DLA Piper Mexico continues to build out its presence in domestic arbitral matters, where it already demonstrates particular strength in energy sector disputes. The practice is nevertheless perhaps better known for its stellar international arbitration offering, with the Mexico City office acting as a regional hub for the practice, and which is, in turn, a key component of the firm’s global dispute resolution offering. Global head of the firm’s internatioal arbitral practice as well as co-head of the (local) team Kate Brown de Vejar is one of the foremost names in Mexico for international commercial and investment arbitration, practicing US and Australian law. Co-head of the Latin America disputes group, Gabriela Álvarez-Ávila‘s international arbitration practice evidences particularly expertise in disputes relating to investment law and high-stakes’ transactions in infrastructure, banking, energy and TMT. Both partners are currently co-leading on GoldGroup Resources’ case against Mexico under the sunset clauses of the USMCA and NAFTA chapter 11 and arising from the judicial expropriation of the client’s shares in a mining company The practice heads are supported by intermediate associate Irene Cuéllar Araiza, who joined from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle S.C. in May 2023; and more recent counsel-level hire Juan Pablo Moyano, an April 2024 hire from Holland & Knight. In addition, litigators Antonio Cárdenas and Daniel González Estrada provide valuable advice in matters that have dual arbitration and litigation components.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'It is a practice Mexico-based practice with a very important international projection. The DLA Piper practice is one of the firms with the most relevant international cases in Mexico.'
  • 'I think that Gabriela Alvarez is an excellent lawyer. Without a doubt, her versatility in carrying out both investor-state and commercial work stands out.'

Key clients

  • GoldGroup Resources

Work highlights

  • Advised GoldGroup Resources on a NAFTA claim vs Mexico, alleging a breach of the “denial of justice” standard.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kate Brown de Vejar, Gabriela Alvarez-Avila