Carla López
Galindo, Arias & LópezActing for major banks and leading Panamanian companies from the aviation, telecoms and real estate sectors, among others, Galindo, Arias & López's ‘agile' capital markets practice is adept at advising on high-value offerings of corporate bonds. In addition, the firm has a notable strong suit in regulatory and compliance matters, including registration with the SMV and listing on the Panamanian (and other) stock exchange. The team garners praise for its ’in-depth knowledge of the local regulations and regional reach', frequently drawing on close connections with international firms to handle multi-jurisdictional mandates. ‘Excellent' practice head Cristina Lewis and experienced of counsel Carla López are well versed in both domestic and cross-border debt offerings, while Roberto De Araujo López, a former adviser to the securities regulators in Panama and Colombia, specialises in regulatory matters, routinely advising brokers and issuers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A multidisciplinary team with strength in any topic related to banking and finance, especially from a regulatory perspective.'
- 'Accessible, measured, discreet, excellent response times, appropriate prioritisation, and the flexibility to help us take risks.'
- 'Gala has an agile practice and a young team, which provides good communication and support, and reasonable billing.'
- 'The team is agile and very diligent, with good knowledge of the issues and the ability to come up with alternative solutions to problems, and is very active. We consider Carla López and Cristina Lewis to be excellent lawyers, with good knowledge of the subject and communication and problem-solving skills.'
- 'In-depth knowledge of the local regulations and regional reach through its partner firms.'
- 'Commitment to meeting deadlines and a focus on business. Not just legal but also practical advice.'
- 'The Gala team always provide timely responses. They always provide answers to the questions posed to them by any means. They stand out for their serious and very professional approach.'
Key clients
- Telecomunicaciones Digitales
- Desarrollos Comerciales
- Kadima Holdings
- BAC Valores Panamá
- Mercantil Servicios Financieros Internacional
- Copa Holdings
- BAC International Bank
- Los Castillos Real Estate
- Mercantil Servicios de Inversión
Work highlights
- Advised Los Castillos Real Estate in connection with the amendment of certain terms and conditions of the public offering of corporate bonds of up to $70m and the issuance of a new public offering of corporate bonds of up to $75m.
- Advising Kadima Holdings in connection with the issuance of a new series of corporate bonds for $5.5m and the applicable security package that must be put in place to guarantee the same.
- Advising BAC International Bank in connection with the public offering of commercial notes of up to $100m.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Cristina Lewis