Latham & Watkins's Latin America international arbitration practice primarily sits in its Paris, New York and London offices. The expanding team is adept in English, Spanish and Portuguese proceedings and continues to achieve growth in commercial arbitrations, notably in post-M&A disputes; the firm is a market leader in Latin America M&A. With its 'outstanding and reliable associates to take on highly complex tasks' the firm is at the forefront of energy, oil and gas, and natural resources cases, with additional progress in pharmaceuticals and construction disputes. The department represents both states and investors, although it has more of an emphasis on company representation. Fernando Mantilla-Serrano ('attention to details makes the difference') is global co-chair of the international arbitration practice and is a recognised leader in Latin America disputes. Fellow global co-chair and New York-based John Pierce brought further weight to the team when he joined in 2022; while less focused on Latin America, he nevertheless has plenty of experience in the region. New York counsel Santiago Bejarano ('very kind, extremely intelligent, he always makes himself available') is another genuine Latin America specialist; while London’s Samuel Pape, elected to the partnership in 2023, has a fine record in the region, having represented the Republic of Colombia in a series of ICSID cases and acted for clients in a range of commercial arbitrations. Associates Esperanza Barrón-Baratech and Diego Romero (who 'stands out in the group of lawyers at Latham & Watkins') are also key team members. Named individuals are based in Paris unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham & Watkins' greatest strength is its work team. LW not only has very high-level partners, but also a team of very outstanding and reliable associates to take on highly complex tasks. Additionally, LW has an excellent case management team that ensures that lawyers can concentrate on strictly legal tasks, while document management is entrusted to experts in the field. This combination ensures a fluid, peaceful and successful conduct of the arbitration procedure.'
‘LW undoubtedly stands out for its ability to handle complex cases in an orderly manner. This means that there is enough time to discuss defence strategies, make changes if necessary, and be able to provide feedback on the written products well in advance. Diego Romero stands out in the group of lawyers at Latham & Watkins. Internally, we highlight their professionalism, seriousness and thoroughness. Diego combines all this with an important ability to present the results in a systematic way. We can say about many lawyers that they leave no stone unturned in their process of understanding the case, but in relation to Diego Romero, he generates trust in the client from beginning to end.'
‘As is known and we were able to verify, the firm is indisputably excellent in providing quality, innovative and reliable services.'
‘Fernando Mantilla's attention to details makes the difference. Likewise, we can highlight the development and knowledge that Santiago Bejarano presented during the hearing.'
- 'Santiago Bejarano is very kind, extremely intelligent, he always makes himself available and is willing to take calls and answer emails as immediately as possible. You can tell that he is very client oriented. Esperanza Barrón-Baratech performs perfectly during hearings and is very kind and approachable. Diego Romero is extremely smart and attentive to detail.'
‘The team has a fabulous leader in Fernando Mantilla-Serrano.'
'I have sat as an arbitrator with Fernando Mantilla-Serrano. He is a very quick thinker, who quickly grasps all issues.’
Key clients
- Republic of Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Novenergia II Energy & Environment (SCA)
- Grupo PRISA; Cadena SER
Work highlights
- Represented the Republic of Colombia in an ICSID arbitration brought by Eco Oro Minerals in relation to certain legislative, administrative and judicial measures introduced by Colombia to protect environmentally sensitive páramo ecosystems.
- Represented the Republic of Colombia in an ICSID arbitration brought by Red Eagle Exploration in relation to certain legislative, administrative and judicial measures introduced by Colombia to protect the environmentally sensitive páramo ecosystems.
- Represented the Dominican Republic in an arbitration conducted under ICSID Additional Facility Rules brought by EnviroGold (Las Lagunas), relating to the Dominican Republic’s alleged violations of an agreement entered into by the parties for the reprocessing of a gold and silver refractory tailings dam at the open-pit Puerto Viejo mine in the Sanchez Ramirez province.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Fernando Mantilla-Serrano, John Pierce