José Góchez
BLP
More informationThe powerhouse practice at BLP remains at the forefront of banking and finance matters in El Salvador, providing a comprehensive service to major regional and international commercial banks, financial institutions, multilateral agencies (including key market players such as IDB Invest), private equity sponsors and corporate borrowers from sectors including life sciences, building materials, real estate and energy. The practice assists with securitisations, credit restructurings, loan agreements, bond issuances, regulatory compliance, and banking litigation and arbitration proceedings. Respected finance expert Zygmunt Brett heads the team, standing out for his strong suit in complex capital markets matters. Other names to note are Mariana Nóchez, who is active in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions, director Luis Vega, a specialist in financial disputes, and associate José Góchez, who advises on syndicated loans, project finance (including in the energy sector) and buy-outs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have an in-depth understanding of the transaction and the risks, with solutions to mitigate them. At all times they maintain a practical outlook on the transaction.’
- ‘BLP's banking and finance team is unmatched in El Salvador. Their expertise and proactiveness is simply outstanding.’
- ‘Zygmunt Brett is a fantastic lawyer and counsel - he guided us with tremendous ease throughout the most difficult times in the transaction. José Góchez is also a very committed and expert lawyer, who attended to all our needs as clients.’
- ‘A very experienced team. They have a lot of knowledge on capital market transactions. They worked very efficiently. Zygmunt Brett and José Góchez are outstanding lawyers.’
- 'The firm has a well-prepared team which studies in depth the needs of the client's business. This, along with the involvement of the partners, gives them an advantage over the rest of the firms in the market.'
- 'Zygmunt Brett and José Góchez did an amazing job. They were very responsive and accurate in their advice. It was a real pleasure working with them.'
- 'BLP demonstrated good knowledge of international transactions and their implications from the point of view of local law. They were resourceful and creative and responded quickly to numerous questions regarding the functioning of the legal and judicial system in El Salvador that were fundamental to completing the transaction. They distinguished themselves by their availability and speed in completing their analyses.'
- 'Zygmunt Brett was exceptionally creative and flexible in resolving obstacles encountered in the transaction. He knew how to respond to the client's commercial needs, while always maintaining clear adherence to the law.'
Key clients
- IDB Invest
- Banca de Inversión Bancolombia
- Banco Agrícola
- Grupo Unicomer
- Barentz International
- Cementos Progreso Holdings
- Avianca/Taca
- The Prudential Insurance Company of America
- Cigna
- Inversiones Financieras Grupo Azul
- Banco Azul
- Grupo Ransa
- Tigo
Work highlights
- Assisted IDB Invest and Banco Promerica with the issuance of sustainability bonds to finance green and social projects.
- Advised Banca de Inversión Bancolombia, Banco Agrícola, and other local and international banks on a syndicated loan for up to $348m for the AES group, a power distributor in El Salvador.
- Assisted TACA International Airlines, a subsidiary of Avianca, with Grupo Aval's structuring of a future flow securitisation of credit card receivables worth $140m to refinance certain lines of credit.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Zygmunt Brett
Partner
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Mariana Nóchez
Partner
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Zygmunt Brett