Mr Inocencio Galindo > Morgan & Morgan > Panama, Panama > Lawyer Profile

‘One of the most prestigious firms in Panama’, Morgan & Morgan has an impressive record of acting on both the lender and borrower side of complex financings, advising on cross-border loans, refinancings, acquisition finance and regulatory issues. Project finance is also a key pillar of the practice; the team’s recent workload includes assisting with high-profile transactions in the energy and mining sectors. Inocencio Galindo, who has a wealth of experience in infrastructure finance, leads the practice with the ‘fabulous’ Kharla Aizpurúa, who also oversees the firm’s fintech offering alongside regulatory specialist Roberto Vidal. Ramón Varela and Ana Carolina Castillo (who focus on energy-related financings) and Francisco Arias are also names to note. The deep bench also includes international associate Miguel Arias M. and associates Arantxa Fernández and Ariana Linares (who joined from BAC Credomatic in June 2023).

Morgan & Morgan‘s team of ‘terrific’ lawyers is commended for its skill in high-profile domestic and cross-border M&A, with a standout recent record in the financial, logistics, food and beverages, real estate and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm also plays a prominent role in advising multinationals on establishing their headquarters in Panama, and on all related corporate, finance, antitrust, labour and regulatory issues. Francisco Arias, who also leads the real estate department, and ‘outstanding’ M&A and regulatory specialist Roberto Vidal oversee the team. Inocencio Galindo and the ‘exceptionally talented’ Aristides Anguizola, who are noted for their expertise in the mining and infrastructure sectors, Kharla Aizpurúa, and energy specialist Ana Carolina Castillo are other key names at top level. The capable pool of associates includes international associate Miguel Arias M., who wins praise for his real estate expertise, and senior associate Alejandro Vasquez. Clients also benefit from the firm’s MorganNet platform, which automises the management, preparation and follow-up of matters.

‘Among the best firms on the market’, Morgan & Morgan is widely recognised for its prowess in the development of major energy, public transportation and utilities projects, including advising both government institutions and private contractors on Panama’s first PPP projects. The enviably broad practice covers public tenders, concession contracts, project finance, and corporate, regulatory, litigation and environmental issues. Inocencio Galindo leads the mining and natural resources, project development and public procurement practices, while Ramón Varela heads the energy and ESG department. Other notable contacts include Ana Carolina Castillo, who is skilled in transactional and regulatory energy matters; Aristides Anguizola, an expert in the mining sector; and finance specialist Kharla Aizpurúa. The team was further strengthened by the addition of associates Clarissa Vega from the Panama Fourth Bridge Consortium and Ariana Linares from BAC Credomatic in June 2023.

Morgan & Morgan fields a comprehensive tax practice that wins strong praise for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ across the full range of contentious and non-contentious tax matters. The team is particularly noted for its niche strength in tax issues relating to the registration of real estate investment companies (SIIs), but its broad practice also takes in tax compliance, the tax implications of M&A and foreign investments and the application of benefits available under Panama’s various special tax regimes (including the registration of multinational company headquarters), as well as disputes with the DGI. José Rafael Reyes, who has ‘vast knowledge’ of tax law, particularly in tax litigation and compliance, leads the team with senior partner Inocencio Galindo. Other key names include Ricardo Arias, who is ‘one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in Panama regarding SIIs’, and associate Angelica Ortiz.