Vouga Abogados advises national and international clients on complex procedures before public authorities. The firm acts as legal counsel to public entities and international institutions in the drafting of bills and regulations, and is often retained to advise public offices on the development of new regulations. The team works with international clients in highly-regulated areas, such as mining, agribusiness and health. A strong administrative litigation team regularly assists clients with administrative contentious procedures at both the administrative and judicial stages. The team is led by four lawyers; Rodolfo Guillermo Vouga, Rodrigo Fernández, Mirtha Dos Santos and senior associate Manuel Acevedo. Fernández has dealt with a range of administrative law cases, particularly in regulated business sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and food and tobacco. Acevedo is engaged in complex procedures and negotiations with public offices. Associate Silvia Benítez has extensive experience in administrative and civil litigation, and represents clients in both administrative and court proceedings. Since publication, Acevedo has been raised to the partnership - effective as of February 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Vouga has an in-depth understanding of our company's corporate structure and subsequent mining exploration business, providing legal counsel, assistance in setting up branches, and tax declaration requirements. Vouga has been entrusted with assisting the mining area’s legal advisors and collecting related materials. The firm has established a good communication channel with the company’s operators and other service providers.’

  • ‘Estudio Vouga offers comprehensive quality legal advice, with trained, responsible and committed professionals. We have always received efficient, fast advice that meets our needs. We trust the work of the firm and we highlight the quality of the lawyers and the personalised attention we receive, which is precisely what makes Estudio Vouga one of the most prestigious and recognised firms in Paraguay. We noticed a very good organisation, with defined teams that work collaboratively. The lawyers specialising in our matters acted immediately and gave us a clear overview of the situation, with clear suggestions and recommendations for the course to follow.’

  • ‘Silvia Benítez provides personalised, efficient, fast advice, demonstrating solidity and knowledge on the subject, giving us her vision and suggestions for the course to follow in the most convenient way for the company. Mirtha Dos Santos, who is the partner of the litigation department, is also supporting this issue due to the magnitude of the issues discussed.’

  • ‘In particular, I worked with Manuel Acevedo. He is a highly trained person, always available, and even after the date that the work has been completed, he continues to support with queries that arise.’

  • ‘The team of professionals is the best - the subsequent service in legal advice is guaranteed. Our experience with the implementation of a new EAS law, which required regulation, was extremely satisfactory due to the support throughout the implementation process.’

  • ‘Vouga is made up of a team of professionals with a lot of technical capacity, who complement each other by respecting each other in their area of best performance, so that every demand we need always has a professional for the case. They are different in terms of updating information, always available and always looking for the best result of their actions. They are distinguished by their technical competence, and they are extremely proactive.’

  • ‘The lawyers handle everything, with the ability to work in a team, with empathy and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle technology, including new information technologies. The lawyers have negotiation skills. In general, continuous training, passion and commitment to an excellent service are noted.’

  • ‘Vouga Abogados has given us unique advice in Paraguay on administrative law issues, since, unlike other firms, it has both the required technical experience and the contact with the regulatory authorities.’

Key clients

  • Paracel
  • CPC Corporation Taiwán
  • Quincy Energy
  • Centelsa
  • World Bank Group
  • Prosegur
  • Iridium Satellite
  • Nextar (Petrobas)
  • Paresa (Coca Cola)
  • Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Work highlights

  • Advised pulp mill project Paracel on the obtention of an electricity cogeneration license.
  • Acted for a European multinational client in proceedings involving three public offices regarding payment of indispensable services rendered to government during Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advised the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on the elaboration of regulations needed to implement the law regarding a new form of business entity named Empresa por Acciones Simplificadas (EAS).

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rodrigo Fernández