Consortium Legal > Guanacaste, Costa Rica > Firm Profile
Consortium Legal Offices
Liberia, Centro Comercial Plaza Futura, Local #35
Costa Rica
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Consortium Legal > The Legal 500 Rankings
Costa Rica > Banking and finance Tier 1
The banking, finance and fintech team at Consortium Legal remains a leader in the marketplace, marshalling the deep bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to advise major international banks, financial institutions, and international funding organisations such as Scotiabank, Citibank and the Inter-American Development Bank, on day-to-day matters and high-value, multi-jurisdictional matters. The practice’s full range of services extends to assistance with financial industry M&A, regulatory compliance, retail, commercial and corporate lending, fintech and estate planning through diverse trust operations. The team is led by Mario Quesada Bianchini, an expert in banking M&A; David Arturo Campos, a specialist in finance regulatory matters; Randall Barquero, who brings expertise to advising local and international banks on contracts, credit structuring and project finance; Oscar Sandoval, who was promoted to partner in April 2022 and who advises clients on complex operations involving credit facilities; and Andrés Chamberlain, who heads the retail banking division. Key support is provided by senior associate Susana Raventós, who assists with complex, cross-border transactions.Practice head(s):
Mario Quesada Bianchini; David Arturo Campos; Randall Barquero; Oscar Sandoval; Andrés Chamberlain
Testimonials
‘Their expertise, commitment and specialists in different areas make the difference. Consortium Legal provides an exceptional comprehensive service.‘
‘Great expertise and comprehensive advice. David Arturo Campos, Mario Quesada Bianchini, Randall Barquero and Andrés Chamberlain stand out. Exceptional professionals.‘
Key clients
Scotiabank de Costa Rica
Banco BAC San José
Banco Davivienda
Banco General
Banco Lafise
Mutual Cartago de Ahorro y Préstamos (MUCAP)
Bancolombia
Inter-American Development Bank
First Citizens Bank
Citibank
Work highlights
- Executed more than 3,493 retail loan transactions for Scotiabank de Costa Rica, for an amount of more than $ 805m, which have been secured by movable guarantees, guaranty trust agreements, mortgages, and pledges.
- Assisted the Central America Bank for Economic Integration with the analysis of local law and the possible impacts regarding the change of the Libor interest rate to the SOFR interest rate in the credit agreements and promissory notes signed by the public and private sectors.
- Advised on two parallel financings related to Liberty Servicios Fijos LY: advising Scotiabank as administrative agent (with Scotiabank de Costa Rica, Citibank and Bank of America as lenders) in the refinancing of its working capital revolving credit facility for the aggregate amount of $60m and on a financing package granted by IDB Invest of an aggregate amount of $450m.
Costa Rica > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate team at Consortium Legal remains a leader in the market, utilising the deep bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to advise major multinationals (including Cemex, Walmart and APM Terminals) involved in high-value, cross-border transactions across sectors ranging from building materials, retail, pharmaceuticals and healthcare to shipping, hospitality, aviation, tech and food. The team’s comprehensive services cover real estate acquisitions and sales, M&A, asset purchases, bulk sale processes, specialised drafting and regulatory compliance. The team is led by Rolando Laclé Zuñiga, who draws on over 30 years of cross-border M&A and foreign investment experience; Juan Manuel Godoy, who brings expertise in the energy sector and green projects, David Reuben, who specialises in deals involving private equity and highly regulated sectors; and real estate development expert Juan Manuel Cordero.Practice head(s):
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; Juan Manuel Godoy; David Reuben; Juan Manuel Cordero
Testimonials
‘The professionalism and commitment of the partners, associates and other lawyers is top-notch.‘
‘The team stand out for their technical legal knowledge and knowledge of their clients.‘
‘The commitment, the support and the timely response to what is required of them is the difference between Consortium and any other firm we have worked with previously. That’s the big difference.‘
‘I would like to mention Rolando Laclé Zuñiga and David Reuben. This team of first-class professionals makes our corporate management easier to develop.‘
Key clients
Stein Holding Group (Stein Corporation)
Cemex
Trans Union Global Capability Center
Walmart
Apm Terminals
Ultrapark Development Group
Grupo Barceló
Cuestamoras
CEFA
Fyfees
Rappi
Volaris
Quality Motors
Organización Corona
Work highlights
- Advised Stein Holding Group (parent company of Stein Cares) in negotiating agreements with the International Finance Corporation for an equity investment in Stein’s pharmaceutical business.
- Advised Cemex Colombia on the sale of its cement business in Costa Rica and El Salvador.
- Advised Utitec Mecial on the sale of the Costa Rican subsidiary.
Costa Rica > Tax Tier 1
Consortium Legal's tax practice remains a force in the market, employing the deep bench strength of locations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to advise banks, non-bank lenders, and local and multinational corporates - including household names such as Colgate, Walmart and Chiquita - on a diverse spectrum of matters across the practice space. With a client base spanning such sectors as consumer goods, retail, food, media, building materials, logistics, and banking and finance, the firm’s comprehensive service extends to the tax aspects of high-value, cross-border transactions and major infrastructure projects (including toll roads and port concessions), transfer pricing, judicial and administrative litigation, tax compliance and customs processes. The team is led by Diego Salto, who brings over 28 years of experience to the tax space, transfer pricing expert Rafael Luna and tax litigation coordinator Anayansi Mora. Senior associate Felipe Guevara provides key support on customs processes and on high-value infrastructure projects.Practice head(s):
Diego Salto; Rafael Luna; Anayansi Mora
Testimonials
‘They have very good technical knowledge and are knowledgeable about tax laws.‘
‘They are always willing to support the needs of their clients. It is very easy to contact them and get a good response.’
‘Anayansi Mora is very knowledgeable about tax matters.‘
Key clients
Colgate
Walmart
Cemex
Teletica
SPC
Cuestamoras
BAC
APM
SC Riesgo
Chiquita
Work highlights
- Provided Cemex Colombia with tax analysis and advice regarding the sale of its majority participation in Cemex Costa Rica and Cemex El Salvador to Cementos Progreso.
- Assisted Colgate with two adjustments conducted by the Tax Administration.
- Advising Walmart on all tax and customs matters derived from its daily operations, as well as on special projects.
Costa Rica > Real estate Tier 2
Leveraging the deep bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the team at Consortium Legal advises private investors, international developers and multinational corporates in the retail, construction and shipping sectors, including Maersk and Walmart, involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional real estate transactions. The firm’s comprehensive service covers matters ranging from due diligence and regulatory compliance to sales and purchases, M&A, asset purchases, bulk sales and free trade zone issues. The team is led by Rolando Laclé Zúñiga, who has over 30 years of foreign investment experience; Juan Manuel Cordero, who specialises in the constitution and modification of condominium regimes, the sale and purchase of hotels, and related antitrust filings; and David Reuben, who handles such matters as real estate acquisitions and concessions, and the negotiation of commercial leases. Other key figures include senior associates Marcela Alfaro, who brings expertise to energy sector matters, and Daniel Rojas, who advises on private contracting and corporate restructurings.Practice head(s):
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; Juan Manuel Cordero; David Reuben
Testimonials
‘A practice with a high degree of specialisation, consolidated at the national level and with great professionals.‘
‘We are grateful for the services provided to our company by the firm and especially its corporate-real estate area, co-led by Juan Manuel Cordero.‘
‘It is an interdisciplinary team that provides comprehensive support.’
‘The team is always up-to-date with the real needs of its clients. The assistance, the availability, the follow-up on everything that is requested for support, in whatever area – that is what makes the difference.’
‘Rolando Laclé Zúñiga and David Reuben are always available for what is required, regardless of schedule. That is one of the greatest qualities of both, in addition to the quality of professionalism and the knowledge they have.’
‘Effective and clear communication, coordination in good time with lawyers from other areas providing complete and reliable advice. Effective investment for fair billing.‘
‘Juan Manuel Cordero and David Reuben stand out for their accessibility to clients and understanding of the business.‘
Key clients
Walmart de México & Centroamérica
Cuestamoras
APM Terminals
Cementos Progreso
Everty
Maersk
Grupo Barceló
Stein
Corporación Multi inversiones (CMI)
Solaris Conchal
Work highlights
- Advising Walmart on its real estate needs in Costa Rica, including the due diligence, preparation, and draft of initial contracts (option to purchase) and with closing.
- Advised Goldcoast Investors on the planning and subdivision of a real estate project valued upwards of $5m in Santa Teresa, including the creation of several easements, the draft of closing documents for potential buyers and construction contracts with the developer and construction company.
- Advising a private investor in the negotiation, acquisition, and due diligence of a property for development in Nosara, Guanacaste for $3.5m.
Costa Rica > Dispute resolution Tier 3
With offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the team at Consortium Legal leverages deep bench strength across the region to represent national and multinational corporates and financial institutions involved in high-stakes civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, across the banking, beauty, retail, agriculture, building materials, energy, tourism and hospitality sectors. The team is headed by veteran litigator Rolando Laclé Zuñiga (who brings over 30 years of experience); José Pablo Valverde, who handles matters involving damages claims, breaches of contract, and construction and financial disputes; and Andrés Martínez, a specialist in international arbitration and judicial litigation.Practice head(s):
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; José Pablo Valverde; Andrés Martínez
Key clients
Banco Davivienda
Scotiabank de Costa Rica
Del Monte International
Asociación Conservacionista Monterverde
Banco BAC San José
Grupo Barceló
Villas Playa Sámara
Grupo Cuestamoras
Tecnoramos
Costa Rica > Intellectual property Tier 3
With offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the team at Consortium Legal pairs deep bench strength with the experience of its team to manage and safeguard the intellectual property portfolios of national and multinational corporates and financial institutions. With an active client base spanning such sectors as banking, food, building materials, cosmetics, transport and packaging, the practice’s full offering covers copyright, patent and trade mark prosecution, due diligence and impact assessments. Senior associate and department head Fabiola Sáenz brings experience and expertise to a diverse spectrum of IP matters, including major transactions, counterfeiting cases and regulatory compliance matters.Practice head(s):
Fabiola Sáenz
Testimonials
‘They are very fast and they give regular updates to report the status of the process or case.’
‘Fabiola Sáenz has a great openness to understand and seek solutions to what we are requiring.‘
‘We like the firm for the personal relationship they have with our company. We like the support they provide.‘
‘I think that they treat my team excellently, that their service is of high quality and the results have always been satisfactory.‘
Key clients
Banco Davivienda
Banco Lafise
Banco BAC Credomatic
CMI
Cemex
Genomma Lab
Mayca Autoservicios
DIPO
Arabela
Rappi
Work highlights
- Advised Banco Lafise on a procedure regarding the invalidation of one of its main trade marks.
- Advised Cemex on the IP aspects of the due diligence of the company in Costa Rica and El Salvador for the sale made to Cementos Progreso.
- Advised CMI (Corporación Multi Inversiones) on the protection of several of its main trade marks being infringed by third parties, including initiating pre-judicial negotiations and advising on strategies to preserve its rights.
Costa Rica > Labour and employment Tier 3
With offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the team at Consortium Legal combines deep regional bench strength with the experience of its team to advise financial institutions and multinational corporates on a broad spectrum of matters across the labour and employment space. With a client base spanning such sectors as financial services, construction, tourism and hospitality, the firm assists clients with the labour aspects of M&A, administrative proceedings, litigation, immigration issues and social security regulatory compliance. Corporate labour law expert Osvaldo Madriz, who advises clients on salary and compensation schemes and internal regulation systems, co-leads the team with Mario Quesada Bianchini. Another key figure is experienced labour litigator Gerardo Delgado, who was promoted to senior associate in April 2022.Practice head(s):
Osvaldo Madriz; Mario Quesada Bianchini
Testimonials
‘Osvaldo Madriz has extensive knowledge in the field, but specifically in the hotel industry.‘
‘Osvaldo Madriz is an excellent lawyer. His years of experience set him apart from others in the market.’
‘Osvaldo Madrid and Gerardo Delgado are both very professional. They review the cases with the management team, and decide on the lines to follow for decision making, always recommending the best action to carry out for each case.’
‘The team is very aware of all labour issues, following up on each of them and keeping us informed. They give opinions and analysis on each case.‘
Costa Rica > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3
The experienced team at Consortium Legal utilises the deep bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to advise corporations in the energy, health, construction and real estate sectors on matters ranging from litigation before the administrative and constitutional authorities and the granting of permits to analysis of regulations and public bidding and procurement processes for major infrastructure projects. The team is led by Rolando Laclé Zúñiga, an expert in multi-jurisdictional transactions who has over 30 years of experience in the practice area, and senior associate Roy Ramos Morales, who specialises in public law and administrative contracts.Practice head(s):
Rolando Laclé Zúñiga; Roy Ramos Morales
Testimonials
‘Great technical knowledge.’
‘Excellent personalised support and responses to clients. Extensive up-to-date knowledge of regulations, jurisprudence and the environment.‘
‘The team stands out for the personal quality in the provision of its services.‘
Key clients
CMI
CRCCII
Enel Green Power
Coopesalud
Coopesana
Zona Franca Coyol
Constructora Navarro y Aviles
El Embalse
Hidro Venecia
Hidro Eléctrica Caño Grande
Work highlights
- Represented CMI in a contentious-administrative process against Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (the entity in charge of energy management in Costa Rica) over the improper application of a fine.
- Assisting health services company Coopesalud with acquiring an annulment of measures the Costa Rican Social Security Fund took against the company.
- Acting in a lawsuit filed by Zona Franca Coyol related to the non-application of an insurance policy contracted by the company to the National Insurance Institute (INS) for the coverage of any risk associated with the construction of one of the buildings that are part of the free trade zone.
- Banking and finance
- Corporate and M&A
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
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