Manuel Cervantes
MCM AbogadosEnergy boutique MCM Abogados is best known for its 'extensive experience in oil and gas matters in Mexico' and is counsel of choice to some of the international heavyweights of the sector, including ExxonMobil, and domestic leaders such as Vista Energy. Cross-border oil-and-gas work, particularly involving the US and the UK, is something of a central pillar at the firm, while on the power generation front, it's practice is steadily growing, with Kino Energia added as a client for wind power in 2023. Three partners coordinate the department: Manuel Cervantes, firm founder and managing partner, who is regarded as one of the go-to lawyers in the market for complex financial and development structures; Mariana Hernandez, an expert in corporate and M&A work in the energy space; and younger partner Jorge Cabeza, who acts for oil companies, investors, traders and service providers. Primary support to the practice heads comes from Francisco Valencia, a senior associate with experience in the hydrocarbons and power sectors, on both regulatory and litigious matters.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘MCM's knowledge and experience in energy is unique. I have worked with dozens of law firms in Mexico on these issues and I believe that no one has more experience and treats their clients better than MCM Abogados.’
‘We admire the personal treatment and almost immediate response to our requests of Manuel Cervantes and Mariana Hernandez.’
‘Manuel Cervantes is a fantastic lawyer and a crucial part of our team.’
‘MCM Abogados is a firm with extensive experience in oil and gas matters in Mexico, as well as in administrative and litigation matters. His attention is immediate and very professional. The rates offered by the firm are below the market compared to other firms. There is direct attention from the partners and lawyers that comprise it.’
‘Manuel Cervantes, the main partner of the firm, personally attends to matters and at all times there is direct communication with him, he understands very well the requirements requested of him. Jorge Cervantes is also a very experienced lawyer and at all times makes the client aware of the status of the matter and its follow-up. Both have extensive knowledge of oil and gas law in Mexico and provide very high quality legal advice.'
‘It is a solid team that interacts dynamically to provide solutions.’
‘We appreciate the direct response of its partners and participation in solving problems.’
‘They have a deep knowledge of the regulations and the contracts we have in force, in addition to total immersion in the sector with all its actors. They have a good work team that responds timely and adequately to each request for support and their attention and service is very good.’
Key clients
- Capricorn Energy
- Perenco México
- Petrolera Cardenas Mora – Cheiron Holdings
- Lukoil Upstream Mexico
- Pico Mexico
- Saavi Energía
- Schlumberger de México
- ExxonMobil Mexico
- Eni Trading & Shipping
- Grupo México
- Marlin Drilling
- Halliburton
- Vitol México
- Huasteca Oil Energy
- Armamex
- Citla Energy
- Renaissance Oil
- TotalEnergies México
- Fieldwood Energy Mexico
- Vista Energy
- Litasco
- Versalis
- Química Delta
- Bardahl de Mexico
- Brenntag Mexico
- Centauro Energy
- Clarasol
- ENG Mexico Informatica
- Ergon
- Fugro
- GeoPark
- H2O Offshore
- Hokchi Energy
- James Fisher and Sons
- Kino Energía
- Mexico Petroleum Company
- Tullow
Work highlights
- Assisted ExxonMobil with obtaining permits for the import of oil refined products, lubricants and petrochemicals.
- Advised Pico Mexico on charter contracts for the use of the “Pico IV” light offshore platform in oil projects in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Advised ETS Mexico on the implementation of a hydrocarbons production scheme.
Lawyers
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.
Mariana Hernández
MCM AbogadosJorge Cabeza
MCM AbogadosPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Manuel Cervantes, Mariana Hernandez, Jorge Cabeza