Mr Douglas Doetsch > Mayer Brown > Chicago, United States > Lawyer Profile

Mayer Brown has a formidable record in Latin America banking and financing transactions, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise across the field. Through its New York, Chicago and Washington DC offices, in particular, it is able to offer extensive resources to Latin America financings, coupled with the firm’s well-established team in Mexico City and its presence in Brazil via an association with Tauil & Chequer Advogados. The practice remains at the forefront of structured financings,and demonstrates strength in acquisition finance, project finance and other primary financing segments. The firm has dominated the market in future flow financings, warehouse financing, and supply chain and trade finance; additoinally working on a major share of diversified payment rights financings in Latin America. It is also noted for its experience in fintech sector financings. Based in Chicago, Douglas Doetsch is head of the Latin America/Caribbean practice and is a key member of the banking and finance practice; noted for infrastructure financings, he is also a leader in cross-border securitisations, especially future cash flow securitisations. Washington DC’s Gabriela Sakamoto is another pivotal member of the team with an established record in project finance, structured finance and acquisition financings in Latin America. Admitted to practice in Colombia, New York and Illinois, New York partner Juan Pablo Moreno is a prolific Latin America specialist, having advised on multiple financing structures across a variety of jurisdictions.

Mayer Brown‘s longstanding commitment to Latin America, including capital markets transactions, has paid considerable dividends. It continues to expand its presence in representing issuers, underwriters and placement agents in high-yield and investment grade bonds, medium and short-term notes, private placements and project bonds. The Latin America team has particularly solid connections to international and regional financial institutions that serve the Latin America market. It has increased its exposure to Brazil offerings through its partnership with Tauil & Chequer Advogados and has cemented its position in Mexico through its Mexico City office. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch specialises in infrastructure financings and future cash flow securitisations; he continues to advise on numerous diversified payment rights transactions in the region. David Bakst is a key name for equity offerings, especially follow-on offerings in Brazil. Washington DC-based Gabriela Sakamoto is noted for project bonds, private placements and securitisations. Licensed to practice in Colombia, New York and Illinois, Juan Pablo Moreno is also active in diversified payment rights programmes across Latin America. Milena Muradian is a key capital markets associate, and is admitted to practice in Brazil and New York. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Mayer Brown remains a major force in Latin America projects and energy, acting for a range of project sponsors, special purpose vehicles, commercial lenders and multilateral agencies, contractors, operators and governments. It has an established record in various financing methods, notably project bonds, hybrid financing structures and public-private partnerships in Latin America. Much of the practice has recently centred on large-scale transport infrastructure projects in a variety of Latin American jurisdictions. Christopher Erckert is a leader in the firm’s global finance and banking practice, and heads its project bonds and Latin America projects practice. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch leads the firm’s Latin America and Caribbean practice and is a recognised authority on transport infrastructure financings. Gabriela Sakamoto is a true Latin America specialist with an extensive background in energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects across multiple jurisdictions. Born and raised in Bogotá, New York-based Juan Pablo Moreno also has experience of projects right across the region. Gabriel Salinas is another key figure in Houston, having joined the firm in 2023. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Barry MacHlin has retired.