A go-to firm for advice on public tenders, BKM | Berkemeyer boasts a team of public procurement experts who ‘stand out’ for their specialised experience. The group is experienced in traditional public tenders, as well as public-private partnerships, and advises clients on bid stages and turnkey project financings. Thanks to its pre-eminence in PPP, the firm is advising on the first PPP project in Paraguay and is regularly involved in key infrastructure and construction projects spanning the road, transportation, sanitation and energy sectors. Fielding extensive international experience, Martín Carlevaro heads the infrastructure and project finance team, advising on concessions and PPP projects across Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Managing partner Hugo T. Berkemeyer co-leads and focuses his practice largely on investment matters. Milena Sljivich is a senior associate, experienced in PPP, turnkey projects and project financing, while associate Vivian Maldonado advises a diverse mix of public and private entities on administrative law matters. Marcela Llano joined the team in September 2023 at the senior associate level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The practice in question stands out for several unique characteristics that differentiate it and make it exceptional. The team's strengths and abilities are its breadth of specialised experience, culture of collaboration and diversity, as well as a strong stance of strategic client support.’
‘The lawyers of this firm stand out for several distinctive qualities that differentiate them from the competition. Some of the highlights that constitute their plus and make them stand out include excellent breadth of knowledge, ability to work as a team and adapt to client needs, and quick and proactive responses.'
'The firm's lawyers have a breadth of skills that allows them to approach cases from multiple legal perspectives, comprehensively supporting the client's needs. Not only teamwork but proactivity in adapting to the client's needs, ensuring efficiency in the delivery of the objective. I highlight Martin Carlevaro, partner of the firm, for his extensive experience.’
‘It is an interdisciplinary firm in different areas of law, with a solid team specialised in financial law both nationally and internationally.’
‘The plus that makes lawyers stand out is their knowledge of highly complex international transactions, advising on the different roles their clients perform.’
‘This team stands out for its great technical capacity in structured project financing in Paraguay, for its level of excellent customer knowledge and good resource management for billing.’
‘The plus of this team is its availability and closeness to the client in addition to its deep knowledge of the infrastructure sector and its financing.'
‘Team availability, quality of responses, collaboration, response time.’

Key clients

Rutas del Este
Sacyr Concesiones
Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico
Itacamba Cemento
Somarco Paraguay
Sacyr Construcción Paraguay
Consorcio Asi Paraguay
Acciona Agua Sucursal Paraguay
Consorcio Rutas 2 y 7
Stiler
Consorcio DC STILER
Ocho A
BTD
Soundata
Prourbe Medios
Queiroz Galvao
Mota Engil
NeoGreen
Siemens
Rieder & Cia.
JCDecaux

Work highlights

Advising Rutas del Este on the first and only PPP in Paraguay, covering regulatory and administrative law matters during the concession term, amendments to the PPP contract, and a bank loan of $29m with Sudameris.
Providing legal support to Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceanico and sponsors in the negotiations with public sector officials and in all regulatory and administrative law matters during the construction phase.
Providing legal counsel to Acciona Agua in the construction and operation of Bella Vista water treatment plant in Asunción.