Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Partner - Head of Practice Alejandro is a Partner currently co-leading the Commercial Department. He is dedicated to assisting clients with their daily business needs. Moreover, he provides crucial support in complex transactions, including acquisitions and the purchase or sale of significant market players. His extensive expertise lies in providing legal tax advice, covering areas such as tax regulations, special tax regimes, and international tax law. Alejandro consistently contributes to financing projects by collaborating with both lending entities and debtors, and he plays a key role in structuring collateral packages. Additionally, Alejandro provides valuable advice on corporate issues among shareholders, which involves drafting, structuring, and negotiating shareholder agreements, as well as designing essential corporate instruments.

Alfredo Ramírez Jr

Partner Alfredo is a Partner in the Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Banking and Insurance Departments. He is dedicated to assisting clients with a wide range of legal needs, including litigation and project financing. His expertise encompasses advising on capital markets, regulated industries, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. Additionally, Alfredo has a distinguished track record in leadership roles. He served as a Board Member of the Panama Canal Authority from 2000 to 2013. He also participated in the Presidential Advisory Commission on banking legislation and the amendments to constitutional titles related to the Panama Canal. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Banesco, S.A.

Alfredo Ramírez Pabón

Associate Alfredo has been an Associate in our Commercial Department since 2015. He initially joined our firm as a legal assistant while completing his university studies in Law and Political Sciences. Throughout his tenure, Alfredo has provided counsel to a diverse range of clients, including local enterprises and multinational corporations, on a variety of domestic and cross-border issues. His expertise spans various areas, including mergers and acquisitions, project financing, corporate law, regulatory and antitrust matters, and real estate transactions.

Ana Cristina Negrón

Associate Ana Cristina is an Associate in the Commercial Department of the firm, and actively participates in our tax practice. She provides invaluable assistance to international corporate clients operating in Panama. Her expertise includes advising on a wide range of commercial transactions, acquisitions, obtaining regulatory permits, registrations in special zones, real estate matters, and dealing with government entities. Additionally, Ana Cristina offers strategic advice on corporate structuring and frequently collaborates in due diligence processes conducted by our clients. She adeptly represents our clients before various entities, including Multinational Companies Headquarters, the Panama Pacific Agency, the Colon Free Trade Zone, the Gaming Control Board, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, among others. Her dedication extends to addressing tax inquiries, ensuring compliance with incentive laws and special economic areas requirements.

Ana Raquel Sedda

Ana Raquel is an Associate in the Capital Markets, Banking, and Insurance Department at the firm, also, she serves as aFiduciary Business Executive at Afra Trust Corporation, a fiduciary company based in the Republic of Panama. She assits clients within the regulated financial sector accross various domains. These include corporate structures, commercial transactions, regulatory authorizations, and daily operational inquiries. Ana Raquel brings valuable experience in capital markets, including the registration of securities by issuers across different industries. She is adept at establishing investment funds and managing licenses for broker dealers and investment managers, among other regulatory matters. Furthermore, Ana Raquel provides essential guidance to banking groups, insurance companies, and financial entities. Her expertise extends toobtaining and managing licenses from relevant regulators. She also advises clients interested in venturing into the Fintech industry. In the area of trust administration, Ana Raquel plays a crucial role in the structuring, constitution and management of trusts in various areas. At Afra Trust Corporation, she diligently oversees compliance with operational regulatory requirements applicable to the fiduciary entity. Ana Raquel’s commitment extends to advising clients on compliance and due diligence. She assistsbusinesses from diverse industries in adhering to and local regulations, thereby preventing money laundering and other financial crimes.

Annette Bárcenas

Partner Annette Bárcenas Olivardía leads our Public Utilities and Procurement Department. She has extensive experience advising public and private sector clients in the electric power, radio and television, telecommunications, water and public transportation sectors. In the area of power generation, with emphasis on renewable energy projects. Annette has a long track record and experience and is a leader in regulatory matters related to the industries mentioned above and also advises clients in connection with due diligence processes related to mergers and acquisitions of companies in the utilities sector, as well as in project financing investments in this industry. Annette has acquired unparalleled experience in public procurement advisory, a practice area she co-leads with Luis H. Moreno, a partner of the firm. She obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Law and Political Science with honors from Universidad Católica Santa María la Antigua, and later obtained a Post-Graduate Degree in Telecommunications from Universidad Externado de Colombia.

Daniela Meana

Daniela is an Associate in the Commercial Department of the firm. She plays an important role in assisting clients with their daily business needs. In her role, Daniela represents clients before key public entities including the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, municipalities, the General Directorate of Revenues, the Maritime Authority of Panama, the Secretary of Energy, and the National Land Authority, among others. Additionally, she assists international clients seeking to establish regional headquarters in Panama, leveraging special incentive regimes. Daniela provides comprehensive advice, addressing multifaceted business challenges. Whether it’s tax, corporate, real estate, and general commercial matters, she delivers tailored solutions to her clients.

Enna Ferrer

Enna is a Partner in the Labor and Immigration Departments. She is dedicated to assisting our clients in labor and immigration matters. Enna addresses their daily needs in these areas and provides support in complex cases, including managing work and residency permits and representing clients in labor and immigration litigation. She has an outstanding academic background, having graduated with honors (Suma Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Católica Santa María la Antigua in 1983. In 1990, she obtained a Master ofLaws (LL.M.) from the University of Michigan Enna actively participates in professional associations. She is a member of the National Bar Association and the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan. Additionally, she has contributed to the educational community as a member of the Board of Directors of the International School of Panama between 1998 and 2002. Due to her extensive experience, Enna was appointed as a judge of the Administrative Tribunal of the Inter-American Development Bank between 1999 and 2004.

Francisco Iglesias

Francisco is a Partner in the Labor Department. He specializes in providing expert legal advice to our clients in thelabor law field. He assists with their daily needs in this area and offers support in complex matters, such as negotiating collective labor agreements and representing clients in labor litigation. Francisco’s extensive experience covers various aspects of labor law, including dismissals, sanctions, workplace harassment, and mobbing. Additionally, Fancisco is well-versed in issues related to labor risks, such as pensions, retirements, and disabilities. In addition to his advisory work, Francisco collaboratesclosely with both employers and employees, providing comprehensive guidance on all labor-related aspects. From drafting to negotiating labor agreements, he ensures the implementation of measures to guarantee a fair working environment in compliance with current legislation.

Joelis Araúz

Joelis Araúz Ospino is an Associate in the Litigation and Arbitration Department. She specializes in civil and commercial law, with a focus on criminal law. Additionally, actively participates in arbitration proceedings. As a valuable member of the litigation team, Joelis has addressed various areas including topics related to banking, insurance, construction, technology, telecommunications, energy, among others. Furthermore, she provides strategic advice to clients on matters related to damages, breach of contracts, liquidation processes, wills, and succession proceedings. Joelis has gained extensive experience litigating before the Supreme Court of Justice, where she has handled cassation appeals and contentious administrative appeals against government acts and public entities.

Juan Antonio Alfaro

Juan Antonio is a Partner in the Commercial Department of the firm. He specializes in representing major port terminals operators and key players in the hydrocarbons market. His extensive experience includes assisting clients in establishing and developing significant projects related to container ports, shipyards, and logistics parks in Panama. Beyond his focus on port and industrial projects, Juan Antonio provides valuable advice on a wide range of commercial matters, including corporate governance, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and commercial transactions. He is widely recognized for his expertise in advising multinational companies as they establish operations in special economic areas and regimes such as the Colon Free Trade Zone, Panama Pacific Special Economic Area, Free Trade Zones, Multinational Enterprise Headquarters (SEM), and Multinational Manufacturing Enterprises (EMMA). Furthermore, Juan Antonio serves as a general counsel for various sectors, including real estate developers, manufacturing, tourism entertainment, family offices, pharmaceuticals, retail, among others industries. His active participation in drafting and discussing relevant sector regulations ensures that our clients receive comprehensive and strategic legal guidance.

Juan Diego Ng

Juan Diego is an Associate in the firm's Litigation and Arbitration Department. He is dedicated to assisting both local and international clients in conflict resolution and prevention. His specialization spans civil, commercial, corporate, and financial litigation, as well as domestic and international commercial arbitration. Juan Diego’s skills and experience uniquely position him to analyze complex legal disputes. He provides clientswith simple and precise advice, ensuring satisfactory solutions to their disputes. His unwavering focus on client needs drive him to work diligently and meticulously.

Juan Gabriel González

Juan Gabriel is a Partner in the Labor Department of the firm. His focus lies in assisting clients during the negotiationof collective labor agreements and representing them in labor court proceedings. With his extensive experience, Juan Gabriel handles cases related to dismissals, sanctions, workplace harassment, and "mobbing", acting as a third-party investigator. Beyond this, Juan Gabriel provides training on labor law updates. He also offers advice on issues concerning Occupational Risks and Social Security, including pensions, retirements, and disabilities.

Katherine Aparicio

Katherine is a Partner in the Litigation and Arbitration Department of the firm. She specializes in advising clients in arbitrations before the Conciliation and Arbitration Center of Panama. Katherine also provides essential support to clients in their daily business needs and complex transactions, including financing and the acquisition or sale of key market players. Katherine frequently serves a diverse clientele, including local banks, construction companies, major real estate developers, insurance and reinsurance companies, telecommunications companies, ports, and hydroelectric companies. Her skills extend to developing effective strategies, leading judicial and arbitration processes, representing clients in negotiations, and providing expert legal opinions in her areas of practice.

Luis Lopez Alfaro

Luis is a Partner in the Corporate Department of the firm. He is committed to supporting clients with their daily business needs in the realm of Panamanian corporate law. Additionally, he provides legal assistance in complex transactions, including advising on a prominent portfolio of commercial groups and individuals, both local and foreign. His extensive experience spans advising on tax law, banking regulations, insurance, and capital markets. Furthermore, Luis provides unwavering support in compliance and due diligence projects, ensuring adherence to local regulations, international standards, and best practices, for the prevention of money laundering and related crimes. Additionally, he leads, along with a highly experienced and professional team, the fiduciary practices of the subsidiaries Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramirez (BVI) Limited and Afra Trust Corporation, offering comprehensive advice to clients accross various industries, including real estate, energy, finance, family groups, and business, among others.

Luis Horacio Moreno

Luis H. is a Partner in the firm’s Energy, Telecomunication and Public Procurement department. Luis H. has over 15 years of experience in Administrative Law, telecommunications, public transportation, public procurement, and energy, with a particular focus in Panama. His extensive background includes working with energy generation, transmission, and distribution companies in various capacities. Additionally, he has been involved in the construction and development of both public and private infrastructure, collaborating with insurance companies, state entities, telecommunications companies, railway operators and public transportation providers, among others. Asan expert in regulatory matters, Luis H. specializes inAdministrative Law, public procurement, Public-Private Partnerships, telecommunications, public transportation, and energy in Panama.

María Alejandra Cargiulo

María Alejandra is a Partner at the firm’s Banking and Finance Department. She specializes in providing strategic advice to clients in the financial sector, including banks, brokerage houses, investment banks, investment advisors, and investment funds. Her practice focuses on capital markets, financial transactions, banking, securities regulation, corporate governance, and compliance. Her practice focuses on capital markets, financial transactions, banking, securities regulation, corporate governance, and compliance. María Alejandra is recognized for her outstanding performance in representing clients in both public and private securities offerings in Panama and cross-border transactions. She works closely with issuers and investment banks. Additionally, she is known for her expertise in the creation of investment funds, sustainable offerings and securitizations. As an advisor to professional organizations in the securities market industry, she actively collaborates with local banking and securities regulators in the development of financial regulation.

Marycarmen González

Marycarmen is an Associate in the Intellectual Property Department of the firm. Before becoming an associate in AFRA, Marycarmen worked as a Legal Assistant in our firm until 2013. Later, she gained international exposure as an intern at Baker & McKenzie in Madrid, Spain, from 2016 to 2017. During this period, she completed her Master's degree in Intellectual and Industrial Property and Information Technology. Marycarmen specializes in assisting clients with intellectual property, industrial property, and information technology matters. Specifically, she provides advice and conducts audits on Privacy and Data Protection, as well as E-commerce. Additionally, she handles regulatory aspects concerning registrations and sanitary permits for various industries, including food and beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other health-related products. Her extensive experience includes managing asset portfolios both in Panama and internationally. She also oversees Industrial Property litigation and facilitates the processing of sanitary permits for regulated products.

Monique Ferrer

Monique is a Partner in both the Intellectual Property Department and the Health Sciences/Regulatory and Compliance Department of the firm. She plays a crucial role in guiding clients through the intricate landscape of intellectual property (IP) and and health sciences regulations. She has extensive experience in intellectual property law, including the analysis of specific regulations and compliance requirements related to IP and health sciences. In addition, Monique actively supports projects related to IP. and collaborates with interested parties to structure agreements. Whether working with applicants and rights holders, she assists in the development of strategies for the effective protection and management intangible assets.

Nelson Sales

Nelson is a Partner in the Labor and Immigration Departments of the firm. He is dedicated to assisting our clients with a wide range of labor issues. His expertise includes resolving individual and collective conflicts, handling union matters, drafting and reviewing labor contracts, and strategically addressing daily labor needs. Furthermore, Nelson provides advice on immigration matters. He assists clients in obtaining residence and work permits for foreigners while effectively managing immigration processes. His experience and commitment in both fields ensure comprehensive and effective guidance for our clients in labor and immigration matters.

Nicole López

Nicole is an associate in the Intellectual Property Department of the firm. Her practice involves providing comprehensive advice to both national and multinational clients on Intellectual Property matters. She assistsclients in registering their intangible assets before the General Directorate of Industrial Property Registration (DIGERPI), the National Copyright Directorate, the National Customs Authority, and the Colon Free Trade Zone. In addition to her advisory role, Nicole supports clients in judicial proceedings in this field and in administrative and judicial proceedings related to Competition and Monopoly. Nicole’s expertise extends to filing arbitration claims in domain-related issues before the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). She has also been involved in various administrative processes before the National Customs Authority related to the withholding of goods that violate Intellectual Property rights. Furthermore,she has experience in criminal proceedings before the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity Offenses. Beyond her legal work, Nicole has served as a lecturer on Copyright Law for both public and private institutions. She is a member of the Panamanian Association of Intellectual Property (APADEPI) and volunteers at the Kiwanis Las Perlas Club in Panama.

Ricardo Moreno

Ricardo is a partner in the Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Department of the firm and co-leads the Tax Department. Ricardo represents and advises both local and international clients on a wide range of matters. These include merger and acquisition transactions, corporate and commercial law, as well as antitrust and consumer protection matters. While working as a full-time legal assistant at Alfaro Ferrer & Ramirez, Ricardo attended Santa María la Antigua University, where he graduated with honors (cum laude) in 2007. Subsequently, he pursued further studies at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a concentration in Securities and Financial Regulation in 2008. After completing his LL.M., Ricardo worked at Fox Horan & Camerini in New York. There, he handled corporate and commercial transactions, supporting clients interested in Latin American business ventures. In 2009, he joined Alfaro Ferrer & Ramirez as an associate attorney and was promoted to partner in 2018.

Roberto Harrington

Roberto is a partner in our Commercial Department and plays a pivotal role in supporting clients with their day-to-day business operations. His expertise extends to providing advice oncomplex transactions, including financing and the purchase or sale of significant market players. Roberto regularly collaborates with local and international banks, financial institutions, and funds. His skill set allows him to oversee due diligence processes in financial transactions, represent both creditors and debtors in project financing, and advise multinational companies on their active and passive operations.

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