Having stood out for its physical presence in multiple Latin American states for many years, Baker McKenzie LLP has nevertheless upped its standing considerably with the addition of a powerful Latin America-focused team in New York. It has also seen an up-tick in carve-out, spin-off and divestiture mandates, while maintaining a good mix of multinationals and multilatinas among its client base. The arrival of heavyweight Latin America practitioner Michael Fitzgerald, along with Joy Gallup and Arturo Carrillo, from Paul Hastings LLP in 2023 has significantly heightened the firm’s Latin America credentials. Based in New York, the group is probably best known for capital markets transactions, but has also worked on a series of de-SPAC transactions and other M&A deals across the region - the legacy Baker McKenzie LLP team had already established a fine record in intra-regional deals and inbound investments by multinationals. Miami-based Federico Cuadra Del Carmen is another experienced Latin America M&A specialist with a fine record in cross-border deals involving large multinationals; he was part of the team that advised Johnson & Johnson on its separation and spin-off of Kenvue from its pharmaceuticals and medical devices business, a deal which involved multiple Latin American jurisdictions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This is a group that knows each other very well and works excellent as a team. In all the offices they have been in, they have known how to stand out.’
‘They are dedicated and extremely hardworking. I also highlight above all the leadership capacity of its main partners.'
‘Broad knowledge, attention to detail, cultural and personal awareness.’
‘Outstanding attention and service. Michael Fitzgerald, Arturo Carrillo and Joy Gallup.'
'The team has extensive experience in the area. They know all the participants in the sector very well, they know well how the sector works, the times, the time demands, etc. Compared to other teams from other firms, this particular team has been in the market for much longer, and dedicating themselves to the same thing.’
'Mike Fitzgerald brings great added value to the project. He has a lot of experience and understands very well the specific needs of each client. While Arturo Carrillo coordinates the internal and client work teams for the order and monitoring of transactions. Joy Gallup is an extremely capable lawyer, she provides efficient and almost immediate solutions, and she has a very good management and approach to clients.'
Key clients
- Johnson & Johnson
- Spectrum Brands
- LATAM Logistics Properties
- Los Altos
- Sanofi
- Prize
Work highlights
Assisted Johnson & Johnson with its separation and spin-off of Kenvue, its consumer products business..
Advised Spectrum Brands on the carve-out sale of its Hardware and Home Improvement business to ASSA ABLOY.
Advised LatAm Logistic Properties on its pending business combination with TWO, a special purpose acquisition company, that is expected to result in it becoming a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michael Fitzgerald; Alan Zoccolillo