Foley Hoag LLP

Foley Hoag LLP has an impressive background in defending Latin American states and state-owned entities in international arbitration proceedings, including state-to-state cases, investment arbitration and commercial disputes. The firm has a significant market share of sovereign state engagements in the arbitral sphere and it continues to gain and represent new Latin American sovereign clients in the area. It is also noted for its expertise in public international law. The firm launched its dedicated Latin America practice in 2021 with Clara Brillembourg (‘a brilliant leader’, ’very effective and persuasive’) and Kenneth Figueroa (‘truly exceptional’) at the helm; both have extensive connections to Latin American states and outstanding track records in big-ticket cases. The team also includes an array of fluent Spanish and Portuguese speakers, some of whom were trained and qualified in Latin American jurisdictions. An ’indispensable member of the team’ Christina Beharry has ‘a deep mastery of quantum and damages issues’; she, along with dual-qualified (Nicaragua/New York) Ofilio Mayorga, who is based in New York and was raised to the partnership in August 2022; and counsel Gisela Paris (who is admitted in Argentina, New York and Washington DC), are all key figures in the Latin America focused arbitration practice group. Paris-based global co-chair of international litigation and arbitration Diana Paraguacuto-Mahéo provides further senior-level support; while head of the firm’s Africa arbitration practice, Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, also works on Latin America where clients highlight her ’formidable legal mind’. All named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.