DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s sizeable Latin America team in the US alongside practitioners in the region itself, provides a solid platform for a growing banking and finance practice. The firm has built an enviable client base, particularly Latin American borrowers, and is widely recognised for its geographic spread of engagements in project finance and large restructurings. The team was further strengthened by the hire of Latin America banking and finance specialist Robert da Silva Ashley from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in April 2023; splitting his time between New York and Miami, he brings wide-ranging experience in project finance and corporate lending, including wind and solar projects. Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is co-regional head of Latin America banking and finance, and is another experienced figure in project finance and general corporate lending. Mexico City partner Edgar Romo and Lima’s Sergio Barboza, are also co-regional heads of the group, and are key figures within the team, along with José Sosa-Lloréns in Puerto Rico. Raul Farias, who splits his time between San Diego and New York has made a big impression in cross-border financings and refinancings, and has also led on a series of large-scale restructuring engagements; he was the lead partner in advising Mexico-based Crédito Real on its $2.9bn global debt restructuring encompassing six different jurisdictions and more than 45 different creditors. Since publication, the team has been strengthened with the hires of Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares (who has built a well-rounded practice and a strong record in financings across the region, including ESG-linked loans) and the New York-based Joseph Stefano (a specialist in secured and unsecured corporate financing) – effective as of February and April 2024, respectively.