Lawyers in Panama

Jose Carrizo

Jose Carrizo is a Partner and heads the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of the firm leading a team that advises clients extensively in the area of commercial litigation, corporate dispute resolution and criminal law. Mr. Carrizo has been involved in complex matters, especially in the fields of civil, criminal, administrative, commercial, banking, insolvency and insurance law. In the course of more than 20 years of practice, his experience covers all kinds of litigation proceedings contemplated in Panamanian law before the different jurisdictional organs of the Republic of Panama including civil, administrative and criminal courts. Furthermore, Mr. Carrizo has substantial expertise in both domestic and international arbitration processes. He has served as arbitrator in the National Arbitration and Mediation (NAM), based in New York. Mr. Carrizo has also acted as an expert witness before national and international arbitral tribunals and courts. He has been involved in complex matters and leading important processes regarding corporate insolvency and restructuring, refinancing advice, debt and asset recovery worth several million dollars. His client portfolio includes renowned private companies, banking and financial entities, governmental entities and multinational corporations in a broad array of local and international disputes. Mr. Carrizo has been recommended as a leading individual in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 in the area of Dispute Resolution. He has also served as a speaker at conferences related to the arbitration and is the author of several books and publications on a wide range of legal issues related to this topic. Mr. Carrizo is also involved in pro bono activities as he assists regularly to Legal Open Houses organized by the firm in very low-income communities to provide free legal orientation on subjects such as family law, domestic violence, labor law, immigration, litigation, among others. Mr. Carrizo is graduated from Universidad Santa María La Antigua in Law and Political Science (1996). In 2003, he completed his Master’s Degree in Universidad Externado de Colombia, in Bogotá, specializing in Civil Liability. Jose Carrizo is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Jose Luis Sosa

Partner. Mr. Sosa focuses his practice on commercial law, corporate law, project finance, and tax law, with emphasis on domestic and international business transactions, merger and acquisition transactions.

Galindo, Arias & López

José Juan Marquez

Senior Partner

Fabrega Molino

José Rafael Reyes

Jose Rafael Reyes is a partner at Morgan & Morgan and heads the Taxation practice group of the firm. Mr. Reyes has over ten years of experience handling complex legal and tax matters. He regularly advises clients from multiple industries in connection with international taxation, tax planning, transfer pricing, regulatory compliance, proceedings before local tax authorities, and representation before the Administrative Tax Court. Prior to joining the firm´s legal team, Mr. Reyes was a partner in an important local firm specializing in corporate law, tax, real estate, and other related matters. He also worked as a partner in a renowned international accounting and tax planning services firm. Mr. Reyes obtained an LL.B. from the School of Law of Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama; and an LL.M. from the School of Law of Tulane University, New Orleans (awarded with the Harry F. Stiles scholarship). He also participated in the Harvard Law School's Instructional Program for Lawyers. Furthermore, Mr. Reyes holds a degree in Taxation from Universidad Especializada del Contador Publico Autorizado (UNESCPA) and has participated in seminars on International Tax Law and Transfer Pricing at the International Tax Center Leiden in The Netherlands; and on International Tax Planning from the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBDF) in Prague, Czech Republic. Mr. Reyes is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Joy Torres

Morgan & Morgan

Juan Antonio Alfaro

Juan Antonio is a Partner in the Commercial Department of the firm. He specializes in representing major port terminals operators and key players in the hydrocarbons market. His extensive experience includes assisting clients in establishing and developing significant projects related to container ports, shipyards, and logistics parks in Panama. Beyond his focus on port and industrial projects, Juan Antonio provides valuable advice on a wide range of commercial matters, including corporate governance, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and commercial transactions. He is widely recognized for his expertise in advising multinational companies as they establish operations in special economic areas and regimes such as the Colon Free Trade Zone, Panama Pacific Special Economic Area, Free Trade Zones, Multinational Enterprise Headquarters (SEM), and Multinational Manufacturing Enterprises (EMMA). Furthermore, Juan Antonio serves as a general counsel for various sectors, including real estate developers, manufacturing, tourism entertainment, family offices, pharmaceuticals, retail, among others industries. His active participation in drafting and discussing relevant sector regulations ensures that our clients receive comprehensive and strategic legal guidance.

Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Juan David Morgan Jr.

Juan David Morgan Jr. is a Partner at Morgan & Morgan and head of the Shipping and Admiralty Litigation practice group of the firm. Mr. Morgan Jr. has been practicing at Morgan & Morgan since 1990, specializing in all kinds of maritime claims, including those against the Panama Canal Authority for accidents occurring while vessels transit through the Panama Canal. He represented shipowners, P&I Clubs, charterers, hull and cargo underwriters, banks and other shipping interests in all types of maritime disputes. Mr. Morgan Jr. has served as Director and Financial Secretary of the National Bar Association of Panama; Director and President of the Maritime Law Association of Panama; Director of the Panama Chamber of Shipping; President of the Panama Maritime VII Conference & Exhibition Organizing Committee; Director and President of the Deutsch Panamaische Industrie-und Handelskammer; and President of the Tulane Club in Panama. He also serves on the Board of different private companies. He is a frequent speaker at international maritime law seminars and is the author of the publication “Ship Arrest and Arrest Defenses in Panama”. Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who´s Who Legal have profiled Mr. Morgan Jr. as a leading lawyer in Shipping and Admiralty Litigation. In addition, he has been distinguished with the International Award for Exceptional Achievement at the Tulane University Alumni Awards Gala 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Mr. Morgan Jr. obtained a B.S., at the Universität Heidelberg in Germany (1984); a B.A. at the Ohio Wesleyan University in the U.S.A (1986).; an LL.B. at University of Grenoble in France and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel (1987); and a J.D. at the School of Law of Tulane University in the U.S.A. (1989). He is fluently in Spanish, English and German. Mr. Morgan Jr. is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Juan Diego Infante

Lawyer

Infante & Pérez Almillano

Juan Diego Ng

Juan Diego is an Associate in the firm's Litigation and Arbitration Department. He is dedicated to assisting both local and international clients in conflict resolution and prevention. His specialization spans civil, commercial, corporate, and financial litigation, as well as domestic and international commercial arbitration. Juan Diego’s skills and experience uniquely position him to analyze complex legal disputes. He provides clientswith simple and precise advice, ensuring satisfactory solutions to their disputes. His unwavering focus on client needs drive him to work diligently and meticulously.

Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Juan F. Corro

Juan F. Corro joined the firm in 1990 and became a partner in 2014.

Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega

Juan Francisco Pardini

CEO / Managing Partner Areas of Experience Corporate / Transactional Foreign Investments / Joint Ventures / M&As Aviation & Maritime - Transactional Energy / Mining / Petroleum Foundations /Trusts / Taxation Family Offices Representative Experience Merger of airline companies Corporate restructuring of major Middle East group with multinational operations Gold mining exploration joint ventures for Canadian and Panamanian groups Multiple hydroelectric projects with transactional matters for US group Corporate legal opinions for European bank International tender offer and corporate work for French solar power company Set up of Multi-Family Office for European group. Structuring of multiple trust and foundations for Cyprus/Russian group Awards & Recognition Aviation & Banking - Dr. Juan Francisco Pardini by Legal 500 Latin America 2024 Private Client 2023 – Dr. Juan F. Pardini by Lexology Getting the Deal Through Private Client 2023 - Dr. Juan F. Pardini by Who's Who Legal Central America - Environment, Energy & Natural Resources 2023 - Dr. Juan F. Pardini by Who's Who Legal Global Leader - Mining 2023 - Dr. Juan F. Pardini by Who's Who Legal Financial and Corporate 2023 by IFLR1000 Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Litigation – Panama 2023 by Global 100

Pardini & Asociados

Juan Gabriel González

Juan Gabriel is a Partner in the Labor Department of the firm. His focus lies in assisting clients during the negotiationof collective labor agreements and representing them in labor court proceedings. With his extensive experience, Juan Gabriel handles cases related to dismissals, sanctions, workplace harassment, and "mobbing", acting as a third-party investigator. Beyond this, Juan Gabriel provides training on labor law updates. He also offers advice on issues concerning Occupational Risks and Social Security, including pensions, retirements, and disabilities.

Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Juan José Espino

Partner Areas of Experience Maritime Aviation Foreign Investments Company Representative Experience Representing reinsurers and airlines in several claims, including aviation accidents Representing marine industry and mega yacht owners Organization of several marine transportation companies in Panama Organization and advised of several Hotels & Resorts projects Several Tourism Services companies Awards & Recognition Dispute resolution - Dr. Juan José Espino by Legal 500 Latin America Air Transport and Aviation Liability 2019 - Dr. Juan José Espino by Lexology Getting the Deal Through National Leader - Central America 2019 - Aviation by Who's Who Legal Lawyers - Corporate and Regulatory by Citywealth Leaderslist 2019 Aviation & Maritime Law Firm of the Year in Panama by Corporate INTL Global Award 2019 Financial and Corporate 2019 by IFLR1000 Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Litigation – Panama 2018 by Global 100 Best Foreign Investments Law Firm - Panama 2018 by M&A Awards of Acquisition International

Pardini & Asociados

Juan Pablo Fabrega Polleri

Senior Partner

Fabrega Molino

Julio A. Quijano B.

Managing Partner

Quijano & Associates

Julio Quijano

Managing Partner

Quijano & Associates

Karen Rodriguez

Karen Rodriguez Cuevas is an attorney at Morgan & Morgan and works in the Estate Planning and Corporate Services Department of the firm. She specializes in company incorporation and management, estate planning, private interest foundations and regulatory compliance matters. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Rodriguez served as an attorney for local consulting firms where she handled matters related to Corporate and Commercial Law, Administrative Law, Public Bids, Real Estate, and general compliance and regulatory matters. In addition, she worked in the public sector as Lawyer of the Administrative Direction and Legal Advisory Direction of the Presidency of the Republic of Panama. She obtained an LL.B. in Law and Political Science from the University of Panama (2009) and holds a Master´s Degree in Commercial/Corporate Law from the Interamerican University of Panama (2013). In addition, she has also completed studies in Public Administration with emphasis on Government Contracts, Administrative Law and Administrative Procedural Law, and Drafting and Evaluation of Legal Documents in Public Management. Ms. Rodriguez is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Karen Tejeira

Labor Law

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán

Katherine Aparicio

Katherine is a Partner in the Litigation and Arbitration Department of the firm. She specializes in advising clients in arbitrations before the Conciliation and Arbitration Center of Panama. Katherine also provides essential support to clients in their daily business needs and complex transactions, including financing and the acquisition or sale of key market players. Katherine frequently serves a diverse clientele, including local banks, construction companies, major real estate developers, insurance and reinsurance companies, telecommunications companies, ports, and hydroelectric companies. Her skills extend to developing effective strategies, leading judicial and arbitration processes, representing clients in negotiations, and providing expert legal opinions in her areas of practice.

Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez

Kathleen Moreno

Lawyer

Infante & Pérez Almillano

Katia Pallares

Katia Pallares is an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Morgan & Morgan. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Pallares worked in the Legal Department of the City of Philadelphia, U.S.A, initially as an intern and then as a labor relations specialist. During this time, she specialized in public rulings and regulations, bargaining agreements, arbitration awards, and federal states and municipal legislation, among other administrative processes. She also worked as a Legal Assistant in the Labor Law Department at a top local law firm. Ms. Pallares obtained an LL.B. with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Catolica Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama and an LL.M. from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, U.S.A. with a Wharton Business and Law Certificate. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Kharla Aizpurua Olmos

Kharla Aizpurua Olmos is a Partner in the Corporate Law Department of the firm. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos mainly advises clients in domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Also, she has been involved on matters pertaining to syndicated lending, project finance, governmental infrastructure projects (including transportation and energy), securitization, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, services related to the telecommunications sector, startups and e-commerce, compliance and data protection. Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Ms. Aizpurua Olmos obtained experience as a junior associate in the Corporate Law Department of Garrigues, Tax and Legal Advisers in Madrid-Spain, focusing on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking and project finance, and securities matters. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos has been recognized for her professional achievements (Up and Coming) in the first edition of the Latin American Energy and Infrastructure Awards organized by the Iberian Legal Group. In addition, she has been distinguished by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 for her work in banking and finance, and commitment in diversity and inclusion. Moreover, she is also recognized as a Women Leader in Panama by IFLR1000 Women Leaders, an elite ranking of the most prominent lawyers worldwide. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos is also committed with the pro bono activities of the firm. She played a key role in the team responsible for drafting the bill to organize national volunteering in the Republic of Panama and serves as counsellor to different Panamanian NGOs. In addition, she is in the board of directors WIP Panama (women in the legal profession), Panamanian chapter of Women in the Profession Program of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice of the New York Bar Association. Ms. Aizpurua Olmos obtained an LL.B. from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain and a LL.M. from the Cornell Law School, University of Cornell, Ithaca, New York, USA. She has also completed a course in Business Management of NGOs from the University of Louisville in Panama and obtained a certification in Financial Skills for Practice and Management and Merger and Acquisitions from the INIDEM Business School. She is admitted to practice law in the Republic of Panama.

Morgan & Morgan

Khatiya Asvat

Khatiya has more than a decade of experience, providing legal advice to local and international clients on Administrative Law, Commercial, Special Economic Zones, Telecommunications and IT.

Patton, Moreno & Asvat

LUIGI IOVANE DE PUY

Associate

SUCRE ARIAS REYES