Morgan & Morgan

Albalira Montufar is a partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the immigration practice of the firm. For over 15 years, she has led some of the most important projects in Panama involving foreign personnel. Her expertise legal advising in matters related to immigration and labor law, including work and residence permits, visas and citizenship applications, as well as advising multinational corporations with such processes when establishing headquarters in Panama. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Montufar was a Partner at a consulting regional firm specializing in corporate labor and immigration counsel and related affairs. Who´s Who Legal and Latin Lawyer have recognized Ms. Montufar as a leading immigration lawyer in Panama. Ms. Montufar is a member of the Panama Bar Association and chaired its immigration commission in 2019-2021. Albalira has been a speaker on multiple conferences and forums and participates actively in advising on immigration matters to Panama’s Executive Branch, drafting and reviewing regulations related to immigration. In addition, she has contributed to the Panama chapter of Chambers Corporate Immigration Practice Guide 2023, the first edition of this guide globally. Ms. Montufar holds an LL.B. in Law and Political Sciences, from the Universidad de Panama (J.D. equivalent); Postgraduate Degree in International Trade and a Master in Negotiation, Administration and Execution of Commercial Treaties from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Comercio Exterior in Panama; and an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.    

Alejandro E. Chevalier is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the firm's Litigation and Arbitration Department. Mr. Chevalier regularly represents Panamanian and international clients, including energy, construction, transportation, ports, and telecommunications services providers in both complex commercial and investment disputes and negotiations in anticipation of these. He specializes in matters related to the resolution of international disputes, as well as in litigation and arbitration proceedings contemplated, on one hand, under Panamanian law before the different arbitration centers and judicial entities of the Republic of Panama, and, on the other hand, involving the law of multiple jurisdictions under international arbitration rules such as ICSID, UNCITRAL, and ICC. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan in 2021, Mr. Chevalier worked as an international lawyer in the International Department of Akerman LLP (Miami, Florida). He also completed an internship at the International Arbitration Department of Hogan Lovells US LLP (Miami, Florida). During this time, Mr. Chevalier primarily represented Latin American and European investors, multinational companies, and State agencies in a variety of cross-border disputes, including international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings under several arbitration rules such as ICC, UNCITRAL, FINRA, and the AAA's international branch, the ICDR. Also, Mr. Chevalier represented international clients in enforcement and annulment proceedings of arbitral awards, and in judgment domestication disputes before U.S. federal courts. In June 2020, Mr. Chevalier participated as a lawyer in the longest virtual hearing ever organized to date by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. He is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama, Young ICCA, ICDR Young & International, ICC YAAF, the New York University Alumni Association, and the Spanish Arbitration Club (CEA). In addition, he is co-founder and member of the board of directors of Panama Young Arbitrators (PANYARB), serves as the Panamanian Editorial Director for the Legal (LIR) and constantly publishes about legal, commercial, and political issues. Mr. Chevalier obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Political Science (Summa Laude) from the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (2017); he was also awarded an academic scholarship to participate in the International Law Exchange Program of the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas ICADE-ICAI in Madrid, Spain (2015); and earned an LL.M. from the New York University School of Law, along with an Advanced Professional Certificate in Law and Business (APCLB) from New York University's Stern School of Business (2018). In addition, Mr. Chevalier graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with an LL.M. in International Arbitration (2019). Mr. Chevalier is licensed to practice law in the State of New York, U.S. and in the Republic of Panama. He is fluent in Spanish and English and is advanced in French.

Alejandro Vasquez Vallarino is a senior associate in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. Mr. Vasquez V. regularly represents local and international clients in matters related to mergers and acquisitions, joint-ventures, capital markets, debt and collateral structuring, and corporate re-organizations. He also specializes in public policy and legal research in fields such as mining, energy, aviation, special economic zones, tax, and new technologies (blockchain and cryptocurrency). Prior to joining our legal team, Mr. Vasquez V. gained experience as a senior associate in a major local firm. During this time, he participated and co-lead various commercial transactions, advising public entities, startups, franchises, and private companies of sectors such as mining and metals, construction, retail, hospitality, among others. Mr. Vasquez V. obtained an LL.B. with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (2015). He later completed an LL.M. in the University of Pennsylvania Law School, U.S.A. (2016) and in turn, obtained a Business and Law Certificate at the Wharton School of this same university (2016). Mr. Vasquez V. is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Alexis Medina is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Medina has over 15 years of experience in the Wealth-Management and Private Banking industry, focusing on company formation, design and implementation of cross-border structures and wealth planning and management. Since 2008 through 2013, Mr. Medina was the Executive Director of the Morgan & Morgan´s office in Singapore, dedicated to providing qualified legal advice as a foreign Law Practice, as well as services on corporate structuring, private foundations, trusts, and ship registration. Prior to becoming head of our Singapore office, Mr. Medina gained experience as an Associate attorney at MMG Trust (Panama), S.A., headquarters fiduciary activities of Morgan & Morgan in Panama; as well as Fiduciary Officer at Dresdner Private Banking International (DBPI), Dresdner Bank Lateinamerika AG, (DBLA), Panama Branch. As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Mr. Medina has held several committee positions, both in the Panama and Singapore branches. He is also a member of the National Bar Association of Panama. Mr. Medina has authored “The Supply Contract under Panamanian Public Contracting Law”, 1997. Mr. Medina obtained an LL.B. from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (1997) and a LL.M. from the University of Boston, U.S.A. (1999). He is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Allen Candanedo is a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property Department of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Candanedo focuses his practice on all matters related to Intellectual Property Law, including the registration and protection of trademarks, as well as litigation related to oppositions against trademark registrations, cancellations, and criminal prosecutions against all sorts of infringements on Intellectual Property Rights. He is also well known for his practice in franchising and distribution agreements by assisting clients entering commercial relations with Panamanian counterparties. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Candanedo was in charge of the IP Department of a local law firm for ten years. He coordinated and managed relations with international correspondents regarding trademark registration, protection, and international litigation in North, Central, and South America from this position. Likewise, he attained experience in customer service and investor-relation fields in Panama and the Colon Free Zone. In pro-bono matters, he frequently advises and serves as a speaker for non-profit organizations on trademark registration and protection issues. Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 recognized Mr. Candanedo as a leading lawyer Intellectual Property. He graduated from the Universidad Catolica Santa María La Antigua, Law School, in Panama. He completed the program of Orientation in the U.S. Legal System at the International Law Institute at the George Washington University Law School, in Washington, United States of America. Completed the IP Program at the International Law Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and obtained a Degree in Negotiations, Treaties, and International Trade from ULACEX, Panama, in collaboration with Universidad de Santiago de Chile. Mr. Candanedo is a member of the American Association of Intellectual Property (AIPLA), Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), and the International Trademark Association (INTA). He is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ana Carolina Castillo Solis is a Partner in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. She specializes in energy transactions and advisory work in corporate and commercial, finance, mergers and acquisitions, among others. Ms. Castillo regularly advises clients in energy (power), finance, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions, among others. In recent years, she has been particularly active advising clients involved in the generation of energy, including hydro, wind, thermal, and solar projects. She has represented investors, developers and financial institutions in a wide variety of transactions including project finance, regulatory, licensing, permits, environmental and administrative law. She has served as Vice Chair of the Energy Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Panama (AmCham). In addition, Ms. Castillo is a member of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and an affiliate of the Women’s Directors Association of Panama (ADP). She is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm, having served as director of an environmental NGO, and regularly advising various NGOs on their legal issues. Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal have recognized Ms. Castillo as a leading lawyer in projects and energy, banking and finance, and corporate law. Ms. Castillo obtained a Bachelor of Law and Political Science (Summa Cum Laude) from the Law School of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama; she also participated in the International Law Exchange Program at Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and furthermore, obtained an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law (with honors) from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Furthermore, she coursed a Taxation program in the Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado in Panama and she also coursed an Electric Market program with the World Energy Council and the Electric Engineering Faculty of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. Ms. Castillo Solis is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Andres V. Mejia is an associate in the firm's Shipping and Admiralty Litigation and Ship Finance and Registration departments. Andres specializes in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims, including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. He also represents ship owners, charterers, and leading financial institutions on all types of registration options available under Panama flag and ship finance structures, including ship mortgages and pledge of shares of Panama ship-owning companies. In addition, Andres advises clients on the sale and purchase transactions of vessels, including negotiation and closing of MOAs and on ship finance projects. He is also actively engaged in the licensing process for companies interested in starting maritime auxiliary businesses in the Republic of Panama. Andres is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm. He constantly participates as a volunteer and Legal Advisor to Fundamorgan and its Community Legal Assistance Program. Andres obtained a Master's in Admiralty and Maritime Law at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans as a recipient of the Tulane Alumni Association of Panama Scholarship and an LL.B. from the Law School of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. He also has an LL.B. in Maritime Business Administration with emphasis in Ports and Multimodal Transportation from Universidad del Istmo. He is the author of "Panama Ship Registry, 100 Years Serving the Maritime Community", a publication winner of the Tulane Maritime Law Society and the law firm Maynard Cooper & Gale Admiralty Writing Competition. Andres is a member of the Board of Directors of the Panama Maritime Law Association and is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Associate

Anna Bernal Riley is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan, where she regularly advises clients on various types and nature of judicial processes. Her areas of expertise include filing and processing ordinary and executive proceedings of higher amounts in civil jurisdiction, derived from contractual and torts liabilities, for the recovery of overdue credit portfolios and for the recognition of obligations derived from unlawful acts and omissions or where any kind of fault or negligence has intervened, for the repair or compensation of damages generated by these, as well as other special proceedings that are heard in the administrative jurisdiction; the execution of precautionary measures to ensure the outcome of the processes and legal actions that our firm files and promotes. Ms. Bernal obtained an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (Magna Cum Laude). She also holds an LL.M. in Procedural Law (Summa Cum Laude) from this university. In addition, Ms. Bernal completed an International Certification in Human Rights and Conventionality Control. Ms. Bernal is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Arantxa Fernandez Chang is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the firm's Corporate Law Department. Before joining our legal team, Ms. Fernandez gained experience in the Legal department of a U.S. investment management organization, where she was engaged in private equity investigations and other related matters. She also interned in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan (2017-2020), providing legal assistance in corporate, administrative, and due diligence matters. Ms. Fernandez obtained an LL.B. (Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and studied a certificate program in Capital Markets from the same university. Later, she obtained a Legal Tech and Innovation Specialization from George Washington University. Furthermore, she graduated from the Duke University School of Law with an LL.M. (Pro Bono Distinction) and a Business Law Certificate. Ms. Fernandez Chang is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ariana V. Linares T. is an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Linares worked as an attorney in the private banking sector, focusing on corporate matters and the review and drafting of legal documents required for credit facilities for leading companies in the region. She also worked as a Law Clerk in the Litigation and Arbitration Department of a top local law firm. During this time, she specialized in commercial, civil, administrative, constitutional, and corporate litigation processes. Ms. Linares obtained an LL.B. with honors (Summa Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and obtained an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law (with honors) and a Certificate in International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Ms. Linares is a member of the Georgetown International Arbitration Society and of the Latin American Law Students Association of Georgetown University Law Center. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Aristides Anguizola is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Corporate Law Department since 2010. Mr. Anguizola has concentrated his practice in mining, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, project finance, banking law and securities matters. He has significant experience providing legal support for mineral exploration and mine development and finance. During the last years, he has been very active assisting clients in aspects related to corporate and commercial, development and regulatory work. He has acted as co-counsel on complex mega projects such as Cobre Panama, the biggest private sector investment in the country; Metro of Panama, the most important public infrastructure project under development in Panama; the public bus rapid system for Panama City - Metro Bus, among others. Furthermore, he was part of the team that advised the Ministry of Public Works on the drafting and approval of the new law for public-private partnerships (PPPs). Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Anguizola gained experience in the Corporate, Litigation and Labor practice groups, as summer associate in McConnell Valdes LLC, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He also worked as summer associate in Greenberg Traurig LLP, Washington D.C., U.S.A. dealing with the Government Affairs Practice Group to lobby the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Since 2005 to 2007, Mr. Anguizola was the Communications and Media Attaché of Consular Affairs ad interim and managed White House press coverage during President of Panama Martin Torrijos working visit to the White House from February 14-16, 2007. Mr. Anguizola contributed as a writer in some publications such as the Panama Chapter of Doing Business (a project of the World Bank Group), and the Panama Chapter of Chambers & Partners´ Insolvency and Mining guides. IFLR1000 recognized Mr. Anguizola as leading corporate and financial lawyer. Mr. Anguizola has been also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm playing an active role advising various NGOs on their legal issues, as well as participating as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Anguizola obtained an LL.B. from the University of Virginia (2005); and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Georgetown University Law Center (2009).

Carlos Ernesto González Ramírez is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Antitrust and Consumer Protection, Government Procurement and Contracts, Telecommunications, and Insurance and Reinsurance practice groups of the firm. He also plays a key role in the Corporate Law practice group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory and commercial law. As a corporate adviser, Mr. González Ramírez has been very active assisting multinational corporations from different industries such as Maersk, AES, Philips, 3M, Sony Corporation, Yamaha Motors, among others, upon establishing their headquarters operations in Panama. On matters related to competition defense, Mr. González Ramírez practice focuses on Antitrust (including M&A approvals), Anti-Dumping, and Safeguard measures. He has been involved in several mergers and acquisition approvals before the antitrust authorities in different industries, such as beer, automotive, financial, and dairy, among others. On Dispute Resolution matters, Mr. González Ramírez has served as adviser on local and international arbitration proceedings. He was appointed by the Panamanian Government, as arbitrator and conciliator of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based in Washington, U.S.A. He is a member of the Commission of the National Directorate of International Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama. Mr. González has also participated as Consultant and collaborator in the authorship of Law N° 5 of 2007 that sped up the process of opening a company and establishes other provisions. He also served as collaborator in the authorship of Law N° 41 of 2007, for the establishment of Headquarters of Multinational Companies. Furthermore, Mr. González has been co-author of the conceptual framework of the La won Transparency in Public Administration, and author of the conceptual framework of the Law on Free Competition and Consumer Affairs. He participated as editor and author of Decree Law No. 11 of February 22, 2006, which creates the Panamanian Authority for Food Safety and makes other provisions. Mr. González Ramírez is listed as a leading individual in the Corporate & Commercial chapters of IFLR 1000. He has also been awarded with the “Pedro Boyd Galindo Medal” granted by the Panamanian Business Executives Association, as recognition of his work, trajectory and dedication to this organization, as well as his permanent contribution to the development and protection of Panama as an International Business and Financial Center. Mr. González Ramírez obtained a Master (LL.M.) in International Legal Studies, in the Washington College of Law, at American University. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama. He is also the President of the Panama/Japan Friendship Association; Vice President Liberty Foundation; member of the Consultive Council of AES Panamá, S.A., and member of the Ibero-American Institute of Constitutional Law (Panama Chapter). Mr. González Ramírez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Carolina Tejada Vaprio is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan Immigration Law Department since 2017. Ms. Tejada regularly advises executives and multinational companies with the immigration processes required when establishing its regional headquarters in Panama. Her experience includes preparing applications for residence permits, entry visas authorizations, work permits, as well as interacting regularly with Panamanian immigration authorities. Ms. Tejada obtained an LL.B. from the University of Panama (2010), and a LLM in Private Law (Civil, Commercial and Labor) from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, in Spain (2013). She also holds an LLM. in Procedural Law from the University of Panama (2017). Ms. Tejada is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Clarissa Vega Ruiz is an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan. With more than 15 years of background in project development and finance matters, Ms. Vega´s experience includes major infrastructure projects, including construction, public infrastructure, energy, and transportation. In this sector, her practice focuses on public bids, contract administration, negotiation, and the review and drafting of legal documents, legal opinions, and contractual risk management. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Vega worked as the Legal Advisor in charge of the administration of subcontracts and the main contract, focusing especially in the conversion of the main contract for the “Project Fourth Bridge over the Panamá Canal”, to enable the contract to be financed for the Panamá Fourth Bridge Consortium, where she participated from the proposal, development and negotiation of contractual issues related to the financing of this important public infrastructure Project, reaching important milestones such as the subscription of Addendum No.1. Ms. Vega was also the Legal Advisor of the Public Financing Directorate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama, where she participated in milestones transactions such as Panama´s first successful issuance of treasury bonds for US$2 billion and its placement in the local capital markets. In the private sector, she worked as in-house counsel for private construction companies, advising on significant projects such as the Changuinola II hydroelectric power plant, Line 2 of the Metro of Panama, and the Madden-Colon Highway, among others. Ms. Vega obtained an LL.B. with honors in Law and Political Sciences from the University of Panama and was awarded a scholarship by the University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom, where she obtained her Master´s degree in Corporate Finance Law. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama and is licensed to Real Estate Broker.

David A. Ramos Alvarez has been part of the firm since 2018 and is currently an Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Ramos is frequently involved in complex national and international litigation and arbitration matters, especially in the fields of insurance, banking, trust, consumer protection, civil and administrative liability, torts law and constitutional proceedings. Mr. Ramos also specializes in academic and legal investigation of both national and international doctrine and caselaw studies. Furthermore, Mr. Ramos has advised in matters involving International and Comparative Law, especially in International Instruments of Human Rights (such as Convencion Interamericana de Derechos Humanos) and International Criminal Law (such as the Rome Statute and the Geneva Convention). Mr. Ramos has authored several academic publications such as "Analisis juridico-practico del acto medico y actos conexos a la prestación de servicios médicos, en el derecho privado y derecho publico”; and “Supranacionalismo: El Leviatán que Hobbes no observó”, and others. He also serves in Pro Bono matters and human rights investigations. Mr. Ramos obtained a Bachelor of Law and Political Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama (2020) and is currently undertaking an LL.M. Degree in Medical Law in Universidad Externado de Colombia. Mr. Ramos Alvarez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Emma Cornejo is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm. Ms. Cornejo’s practice specializes inlitigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian law related to civil, commercial, administrative and criminal matters. Ms. Cornejo is also very involved in pro bono activities of the firm regularly assisting to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Ms. Cornejo is the author of “The General Assembly of Shareholder´s Right to Contest”. Ms. Cornejo obtained an LL.B. from the School of Law of the Universidad de Panama (2008). Thereafter, she got a Master in Private Law with emphasis in Commercial Law at the same University (2010). She also has an LL.M in Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration, and a specialization in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología – Laureate International University (2014). Ms. Cornejo is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Fernando Alfaro is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and currently works in the Maritime Litigation practice group.  Mr. Alfaro specializes in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. His client portfolio includes ship-owners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests. In the public sector, Mr. Alfaro served office as Director of the Public Registry of the Republic of Panama. Mr. Alfaro graduated from the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua with a major in Law and Political Science, and later completed a master’s degree in law from American University, College of Law in Washington, DC. Mr. Alfaro is a member of the Panamanian Maritime Law Association and the National Bar Association of Panama. Mr. Alfaro is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama

Partner

Partner

Partner

Giselle Moncada is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan Legal. She is currently the head lawyer in charge of the firm's offices in David, Chiriquí, where legal services are provided to the western sector of the Republic of Panama. With more than 20 years of experience counseling clients on their legal issues, especially in Real Estate Law, Banking Law and Litigation with an emphasis on bank collections. Ms. Moncada has received training in multiple type of negotiation techniques and other conflict resolution methods, obtaining in 2021 the registration of Conciliator and Mediator of the Ministry of Government of the Republic of Panama. While at the firm’s head office between 2003 and 2008, she organized and directed the Real Estate and bank loans (Real Property Rights) practice, and the specialized section of judicial and extrajudicial Collections. Ms. Moncada also participated in important M&A transactions. Ms. Moncada also has experience working in a governmental institution, previously she worked at the Autoridad de Bienes Revertidos (Interoceanic Region Authority) as advisor in the legal Department of Environmental and Community Management and the Reverted assets. Ms. Moncada obtained her bachelor’s degree at Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua, (Magna Cum Laude, 2001). Ms. Moncada also obtained a Master’s Degree in Procedural Law from the Universidad Latina de Panamá School of Law, and a Diploma in Conflict Resolution and Specialization in Higher Education, both conferred by Universidad del Istmo (UDI).Ms. Moncada has a Real Estate Broker License granted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama and broadcaster license granted by the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP). She is a member of the National Bar Association and the Chiriquí Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. On pro-bono issues, she regularly participates with non-profit organizations that work for the education of children, youth, the development of women and the reduction of poverty. She also conducts a weekly radio program to support citizenship and rights education. Ms. Moncada is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Ivania Barrios is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Morgan & Morgan where she is regularly advising clients in civil and commercial matters, contract and non-contractual civil liability and litigation processes with subjects on banking, insurance, among others. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Barrios was an attorney at major local law firms where she gained experience in fields such as litigation, corporate law, banking law, insurance law, offshore services, intellectual property, and administrative law. Ms. Barrios holds an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Nacional de Panama (2018) and a LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law from Universidad Latina de Panama (2022). She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Ivette Gonzalez is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Labor and Immigration Law Department since 2016. Ms. Gonzalez concentrates her practice in matters related to immigration law. Her experience includes preparing applications for residence permits, entry visas authorizations, work permits, as well as interacting regularly with Panamanian immigration authorities. Ms. Gonzalez obtained an LL.B. (Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (2009). Ms. Gonzalez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Partner

Partner

Juan David Morgan Jr. is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and head of the Shipping and Admiralty Litigation practice group of the firm. Mr. Morgan Jr. has been practicing at Morgan & Morgan since 1990, specializing in all kinds of maritime claims, including those against the Panama Canal Authority for accidents occurring while vessels transit through the Panama Canal. He represented shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests in all types of maritime disputes. Mr. Morgan Jr. has served as Director and Financial Secretary of the National Bar Association of Panama; Director and President of the Maritime Law Association of Panama; Director of the Panama Chamber of Shipping; President of the Panama Maritime VII Conference & Exhibition Organizing Committee; Director and President of the Deutsch Panamaische Industrie-und Handelskammer; and President of the Tulane Club in Panama. He also serves on the Board of different private companies. He is a frequent speaker at international maritime law seminars and is the author of the publication “Ship Arrest and Arrest Defenses in Panama”. Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who´s Who Legal have profiled Mr. Morgan Jr. as a leading lawyer in Shipping and Admiralty Litigation. In addition, he has been distinguished with the International Award for Exceptional Achievement at the Tulane University Alumni Awards Gala 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Mr. Morgan Jr. obtained a B.S., at the Universität Heidelberg in Germany (1984); a B.A. at the Ohio Wesleyan University in the U.S.A (1986).; an LL.B. at University of Grenoble in France and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel (1987); and a J.D. at the School of Law of Tulane University in the U.S.A. (1989). He is fluently in Spanish, English and German. Mr. Morgan Jr. is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Juan Antonio Franco Diaz is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group for Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Franco Diaz specializes and regularly advises clients interested in the practice of attachments and precautionary measures of all sorts that seek to guarantee the pecuniary results of litigation procedures which arise from contractual breaches, Torts liabilities, events, facts, actions, and omissions involving fraud, negligence, or fault and that generate damages. Mr. Franco Diaz also pursues the collection of debts from natural persons or legal entities, as a remedy for defaulting guaranteed credits and subprime loans that become loss-qualified items. He outstands in understanding and analyzing complex problems to provide simple and personalized solutions for our clients in the insurance, construction, banking, and finance industries, among others. Mr. Franco Diaz obtained an LL.B. in Law and Political Science from Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama (2021), and a bachelor’s degree in Securities Brokerage and Analyst from the Superintendence of the Stock Market of Panama (2022). He also has a certification from the Penn State Law-Legal English for Lawyers program at Universidad Latina de Panamá. Mr. Franco Diaz is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Katia Pallares is an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Pallares worked in the Legal Department of the City of Philadelphia, U.S.A, initially as an intern and then as a labor relations specialist. During this time, she specialized in public rulings and regulations, bargaining agreements, arbitration awards, and federal states and municipal legislation, among other administrative processes. She also worked as a Legal Assistant in the Labor Law Department at a top local law firm. Ms. Pallares obtained an LL.B. with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and an LL.M. from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, U.S.A. with a Wharton Business and Law Certificate. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Kharla Aizpurua Olmos is a Partner in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos mainly advises clients in domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Also, she has been involved on matters pertaining to syndicated lending, project finance, governmental infrastructure projects (including transportation and energy), securitization, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, services related to the telecommunications sector, startups and e-commerce, compliance and data protection. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Aizpurua Olmos obtained experience as a junior associate in the Corporate Law Department of Garrigues, Tax and Legal Advisers in Madrid-Spain, focusing on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking and project finance, and securities matters. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos has been recognized for her professional achievements (Up and Coming) in the first edition of the Latin American Energy and Infrastructure Awards organized by the Iberian Legal Group. In addition, she has been distinguished by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 for her work in banking and finance, and commitment in diversity and inclusion. Moreover, she is also recognized as a Women Leader in Panama by IFLR1000 Women Leaders, an elite ranking of the most prominent lawyers worldwide. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos is also committed with the pro bono activities of the firm. She played a key role in the team responsible for drafting the bill to organize national volunteering in the Republic of Panama and serves as counsellor to different Panamanian NGOs. In addition, she is in the board of directors WIP Panama (women in the legal profession), Panamanian chapter of Women in the Profession Program of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice of the New York Bar Association. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos obtained an LL.B. from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain and a LL.M. from the Cornell Law School, University of Cornell, Ithaca, New York, USA. She has also completed a course in Business Management of NGOs from the University of Louisville in Panama and obtained a certification in Financial Skills for Practice and Management and Merger and Acquisitions from the INIDEM Business School. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Laura Barrios is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm, advising clients on international tax issues, mainly assisting companies on efficient corporate structures and compliance matters. Ms. Barrios is considered one of Panama´s most knowledgeable tax treaty and CRS and FATCA reporting export. She has been an advisor to the Panamanian Government in tax treaties negotiations and in the implementation of fiscal and transparency regulations and policies that favor Panama´s jurisdiction. Prior to becoming an attorney at Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Barrios worked as Senior Consultant in an international consulting firm specializing in audit, tax, financial and accounting services. In the public sector, Ms. Barrios has been appointed as head of the Legal Department of the International Tax Sub directorate of the General Directorate of Revenue of Panama, as well as the Technical Secretary of the High-Level Presidential Commission for the Defense of International and Financial Services. Currently, she is part of the negotiating team of Tax Agreements of the Republic of Panama. She obtained an LL.B. in the School of Law of the Universidad Catolica Santa María La Antigua in Panama (Magna Cum Laude), and a LL.M. in International Tax Law from the WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business). Ms. Barrios is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Partner

Luis G. Raven is currently a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Maritime Litigation practice group of the firm since 2007. Luis advises in all aspects of maritime dispute resolution and claims including collision, cargo, oil spill pollution, charter party disputes, and ship mortgage executions, among others. Mr. Raven client portfolio includes shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Luis obtained experience as a Summer Law Clerk for Frilot, LLC in New Orleans and as a part time Law Clerk for the Assistant Attorney General of the Maryland Port Administration, United States of America. In addition, before becoming an attorney, Luis worked on merchant vessels and as a marine superintendent at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Raven obtained a B.S. in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation (Cum Laude) from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (2002) and a J.D. with a Certificate in Maritime and Admiralty Law from Tulane University (2007). He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and the Maritime Law Association of Panama. Luis is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama and in the State of New York, U.S.A.

Luis Miguel Hincapie is a partner at Morgan & Morgan. He advises clients in corporate and trust matters, private interest foundations and contracts in general. Mr. Hincapie has a marketing degree from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, and an LLB from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in the Republic of Panama. He also obtained his Master of Science in Management from the University of Miami, Florida, United States. In 2010, Mr. Hincapie was appointed by the President of the Republic of Panama as Vice Minister of government. Later, in 2011, he became Vice Minister of Labour. He has been invited to take part in the Forum for Young Leaders of Latin America by CAF (Corporacion Andina de Fomento) and the Brookings Institute in Washington, DC (2011) and the Forum of Emerging Leaders from Emerging Markets in Singapore (2012). On 1 July 2014, Mr. Hincapie was appointed as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Republic of Panama. For 5 years, he was responsible for defending the country's image at the international level in fiscal matters before the United Nations, the European Commission, the OECD, the FATF and bilaterally with more than 20 countries. As vice-chancellor, he was Chairman of the Organization Committee for the Seventh Summit of the Americas held in Panama in 2015, being instrumental party in all aspects of the organization for the summit that for the first time in 60 years was attended by all 35 countries of the American continent, including Cuba and the United States. Mr. Hincapie was appointed as ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Five, Gender Equality. He has also participated in different forums as a guest on issues related to the Venezuelan Crisis, Integration and Development of the Central American Region, as well as forums related to the participation of Women in public politics and Gender Equality. Mr. Hincapie is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm advising various NGOs on their legal issues. Luis Miguel Hincapie is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

María Eugenia Brenes is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan and currently works in the Intellectual Property and Corporate Department. With over 15 years’ experience, on IP Prosecution and Protection she has been assisting clients for, and has personally handled portfolios in Panama for important clients such as LVMH Group and The Clorox Company. Mrs. Brenes is very business oriented attorney with strong experience advising clients on medical regulations pertaining IP matters, health product regulations, public procurement and data protection regulations applicable to the health sector. She has actively participated in policy making process for regulations of Law 35 of 1996, especially in the Trademark Chapter of said regulation. She has successfully supported clients through public procurement of health products (such a drugs and medical devices), civil engineering and goods for the defense sector. On competition matters, she has assisted in various transactions related to Antitrust (including M&A approvals), Anti-Dumping, and Safeguard measures. She has been involved in several mergers and acquisition approvals before the antitrust authorities in different industries, such as beer, automotive, financial, and dairy, among others. Mrs. Brenes is also very active in defending corporations in consumer protection actions before the Authority for Consumer Protection, Defense and Competition Entity (ACODECO for its acronym in Spanish). She is also mastered in tax matters and advises clients on making businesses and successfully obtaining all permits required to establish operations in Panama, with special interest in incentive areas for clients. Chambers & Partners have profiled Mrs. Brenes as an associate to watch in Competition Law and Intellectual Property. Mrs. Brenes is a member of the American Association of Intellectual Property, the Panama Association of Intellectual Property and the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property. She is also involved in pro bono activities of the firm serving as adviser in Panama of the Fundación El Caño, a non-profit that seeks topromote, support, and disseminatescientific researchofourarchaeological history, specifically in the areaof ElCaño, developing projects for the conservation and education of this heritage. Mrs. Brenes obtained a LL.B. degree from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua Law School in Panama and a LL.M. degree from the Franklin Pierce Law Center in Hampshire, U.S.A. She also obtained a LLM degree with high honors in Tax Law and Panamanian Taxation System from the Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado in Panama. Mrs. Brenes is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Mario Tejeira is currently a Partner at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Tejeira has over 20 years of experience in business and corporate law, estate planning, private interest foundations, company formation and management. His client portfolio includes well-known private companies, banking and financial entities, corporate practitioners and private clients. Mr. Tejeira has authored “Active Legitimation and the Principle of Finality in a Civil Rights Action”, 1997. Mario Tejeira is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Miguel A. Arias Mamais is an international associate in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. He regularly represents clients in matters related to banking and finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, insolvency, startups and e-commerce. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Arias worked as an International Law Clerk in the Latin American Corporate Law and International Arbitration Departments of the major US law firm Holland & Knight LLP (Miami, Florida). During this time, Mr. Arias advised clients on corporate matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, some involving cross-border components, as well as on litigation, and international arbitration matters. He is a member of the Hispanic Law Students Association at the University of Miami School of Law and has authored several publications on business, economic and financial topics. Mr. Arias obtained a B.A. in Business Administration - International Business and Legal Studies (with Honors) from Loyola University, New Orleans, U.S.A; and a Juris Doctor with an emphasis on business innovation, law, and technology at the University of Miami, Florida, U.S.A. Mr. Arias is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, U.S.A.

Miguel Rodríguez joined Morgan & Morgan in 2003 as a Paralegal and is currently an Attorney in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm. Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in matters related to litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian Law before the different jurisdictional branches of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Rodríguez worked at the Seventh Civil Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Panama. Mr. Rodriguez is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm regularly assisting to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Rodriguez obtained an LL.B. from the Law School of Universidad Interamericana in Panama. Mr. Rodriguez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Milagros Caballero is a senior associate and works in the Labor Law Department of the firm. Ms. Caballero concentrates her practice assisting multinational companies and corporations from several industries with the process of establishing its regional headquarters in Panama. She is also involved in the pro bono activities of the firm regularly assisting to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm. Furthermore, Ms. Caballero is a Labor Law professor in the Superior Tagua Institute, a non-profit that promotes educational projects for low-income Panamanian women. Ms. Caballero completed her LL.B. at the University of Panama, as well as her Master’s Degree, which emphasizes in Procedural Law. She also has a certificate, issued by the Ministry of Government and Justice, on Mediation. Ms. Caballero is a member of the Panamanian Academy of Labor Law and the American Association of Labor Law. Milagros Caballero is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Nestor Broce is a Senior Associate in Morgan & Morgan and General Manager of MMG Trust (Panama), S.A., headquarters of the fiduciary operations of the Morgan & Morgan Group in Panama. Mr. Broce mainly specializes on trusts, estate planning, private interest foundations, project management trusts, guarantee trusts, among other fiduciary services. Mr. Broce has a solid professional background. He has also served as General Manager and attorney of international trust companies in the British Virgin Islands and Panama, respectively. His client portfolio includes banks and trust companies, family businesses and companies, all of which require sophisticated, custom-made fiduciary solutions for the organization and administration of private matters or specific business transactions. Mr. Broce is also very committed with the pro bono activities of the firm. He played a key role in the team responsible for drafting the bill to organize national volunteering in the Republic of Panama, and has participated in drafting the new Trust law scheduled to be presented to the National Assembly of Panama in 2017. Mr. Broce obtained a B.A. in Banking and Finance (Summa Cum Laude) from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología in Panama (2002); and a LL.B. (Sigma Lambda) in the Law School of the Universidad de Panama (2003). He also held an International Fiduciary Administration Degree from the International Banking Institute in Panama (2008). Mr. Broce is a former director of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Panama Chapter (STEP), the British Virgin Islands Association of Registered Agents and a former director and past presidente of the Pacifico Ciudad de Panama Rotary Club. Mr. Broce is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Nicole Gonzalez-Ruiz De Ycaza is an associate attorney in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Gonzalez-Ruiz worked as a Legal Officer in an important local law firm, where she attended operational and administrative matters related to the Judicial Collections Department. In addition, she regularly advised clients in civil proceedings, proceedings before the Courts and other state entities, among other matters. Ms. Gonzalez-Ruiz holds an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (2019), an LL.M. in Accusatory Criminal Law from Universidad Latina de Panama (2021), and a Specialization in Procedural Law from Universidad Latina de Panama (2021). She is a member of the Executive Women's Commission of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and the National Bar Association of Panama. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Associate

Patricia Henderson is an Associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Immigration Law Department since 2015. Mrs. Henderson concentrates her practice in matters related to immigration law. Her experience includes preparing applications for residence permits, entry visas authorizations, as well as interacting regularly with Panamanian immigration authorities. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mrs. Henderson worked as legal advisor in the private sector. Mrs. Henderson obtained an LL.B. (2004), and a Master in Procedural Law from the School of Law of University of Panama. Mrs. Henderson is fluently in English and French. Mrs. Henderson is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Partner

Raul Bermudez is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Bermudez specializes in company incorporation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Bermudez served as an associate in the Corporate, Estate Planning and Due Diligence practice groups, in a local firm in Panama City, Panama. Currently, he served as Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Panama. Mr. Bermudez has been also very involved in pro bono activities at the firm playing an active role advising NGOs on their legal issues, as well as participating as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in low-income communities. Mr. Bermudez obtained an LL.B. from the Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Panama City, Panama (2010); and an LL.M in Corporate Law from the Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois (2013). Mr. Bermudez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Partner

Partner

Partner

Rodolfo Palma is a Senior Associate at Morgan & Morgan and works in the criminal law practice since 2011. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, he worked at the Judicial System as National Director of the Clearing Judicial Program. He has also worked as, Special Substitute Magistrate of the Second Superior Court, Penal Circuit Judge, Circuital Defense Attorney, and as Assistant of Magistrate of the Supreme Court. Mr. Palma is also involved in pro bono activities at the firm, assisting Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation. Mr. Palma obtained his degree at the Law School of the Universidad de Panama. He obtained a certificate in Human Rights and another in Forensic Sciences from Universidad de las Americas and University of Panama, respectively. Later, he obtained a specialization in Public Law from ULACIT and a Master´s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Law from the University of Panama and ULACIT, respectively. Mr. Palma is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.  

Rodrigo Ernesto Arias Valderrama holds a degree in Law and Political Science, and almost 30 years of experience, starting his professional practice as associate attorney of Morgan & Morgan in the year 1987. He became a partner of the group in the year 1996. Mr. Arias Valderrama is part of Morgan & Morgan’s team of lawyers specializing in civil and commercial matters, contract and non-contract civil liability, litigation and dispute resolution in regular and arbitration venues. He regularly advises clients interested in the collection of debts from natural persons or legal entities, seeking to collect damages that may have been caused as a result of defaulting legal or contractual obligations and/or illegal and non-contractual facts, actions and omissions involving fraud or some level of negligence or fault. Mr. Arias Valderrama has become as a leading practitioner in the Republic of Panama more particularly in civil and commercial litigation and application of precautionary measures of all sorts, effectively representing the interest of clients of Morgan & Morgan needing this type of service. Among his clients are renowned banking entities, private companies, and multinational corporations operating in Panama. He is a member of the National Bar Association of Panama, and the Instituto Antioqueño de Responsabilidad Civil.

Yaneth Barrera is an associate and works in the Labor Law Department of the firm since 2014. Ms. Barrera concentrates her practice advising local and multinational companies with their labor matters, including labor disputes, labor conciliations, drafting of internal labor procedures, employee registrations, wage agreements, labor investigations, professional risk, and other related processes before the Social Security office and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Development. She is also involved in the firm's pro bono activities, advising various NGOs on labor and social security issues. Ms. Barrera holds an LL.M. in Labor Law from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. She completed her LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad de Panama and recently obtained a Certification in Safety and Labor Health from Universidad Sant Maria La Antigua. She is Vice-President of the Labor Law Commission of the National Bar Association of Panama. Ms. Barrera is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Yosela Escudero is an associate at Morgan & Morgan and serves in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm. Ms. Escudero has particular experience in company formation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Escudero began her career with renowned local companies where she gained experience in the drafting and administration of contracts, immigration, commercial aviation and international public law. In pro bono matters, she regularly participates as volunteer in the Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities. She is graduated from the Law School of University of Panama. Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Ms. Escudero is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.