White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is outstanding in Latin America energy and infrastructure transactions. The firm’s extensive team, which is spread across its New York, Miami, Washington DC, Houston, Mexico City and São Paulo offices, has a huge market share of the top deals in the region. It houses some of the leading practitioners in the market and is consistently developing new generations of talent. With a client base that ranges from sponsors and investors to banks and DFIs, the Latin America team 'distinguishes itself through a combination of specialised expertise, innovative problem-solving, and a client-centric approach'. The energy and infrastructure group frequently works alongside colleagues from the wider regional practice, including M&A, capital markets and restructuring; this includes a number of recent restructurings of longer-term projects. The department has a hugely impressive record in Mexico, Brazil and Chile, and has successfully targeted smaller economies such as the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Paraguay. The firm also stands out for its abilities in construction and project development, with leading figure Sean Goldstein to the fore. Carlos Viana remains highly-rated among clients and peers alike, while New York’s Thomas Pate has impressed in a series of renewable energy deals in Chile and elsewhere. São Paulo’s John Anderson is a native Portuguese speaker and a key name on Brazil deals; and Washington DC-based partner, Martin Menski, leads on many of the agency-related financings in the region. New York-based Raffaele Turco was elevated to the partnership in January 2024. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘One of the strongest outside counsel I have worked with. Stellar attorneys across all practice areas.’
‘Outstanding analytical and practical skills and advice.'
‘White & Case distinguishes itself through a combination of specialised expertise, innovative problem-solving, and a client-centric approach. In-house lawyers should be aware of the team's strengths in port financings, strategic thinking, and adaptability to evolving legal landscapes. Compared to other firms, the team excels in fostering collaboration and leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance client experiences.’
‘White & Case stands out for their expertise, innovative solutions, and commitment to client service. They differentiate themselves through collaborative approaches and notable partners like Sean Goldstein and Suzanne Perry who went above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. Their best qualities include client-centricity, talent, innovation, and accessibility, making them a preferred choice for legal representation.’
‘Raffa Turco: vast knowledge of the renewable energy and construction sector. I have had the pleasure of working with Raffa on several deals and his experience and knowledge always leave me very satisfied.'
‘Always accompanying us in our daily lives, understanding our practical needs and adapting legal matters to such needs. Always trying to find a solution to different situations. Perfect combination between the legal and the practical/real.’
‘Raffaele Turco: conciliatory, purposeful (very patient with me). Sean Goldstein: assertive.'

Key clients

IDB Invest
BNP Paribas
Citibank
Banco Santander
HSBC
JP Morgan
Natixis
Societe Generale
Solek
Sonnedix InfraBridge
Terminal Química Puerto México
Lenders to Metka-EGN
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Aegea Saneamento e Participações
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Banco de Credito e Inversiones
DNB Bank
The Export Import Bank of Korea
Banco KEB Hana Mexico

Work highlights

Advised IDB Invest on the limited recourse project financing for the Mendubim 531MWp portfolio of solar photovoltaic power plants, transmission line and associated interconnection facilities located in the municipality of Assú, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil.
Represented a syndicate of leading international banks on the non-recourse financing of Project Feijão, a 456MW wind project in Brazil that is being developed by Macquarie Asset Management's Green Investment Group and Hydro Rein, Norsk Hydro's dedicated company for renewables development.
Represented Solek Holding on a series of transactions across its capital structure to finance the ongoing expansion of its solar energy business in Latin America, including senior secured, limited recourse project-level construction facilities to finance the construction of certain utility-scale and distributed energy solar projects.