Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has been distinguished as the only Panamanian Latin Lawyer Elite Transactional Powerhouse Firm since 2016.  

It is with a sense of pride and great satisfaction that ARIFA receives the honor of being among this prestigious group of selected firms.

The first list of Elite Latin American law firms was finalized at the end 2015 and published at the start of 2016. This represents the seventh time Latin Lawyer publishes this list of law firms identified as leaders in their market, and ARIFA is privileged to have gained this distinction in all occasions.

 “Backed by over a century of history, Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has established itself a reputation as one of the top providers of transactional excellence in Panama’s legal market. Now, it stands tall as a full-service firm with a market-leading offering that regularly attracts high-profile mandates from clients across the world.

Taking a business-oriented approach, ARIFA prefers to focus on industries rather than practice areas, which bolsters its ability to hone its understanding of the areas its clients work in. The firm’s ‘360 Legal Solutions’ group, which is led by co-managing partner and corporate expert Rodrigo Cardoze, epitomises the firm’s broad-reaching transactional prowess by offering a ‘one-stop-shop’ service to companies, which caters for their every need. This group is a key draw for multinational corporations that are seeking support for finance mandates.  A strong contingent of M&A lawyers also lays solid foundations for complex, multijurisdictional cross-border acquisitions and joint ventures. As a result, its lawyers have advised on some of the most important transactions in the local and international markets.

When it comes to more mid-size finance transactions, companies tend to look to Panama as a competitive alternative, especially when compared to pricier hubs. Deals of this kind are also more secure, as they benefit from Panama’s well-developed legislative framework. ARIFA has already capitalised upon this trend by asserting itself as the first port of call for such deals.  

Leveraging the strengths of its corporate, M&A and banking and finance groups, the firm’s project finance and infrastructure practice is also a magnet for prominent, big-ticket Panamanian deals. It most recently demonstrated its strength when it helped Japanese bank Mizuho grant a US$1.4 billion structure financing package to a consortium of Chinese engineering companies, for the construction of a fourth bridge over the Panama Canal. ARIFA’s intellectual property, disputes and real estate practices are also a key draw for clients looking for multidisciplinary advice. The firm is actively looking at incorporating hospitality into the latter group, which is led by partner Fernando Arias F., to target mandates within Panama’s tourism sector.

ARIFA is dedicated to ensuring that its talent is at the heart of every deal – lawyers are given opportunities to gain experience in a way that keeps its clientele happy at the same time. Adopting a human and sensitive approach, the firm is initiative-taking in its transactional management and can galvanise a team of lawyers quickly and effectively when a deal comes its way. This strategy has also led to an increase in referrals from its counterparts, which has had a domino effect on its workload and trusted reputation in the local market.

Lawyers at ARIFA undergo a rigorous hiring process to land themselves a role at the firm, which helps to ensure that a standard of excellence is maintained. Overseas education is a must-have asset here, with a high percentage of its practitioners – at all levels – having obtained degrees from leading US universities. Knowledge is also shared amongst the ranks – from the most senior to the younger members of the team – which not only enriches the expertise of lawyers but also fosters a powerful sense of camaraderie that is essential to success."

 Latin Lawyer

According to Latin Lawyer, the list is the result of extensive research into Latin Lawyer 250 member firms. Legal firms identified as leading institutions in their market received superior scores in five core areas: service offer, institutional strength, international outlook, financial health and social responsibility.

The firm wishes to express its gratitude to Latin Lawyer for being considered to merit this outstanding distinction.