‘Able to present very complex legal arguments in a compelling and clear manner’, the arbitration team at Bufete Asali handles an impressive breadth of cases, with recent highlights in the country’s growing landscape of energy sector disputes (wind turbine manufacturer Nordex being a key client), as well as cases in the finance and technology spaces. Luis Asali and Jorge Asali jointly oversee the department. Both have considerable experience across the full range of dispute resolution methods in Mexico, and in arbitration are well versed in representation of multinational companies under various rules. Jorge excels in investment arbitration; while Luis is praised – alongside senior associate Santiago Escobar – for making ‘innovative and well-based legal arguments’. With a niche specalism in maritime law, Omar Colomé is an additional senior associate of note. The practice was boosted in May 2024 by the May 2024 arrival of Rodrigo Macín -fomerly at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC- as a senior associate.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The Asali team is hard working, professional, knowledgeable, and creative. They have excellent connections in the Latin American legal market and are well known to the arbitrators. We were particularly impressed with the depth of their team as well as each member's oral and written advocacy both in English and in Spanish.'
  • 'Every member of the Asali team that we worked with demonstrated excellent legal skills and were terrific advocates. Jorge Asali has textbook knowledge of the Mexican Civil Code and is an outstanding oral advocate. Santiago Escobar is an excellent writer and oral advocate. Santiago also comes up with very creative arguments and is a pleasure to work with. Juan Pablo Rodriguez is obviously brilliant with excellent ideas and drafting skills. Alina Aguilar is also an incredibly impressive associate.'
  • 'Excellent team with a great ability to solve the most complex legal problems with a deep knowledge of both the law and the commercial realities of the dispute. Without a doubt the best Mexican arbitration firm we have collaborated with, their contributions were important both substantively and in the way they relate to the counterparty, the client, and the arbitrators. The team, composed of partners, senior associates, and junior associates, complements each other perfectly, ensuring that all aspects of the case are covered, including research, document coordination, interaction with the client, and legal strategy.'
  • 'Asali's lawyers stand out for the quality of their work. They are able to present very complex legal arguments in a compelling and clear manner, that is, they present the case in the best possible way to persuade the arbitration tribunal. The senior partners and associates are great leaders who not only gain the full trust of their clients but also help the younger lawyers to present the best possible work and, together, develop the best legal strategy for the case. Among the most outstanding lawyers are: Jorge Asali, Santiago Escobar, Juan Pablo Rodriguez Maza and Alina Aguilar.'
  • 'Excellence in cross-examination; full knowledge of the record (both legal and technical); the entire team is excellent.'
  • 'Knowledge of the details of the case beyond the legal arguments; availability and ability to discuss with experts in other areas.'
  • 'Asali is an up-and-coming arbitration firm likely to be one of Mexico's most attractive boutiques for international arbitration matters. They deliver products of exceptional legal quality, are efficient and client-oriented, and have experience and expertise required for complex international cases.'
  • 'Luis Asali and Santiago Escobar excel for their deep knowledge of Mexican law and ability to understand and process large amounts of data to craft innovative and well-based legal arguments. Both of them are extraordinary attorneys who add great value to the team.'

Key clients

  • Spica Telecom
  • Nordex Energy
  • Terminales Portuarias del Pacífico
  • BBVA México
  • Inetum
  • Grupo Gicsa
  • Secretaría de Economía
  • Geos Telecom
  • Sukarne
  • Omega Construcciones Industriales

Work highlights

  • Acting for Geos Holding Group in a contractual dispute against a Chinese Fortune 500 company.
  • Advising GICSA on an arbitration against a company specialised in the development of railroad infrastructure, relating to non-compliance with an arbitral award.
  • Representing BBVA México and Deutsche Bank México in an award annulment proceeding.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Luis Asali, Jorge Asali