Latin Lawyer Elite Firm (2016-2026)

Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega ha sido distinguida como la única Latin Lawyer Elite Transactional Powerhouse Firm en Panamá desde 2016.

Es con orgullo y gran satisfacción que ARIFA recibe el honor de pertenecer a este grupo selecto de prestigiosas firmas legales.

Los primeros Latin Lawyer Elite Firms fueron reconocidos a fines de 2015 y dados a conocer a principios de 2016. Esta es la séptima vez que Latin Lawyer publica esta lista de bufetes de abogados identificados como líderes en sus respectivos mercados y ARIFA tiene el privilegio de haber ganado esta distinción en todas las ocasiones.

 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

Según Latin Lawyer, las Elite Firms 2024 son el resultado de una extensa investigación realizada entre las firmas previamente identificadas por Latin Lawyer 250. Las firmas legales destacadas como líderes, obtuvieron calificaciones superiores en cinco áreas principales: oferta de servicios, fortaleza institucional, proyección internacional, solidez financiera y responsabilidad social.

La firma desea expresar su gratitud a Latin Lawyer por ser considerada merecedora de esta destacada distinción.