Commercial and investment arbitrations with public international law or cross-border elements are the forte of the offering at Holland & Knight‘s Mexico City office, which collaborates extensively with the firm’s US counterparts, notably the Miami office. Experienced partner Luis Rubio is particularly known for his expertise in NAFTA-related disputes; he now coordinates the practice in Mexico following the departure of former practice head Carlos Vejar in August 2023. Octavio Lecona, a partner in the TMT and corporate and M&A groups, lends his expertise on contractual disputes; and senior counsel Laura Yvonne Zielinski is a further notable contact, specialising in international investment and commercial arbitration. Promoted to senior counsel in April 2024, Antonio Barrera Ríos specialises in energy and natural resources sector (energy, hydrcoarbons and mining) arbitration.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They combine well the knowledge of arbitration, with Mexican litigation practice and its possible interactions with arbitration, and with the sectoral knowledge that allows them to understand the substantive issues that arise in arbitration. Holland & Knight's team also has a good balance between more senior and more junior members, so that the work can be carried out efficiently.'
  • 'Luis Rubio is a great lawyer with a deep knowledge of the telecommunications sector in Mexico. His strategic vision is very important for the good development of the cases.'

Key clients

  • CB&I UK
  • Finley Resources
  • MWS Management
  • Prize Permanent Holdings

Work highlights

  • Advised CB&I UK on an investment arbitration proceeding against the government of Colombia.
  • Advised Finley, MWS and Prize on an investment treaty arbitration under the NAFTA and the USMCA against the government of Mexico.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Luis Rubio