Clifford Chance has a fast-growing practice, ‘undoubtedly one of the best for Latin America’, covering both investor-state and commercial cases. Construction, energy, infrastructure and oil and gas are key industries. The team has a significant share of ongoing ICSID cases involving Latin American states, where the firm typically represents investors. The firm’s US, Madrid, London, Paris and other international offices are central to the success of the practice, which is engaged in disputes connected to Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Chile, Honduras and Panama, among other Latin American jurisdictions. The team features a number of native Spanish speakers, along with practitioners who are fluent in Portuguese or Spanish. José Ignacio García Cueto (‘one of the best lawyers for international arbitration in the region’) has made a big impression on the market and now leads many of the firm’s top engagements involving the region. Other partners from across the network are frequently involved in Latin America, while Sao Paulo counsel Marie-Isabelle Delleur and associate Florencia Bohl are also key members of the Latin America-focused team. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Clifford Chance's international arbitration team is undoubtedly one of the best for Latin America. They have extensive experience and knowledge and handle cases with complete professionalism.'
‘Jose Ignacio Garcia Cueto is, without a doubt, one of the best lawyers for international arbitration in the region. He is forceful, persuasive and extremely prepared.'
Key clients
- Odebrecht Latinvest
- Enel Green Power Costa Rica CAM Enel Colombia
Work highlights
- Represented a Luxembourg investor in a $1.8bn ICSID arbitration investment claim concerning the termination of a pipeline concession.
- Represented Enel Green Power Costa Rica and Enel Colombia in an ICSID arbitration against Costa Rica seated in Washington DC, for the indirect expropriation and other breaches of an investment treaty by Costa Rica in relation to two hydroelectric plants.