Exceptional disputes boutique Malpica, Iturbe, Buj y Paredes, S.C. continues to be one of Mexico’s standout offerings in the contentious field, most notably for litigation, where it further bolstered its profoundly experienced bench with the addition of Ismael Reyes Retana from White & Case S.C. in January 2024. Reyes is one of the best regarded administrative litigators in the country and joins a department that is regularly instructed on the most complex cases with Mexican law components. In the energy industry, arguably the sector with the most contentious activity during the course of the last presidential administration, the firm has a considerable share of amparo cases, and its practitioners are well versed at all levels of the Mexcian judiciary, as well as being active in cases that have crossover US law elements. Juan José Iturbe is a leading authority on administrative litigation, leading on recent highlight matters in the finance and infrastructure spaces. Senior partner Carlos Malpica (who covers the full spectrum of commercial, civil and constitutional litigation) and Álvaro Huerta are both deeply experienced partners, and are currently co-leading on IP disputes involving the estate of Frida Kahlo; with Rodrigo Buj another prestigious litigator who is active across a range of practices and sectors, notably TMT and antitrust. Horacio Paredes has been one of the lead counsels in a swathe of energy matters; while up-and-coming figure, María José Jiménez, is an administrative and antitrust litigation specialist. Another younger name is Fernando de Ovando, an all-round commercial litigator; while below partner level, senior associates José Luis Vergara Estrada and Flora Alvarez both stand out.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is extraordinary and their strategies are very rational and well-founded in technical elements.’

  • ‘Ismael Reyes Retana is an extraordinary lawyer. His strategic vision for the prevention and resolution of conflicts is difficult to find in legal practice in general.’

  • ‘Extraordinary team, I have had the opportunity to be co-counsel with them on several occasions, I am always surprised by the quality with which they approach matters.’

  • ‘In my opinion Carlos Malpica, Rodrigo Buj, Juan José Iturbe and Ismael Reyes Retana have very solid careers. Something to highlight is that the 360 ​​view of a litigator who is also familiar with the background of the business makes a difference.'

  • ‘What I have always said that makes the team unique is the subject matter expertise and attention to detail, and having started as corporate and transactional lawyers gives them an advantage over other litigation lawyers.’

  • ‘Its civil and commercial litigation area is growing, however, its administrative litigation area is at the best level in Mexico, especially since the arrival of Ismael Reyes Retana.’

  • ‘Carlos Malpica, Horacio Paredes, Ismael Reyes Retana and Fernando de Ovando are the stars of the team.’

  • ‘Combination of talents, specialties specific to each partner, outstanding delivery capacity.’

Key clients

  • Inter-American Development Bank
  • Citibank
  • Santander
  • BBVA
  • Banorte
  • Hermes
  • Macquarie
  • IZZI Televisa
  • Walmart
  • Engie
  • 3M
  • AES
  • Peñoles
  • Cargill
  • British Petroleum
  • GBM/Goldman Sachs
  • Petronas
  • Grupo Mexico
  • Frida Kahlo Estate
  • Siemens
  • Thyssen
  • Alstom

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Frida Kahlo Estate in trade mark and other IP litigation, and in international litigation involving estate assets.
  • Assisting Walmart with administrative litigation pertaining to its retail stores nationwide.
  • Representing numerous clients in the Mexican energy space, including Mitsubishi, Macquarie, Engie, AES, Peñoles, Exterran and Trina Solar, in amparo lawsuits against the government.

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.
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.

Carlos Malpica