Diego Herrera
Partner. Mr. Herrera focuses on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions; serving key players in the financial and industrial sectors.
Galindo, Arias & López
More informationGalindo, Arias & López‘ banking practice attracts strong praise from clients for its ’extensive experience in cross-border transactions‘, although it is also highly active in assisting with local loans. Advising both leading banks and large corporate borrowers, the team stands out for its expertise in transactions in highly regulated industries, including telecoms, energy and finance. The firm also shines in aviation finance, where Cristina Lewis is highlighted for her ’great knowledge‘; the department's clients in this field include Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines. Practice head Roberto De Araujo López is commended for his experience in advising domestic banks, particularly on financial regulatory matters. Diego Herrera and Jose Luis Sosa are also key names in the practice, with an emphasis on international transactions with Panamanian aspects. The capable pool of junior lawyers includes consultant Daniel Sessa and associate Claudia Juárez, who focus on the aviation sector, and associate Andrés Sanjur, who is noted for his project finance experience.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It is a very solid banking practice with extensive experience in cross-border transactions. Their service is spectacular, with unmatched response times.’
‘Great attention to detail and experience in international transactions make the service of the highest quality. Diego Herrera shows great mastery of the issues and gets involved in transactions.’
- 'Cristina Lewis and her team are responsive and demonstrate great attention to detail. I work with several law firms in Panama, and GALA are the most responsive.'
- 'Cristina has great knowledge in the aviation sector.'
- 'GALA has stood out for its ability to offer us practical solutions and adjust its advice and processes based on the legal insights of our in-house lawyers. They have always had a great understanding of our needs and fit into our culture of how to do things well and efficiently.'
- 'Roberto De Araujo listens to us and does not lock himself into pre-established processes and structures. He understands that the traditional methods of working can be perfected and he is open to change.'
Key clients
- Copa Holdings
- Atlantic Security Bank
- Compañía Panameña de Aviación
- Bi-Bank
- Bicapital Corporation
- BAC International Bank
- Mercantil Banco
- Altra Investments
- Mercantil Colpatria
- ASB Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Copa Holdings in connection with the purchase and financing of four Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft, delivered to its subsidiary Copa Airlines under a financing guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States of America (EXIM).
- Acted as lead counsel to Patria Investments in connection with its bid to win the tender for the first public-private partnership transaction under Panama’s new PPP law.
- Acted as Panamanian counsel to Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico in connection with the refinancing of the credit facilities granted by Banco de Bogota, Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular and Banco AV Villas for the construction and operation of the Pacific Highway in Medellín.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Cristina Lewis de la Guardia
Partner. Ms. Lewis' practice focuses on commercial and administrative law, particularly in the areas of aviation, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and energy.
Roberto de Araujo López
Partner. Mr. De Araujo provides legal advise to numerous companies as a specialist in Commercial and Corporate Law, with special emphasis on Capital Markets, Banking Law, as well as on mergers and acquisitions.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Roberto De Araujo López