Durán & Osorio Abogados Asociados’ full-service projects practice is ‘unique due to its transversal knowledge of both financial and technical issues’, according to clients. The team’s close links with public-sector agencies is also a recurring theme among sources, with its working relationships with both ANI and private-sector stakeholders ensuring that ’day-to-day issues are handled with greater ease and accuracy’. Widely recognised as a market leader, Álvaro Durán brings to bear enviable experience in pathfinder projects in the roads, airports, rail, TMT and utilities sectors, among others. Durán is acting alongside talented next-generation partner, Felipe Herrera, to advise International Finance Corporation and Panamá’s Ministry of Public Works on the structuring of the $300m East Panama Road PPP. Álvaro Gasca also possesses a strong record in pioneering infrastructure projects, with a focus on the transport, health, and cultural spheres; he advised ANI on the structuring of the La Dorada–Santa Marta rail freight project. Additional key contacts are senior partner Jorge Gabriel Taboada, who specialises in public law and PPPs; and Mauricio Llache, who joined from his own practice in December 2023. A deep pool of senior associates includes Daniela Mejía Alzate, whose practice spans public law and infrastructure; Sebastián Duque, who has a focus on the transport sector; Edgardo Maya, who is noted for contentious work; and Carlos Andrés Sarasti, who advises on projects and corporate law. Carlos Andrés Sánchez and senior associate Gigliana Rivero Ramirez left the firm in July 2023.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice is made unique due to its transversal knowledge of both financial and technical issues, which results in a comprehensive legal approach that allows each stage of the project to be addressed efficiently and quickly — usually law firms only focus on the legal aspects.’
‘The team stands out for its ability to understand and address the financial and technical issues that are part of a project. Felipe Herrera is an outstanding lawyer.’
‘Durán & Osorio is very competent in advising on public law projects and state tenders. D&O puts its knowledge and relationships within the public sector towards the service of the project, allowing great effectiveness in managing the client and the situations that are handled on a day-to-day basis in projects.’
‘Its greatest strength is its relationship and credibility with public entities and officials, which paves the way for direct communication on projects, thus day-to-day issues are handled with greater ease and accuracy. Its legal knowledge also strengthens both the project and its relationships.’
‘For project structuring, one could not think of another firm that understands the challenges of projects like D&O does. Lawyers approach challenges from multiple points of view and are pragmatic in solving them.’
‘Felipe Herrera is a person who goes beyond his obligations, he always maintains strong ethics and responsibility and is a pillar of advice to his clients.’
Key clients
- Ministerio de Obras Públicas de Panamá
- Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura
- Odinsa Aeropuertos
- Departamento Nacional de Planeación
- Agencia de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología (ATENEA)
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
- China Harbour Engineering Company
- Patria Investments
- Unidad de Gestión del Patrimonio Autónomo Aerocafé
- Empresa Férrea Regional
- Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado (EAAB)
- Empresa de Renovación y Desarrollo Urbano de Bogotá
- Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deporte
- International Finance Corporation
- Mercantil Colpatria
- Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial (FINDETER) & Prosperity Fund
Work highlights
- Advised International Finance Corporation and Panamá’s Ministry of Public Works on the structuring of Panama’s first PPP project, the $300m East Panama Road PPP.
- Advised ANI on the structuring of the La Dorada–Santa Marta rail freight project.
- Advised Odinsa on the structuring and submission of an unsolicited PPP proposal for the EDMAX project, which is a project to expand and modernise the El Dorado Airport.
Lawyers
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Practice head
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Álvaro Durán, Jorge Gabriel Taboada, Álvaro Gasca, Felipe Herrera