Francisco De Rosenzweig > White & Case S.C. > Mexico City, Mexico > Lawyer Profile

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.

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.

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.