In the words of one client, the team at SMPS Legal distinguishes itself for being ‘very focused’ and ’very methodical’ in the services it provides to developers, creditors and investors seeking assistance with real estate matters. Core areas of expertise for the practice group include land purchases, leases and sales, as well as financing, development, construction and related due diligence work. A recent standout matter saw the group advise Mexican real estate company Grupo Frondoso on the creation of an investment fund (through a trust) to finance the construction of a residential development in Acapulco, Guerrero. Four partners share leadership of the practice: María Teresa Paillés specialises in banking, project finance, M&A, corporate and real estate transactions involving all asset classes. Andrés Pizarro Suárez and Eduardo Pizarro Suárez are noted for their experience in M&A, joint venture, and real estate investments; and María Esther Rey takes care of M&A, loan agreements, and project finance structures. The key senior associate contacts are Andrés González (real estate, corporate and financial transactions); and Nadiezhda Vázquez Careaga (corporate, M&A and real estate), who is noted for her ‘great preparation’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team distinguishes itself by always being very focused. They seek to understand the deals in detail, and based on that and the client's objectives, propose the legal framework, give visibility to the risks, and propose appropriate actions and tools. They are always very methodical in measuring fees and monitoring tasks.'

  • ‘It always gives us enormous peace of mind that they know real estate in depth, it is evident that it is the result of their long career in the sector, and what they have seen and experienced in countless transactions, but above all because of the great preparation that the team members have. I cannot fail to mention especially Teresa Paillés and Nadiezhda Vázquez in this regard.'

  • ‘The collaboration is extremely close, always attentive and attentive to matters, willing to collaborate at any time, always very professional.’

  • ‘Both Andrés and Eduardo Pizarro Suárez, plus Jorge San Martín, have the knowledge that gives us complete peace of mind, they are always aware of what is best for us and willing to work on the doubts we have or the problems we present to them.'

Key clients

  • Parks Desarrolladora
  • Parks Desarrolladora
  • Northern Tool & Equipment
  • Grupo Frondoso

Work highlights

  • Advised Parks Desarrolladora on the acquisition of approximately 43 acres in a tourism and residential master project in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.
  • Advised Parks Desarrolladora on the restructuring of two real estate projects that are to be developed within the Oleada Master Development in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur.
  • Assisted Northern Tool & Equipment, a Minnesota based manufacturing company, with the establishment of a manufacturing plant in Apodaca, Nuevo León.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.

María Teresa Paillés, Andrés Pizarro Suárez, Eduardo Pizarro Suárez, María Esther Rey