White & Case S.C.
Client SatisfactionThe Mexico office of White & Case S.C. plays a key role in the firm’s North America presence in the field of arbitration. Practice head Rafael Llano Oddone and his team are key advisors for the firm’s international client base, particularly as regards navigating the landscape of regulatory reform under the López Obrador administration. This has involved a considerable volume of energy sector work, as well as challenging the Mexican government on contract terminations within the framework of NAFTA and successor USMCA agreement. Francisco de Rosenzweig is the name to note for clients requiring energy regulatory law counsel, and counsel Marièle Coulet-Diaz bolsters the firm’s commercial and investment arbitration offering in the region. The practice was further strengthened in August 2023 with the hire of Carlos Véjar; while perhaps best known as an international trade specialist, Véjar also has extensive investment arbitration and private commercial arbitration experience. Since publication, Coulet-Diaz has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘So far all the interactions we have had with Rafael Llano have been excellent, his knowledge on the subject at hand is always outstanding - as is his will to find the required solution.’
‘The work of White & Case is very efficient and commendable. They are always attentive and diligent.’
‘Rafael Llano is an experienced attorney who always adds in-depth detail and always poses pertinent and thought-provoking questions.’
‘The history of White & Case's investment arbitration practice defines them as a tier 1 firm in that practice. The team in the Mexico office in particular allows us to obtain an unmatched quality-price ratio at an international level. Rafael Llano and Mariele Coulet-Díaz are excellent lawyers for investment arbitrations.’
‘Exceptional knowledge of the practice and ability to quickly understand a dispute and convert it into a reasonable investment arbitration case (or rule it out). They work openly and cooperatively with the client.’
Key clients
- Consolidated Water
- Iberdrola México
- Grupo Energía Bogotá
- Transportadora de Energía de Centroamérica
- Kappes, Cassiday & Associates
- Telefónica
- Rutas de Lima
- Zurich Insurance Company
- Zurich South America Invest
- Red Eagle Mining
- Jindal Steel Bolivia
Work highlights
- Advising CWC on an investment dispute against Mexico brought under the NAFTA related to the termination by Mexican authorities of a public partnership agreement (PPA) for the construction and operation of a desalination plant in Mexico.
- Advising GEB and TRECSA in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Guatemala.
- Advising Telefónica in an ICSID arbitration under the Spain-Colombia BIT, arising from a dispute in connection with the reversion of its assets in a telecoms concession.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rafael Llano Oddone