Latin America - Latin America: International firms

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International arbitration

Latham & Watkins LLP

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Latham & Watkins LLP continues to impress the market with its notable experience in representing both Latin American states and private parties in investment treaty arbitrations; this includes a series of cases for the Republic of Colombia involving ICSID arbitrations brought by claimants relating to legislative, administrative and judicial measures introduced by the government – particularly as regards environmental and community matters. The firm is also noted for commercial arbitrations and enforcement proceedings with Paris-based global co-chair of the international arbitration practice, Fernando Mantilla-Serrano, who ‘stands out for his quick grasp of the essence of the matters’ and has long been a senior name in the region, leading on the vast majority of the firm’s Latin America cases. The hire of John V H Pierce as global co-head of the arbitration practice -from WilmerHale– in mid-2022, gives the practice considerable additional heft; and while not solely focused on the region, he does handle Latin America-related mandates. Pierce is based in New York, as is dual qualified (Colombia/New York) counsel Santiago Bejarano (’always up-to-speed on the advice and willing to answer questions’) who is a key team member on many of the practice’s Latin America arbitration engagements; as is London-based Samuel Pape, who was elected to the partnership in January 2023. Paris associates Esperanza Barrón-Baratech (a Spanish national), Hugo Varenne and Diego Romero (who is qualified in Colombia, New York and Paris) are also key members of the team. Eugenie Caroit moved to Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper as Of Counsel in mid-2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Latham & Watkins arbitration group is characterised by its thoroughness and organisation. In-house counsel should know that this is a highly compliant task force that normally gives task teams reasonable time to make reviews. These qualities have been consistently manifested in over five arbitrations in which we have had the opportunity to work with LW.’

  • ‘They have a large and exceptionally committed work team. The wealth of human and logistical resources available to the firm, favours excellence in the production of results.’

  • ‘The experience of the partner who leads, is very important for the company as well as his knowledge of the sector and the market (knowledge of the sector in several Latin American countries was required).’

  • ‘Fernando Mantilla-Serrano's experience is exceptional and the knowledge of the precedents that are related to the case study. The service is very good and fast, they meet the established times and are always available to the client. The relationship with Santiago Bejarano was very close, always up-to-speed on the advice and willing to answer questions.’

  • ‘Excellent team where also young people get a good chance to gain experience and are involved (for example at hearings) at an early stage.’

  • ‘Fernando Mantilla-Serrano stands out for his quick grasp of the essence of the matters, and his attention to detail.’

  • ‘L&W has a very competent arbitration team. They are very good lawyers with a lot of attention to detail.’

Key clients

  • Republic of Colombia
  • Norman Sorensen, Matthew Turner and Joseph Zappala (Independent Board Members of CODERE)
  • Dominican Republic
  • Novenergia II Energy & Environment, (SCA), SICAR
  • Grupo PRISA; Cadena SER
  • Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
  • WWM Logistics
  • The GICOM Consortium formed by GE; Andritz, Voith, Siemens
  • Live Nation

Work highlights

  • Represented the Republic of Colombia in ICSID arbitration brought by Eco Oro Minerals relating to certain legislative, administrative and judicial measures introduced by Colombia to protect environmentally sensitive páramo ecosystems.
  • Represented the Republic of Colombia in ICSID arbitration brought by Aris Mining Corp, relating to Colombia’s alleged failure to evict members of the local communities engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining activities from certain gold mining titles.
  • Representing the Dominican Republic in ICSID Additional Facility Rules arbitration relating to alleged violations of an investment agreement entered into by parties for the reprocessing of the gold and silver refractory tailings dam of the Puerto Viejo (open-pit) mine.

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.

Fernando Mantilla-Serrano

Fernando Mantilla-Serrano

Hall of fameLatham & Watkins LLP

Fernando Mantilla-Serrano, Global Co-Chair of the International Arbitration Practice, brings deep knowledge and experience in international arbitration representing companies, states, and state-owned entities in highly complex commercial and investor-state disputes. Mr. Mantilla-Serrano acts as lead counsel in arbitrations conducted under the main institutional arbitration rules (ICC, LCIA, SCC, ICDR), as well as ad hoc rules, in venues around the globe. He has in depth experience in complex investor-state disputes, in particular under the aegis of ICSID. He serves regularly as tribunal chairman, sole arbitrator and party-appointed arbitrator, and has also served as an expert before arbitral tribunals and state courts. His practice covers numerous sectors, with particular focus on the oil & gas, power, natural resources, construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries. Mr. Mantilla-Serrano is member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) Governing Board and of the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC) Court of Arbitration, fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and member of the International Law Association (ILA).

Rising stars

Diego Romero

Diego Romero

Latham & Watkins LLP

Diego Romero is an associate in the Paris office of Latham & Watkins. As a member of the firm’s International Arbitration Practice, he advises clients on the resolution of high-stakes, complex international disputes. Mr. Romero advises in international arbitrations under the ICSID, ICC, and UNCITRAL Rules, with a particular focus on investment and commercial disputes involving Latin America.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Fernando Mantilla-Serrano

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