Santamarina y Steta fields a litigation department whose 'analytical skills stand out', according to clients. Reflecting the depth of the firm’s full-service offering, the litigation group handles a wide variety of disputes, from IP cases and bankruptcy, to contractual conflicts and tort law. Cross-border matters are a particular focus of the group, whose practitioners demonstrate particular capability in administrative disputes against government entities across a range of industries. Two partners oversee the practice group: civil and commercial litigation specialist Roberto Fernández del Valle (in Mexico City), who handles real estate disputes, portfolio recovery, contractual compliance, class actions, shareholder conflicts, and civil liability and moral damages; and Monterrey-based Carlos Brehm, who focuses on civil and commercial litigation, along with contentious bankruptcy matters. Both also handle arbitration and other ADR modalities.. At associate level, José Antonio Moreno handles civil and commercial litigation, along with commercial insolvency proceedings. Former practice co-head, 30-year veteran Carlos Olvera, left to establish his own firm in March 2024, taking associate Michelle Grayeb with him.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Santamarina and Steta team always anticipates eventualities and propose solutions in an agile and efficient way.'

  • ‘Their analytical skills stand out and this is reflected in the results of the matters entrusted to them.’

Key clients

  • El Palacio de Hierro
  • Dell Leasing México
  • Stewart Title Guaranty de México
  • General Motors de México
  • Kimberly-Clark de México
  • Daimler Financial Services México
  • M+W High Tec Projects México
  • Best Buy Stores
  • Abbott Laboratories de México
  • Inter-American Investment
  • DEG
  • Haver & Boecker Mexicana
  • N.S.C. Agua
  • Merkafon de México
  • Huawei Technologies de México
  • Martinrea Honsel México
  • Master Drilling México
  • Ellwood Specialty Metals México
  • Topaz Holding
  • Sucden Trading México
  • Inteva Products
  • Kruger Family Industries
  • Grupo Industrial Saltillo
  • Tractel Secalt
  • Navistar Financial
  • 1st Source Bank

Work highlights

  • Representing KCM in a civil lawsuit filed by Fundación Ve por México regarding IP.
  • Acting for Best Buy in two lawsuits against Glider Guadalajara, resulting from an early termination of a lease agreement related to a Best Buy store in Guadalajara.
  • Representing the Inter-American Investment Corporation in a mortgage foreclosure claim filed against Nixte and others.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Roberto Fernández del Valle, Carlos Brehm