Paul Hastings LLP underwent a period of considerable change during 2023 with the arrival of Grissel Mercado and counsel Maria Larsen from A&O Shearman (now A&O Shearman), along with the departure of Michael Fitzgerald and a senior team. The promotion of Alex Herman to the partnership in 2024, gives the refreshed Latin America capital markets team an all female leadership rank. Much of the legacy practice had centred on Mexico, but now the new senior team has spread its emphasis to Peru, Chile, Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean. Now working with a number of sovereign issuers, the team collaborates closely with energy and infrastructure colleagues on financing projects through the bond market, especially in Colombia and Chile. It remains known for large-scale debt and high-yield debt offerings and has developed a significant record in ESG and sustainability-linked transactions; prior to joining the firm, Mercado and Larsen advised Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) on a number of blue bond and social bond offerings. The group also continues to work with a number of major oil companies on their capital markets fundraisings and remains well connected to financial institutions, including commercial banks and development banks. All named individuals are based in New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I believe that PH's capital markets team stands out for its ability to respond quickly and with business vision. It is a very versatile office in the way it works.’

  • ‘The team has great knowledge of the issues and great business vision.’

  • ‘Firm is knowledgeable and flexible in meeting our organisational needs.’

  • ‘Team is knowledgeable and very responsive with a quick turnaround time. ’

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Key clients

  • Republic of Peru
  • Government of Jamaica
  • Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)
  • Barclays Capital
  • JP Morgan Securities
  • Mizuho Securities
  • Credit Agricole Securities (USA)
  • Santander Investment Securities
  • HSBC Securities (USA)
  • Braskem Idesa
  • EnfraGen (the LatAm platform of Glenfarne Group)
  • Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX)
  • Trinidad Petroleum Holdings
  • Sagicor Financial Company
  • Clarendon Alumina Production

Work highlights

  • Represented the Republic of Peru in connection with its offers to purchase for cash and/or to exchange certain of Peru’s outstanding Sol-denominated sovereign bonds for a new series of Sol-denominated sovereign bonds.
  • Represented Ecopetrol in connection with its registered public offering of $2bn aggregate principal amount of its 8.875% notes, due 2033 [Mercado and Larsen completed this transaction before joining the firm].
  • Represented the active bookrunners in connection with Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex)’s registered public offering of $2bn aggregate principal amount of 10.000% notes, due 2033 [Mercado and Larsen completed this transaction before joining the firm].

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Grissel Mercado, Alex Herman