a deal value of around $10m.
- Advised Forestal Oriental on a claim for alleged breach of contract, with a deal value of more than £3m.
- Advising Baluma on a claim for damages and loses, with a deal value around $6.5m.
Posadas
Active in litigation, arbitration and mediation, Posadas represents clients in civil, commercial and administrative disputes and plays a prominent role in class action lawsuits. As well as representing large corporations in both domestic and international litigation, the team also advises individuals on civil lawsuits, particularly inheritance and succession cases. Expert litigator and mediator Luis Nin Estevez jointly leads the team, with a wealth of experience in contractual liability and damages cases. Practice co-head Valeria Techera specialises in both civil and commercial disputes, advising on the enforcement of guarantees, bankruptcy proceedings and liability claims. Senior associate Virginia Yellinek plays a key role in financial matters, representing multinational companies in debt collection and bankruptcy proceedings. Emiliano Opertti, senior associate, brings arbitration experience to the team, advising clients on commercial disputes at a national and international level. Associate Luis Seguí is praised by clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Luis Nin Estevez; Valeria Techera
Les références
‘It is a team that shows solidity when it comes to advice on conflict resolution and procedural matters. They demonstrate interest in understanding the topic of consultation and providing the best support.’
‘Personal and professional warmth. They show a predisposition and openness to challenge the topics they are asked about.’
‘I highlight Luis Segui.’
Principaux clients
Cubico Sustainable Investments
CIEMSA
Conaprole
Gas Sayago
UTE
ANCAP
Liga Uruguaya de Futbol Profesional
Asociación Española Primera de Socorros Mutuos
1250 associates from Asociación Española Primera de Socorros Mutuos.
Intendencia Municipal de Maldonado
Intendencia Municipal de Rocha
La Buonora & Asociados
Pedidos Ya
Owners of the Icon Tower Brava building
Principaux dossiers
- Defended Cubico Sustainable Investments, which has been subject to lawsuits from local government and by landowners relating to three wind farm projects.
- Represented Conaprole against Corpovex and the State of Venezuela in a $30m dispute for non-paid exports.
- Acted for Gas Sayago in a dispute with OAS worth $30m arising from a breach in an EPC agreement for an LNG plant.
Bergstein Abogados
The real estate sector is a particularly prolific area for Bergstein Abogados‘ dispute resolution team, and the group regularly represents real estate investors. The practice has a strong track record in commercial disputes, tax litigation and insolvency proceedings. Cybercrime and white-collar crime investigations have also been recent areas of focus. Practice head Leonardo Melos advises an impressive roster of corporate clients, handling commercial litigation and negotiating dispute resolution clauses in loan and shareholder agreements. At the associate level, Silvina Vila bolsters the team’s offering in the IP field, representing clients in litigation concerning IP rights. Rodrigo Felló is involved in labour and contract disputes, as well as arbitration procedures.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leonardo Melos
Principaux clients
Compañia Uruguaya de Medios de Procesamiento (TotalNet Uruguay)
Warner Bros
Sun Distribution
CasasUru
Pos 2000
Servimedic Shareholders
Amadeus IT Group
Wheaton
Iglesia Dios es Amor (IPDA)
Republica Federativa del Brasil
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Visanet on the promotion of a successful arbitration with a local POS network administrator, Geocom, for anti-competitive actions conducted against the company.
- Advised Casasuru on the claim promoted by the architectural firm engaged by the client in its real estate developments in the country, renegotiating the ruling against Casasuru’s group of companies.
- Represented IPDA in multimillion-dollar litigation against the former external counsel of the religious organisation, aiming to collect the amounts misappropriated by the defendant.
Brum Costa Abogados
Brum Costa Abogados‘ broad dispute resolution practice encompasses civil, commercial, constitutional and administrative cases, from breach of agreement to debt claims to competition disputes. Practice co-head Oscar Brum stands out for having extensive Supreme Court and tribunal experience, specialising in civil, commercial and procedural law. He leads the team alongside associate Nicolás Gómez, who focuses his practice on labour law, representing clients in litigation and advising on collective bargaining agreements and union conflicts. Federica Artagaveytia joined the team at the associate level in August 2023, bringing particular experience in insurance disputes to the team. Associate Tomas Franco participates in both in- and out-of-court proceedings, handling a range of civil, labour and commercial cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oscar Brum; Nicolás Gómez
Les références
‘The immediacy with the partners and the availability of the lawyers with the client. The use of cutting-edge technology.’
‘Availability and knowledge:Oscar Brum and Nicolás Gómez.’
Principaux clients
Matriz
Ducsa
Renmax Corredor de Bolsa
Bolsa de Valores de Montevideo
Alur
Latu
Sendibel Trading
Bioerix Labs
Lifan Motors
Sinergia
Paganza
Terna Italia
Vl Consultores
Centro Ceibal
Zambrano y Compañía
Prolesa
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Sendibel in court during its successful defense against Tamsil, which alleged fraudulent activity within the context of a commercial relationship with Petróleos de Venezuela.
- Advised real estate agency Beach and Farm on a case regarding an illegitimate maneuver carried out by a seller and new buyer to avoid paying commission.
- Secured a favourable outcome for DUCSA in a lawsuit initiated by a former gas station dealer, alleging damages resulting from a suspected breach of contract.
Castellan Abogados
Castellan Abogados provides representation in civil and commercial disputes and civil liability and damages cases to a diverse clientele of national and international corporations, individuals and families. The team also noted a recent increase in cases requiring alternative dispute resolution. Following her promotion to partner in August 2023, Maria Lucia Acosta rose to head of the practice, bringing particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes and experience in judicial proceedings for the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards and interim measures in arbitration. Santiago Castellán plays an active role in the team, representing both companies and creditors in financial restructurings and insolvency proceedings. Senior associate Carolina Diaz de Armas joined the team in August 2023, strengthening its cross-border capabilities and advising on international contractual matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Maria Lucia Acosta
Les références
‘Castellán’s litigation team is very balanced. It is led by Lucía Acosta, who is not only technically excellent, but has an enormous ability to identify the true needs that clients have and translate this into the strategy. She works very closely with young, creative and very tenacious lawyers, and also has the support of external consultants in different innovative practice areas (such as technology), which guarantee the constant updating and also provide a fresh vision to the team. For those of us who work in non-traditional industries, this is a great support.’
‘The strong interaction between the different practice areas, and the team feeling they convey really makes us clients think that “all fronts” are covered. Lucia Acosta is exceptional. She has always had great lucidity for strategy, she is innovative and extremely versatile, and she works with great ease in different areas and complex situations: it should be noted that she is conciliatory by nature but also relentless when she must be. What I value most about working with Castellán and the team is the deep knowledge of the client they have. I always feel like they are “one more” of my company’s team, and that is not easy to see in the market.’
‘The team offers an overall legal approach for business, able to cover the main relevant legal aspects in Uruguay and most of the Latin American countries.’
Principaux clients
Rispany (Coyre Group)
Shift Brazil
Shafel
M Dias Branco / Las Acacias
Kia Motors Uruguay
MAPA
Export Jaime
Mantiba
Abelenda
Sandonato
Club Urunday Universitario
Club de Golf del Uruguay
Alva Creative House
Reacción
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Coyre Group (Rispany) in securing and collecting an arbitral award against Cobra Group (Taxway), after having its $15m counterclaim rejected, regarding breach of contract of a wind farm project.
- Represented Mantiba as largest creditor (90% of total liabilities) in bankruptcy proceedings filed by Isolux Ingeniería, leading out-of-court negotiations.
- Represented Las Acacias against the Ministry of Security seeking damage compensation.
Rueda Abadi & Pereira
Active in bankruptcy proceedings, Rueda Abadi & Pereira has a balanced debtor and creditor practice and is also appointed by the bankruptcy court as liquidators and receivers in such procedures. Its expertise in the health sector sees the team represent healthcare companies in corporate, civil, tax and labour cases. The practice is regularly called upon to provide legal opinions in trials and arbitration and advises a roster of international clients. Procedural law specialist Santiago Pereira leads the team and is active in litigation and arbitration on both a national and international level. Daniel Rueda Kramer and Daniel Tellechea are praised by clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Santiago Pereira
Les références
‘It is a team with knowledge of our specific area. They innovate in the way they provide services. Their attitude is proactive and not reactive to the needs of clients.’
‘They are a team of specialists who look for the most efficient way to solve our problems as clients in the health sector.’
‘Knowledge of the sector, as well as the way in which its members get involved in each of the cases dealt with. I highlight Santiago Pereyra Campos and Daniel Telechea.’
Principaux clients
Alcaraz (SEMM)
República AFAP
G. Zara Uruguay
Crame IAMPP (Sanatorio Mautone)
Siam (Medicina Personalizada)
OPS – OMS (Pan American Health Organization – World Health Organization)
Centro de Deformidades de Columna (Cedefco)
SBG Uruguay
Sociedad Médica Quirúrgica de Salto
Brendisol Trading
Principaux dossiers
- Represented SBG Uruguay in a claim initiated against it by a company for contractual breach, seeking damages amounting to $3m, in which the Supreme Court of Justice ruled in favour of the client, dismissing the appeal filed by the claimant.
- Representing Admoly and Cantinas del Este in a claim seeking damages of $2m against Crufi.
- Representing Republica AFAP in a $7m damages claim initiated by a group of radiologists.