Appreciated for its 'local and global expertise', Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.'s energy and natural resources practice is one of the broadest in the Mexican market, representing stakeholders in projects across both oil-and-gas and renewable energy. It is as adept in major projects as it is in smaller, innovative undertakings, with the practice’s client base featuring owners and sponsors from around the world. Advice includes project development at every stage, regulatory compliance and operations; more recently the team has assisted clients with carbon offset matters. Benjamín Torres-Barrón heads the department and is also chair of the firm’s regional energy, mining and infrastructure group for Latin America. Marco Nieto-Vazquez has experience advising the private sector, the Mexican public sector, and international energy-related organisations; while the ‘deep expertise' of Daniel Sánchez is brought to bear in advice to developers and lenders on project design, implementation, collateralisation and development. Senior associate Carlos Maass-Porras 'always delivers' according to one client; with further support provided by associate Pamela Lemus and legal consultant Yuriria Mascott.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very good local and global expertise, which makes them able to explain to people from all over the world the issues.’

  • ‘Daniel Sanches is incredible. He has deep, deep expertise, is timely and down to earth. He can explain the issues to our business people. ’

  • ‘I have found the lawyers at Baker & McKenzie in Mexico to be very knowledgeable in energy and resource law. They have provided excellent advice and service to us over the course of many years. The firm is stable, and we have had the same lawyers on our project for the entire time, and this is positive as many firms changes lawyers or account managers frequently.’

  • ‘I very much appreciate the responsiveness from the team. If I have a question or a need, every person on the team is willing to help within the time frame needed. The firm offers a broad spectrum of expertise, and this has been helpful in managing many legal issues we have encountered in Mexico.’

  • ‘Marco Nieto-Vazquez has provided consistent support to our sites.’

  • ‘Carlos Maass-Porras is very responsive to our requests and always delivers.’

Key clients

  • Shell México Gas Natural
  • Valero Services
  • Pachama
  • Conocco Phillips
  • CPC Corporation, Taiwan
  • ATCO / ATCO Pipelines
  • Advario
  • Emerson Mexico
  • Gas del Litoral

Work highlights

  • Advised Shell México Gas Natural on regulatory matters relating to energy, maritime (oilrigs and vessels) and tax structures to develop its exploration operations in Mexico.
  • Providing legal and key regulatory advice on all matters related to Valero's operations in Mexico.
  • Advised Pachama on the carbon offset market in Mexico and potential regulatory/legal developments, including tax.

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.
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.

Benjamin Torres-Barron