Trump and Latin America: Lawyers Brace for Hard-Line Approach to Region

Brazil's BMA Advogados Plans for Succession of Founding Partners

Amy Guthrie | October 06, 2022

The 318-lawyer firm, established in 1995, says the succession plan is another step in its institutionalization as it makes way for a younger generation of leaders.

3 minute read

American Bar Protests Legislation That Targets Lawyers' Work With Foreign Wealth

Dan Packel | October 06, 2022

The bipartisan Enablers Act was introduced in the Senate on Monday. The ABA says the legislation's measures "will undermine the principle of lawyer-client confidentiality."

5 minute read

Alvarez & Marsal Adds Tax Muscle as It Aims to Guide Latin America Deals

Amy Guthrie | October 04, 2022

The global services firm sees a growing need for a regional team that can assist with complex transactions related to Latin America, where tax rules vary widely and governments are attempting to raise revenue.

3 minute read

'Paying Your Dues': Have Associates Just Gotten Smarter?

Lisa Shuchman | October 02, 2022

Associates aren't buying into the long-held belief that you have to suffer to prove your mettle, writes Lisa Shuchman in The Global Lawyer.

8 minute read

Brazil's TozziniFreire Spurs Innovation With ThinkFuture Program

Amy Guthrie | September 29, 2022

The 600-plus lawyer firm has embraced more visually appealing and intuitive legal documents plus digital tools such as client dashboards to improve delivery of legal services.

5 minute read

Expert Opinion

Lula's Victory in Brazil Would Be Great News for Lawyers and Foreign Investors

Fabio de Sa e Silva | September 29, 2022

As Brazilians head to the polls on Sunday, corporate lawyers and investors should hope they pick Lula as their next president, says Brazil expert Fabio de Sa e Silva. Here's why.

5 minute read

Shearman & Sterling and Cleary Gottlieb Advise on Barbados Blue Bonds

Amy Guthrie | September 27, 2022

Global law firms have now assisted on two projects to conserve marine habitats in the Caribbean.

2 minute read

Judge: Venezuelan Businessman's $250M Defamation Claims Against Fox News May Proceed

Brad Kutner | September 27, 2022

The claims stem from statements that Fox News host Lou Dobbs and lawyer Sidney Powell made on air, calling the plaintiff a liaison with Hezbollah who orchestrated a "9-11 attack against the United States."

4 minute read

Peruvian Disputes Firm BFE+ Opens Office in Madrid

Amy Guthrie | September 27, 2022

The Lima-based firm sees growing demand for legal services from European multinationals with operations in Latin America.

2 minute read

The Global 100: A Good Time to Be an Equity Partner

Krishnan Nair | September 26, 2022

The Global Lawyer: The biggest firms performed better than ever this year. But with major deals being abandoned, leaders are adopting caution.

4 minute read

Plaintiffs Firm Pogust Goodhead Secures Venue in the Netherlands in Case Against Brazil's Braskem

Amy Guthrie | September 22, 2022

Thousands of claimants from Brazil's "sinking city" seek damages for homes and communities they say were destroyed by salt-mining-provoked tremors.

4 minute read

Video

Video: The 2022 Global 200 Webinar: Watch It Here

Law.com International | September 22, 2022

Watch our global correspondents and editors review the recent performance of the world's biggest law firms, discuss major trends in international legal markets and talk about what they think we will see in the coming year.

1 minute read

Haynes and Boone Moves to New Office in Mexico City, With Room To Grow

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | September 20, 2022

The firm has been in Mexico City since 1994, and says demand in energy, aviation, trade and other practices is currently brisk.

2 minute read

What's Happening in Europe, LatAm and the Middle East Legal Markets?

Anne Bagamery | Amy Guthrie | Peter Shaw-Smith | September 20, 2022

Law.com International correspondents in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East share their predictions for the key markets.

13 minute read

Paul Hastings' Big Talk, Big Hires and Big Expectations

Patrick Smith | September 20, 2022

Paul Hastings has made waves with bold statements and bolder hires. Does the firm trajectory warrant the chatter?

11 minute read

Chart

The 2022 Global 200 Ranked by Head Count

Law.com International Staff | September 20, 2022

Head count growth was driven largely by the 100 largest law firms and those firms based in China.

1 minute read

Chart

The 2022 Global 100 Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner

Law.com International Staff | September 20, 2022

The 100 largest law firms in the world posted exceptional profitability growth in the 2021 fiscal year, pulling in a 16.8% increase in profits per equity partner.

1 minute read

How Do Truly Global Firms Manage to Perform on the World's Stage?

Bruce Love | September 20, 2022

Global law firms perform for a tricky array of constituencies.

10 minute read

Chart

The 2022 Global 200 Ranked by Revenue

Law.com International Staff | September 20, 2022

The 200 largest law firms in the world, made up mainly of U.S. firms, had a historic performance in their last fiscal year--a feat that will be difficult to match even in the best of economic times.

1 minute read

The World's Largest Law Firms Go From Historic Highs to High Uncertainty

Andrew Maloney | September 20, 2022

The world's largest 200 law firms have enjoyed an era of prosperity but are entering an era of complexity.

8 minute read

As Global Legal Markets Shift, Is the Legal Profession Witnessing the End of an Era?

Lisa Shuchman | September 18, 2022

The 2022 Global 200 report is about to be released, law firms in Asia are shifting focus, Big Tech is facing fines in Europe and Asia, and the U.K. is bidding farewell to the Queen.

7 minute read

Harneys Enjoys Latin America Business Boom in the Cayman Islands

Amy Guthrie | September 15, 2022

The region's wealthy are keen to harbor assets in offshore investment vehicles set up in the Caribbean archipelago, as their governments seek to raise more tax revenue. But finding lawyers to handle the workload has been a challenge.

4 minute read

Webcast

The Global 200 Webinar: Get the Scoop From Journalists Around the World

Law.com International | September 14, 2022

A Sept. 21 webinar will analyze this year's Global 200 report, offering insights and analysis on the direction of the global legal market.

2 minute read

EY Law Recruits Seasoned Labor Partner in Colombia

Amy Guthrie | September 13, 2022

María de la Luz Arbeláez arrives as the Latin American country debates changes to labor regulations targeted at narrowing Colombia's gaping chasm of socioeconomic inequality.

3 minute read

Human Rights Suit Against Chiquita Brands to Proceed

Amy Guthrie | September 12, 2022

Nonprofit EarthRights International seeks compensation for more than 200 Colombians who were allegedly tortured or had family members killed by paramilitary forces funded by the U.S.-based banana grower.

3 minute read

Cuatrecasas Names CEO Following Badía's Unexpected Death

Alex D'Elia | September 08, 2022

The firm's managing partner and CEO, Jorge Badía, who died in July, was viewed "the maker" of the firm's modernization.

2 minute read

Legal Service Provider UnitedLex Opens Office in Argentina

Amy Guthrie | September 07, 2022

The company anticipates that head count in Buenos Aires, its third office location in Latin America, will grow to 150 professionals in 2023.

3 minute read

White & Case Hires Back Two Capital Markets Partners in Mexico

Amy Guthrie | September 07, 2022

Eduardo Flores Herrera and Narciso Campos Cuevas return after stints in government and at Mexican law firm Creel.

3 minute read

Latin America-Focused PAG Law Lands Partners From Chile, Mexico

Amy Guthrie | September 06, 2022

As startups from the region grow, more are turning to the U.S. for financing and legal advice.

3 minute read

Facing Recessions and Inflation, Global Law Firms Take Action

Lisa Shuchman | September 06, 2022

Given the economic climate and the uncertainty that brings, it may seem like an odd time to be setting up shop halfway around the world. But that's what a lot of global law firms are doing, Law.com International Executive Editor Lisa Shuchman writes in The Global Lawyer.

7 minute read

Holland & Knight Hires Miami-Based International Tax and Trust Attorney for Growing Latin America Private Wealth Business

Amy Guthrie | September 01, 2022

Eduardo "Ed" Arista is also a certified accountant and go-to adviser for wealthy Latin American families who seek safe harbor for their assets in the U.S.

3 minute read

Greenberg Traurig Hires Litigation Team in Mexico City

Amy Guthrie | September 01, 2022

Alejandro Ostos Fulda, who focuses on civil, commercial and constitutional litigation, joins as a shareholder, bringing three associates and a law clerk.

2 minute read

Leading Mexican Firm Creel Opens Office in Madrid

Amy Guthrie | September 01, 2022

The firm's first international office will provide Mexican law advice to clients in Europe who may be looking to relocate production to Mexico from Asia. The office will also act as a conduit for Mexican investors pursuing business opportunities in Europe.

2 minute read

Greenberg Traurig Adds Latin America and Corporate Shareholder

Amy Guthrie | August 31, 2022

Henry Roque rejoins the firm after close to seven years at Holland & Knight, where he was a partner.

2 minute read

Dentons' Latest Malpractice Appeal Bid Rejected By Court

Bruce Love | August 30, 2022

Dentons is on the hook for a $32 million malpractice verdict. The latest ruling leaves in place wider questions about Swiss vereins and law firm conflict checks.

3 minute read

Australian IP Group to Acquire Canada's Smart & Biggar's Patent and Trademark Agency

Gail J. Cohen | Christopher Niesche | August 24, 2022

The move is a first for a Canadian firm and also IPH's first foray beyond the Asia Pacific region.

5 minute read

Battling Greenwashing: Law Firms Increasingly Wield Data to Back Up Client ESG Claims

Bruce Love | August 22, 2022

Regulators and plaintiffs firms want more than just policy statements. Law firms are having to prove the data behind their clients' ESG efforts to avoid claims that it's all for show.

9 minute read

Brazil's Lefosse Hires Partner to Lead Compliance Practice

Amy Guthrie | August 18, 2022

Adriana Dantas brings with her a team of lawyers and staff from her now-dissolved boutique, as Lefosse fields a growing demand for compliance work.

3 minute read

Holland & Knight Launches Mexican Construction Practice to Advise Nearshoring Clients

Amy Guthrie | August 17, 2022

The practice will be led by Claudio Rodríguez, an energy and infrastructure partner who headed the Mexico City office of Thompson & Knight before that firm merged with Holland & Knight in 2021.

3 minute read

Brazil's Mattos Filho Adds Litigation and Arbitration Partner in Brasília

Amy Guthrie | August 16, 2022

The hiring of Diego Herrera de Moraes brings the firm's total partner head count to 134, with seven of those partners now in Brazil's capital.

2 minute read

Features

Legal Nonprofit Pushes Law Firms to Engage in Pro Bono Work in Mexico

Amy Guthrie | August 15, 2022

Global firms such as DLA Piper, Holland & Knight, Greenberg Traurig and Hogan Lovells are active members of the pro bono network in Mexico.

4 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills, White & Case Guide £1.3 billion Car Distributor Acquisition in South America

Amy Guthrie | August 10, 2022

The transaction is one of several on which HSF has advised London-based vehicle distributor Inchcape, including a recent entry into the Caribbean.

2 minute read

Littler Affiliate in Brazil Hires Former Judge to Launch Workplace Policy Practice

Amy Guthrie | August 09, 2022

Márcio Eurico Vitral Amaro comes on board as lawyers in Brazil prepare to play a more active role in the preparation of legislation and regulations.

2 minute read

Plaintiffs Firm PGMBM, Rebranded as Pogust Goodhead, Opens Office in Brazil as Mining Disaster Litigation Grinds On

Amy Guthrie | August 09, 2022

The firm is beefing up globally following a ruling by a U.K. appeals court that a lawsuit against mining giant BHP can proceed in English courts.

3 minute read

Risks and Rewards: What Does It Take to Be a Successful International Firm Amid Today's Global Turmoil?

Lisa Shuchman | August 07, 2022

Russia and Ukraine, China and Taiwan. What's next? International law firms have to consider more factors than ever before as they expand into new markets in search of growth, writes Lisa Shuchman in The Global Lawyer.

9 minute read

Q&A

Colombia's Gómez-Pinzón Sees Country Growing Under New Government

Amy Guthrie | August 04, 2022

Bogotá-based managing partner José Luis Suárez is optimistic that legal work will continue to flow after former guerrilla fighter Gustavo Petro takes office as president on Sunday.

2 minute read

Clyde & Co. Establishes Permanent Presence in Chile Via Merger

Amy Guthrie | August 04, 2022

Leading Chilean firms Grasty Quintana Majlis and Halpern Pino will merge with the London-headquartered firm, bringing in 11 local partners who will lead a team of 40 lawyers.

3 minute read

Holland & Knight Lands 4-Person Natural Resources Team in Colombia

Amy Guthrie | August 03, 2022

Of counsel Milton Montoya, who joins with three associates, previously operated a boutique law firm focused on mining and energy matters in the South American country.

2 minute read

What to Expect When the Summer Deal Rush Ends

Krishnan Nair | August 01, 2022

The Global Lawyer: As August arrives, there's a rush to get deals over the line. But what comes after?

5 minute read

FIFA Women's World Cup Legal Head On Scoring the Role and the Importance of Women's Sport

Christopher Niesche | July 31, 2022

A "groundswell of emotion" has built around women's sport, Emily Jackson said.

5 minute read

The Next Iteration of Hybrid Work?: Immigration Boutique Launches in the Metaverse

Jessie Yount | July 29, 2022

The firm's metaverse office is generating a great deal of interest, especially in Brazil and China, said AG Immigration founding principal attorney Felipe Alexandre.

3 minute read

UK High Court Again Favors Venezuelan Opposition in $2B Gold Case

Amy Guthrie | July 29, 2022

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who some label an illegitimate and corrupt dictator, for years has sought the release of 31 tons of bullion held by the Bank of England.

3 minute read

Expert Opinion

How to Build a Culture that Attracts and Retains Talented Lawyers

Dareth Finn | July 28, 2022

For most firms, improving retention and attraction of talent can be accomplished by acting with more intention throughout the hiring process—and beyond it.

5 minute read

Covington & Burling Taps Arbitration Partner to Head Latin America Initiative

Amy Guthrie | July 27, 2022

Chilean Nicole Duclos says her firm has seen a dramatic increase in work demands from Latin America across several practice areas.

2 minute read

Brazil's Mattos Filho Hires 9 Black Lawyers as Its Diversity Initiative Gains Traction

Amy Guthrie | July 25, 2022

Although more than half of Brazil's 210 million inhabitants self-identify as Black, there are very few Afro-Brazilian lawyers at the country's largest law firms.

3 minute read

Brazil's Demarest Adds Labor and Employment Partner

Amy Guthrie | July 25, 2022

The Lex Mundi member firm expects more work in an already busy practice as Brazilians head to the polls to elect their next president.

2 minute read

The Other Heat Wave: Law Firms Sweat Over Lateral Moves, Office Launches, Recession Prep and More

Lisa Shuchman | July 24, 2022

Law firm management faces constant challenges, including competition for talent, economic turmoil, geopolitics and preparing for the unexpected, writes Lisa Shuchman in this week's edition of The Global Lawyer.

8 minute read

Sidley Snags Latin America-Focused Miami MoFo Partner, Associate

Amy Guthrie | July 21, 2022

The hires come as the Am Law 20 firm builds out a presence in South Florida, with recent local hires from Weil Gotshal, Akerman and McDermott Will and Emery.

3 minute read

UK High Court Reserves Judgment in Venezuelan Gold Case

Amy Guthrie | July 20, 2022

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who some label an illegitimate and corrupt dictator, for years has sought the release of nearly $2 billion worth of bullion held by the Bank of England.

3 minute read

King & Spalding Hires Jones Day Project Finance Partner With Latin America Expertise

Amy Guthrie | July 19, 2022

Fradyn Suárez's practice focuses on cross-border corporate, infrastructure and project finance work across the Americas, including Latin America and the Caribbean.

2 minute read

Gunderson Dettmer Launches in São Paulo, Citing Innovation Economy in Latin America

Jessie Yount | July 19, 2022

The new office signals the firm's continued commitment to the region.

3 minute read

Clifford Chance PEP Tops £2M as Growth Rebounds

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 19, 2022

Growth has returned to more normal levels after its 2021 revenue inched up by just 1%.

3 minute read

Mattos Filho Posts 24% Growth in Revenue as Head Count Also Grows

Amy Guthrie | July 18, 2022

The Brazilian firm, which rebranded earlier this year, said the adoption of more digital tools and a hybrid workplace brought greater efficiency and helped the firm grow.

3 minute read

Twitter vs Musk Epitomizes the Legal Industry's Next Chapter

Paul Hodkinson | July 17, 2022

The Global Lawyer: A notable rise in a variety of disputes appears to signal the start of a new economic cycle for large law firms.

6 minute read

Dentons Opens 'Venture Technology Center' in Mexico City

Amy Guthrie | July 14, 2022

The office is geared toward helping clients in Latin America navigate the constant, accelerated change that comes with the adoption of increasingly advanced technology.

2 minute read

Brazil's Lefosse Recruits Insurance Partner, Latest in String of Hires

Amy Guthrie | July 14, 2022

The Brazilian law firm Lefosse is expanding in an effort to position itself as one of the premier, full-service legal shops in Latin America's largest economy.

2 minute read

KLM Faces Legal Action Over Its Environmental Claims as Greenwashing Allegations Move Front and Center

Linda A. Thompson | July 13, 2022

Three NGOs contend that a KLM ad campaign violates European consumer law. The lawsuit comes as legal disputes over greenwashing claims are on the rise.

7 minute read

Simmons Nudges Through £1M PEP Barrier for First Time

Varsha Patel | July 13, 2022

Simmons managing partner Jeremy Hoyland will not run again for the role when his term ends, he said while discussing the firm's results.

4 minute read

UK Appeals Court Rules That Lawsuit Against Mining Giant BHP Can Proceed in English Courts

Amy Guthrie | July 12, 2022

The decision reverses an earlier ruling in which Slaughter and May had successfully argued that English courts were the wrong jurisdiction for the case. BHP faces claims from more than 200,000 individuals impacted by the 2015 collapse of a dam at the Samarco iron ore complex in Brazil.

4 minute read

Brazilian Law Firms Lead LatAm M&A Activity in First Half of 2022

Amy Guthrie | July 11, 2022

Latin America's largest economy remains fertile ground for deals, though activity is slowing amid global headwinds and ahead of local elections.

3 minute read

A Magic Circle for Brazil? Lefosse Aims to Be the Local Firm of Choice

Amy Guthrie | July 07, 2022

Competition is heated for legal services in Brazil, where international law firms are banned from practicing Brazilian law and need the guidance of local experts.

6 minute read

Cuatrecasas Adds Tax Partner in Mexico, M&A Partner in Peru

Amy Guthrie | July 05, 2022

The Spanish law firm now has more than 30 lawyers stationed in Mexico.

3 minute read

Top Mexican Corporate Firm Creel Adds 2 Arbitrators

Amy Guthrie | July 04, 2022

The duo will close their dispute resolution boutique to join Creel, raising the number of female partners at the leading corporate firm to three.

2 minute read

The US Reverses 'Roe' and the World Reacts

Anne Bagamery | July 01, 2022

The U.S. decision, which runs counter to global trends toward more liberal abortion rights, led almost immediately to a global call to strengthen legal protections for reproductive rights, as well as heightened fears for the knock-on effects on civil rights, privacy rights, women's health, and even local law.

9 minute read

Features

Australia's Most Active Climate Litigator Expects to Be Busy for Years to Come

Christopher Niesche | June 28, 2022

David Barnden has played a role in making the country a prime jurisdiction for test cases with broad policy implications for the environment at a time when climate change litigation has been spreading around the world.

7 minute read

When The Old World Meets The New: Law Firms' Need to Adapt

Paul Hodkinson | June 26, 2022

The longest-standing legal institutions only remain relevant if they continue to adapt, writes the Global Lawyer. It is a message that holds true for elite commercial law firms the world over.

5 minute read

Colombia Election Results Put Legal Community on Edge

Amy Guthrie | June 23, 2022

The South American country's first leftist president vows to redirect the economy, creating new uncertainties for law firms.

5 minute read

Spain's ECIJA Integrates Another Law Firm in Ecuador

Amy Guthrie | June 23, 2022

The absorption of Estudio Central in the city of Cuenca adds four partners and a fourth office for the firm in Ecuador.

2 minute read

Change Is on the Way. Law Firms Are Getting Ready

Lisa Shuchman | June 20, 2022

Social and economic factors are pushing the legal profession to embrace change, although there are places where it is still falling short, writes Lisa Shuchman in this week's Global Lawyer.

9 minute read