Maria Isabelle Poblete
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)
Client SatisfactionThe ‘innovative and agile’ team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is well-placed to advise on complex and high-value matters, ranging from PPP projects, particularly in the transportation sector, to representing clients in all aspects of the development and operation of renewable energy projects, namely in the wind and solar sectors. Its clientele ranges from private companies to government bodies. Aris L. Gulapa, who also works from the firm’s New York office, is regarded by clients as ’the best infrastructure lawyer in the Philippines’, and has noteworthy expertise in international matters, while Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim specialises in handling transactional, contractual and due diligence issues; the pair head up the offering. Maria Isabelle Poblete is a key figure within the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They treat construction and infrastructure as a speciality rather than as an add-on to a corporate or banking practice. As a result, their industry knowledge is second-to-none. As working with foreign counsel is something they do regularly they know foreign clients' requirements and are able to provide concise, directed advice on a timely basis which is not an ability shared by all Philippine law firms.’
‘Aris L. Gulapa is not only the best infrastructure lawyer in the Philippines but is also a delight to work with. Cheerful, commercial and responsive.’
‘A client-centric approach - the firm takes great efforts to understand and meet the unique needs of each client. This ensures that they are able to provide personalised service and effective solutions. The managing partner is also very hands-on with his clients.'
'Innovative and agile - Gulapa Law is able to find out-of-the-box solutions to equally novel legal problems at the drop of a hat. This may be owed to the firm's approach in taking the time to understand a client's situation and history, as well as the firm's team of lawyers with expertise in various fields of law.'
'Gulapa Law has offices around the world; a global presence. Clients can be assured that if they take their business abroad, the firm is up to the task to represent them, should the need arise.’
‘The lawyers of the firm possess an outstanding commitment to their clients and this is embodied in the way that they strive to meet the clients' expectations and go beyond by anticipating the clients' needs before they are apparent. This enables the firm to provide prompt, accurate, and quality legal service.'
'Mr. Aris L. Gulapa, as managing partner, particularly stands out as he understands the nuances of certain areas of legal practice such as administrative law, and provides timely and apt legal advice. His holistic view and grasp of the law also enables a holistic approach in certain client transactions that fully meets the client's needs.'
'Marcley Natu-El stands out for his steadfast work ethic and demeanour which allows him to consistently meet a client's requirements in a timely manner.’
Key clients
- Asian Development Bank
- International Finance Corporation
- Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc.
- SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
- Solar Tanauan Corporation
- Alliance Global-Infracorp Development, Inc.,
- Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.
- Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.
- Standard Systems Water and Wastewater Technologies, Inc.
Work highlights
- Assisting the Asian Development Bank in structuring the project and drafting the bidding documentation for the operation and maintenance of the North-South Commuter Railway Project.
- Advising the International Financial Corporation in a project to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the UP-PGH Cancer Center.
- Assisting the Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc. in the preparation and submission of its unsolicited proposal for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Marinduque Microgrid Power Project.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Aris L. Gulapa, Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim