CMS Grau > Lima, Peru > Firm Profile

CMS Grau > The Legal 500 Rankings

Peru > Bankruptcy and restructuring Tier 1

With an impressive track record in high-profile international cases and insolvencies, the bankruptcy and restructuring team at CMS Grau demonstrates sector expertise in the mining, fishing, banking and education fields. The team is well versed in handling corporate liquidations, distressed M&A deals, and the preparation and negotiation of reorganisation and liquidation plans. The department is jointly led by industry veterans Michelle Barclay, who advises on cross-border corporate restructuring and insolvency regulation, and Victor Farro, whose areas of expertise include liquidation and administrative matters with social and political considerations. At the associate level, Javier Marquez is reputed for his risk analysis experience in distressed M&A cases, while Ivanna Escala covers liquidations and due diligence in various corporate matters.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 1

CMS Grau maintains a prominent position in the Peruvian hydrocarbon industry, acting for major service providers, as well as both domestic and international oil companies. The team offers comprehensive assistance with various energy-related areas, including exploration, production, and gas transportation and distribution, while also routinely advising on administrative and judicial proceedings related to alleged breaches of environmental and technical regulations. With significant expertise in permits, regulatory issues, contracting and financing matters, Carlos Hamann jointly leads the practice with Eduardo Guevara, who is noted for handling major operations and investment projects related to Peru's energy sector; and Jesús Abanto, a key contact for matters related to the regulation of natural gas transportation and distribution tariffs. Associate support is provided by Sebastián Orrego, who focuses on administrative sanctioning proceedings; and Melissa Meza, who regularly advises clients on exploration and exploitation contracts.

Peru > Compliance Tier 2

CMS Grau‘s risk and compliance practice is well positioned to offer thorough guidance across the entire spectrum of compliance matters, including the implementation of preventive measures to align with local anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and anti-bribery system management. The practice is led by Carolina Cueva, an expert in corporate and white-collar criminal law, who consistently provides counsel to clients on the deployment of internal controls, risk assessments, internal investigations prompted by whistleblower reports, and the management of reputational contingencies. Associate Tatiana Helguero is another key practitioner in the team, specialising in issues related to anti-corruption and anti-money laundering.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity Tier 2

Leveraging its team’s expertise across a broad spectrum of electricity matters, including regulatory advice, corporate law, and financing transactions, CMS Grau is a preferred choice for many major electricity operators. Beyond its involvement in power generation, transmission, and distribution, the team actively participates in renewable energy projects. The practice is co-led by Ramon Huapaya, an authority on the regulation of public services, concessions, and infrastructure; and Nestor Shimabukuro, who is renowned for his prowess regarding project development, title acquisition and energy-supply contract negotiations. Renewable energy and arbitration expert Carlos Hamann is another key contact; while senior associate Oscar Alejos is recommended for permitting and licensing matters, as well as regulatory and administrative issues in the power sector.

Peru > Environment Tier 2

Thanks to its strength in non-contentious matters, including compliance, regulation and permitting, the environmental law team at CMS Grau attracts a host of leading companies from the energy, mining, industrial, chemical and fishing sectors. Vito Verna heads the team, offering clients assistance with environmental regulation and social conflicts. Víctor La Madrid is recommended for his work defending clients in administrative procedures. The team has also welcomed associate Joaquín Espinoza Escobar, who brings knowledge of the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) and adds further weight to the group's energy and natural resources offering.

Peru > Public law and regulation Tier 2

CMS Grau is a trusted advisor for a diverse array of clients - particularly those operating in the power, gas and telecommunications sectors - who draw upon the firm's extensive expertise in administrative and public law. The team provides guidance on matters ranging from complex administrative and sanctioning procedures, to concessions and the elimination of bureaucratic barriers. Practice co-head Ramon Huapaya routinely handles state arbitration, public private partnerships, sanctioning procedures, and public procurement; while fellow co-chair Nestor Shimabukuro is noted for his focus on administrative procedures and administrative-sanctioning proceedings before all regulatory entities. Another key contact is senior associate Oscar Alejos, who is recognised for his considerable experience advising contractors on public procurement matters, contract execution and dispute resolution.

Peru > Real estate Tier 2

In the real estate field, CMS Grau demonstrates expertise in a variety of matters, including the development of real estate and urban planning projects, construction contracts, land remediation management, and preparations for leases, sales and assignments. On the finance side, the team is well versed in the negotiation of administration trust and guarantee trust contracts. Operating across the energy, infrastructure, housing and mining sectors, the group is led by the experienced Carolina Gajate, who handles housing project developments and the acquisition of rural land for the natural resources projects. At the associate level, Gustavo Atarama concentrates on legal land remediation for commercial and retail projects, while Carmen Assereto focuses on urban and rural property clearance, as well as usufruct rights and purchase options. In July 2023, former practice heads Raúl Ravina and Roberth Rojas, as well as associate Patricia Camacho, left the firm. Since publication, the office has substantially strengthened the practice group with the hire of a six-strong, specialist team (best known for its expertise in rural and agrarian real estate matters) from Rubio Leguía Normand, including partners Franco Soria (who returns to the firm he left in 2019) and Pedro Pablo Castañeda - effective as of March 2025.

Peru > Banking and finance Tier 3

In the banking and finance arena, CMS Grau is recognised for its experience in financing projects in the renewable energy, oil and gas, mining and retail industries. Leveraging its international network to undertake cross-border deals, the firm advises on traditional lending, equity funds and trusts, and often liaises with its tax and regulatory teams. The offering is co-led by Miguel Viale, who concentrates on complex international transactions involving collateral structures and financing, and project finance in the hydroelectric sector, and Juan José Hopkins, who assists start-ups with fintech, venture capital and seed funding matters. Diego Peschiera is noted for his work on syndicated loan operations and the structuring of medium-term financing. Senior associate Cinthia Canepa handles the drafting and negotiation of financial contracts, while associate Andrea Paiba advises on general corporate law matters.

Peru > Capital markets Tier 3

Ideally situated within a globally integrated network, the capital markets team at CMS Grau advises on international bonds, local bond and commercial paper offerings, as well as regulatory, operational and tax matters. The firm counts financial institutions, private and public investors, and domestic investment funds among its key clients. The leadership trio comprises Miguel Viale, Diego Peschiera and Juan José Hopkins. Viale’s key strengths include bank lending and stock market transactions, while Peschiera handles senior and subordinated debt issues under Rule 144A/Reg S, and Hopkins assists fintech start-ups with their entry into the Peruvian market.

Peru > Dispute resolution: Arbitration Tier 3

Situated within a global network, the arbitration department at CMS Grau handles both domestic and international arbitration proceedings, primarily relating to commercial issues, contracts and investment issues, often before the ICC and ICSID. The team is skilled in designing strategies for conflict prevention purposes. The group is led by Luis Alberto Linan, who is experienced in representing telecoms and mining companies in civil and constitutional proceedings; Javier Ferrero, who handles complex investment arbitration cases; and Michelle Barclay, who focuses on advising companies in relation to infrastructure and PPP projects. Carlos Hamann specialises in energy and natural resources disputes, while Ramon Huapaya’s scope of work covers public procurement and government contract-related arbitration.

Peru > Dispute resolution: Litigation Tier 3

Offering an interdisciplinary service through its cooperation with the firm’s other departments, the litigation team at CMS Grau advises clients from the insurance, tech and electricity industries. Civil and administrative proceedings and civil, constitutional and commercial litigation are all core workflows for the group. The offering is co-led by Luis Alberto Linan, who is experienced in defending leading companies in corporate litigation, and Javier Ferrero, who handles international arbitration and mining disputes. Former senior associate Luis Miguel Manrique left the firm in September 2024.

Peru > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

CMS Grau represents clients from across the mining, energy, oil and gas, retail and real estate sectors, with an offering that covers project financing, environmental permitting, land ownership issues and dispute resolution. Giancarlo Villafranqui Rivera leads the group and is equipped with a wealth of experience in project development, PPPs and concessions and has an excellent track record in handling administrative procedures. On the corporate side, Miguel Viale handles M&A, project financing and corporate conflicts for clients in the natural resources sector, with a special focus on mining, gas and hydroelectric projects.

Peru > Tax Tier 3

Leveraging the firm's international network of offices, the tax group at CMS Grau regularly advises on tax compliance matters and the tax elements of commercial transactions. Operating across the energy, mining, and oil and gas industries, the practice is co-led by Rolando Cevasco, who focuses on tax issues within M&A deals and wealth management matters, and Yessica Manzur, a specialist in international tax planning and tax structuring. At the senior associate level, Carlos Chirinos demonstrates strength in transfer pricing and tax audits, while César Dávila focuses on tax litigation and the taxation of high-net-worth individuals.

Peru > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

With strengths in the real estate, electricity and financial services industries, CMS Grau’s corporate and M&A group advises domestic and global clients on restructuring work, corporate governance matters, and the structuring and negotiation of joint development agreements. The offering is co-led by managing partner Juan Carlos Escudero, who focuses on assisting corporate institutions with the structuring of M&A deals, and Miguel Viale, who handles international transactions which involve collateral structures and financing, often in the oil and gas sector. Juan José Hopkins is noted for his work in the fintech and venture capital spaces, and primarily advises start-ups on their seed funding and digital business requirements. Senior associate Cinthia Canepa concentrates on securities and corporate matters, while associate Andrea Paiba handles various project finance deals.

Peru > Dispute resolution: White-collar Tier 4

At CMS Grau, the white-collar crime team is well placed to handle an array of criminal litigation, often relating to environmental crimes, cybercrimes, and investigations into financial and corporate fraud. The group is also known for its strength in offering compliance advice. The experienced Luis Alberto Linan leads the practice and is ably supported by senior associate Romario Ramirez, who concentrates on money laundering and occupational health and safety liability cases.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 4

CMS Grau has a long trajectory in mining matters but is currently rebuilding its capabilities following departures during the course of 2023. Despite this, the team advises a broad range of clients across the mining industry on a range of complex regulatory and transactional matters while also handling administrative disputes with entities such as OSINERGMIN, OEFA, and ANA. The team is jointly led by senior partner Miguel Grau, who has an unparalleled trajectory in the sector; managing partner Juan Carlos Escudero, an expert in M&A transactions, and María Cristina Alva, a January-2024 hire (formerly in-house at Hochschild) who brings additional expertise in corporate, mining and environmental law. The team also includes environmental practice head Vito Verna and administrative law specialist Ramon Huapaya; both have been particularly active of late. Huapaya and associate Oscar Alejos are the key names for regulatory matters.

Peru > Intellectual property Tier 4

In the intellectual property arena, CMS Grau is well versed in advising retail, aviation, technology, and food and beverage clients. The firm’s recent workload includes advising on infringement and cancellation actions, IP disputes and unfair competition issues. The experienced Maria Delia Oxley oversees the practice and advises clients on the protection and renewal of their IP rights, in addition to the registration and protection of domain names. Associate Pedro Llerena often assists foreign clients in trademark management and enforcement work.

Peru > Labour and employment Tier 4

CMS Grau’s employment and pensions team consistently assists clients from diverse sectors, including real estate, construction, oil and gas, mining, and aviation, with a range of employment-related matters. These range from the development and implementation of labour policies to handling labour disputes related to employment termination, collective bargaining, and the review and update of policies on sexual harassment prevention, equal pay, inclusion, and equity. Cecilia Vargas is the primary contact and regularly handles administrative procedures and judicial labour processes. Moreover, she excels in auditing and training in recruitment, remuneration policies, and the prevention of potential conflicts (including sexual harassment and occupational health and safety). At associate level, Franco Herrera is recognised for his expertise in employment and social security procedural law and Natalia Almonte represents clients in administrative and judicial proceedings, handling individual and collective labour claims and issues related to workplace harassment and occupational health. Former partner Claudia Flecha retired in September 2023.

Peru > TMT (Technology, media and telecoms)

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

CMS has a mix of international and local law expertise in relation to Latin America. Having maintained a Rio de Janeiro office for many years, it then linked up with a local Sao Paulo firm to establish FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in 2023. The international firm has further offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The multi-office Latin America practice has close links to international commercial lenders and development banks, along with a range of regional borrowers. It has developed a notable record in financings by European lenders to Latin American borrowers. The team has a long history of headline acquisition financings, project finance, restructurings and receivables-based credit agreements. In Chile, Jorge Allende Destuet is the key names, along with Sergio Rodríguez-Azuero and Daniel Rodríguez in Colombia. Diego Peschiera and Miguel Viale are prominent banking practitioners in Peru. Mexico City partner Raul Zepeda has led a series of major financings, including large project financings in the jurisdiction. Ted Rhodes heads the Brazil desk from London. Former Santiago-based partner Fernando De Cárcer left the firm in April 2024.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

CMS deepened its local expertise with the creation of FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS in Sao Paulo, adding to its pre-existing presence in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The firm’s international offices outside of the region continue to play an integral role in Latin America, notably with Ted Rhodes leading the Latin America practice and Brazil desk from London; he was previously managing partner of the Rio de Janeiro office for 14 years. The firm has a longstanding record in oil and gas, complemented in more recent years by further activities in the wider energy arena, natural resources, mining and infrastructure. It continues to expand its presence in solar, wind and green hydrogen. Much of the practice involves cross-border deals involving European parties, along with intra-regional transactions. Carlos Hamann is another key partner in Lima, along with Enrique Lorente Ludlow in Mexico City.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A

CMS has a broad geographic presence in Latin America with offices in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, along with its association in Brazil, FAS Advogados, in cooperation with CMS. The firm is frequently involved in significant cross-border deals involving Latin America, including both private equity and strategic M&A transactions. Technology, media and communications continue to be key sectors for the firm, along with automotive, hotels and leisure, consumer goods, insurance, financial services, construction and infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences. Ramón Valdivieso and Jorge Allende Destuet are key partners in Chile, and continue to work on headline transactions for major private equity funds such as KKR. Juan Camilo Rodríguez is managing partner of the Bogota office and a specialist in cross-border M&A transactions, having spent much of his career at US and Europe-based firms. Juan Carlos Escudero is managing partner of the Lima office and has over 20 years of experience in M&A, while Giancarlo Schievenini is a key name in Mexico City. Head of the Brazil desk, Ted Rhodes, has returned to London after spending 14 years in the Rio de Janeiro office; he continues to focus on oil and gas, mining and minerals, and offshore and renewables deals.