White & Case S.C. > Mexico City, Mexico > Firm Profile

White & Case S.C. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Mexico > Banking and finance Tier 2

‘Experience, up-to-date knowledge, international presence, and prestige in the market’ are the calling cards of the practice group at White & Case S.C., which frequently assists major banks with regulatory matters, as well as advising both lenders and borrowers on a range of financial transactions. In addition to providing counsel on fintech matters, the team is well-versed with respect to syndicated loans, asset-backed financings and securities mandates. Working under the leadership of transactional and regulatory specialist and ‘reference in the market’ Juan Antonio Martín, the ‘high-performance’ team is also home to key partner Maria Teresa Fernández-Labardini, who handles requests for authorisations before the financial and regulatory authorities as well as M&A and compliance. Narciso Campos and Andrés Mosqueira are noted for their focus on financial regulatory matters; Eduardo Flores Herrera takes care of general banking and securities work, as well as fintech mandates. Carlos Mainero (bank and debt finance and financial regulatory matters); Fernando Vázquez-Chelius (financing and M&A); and Rebeca García López (debt and equity financings) are additional names to note. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of banking regulatory and restructuring partner Eugenio Bernal in August 2023.

Mexico > Capital markets Tier 2

White & Case S.C. offers investment funds, banks, and corporations support with debt and structured finance transactions, in addition to advising issuers and underwriters on securities offerings on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The group is directed by Juan Antonio Martín, who majors on domestic and cross-border financings, and securitisations. Eduardo Flores Herrera has notable banking and securities knowledge and is active on capital markets transactions involving entities active in the fintech sector. Carlos Mainero and Narciso Campos are often called upon for their regulatory expertise, while counsel Eric Quiles assists financial institutions, underwriters and brokers with securities issuances. Rebeca García López, who focuses her practice on capital markets and corporate transactions, was promoted to the partnership in January 2024; and the team was also strengthened by the arrival of Eugenio Bernal from BBVA Mexico in August 2023. Since publication, the firm has further strengthened the practice group with the promotion of Carlos González Navarro (regulatory compliance) and Simon Micha Kurc (capital markets, banking and securities) to local partners; along with the promotion of Wilbert Luna (anti-bribery & corruption; financial services regulation) to counsel, along with the hire of Jorge Escalante (previously head of capital markets at the now defunct Mayer Brown Mexico, S.C.), also as counsel – all effective as of November 2024.

Mexico > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

The ‘young but very competent‘ competition law team at White & Case S.C. is appreciated for its ‘industry knowledge and business focus‘. Transactional matters coming under scrutiny from Cofece are the standout strength of the team, which has recently assisted clients with energy sector M&A, and a commercial alliance in the aviation sector. Cofece anti-trust investigations are also handled by the department, with experienced practice head Henri Capin Gally equally well-equipped to handle advice on transactions and sector investigations. Constitutional and administrative disputes are the focus of Fernando García Gómez‘s practice, while Román González -who was promoted to international partner in October 2024- advises on the competition aspects of projects in both the public and private sectors, be they transactional or ajudicatory.

Mexico > Compliance and data privacy Tier 2

Praised by clients as a ‘benchmark for the sector’, the compliance practice at White & Case S.C. is equipped to handle the full range of issues in compliance, including anti-corruption and AML mandates, and corporate investigations. The group is routinely engaged by financial services providers, fintech companies, insurers, charities, and companies in the energy, retail, and agribusiness segments. A recent work highlight saw the group assist Invenergy with preparing its anti-corruption policies, as well as carrying out training sessions for Invenergy’s directors and employees. The practice group is co-directed by María Teresa Fernández Labardini, Enrique Espejel, and Narciso Campos. Fernández Labardini is noted for her experience in regulatory, anti-corruption, fintech and corporate matters, as well as for her ‘legal and technical knowledge’. Espejel takes care of government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and civil and commercial litigation; while Campos focuses his practice on regulatory compliance, banking and finance, and M&A. Additional names to note include banking and finance specialists Juan Antonio Martín and Rebeca García López; and Andrés Mosqueira and Carlos Mainero, who major on financial regulatory matters. Eduardo Apáez's is the key counsel-level contact.

Mexico > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

The energy and natural resources practice at White & Case S.C. stands out for its depth of knowledge across the range of work in the sector, and fields a 'group of experts in various matters that complement each other', with extensive expertise in energy regulatory issues, and transactional and contentious matters, in both the private and public sectors. The deartment's client base includes major players in various areas of the industry, as well as associations including Asolmex (solar energy) and Amexhi (hydrocarbons). Practice head Francisco de Rosenzweig has a particular focus on energy regulatory and transactional-related projects, and is the day-to-day advisor to a host of the leading energy companies operating in Mexico, as well as being counsel of choice for the aforementioned associations. Juan Ruenes comes with client praise for his 'deep knowledge in financial and commercial transactions in the energy sector', and corporate law partner Juan Carlos Llorens is a further contact of note in the practice group. Standout associate José Daniel Franco focuses on hydrocarbon and electricity regulatory work, project finance, and advice on the day-to-day operations of energy sector companies.

Mexico > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Highlighted as ‘very organised and highly specialised’, the practice group at White & Case S.C. regularly handles the financing and development of infrastructure and energy projects. The group is frequently mandated by sponsors and developers alike, which seek its expertise particularly as regards railroad, renewables, and oil-and-gas projects. A recent standout mandate saw the team advise Kansas City Southern de México in relation to the construction of a passenger rail project between Mexico City and Querétaro. The practice is directed by Francisco De Rosenzweig, who has significant experience in advising on the regulatory, contractual, and project finance aspects of energy, infrastructure and transport projects. Juan Ruenes, who draws on prior in house experience at Braskem, focuses on project finance, infrastructure development and general corporate matters. Juan Carlos Llorens also focuses on energy, infrastructure, corporate, and project finance matters; while key associate José Daniel Franco's practice is closely centred on the development of electricity and oil-and-gas projects. Mariana Montemayor left the firm in October 2023.

Mexico > Corporate and M&A Tier 3

Lauded as a ‘collaborative, available, multidisciplinary’ team, White & Case S.C.'s lawyers are equipped to handle M&A transactions and provide general corporate advice to major multinationals, commercial and investment banks, private equity funds and entrepreneurs. A recent standout matter saw the group advise China Power International Holding and Zuma Energía on the potential acquisition of three renewable generation projects in Mexico. Henri Capin-Gally directs the practice group and takes care of a variety of complex corporate and financial transactions, as well as antitrust mandates. Sergio Márquez, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2024, specialises in capital markets, M&A, and banking matters; Fernando Vázquez-Chelius Solís focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A, along with private equity transactions, and has a particular emphasis on the regulated industries. Associate Mariel Martínez Zárate majors on assisting corporate clients, private equity funds, and SPACs with M&A and equity investments. The team was strengthened with the January 2024 hire of real estate investment specialist Alfonso Vargas Mayoral (as a local partner), from Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.

Mexico > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 3

The considerable international heft of White & Case S.C. is brought to bear on a range of international arbitrations relating to Mexico, with its local (Mexico City-based) team coordinating closely with some of the firm’s US offices to advise a prestigious client base of multinationals on matters that include investor-state, commercial and tax arbitrations, among other segments. Dual-qualified (Paraguay/New York) practice head Rafael Llano (‘great quality but low profile; he’s brilliant‘, according to one international peer) is a deeply seasoned practitioner, a member of the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators, and a recent lead representative of ICC México before the ICC’s World Arbitration Commission (2022-24); locally he focuses on the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors in Mexico (arising out of recent political and legal instabilities), but his broader practice has a strong regional aspect. Francisco de Rosenzweig is the key Mexico-qualified partner at the Mexico City office, with a particular focus on matters arising from project and asset-based financing. January 2024 partner promotion Marièle Coulet-Diaz is a further US-qualified contact to note; while local partner Carlos Véjar -who joined from Holland & Knight in August 2023- has international trade expertise in addition to his arbitral practice.

Mexico > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3

Clients of the White & Case S.C.'s litigation department regard its practitioners as 'experts on the subject' and appreciate their 'clear and concise' advice. Administrative litigation is a particular are of strength for the practice, although in this respect, the loss of former partner Ismael Reyes Retana in January 2024 was a blow. More broadly, the practice is a destination for litigious matters in some of the country’s most heavily regulated sectors, including tech, energy, communications, mining and financial services. The Mexico City offering also has a robust commercial litigation capability and is regularly active in key market matters. 'Technically great' litigator Enrique Espejel leads the team and is primarily noted for civil and commercial disputes. Raised to the global partnership in January 2024, Fernando García Gómez, heads-up the administrative litigation sub group. Diego Mora-Jensen is valued by clients for his ‘exceptional service', and handles a mix of bankruptcy disputes, insurance claims, tort and strict liability matters, amparo cases, long with white-collar cases and contentious energy sector work. Appointed local partner in January 2024, Yuriria Galicia is a further key name on the constitutional and administrative litigation side, with experience in Mexico’s key sectors therein. At associate level, Joaquín Pacheco (commercial, white collar, compliance, technology, and privacy & data protection disputes), and Fernanda Méndez (commercial litigation), are both noted. Since publication, Pacheco has been promoted to local partner - effective as of November 2024.

Mexico > Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 4

Lauded for its ‘extensive subject knowledge and integrity’, the Mexico City-based team at White & Case S.C. takes care of complex bankruptcy, restructuring & insolvency mandates, primarily acting on behalf of creditors, including domestic and international banks. A recent highlight saw the group assist Afirme Grupo Financiero as the largest creditor in the restructuring and bankruptcy proceeding of Minera del Norte. Enrique Espejel steers the practice and specialises in bankruptcy litigation. Additional key figures include María Teresa Fernández Labardini, whose broad practice encompasses M&A transactions, requests for authorisations before the financial and regulatory authorities, loan restructurings, and compliance issues; and litigator Diego Mora-Jensen Garza, who focuses on bankruptcy, and commercial and civil litigation matters.

Mexico > Tax Tier 4

White & Case S.C. has a tax practice that ably supports its substantial offering in transactional matters across the region and globally, while also constituting a strong choice for tax disputes with the Mexican authority. Elizabeth González Gasca is well versed in corporate income tax and international tax treaties, as well as the creation of optimisation strategies. She co-leads the group with Carlos Martínez, who advises clients on international taxation and transfer pricing, and also undertakes tax litigation. Associate Yazmin Trejo 'stands out for having an accounting-legal background', and Patricia López Padilla provides further support on general taxation and litigation.

Mexico > TMT Tier 4

White & Case S.C. acts for a variety of multinational companies across the telecom, media and technology segments, and demonstrates particular strengths in telecom-related dispute resolution and in fintech regulatory issues. The firm’s corporate and M&A lawyers are also frequently engaged in TMT sector transactions. Andrés Mosqueira has a particular focus on fintech regulatory, general tech sector matters and data privacy issues. He co-leads the TMT group with Enrique Espejel, a litigator of vast experience who frequent acts as counsel to clients in this space; and Eduardo Flores, whose banking and capital markets expertise are brought to bear in fintech and payments matters in Mexico. Fernando García Gómez is a younger partner who assists with administrative and constitutional disputes for TMT clients; while Yuriria Galicia, promoted to the partnership in January 2024, bolsters the regulatory side of the offering. At associate level, senior Wilbert Luna Arellanes (whose broad practice takes in cybersecurity, data privacy, fintech and technology), and intermediate Joaquín Pacheco, a litigator, are the names to note.

Mexico > International trade and customs

Mexico > Real estate

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

White & Case LLP‘s giant Latin America team incorporates a leading international arbitration group. The team’s cases span the entire region with a fine presence in both investor-state and commercial arbitration. The department has achieved further prominence in critical minerals disputes, including those involving Chile, Bolivia and Mexico. It has also made considerable headway in ESG-related cases and disputes linked to political disruption, and remains especially active in energy cases. The firm continues to represent a number of large multinationals in cases against Latin American states. Mexico City’s Rafael Liano Oddone is at the forefront of energy, construction, and infrastructure cases arising out of the policy shift in Mexico in recent years, and is further noted for investor-state cases against a range of Latin American countries. Miami and Houston-based Silvia Marchili handles energy, natural resources, and infrastructure cases, making a further impression in critical minerals disputes. Ecuadorian native Francisco Jijón has handled a series of major ICSID and UNCITRAL arbitrations in recent times. New York-based Ank Santens is active in Latin America-related ICSID arbitrations. Miami’s Estefanía San Juan was made partner in January 2023 and Mexico City-based Marièle Coulet-Diaz was promoted to the partnership in January 2024. Brazilian native Michelle Grando impresses at counsel level. However, in a notable departure, long-standing practice head Jonathan Hamilton has left the firm – along with counsels Alejandro Martínez de Hoz and Jonathan Ulrich. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Compliance and investigations

White & Case LLP has cemented its position in enforcement investigations, internal investigations and compliance matters. The Latin America-focused team has worked more intensively in sanctions-related matters, bankruptcy-connected matters, and in cryptocurrency and fintech. It is also increasingly active in supply chain ESG issues. The bilingual team is adept at conducting investigations in Spanish and frequently deals with the SEC, DOJ and other key regulators. It continues to work with clients in developing their compliance programmes and regularly assists private equity and strategic clients in assessing compliance risks as part of proposed investments and acquisitions. Maria Beguiristain is another leading practitioner with wide-ranging expertise in internal investigations and white-collar criminal defence cases, including those linked to bankruptcies and Ponzi schemes. Enrique Espejel is co-head of the disputes practice in Mexico and has extensive experience in white-collar defence and compliance matters. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise. Michael Garcia  has left the firm.