Santiago Acosta
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.‘Specialised legal experience, a client-focused approach’ and the ’ability to build strong relationships’ are the calling cards of the group at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. The team specialises in anti-corruption and AML, investigations, and the design and implementation of corporate compliance programmes. Domestic and foreign corporations working in the healthcare, food and drink, energy, and retail segments routinely feature on the group’s client roster. The ‘very technical’ Leonel Pereznieto heads up the group and takes care of compliance investigations and assisting clients subject to government enforcement actions. Lauded for his ’solid operational and technical skills’, Santiago Acosta is the key name to note at senior associate level; he frequently handles international anti-corruption and white-collar investigations. Senior Dafne Méndez majors on data privacy work, while associate Iván Saavedra is noted for his AML focus. Associate Ana Olivares left the firm in July 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Creel is distinguished by several characteristics that make it unique. Firstly, the team has extensive experience and specialized knowledge. Additionally, the firm stands out for its client-focused approach. The team understands the importance of thoroughly understanding our company's objectives and challenges, which allows them to offer personalized and effective legal solutions. The ability to establish a strong and trusting relationship with in-house counsel is one of the team's strengths.'
‘In terms of comparison with other firms, Creel stands out favourably. Their combination of specialized legal experience, client-focused approach and ability to build strong relationships allows them to stand out. Our in-house lawyers can rely on the team for sound and reliable legal advice. In short, Creel stands out for its specialized experience, client-centric approach and adoption of advanced legal technology.'
‘They have very solid and experienced lawyers. Their abilities to analyze various angles and have experts in various subjects makes them unique.'
‘Leonel Pereznieto is a very technical partner with very good communication skills with clients. Santiago Acosta is a very experienced associate with very solid operational and technical skills.'
‘They are at the forefront of technology and all teams communicate efficiently; the service is complete, including various specialties.'
‘Their responsiveness (available at all times and respond quickly), their technical level and the ability to find solutions to any issue or business objective stands out. Great team with amazing capabilities.’
‘Leonel Pereznieto is our go-to person at Creel. He is very practical and always involved on the main issues.’
Key clients
- Vulcan Materials Company
- Hermès de Paris México
- Landec Corporation
- Steel Dynamics
- Hitachi-Astemo
- Daiwa House Industry
- Fédération internationale de football (FIFA)
- GE Health Care (Mexico)
- Cervezas Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma
Work highlights
- Counsel to Calica, the Mexican subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Company, in defending against the Mexican Government’s criminal investigation.
- Assisted Hermès de Paris México, the Mexican subsidiary of Hermès International, in successfully handling an AML compliance inspection visit.
- Drafted the anti-corruption clauses of the work and services agreements for the offices that FIFA will be using in Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, in order to prevent any potential corruption and to comply with international standards.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Dafne Méndez
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leonel Pereznieto
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Leonel Pereznieto