Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

History and Overview

Founded on January 21, 1965, by Eduardo Alfaro, Alejandro Ferrer, and Alfredo Ramirez, our firm has proudly served clients for over 60 years, establishing itself as one of Panama’s most respected legal institutions. With a longstanding commitment to integrity, ethics, and dedication, we have become trusted strategic partners for prominent national and international companies operating in Panama.

Our Values

Integrity, ethics, and commitment are the pillars that define our team and firm. These values have earned us the trust of renowned local and foreign enterprises, positioning us as a preferred legal advisor.

Our Team

Today, we are proud to have a team of over 35 full-time lawyers and more than 100 staff members. Each of our legal professionals is highly experienced and commercially astute, enabling us to proactively understand, anticipate, and protect our clients’ interests.

Recognitions

Our focus on quality and excellence has been recognized by leading international legal directories, including Chambers Global, Chambers Latin America, The Legal 500, Latin Lawyer, IFLR1000, IP Stars, WTR1000, and Leaders League.

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Areas of Practice

Intellectual Property

We have one of the most highly regarded intellectual property teams in Panama, specializing in trademarks, copyrights, and related fields. Our services include registration, protection, and enforcement of trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, industrial designs, and domain names. Our IP team is also known for its strength in anti-piracy measures, representing clients in key sectors such as retail, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverages, and entertainment. With a global perspective and a robust network of international partners, we provide seamless service across jurisdictions.

Banking and Finance

We represent both local and international financial institutions, handling regulatory matters and complex financial transactions. Our expertise spans from structuring credit lines and project financing to navigating multilateral financing through agencies like the Inter-American Development Bank and the Andean Development Corporation. Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to deliver comprehensive guidance on secured and unsecured loans, public and private projects, and energy and infrastructure developments.

Public Procurement and Regulatory

With over 30 years of experience, we have advised national and international clients on public procurement in energy, telecommunications, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our services include strategic representation in public bidding, contract execution, and regulatory compliance. We have played a significant role in shaping Panama’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) framework and have been pivotal in landmark infrastructure projects, such as the Panama City Metro and Tocumen International Airport expansions.

Governmental Procurement

Our governmental procurement practice is one of the most established in Panama, providing end-to-end support throughout the bidding and contract execution stages. We have extensive experience advising on infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and energy projects. Our work has been instrumental in shaping Panama’s regulatory landscape, securing major concessions, and contributing to the development of key public policies.

Labor and Employment

Our labor team combines decades of experience with in-depth industry knowledge to deliver innovative solutions in labor and employment law. We represent clients across sectors, including port operations, healthcare, insurance, and hospitality. We offer comprehensive labor support, from strategic planning and negotiations to complex dispute resolution, ensuring our clients’ needs are met with empathy and commercial acumen.

Tax

Our tax practice provides strategic guidance to local and international clients, covering general tax advisory, special tax regimes, and the application of double taxation treaties. We have a deep understanding of Panama’s regulatory environment, enabling us to offer straightforward solutions for complex tax matters, including compliance, litigation, and risk management.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Our M&A team has earned international recognition for its role in high-profile transactions across a range of sectors, such as banking, automotive, logistics, healthcare, and technology. We offer comprehensive support through all phases of M&A transactions, from due diligence and negotiation to post-transaction integration. Our focus on precision, transparency, and business-oriented solutions has made us trusted advisors to multinational companies and private equity firms.

Commercial Law

Our commercial law team is a leading reference for conducting business in Panama. With a multidisciplinary approach and extensive industry experience, we offer tailored solutions to meet clients’ needs across pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and more. Our services include business structuring, regulatory compliance, and contract management, ensuring that our clients’ commercial objectives are achieved efficiently.

Capital Markets

We are a top-tier firm in Panama’s capital markets, advising public and private entities on structuring equity and debt instruments. We assist with public issuances, investment fund structuring, and navigating regulatory requirements. Our team’s expertise is grounded in a strong understanding of market dynamics, enabling us to deliver innovative solutions to complex transactions.

Litigation and Arbitration

Our litigation and arbitration practice is highly regarded for its strategic approach to risk mitigation and conflict resolution. We represent clients across construction, insurance, banking, and telecommunications sectors in administrative, judicial, and arbitral proceedings. Our team is known for its ethical standards, transparency, and ability to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients in high-stakes disputes.

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