A&O Shearman's Latin America banking and finance practice is the product of two strong legacy teams from Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, following the merger of the two in 2024. The combined firm now has a breadth of senior talent in banking and finance that is unmatched by the rest of the market, and has furthered its reputation in renewable energy, conventional power, infrastructure and mining financings. Moreover, it continues to lead the market in energy transition and renewable energy, and represents an impressive range of commercial lenders and multilateral agencies (MLAs) such as International Finance Corporation and IDB Invest. Denise Grant is co-head of the Latin America group and has an outstanding record in acquisition finance, corporate loans and restructurings across key jurisdictions such as Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Chile, Peru and Brazil. Dorina Yessios is US head of the energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, and has a long track record in Latin America financings, particularly in digital infrastructure, infrastructure and power. Washington DC-based Sami Mir is co-head of the Latin America group and has close connections to influential MLAs, along with export credit agencies (ECAs) and commercial lenders. Todd Koretzky and Alexandra de Padua provide further senior expertise in leveraged finance and syndicated loans, both having a significant focus on Latin America. Dual qualified in New York and Peru, Augusto Ruiloba has advised clients in a series of recent landmark financings, while Robert O’Leary is another key partner. All named figures are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a market leading Latin America practice with a significant presence in banking and finance, particularly debt restructurings, bankruptcies, special situations and private credit transactions. It remains at the forefront of the Mexico and Brazil markets with additional strong trajectories in Argentina, Chile, and other growing markets such as Paraguay and Bolivia. The firm has worked on a series of major new money financings in Brazil, including private credit financings. It represents an impressive range of Latin American financial institutions, state-owned entities and major companies, along with financial sponsors and bondholders. The firm and the Latin America team also continue to standout for sustainability-linked credit facilities and ESG-related transactions. Richard Cooper is a clear leader in Latin America debt restructurings and bankruptcies, including Chapter 11 cases; he is particularly known for debtor and bondholder representations, especially in Brazil and Mexico. Sao Paulo-based Francisco Cestero has made a considerable impression on the market, having represented clients in a series of landmark and market-defining financings, restructurings and bankruptcies; this included acting for Samarco in connection with its restructuring proceedings and lawsuits filed by its creditors involving over $10bn of debt. Carina Wallance was elected to the partnership in January 2025 and also has a background in Latin America restructurings and refinancings. Adam Brenneman left the firm in May 2025. All named individuals are based in New York.

 

Clifford Chance fields a large Latin America banking and finance team, primarily based in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Madrid and Sao Paulo. The group is best known for its representation of development finance institutions (DFIs), MLAs and ECAs, along with its breadth of experience across the region, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay. The firm is also noted for its experience in debt restructuring and bankruptcy, particularly in the aviation sector; it advised parties in the recent Chapter 11 proceedings of Avianca, Aeromexico, Azul and LATAM airlines. ESG and sustainability-linked financings are another forte for the team. Washington DC-based Fabricio Longhin is a senior member of the Americas energy and infrastructure group, with an outstanding record in Latin America project finance and acquisition finance. Washington DC’s Jessica Springsteen is another key member of the practice, a Peruvian-American, she has a primary focus on Latin America energy and infrastructure finance. Hugo Triaca has extensive experience in Latin America bank lending and capital markets transactions. Daniel Winick is increasingly active in bank lending to the Brazil market, with Michelle McGreal playing a key role in restructurings in the wider Latin America region. Washington DC-based Alberto Haito is the key name at counsel level. Senior name Gianluca Bacchiocchi returned to the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2025. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Former counsel Andrés Berry left the firm in Octoer 2025.

Milbank has a prestigious background in Latin America energy and infrastructure finance. Project finance, acquisition finance and restructurings are also very much fortes for the firm, which has a substantial Latin America team, primarily located in New York and Sao Paulo. The Latin America group continues to have close connections to international lenders, financial sponsors and a number of regional borrowers. Carlos Albarracin is a recognised Latin America specialist with a focus on capital markets, financings and restructurings throughout the region, notably in the energy, infrastructure and telecom sectors. Daniel Bartfeld is chair of the firm’s global project, energy and infrastructure finance group and has a tremendous record in Latin America transactions. Jaime Ramirez has also built a formidable reputation in Latin America energy and infrastructure finance, including digital infrastructure financings. Roland Estevez provides further senior expertise in Latin America renewable energy financings, while Andres Osornio Ocaranza  is key name at senior counsel level. Sao Paulo-based Tobias Stirnberg and Fabiana Sakai are versatile lawyers with extensive backgrounds in financings, including project finance. Leading practitioner Adam Brenneman joined from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in May 2025, bringing further senior expertise in special situations financings and restructurings in Latin America. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

White & Case LLP has one of the largest Latin America-focused banking and finance teams in the market. Spread across multiple offices (particularly New York, Miami, Houston and Sao Paulo), it has built an outstanding record in energy and infrastructure finance, and represents a multitude of commercial lenders, DFIs, MLAs, ECAs and corporate borrowers and sponsors. During 2024, the Latin America team advised on approximately 80 debt finance matters, involving 67 clients and 16 countries. It has an established presence in traditional bank finance, corporate financings, syndicated lending, acquisition finance, structured finance, and trade and commodity-based financings, along with project finance, asset finance and restructurings. Carlos Viana has an outstanding record in energy and infrastructure finance, including project financings and acquisition financings. Sao Paulo executive partner John Anderson, a native Portuguese speaker, is a senior figure in Brazil acquisition financings, trade finance and restructurings. Sabrena Silver is a leading name in structured finance and acquisition finance. Anna Andreeva is another key figure with a background in project finance, asset finance, acquisition finance and structured finance. John K Cunningham and Richard Kebrdle are experienced practitioners in Latin America debt restructurings and bankruptcies; this includes advising WOM, the Chile-based telecoms provider, on its Chapter 11 proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. At associate level, Houston-based Adrian Leal impresses.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has demonstrated a true commitment to Latin America over the last 20 years, including through its banking and finance practice, which continues to represent a variety of banks  and direct lenders, corporate borrowers, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, across a range of jurisdictions and industries including oil-and-gas, energy and infrastructure, airlines, fintech, consumer retail and real estate. It continues to advise on many landmark financings, including a series of sustainability-linked loans, along with a number of debtor-in-possession (DIP) loans and bridge facilities. The team is largely located in New York and Sao Paulo, and was expanded by the arrival of Elena Maria Millerman as co-head of the infrastructure finance practice, who has worked on a number of financings in Latin America. James Florack is co-head of the global sponsor finance practice and head of the Latin America finance group. Based in Sao Paulo for over 20 years, James Vickers has an extensive background in energy and infrastructure finance, covering Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and many other Latin America jurisdictions. Head of the Latin America group, Manuel Garciadiaz splits his time between Sao Paulo and New York, and is noted for structured finance and project financings, alongside his primary area of capital markets work. Maurice Blanco is also based between Sao Paulo and New York, mixing his practice between bank finance and capital markets. Washington DC-based David Penna specialises in energy and infrastructure finance, including acquisition and project financings. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a large US-based Latin America team based across its New York, Miami, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Diego and Houston offices, backed by teams in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. It has established expertise in cross-border acquisition finance and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Mexico and Brazil are its primary markets, though it has a significant presence in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Central America, along with the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. It now represents a range of borrowers and sponsors, along with banks, DFIs and MLAs. The firm has expanded its presence in acquisition finance and project finance through a series of senior lateral hires in recent years, notably Bruno Soares who joined in February 2024 and has established the firm’s foreign legal consultancy in Sao Paulo. Bank regulatory matters are another strength for the Latin America team. New York-based Margarita Oliva Sainz de Aja is co-leader of the US-Latam finance group and is an experienced figure in project finance for multilateral agencies, commercial lenders, sponsors and project companies; she has played an integral role in developing the team’s connections to European DFIs and MLAs. Robert da Silva Ashley splits his time between New York and Miami, and is a recognised specialist in Latin America project finance and acquisition finance, particularly in Mexico. Puerto Rico-based José Sosa-Lloréns is a leader in banking regulatory matters. Mexico’s Edgar Romo and Chile-based Mauricio Halpern are also key partners.

Latham & Watkins LLP has a tremendous record in energy and infrastructure finance. It continues to be noted for acquisition and leveraged finance operations on behalf of major international banks and remains active in advice to private equity sponsors and numerous Latin American borrowers. The Latin America banking and finance team features a number of Latin American natives, along with a multitude of fluent Spanish and Portuguese speakers. It has a reputation for highly structured financings and hybrid transactions involving bank and bond debt. Digital infrastructure financings, along with special situations and restructurings are also sweet spots for the team. Guido Liniado has a blossoming reputation, particularly in acquisition financings and multi-source financings. Pedro Rufino Carvalho joined the London office from Patria Investments in August 2024, bringing further experience in Latin America corporate transactions, financings and restructurings; he was previously a partner and head of the Latin America practice at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP. Latin America financing specialist Marcela Ruenes was promoted to the partnership in March 2025, providing additional senior-level experience in private credit and syndicated debt transactions. Washington DC-based Carlos Ardila is another key energy and infrastructure finance specialist. Gianluca Bacchiocchi left the firm in February 2025. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Mayer Brown has dedicated extensive expertise and resources to the Latin America region through its New York, Chicago and Houston offices, as well as in Brazil through its association with Tauil & Chequer Advogados. It has an established record in energy and infrastructure finance, with a particularly strong reputation in derivatives, other structured finance products, warehouse financing, receivables financing and Diversified Payment Rights (DPR) securitisations. Fintech is another speciality for the team. It has close links to Latin American and international banks, along with a number of DFIs. Douglas Doetsch has vast experience in structured credit transactions and cross-border securitisations, especially future cash flow securitisations. Maria Alevras-Chen is an emerging name in the team with a major focus on Latin America, particularly structured finance and fintech. Born in Argentina, Washington DC-based Gabriela Sakamoto specialises in Latin America project finance and acquisition finance; while Colombia native Juan Pablo Moreno is based in New York and has developed a prolific record in corporate finance, structured finance and project finance across multiple jurisdictions. Named individuals are based in Chicago unless stated otherwise.

Norton Rose Fulbright is unique in having a large team of banking and finance specialists based in Sao Paulo. The wider group is spread across Mexico City, New York, Houston and Washington DC, the latter office having a pivotal role in representing DFIs and MLAs. The large department covers a broad variety of transactions, from acquisition finance to aviation finance, project finance, structured trade finance, and restructurings. It is also close to large number of international banks, Latin America-based banks, DFIs and MLAs. In Washington DC, Marissa Leigh Alcala is relationship partner for DFC, which frequently brings her into Latin America financings. New York’s Todd Alexander has a background in Latin America financings, including recent deals in Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Raquel Bierzwinsky splits her time between New York and Mexico City, maintaining a major focus on the Mexican power market. The large Sao Paulo office has a primary focus on banking and finance and restructuring work with Charles Johnson (based there since 2002) having an outstanding reputation; he is backed by a team including Michael McCourt, Daniel Spencer, Silvia Fazio, newly promoted partner José Cobeña and counsel Diego Brandão. All named individuals are based in Sao Paulo unless stated otherwise. Sarah Devine has left the firm.

Proskauer Rose LLP has an established presence in Latin America banking and finance, largely driven by its sizeable Sao Paulo office. In Brazil, the firm has three finance partners with Antonio Piccirillo heading the office, while also spending part of his time in New York. The team has extensive expertise in UK and New York law, covering pre-export and trade finance, acquisition finance and project finance, along with syndicated term and revolving loans, and derivatives. It has continued to work on a series of corporate loans, along with headline project financings and other notable transactions. Clients include a range of Latin American corporates, including energy companies, as well as regional and international banks. David Fenwick and Fábio Yamada are also prominent partners in Sao Paulo, along with special counsel Saulo de Padua.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a sizeable team of true Latin America specialists based across its New York and Sao Paulo offices. Banking and finance transactions are central to the Latin America practice with it continuing to represent major international banks (such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase), regional banks, private equity funds, private credit and alternative lenders, along with a range of Latin American borrowers. The practice ranges from syndicated loans and acquisition financings, to structured export financings, securitisations transactions, project finance and out-of-court restructurings. Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico are key markets for the team. Juan Francisco Méndez is a senior member of the practice with an active presence in syndicated loans and acquisition financings. Juan Naveira is close to a number of leading banks and private equity funds. Both partners are based in New York.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has a long-established Latin America group with a deep presence in Mexico, Brazil and across the region. It has close connections to corporates and private equity funds, along with investment banks, commercial banks, private equity sponsors, hedge funds and other financing sources. It remains active in syndicated loans, acquisition financings and project financings. ESG and sustainability-linked loans are an additional strength for the Latin America team. Alejandro González Lazzeri has a prolific record in Latin America financings, both for lenders and borrowers, and he is backed by Jose Nicolas Perez-Sierra at counsel level. Both are based in New York and teamed up to advise Exhibidora Mexicana Cinépolis (and other borrowers and guarantors) on a $1.29bn dual-currency (with a US dollar tranche and Mexican peso tranche) senior unsecured term loan facility.

Arnold & Porter's esteemed Latin America group is widely recognised for sovereign finance, including the financing of major infrastructure projects, although it has greatly expanded and diversified its banking and finance practice in recent years. The team has developed further prominence in corporate and agency lending, representing a range of commercial banks, agencies and multilaterals, borrowers and sponsors. It has also emerged as a force in derivatives, securitisations and structured finance, including diversified payment rights (DPR) transactions. The firm is further noted for representing sovereign states in connection with the restructuring and insolvency of local corporates. Gregory Harrington is a leading sovereign finance lawyer, who frequently advises Latin American banks on transactions and regulatory matters. New York’s Christopher Willott is an experienced banking and finance specialist with an extensive record in Latin America lending and project finance transactions. Whitney Debevoise is another immensely experienced sovereign finance specialist. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Baker McKenzie LLP has continued to develop its standing in restructurings, bank loans and direct lending. The Latin America team, with its now established New York group led by the eminent Michael Fitzgerald, has a major presence in credit facilities and restructurings in Mexico, including Chapter 11 filings. The US-based group has close connections to banks and direct lenders, although it is now working with a growing number of regional corporates thanks to its collaborative efforts with the firm’s Latin American offices. ESG and sustainability-linked loans also continue to be a strength for the team. It has an especially notable record in the real estate sector, especially in Mexico. Along with Mexico, the team is also active in the Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru markets, among others. Joy Gallup is noted for cross-border debt restructurings and liability management exercises, along with Arturo Carrillo. Steven Sandretto plays a pivotal role on Brazil financings. Named individuals are all based in New York.

Dechert LLP has a longstanding presence in Latin America financial restructurings and insolvencies. It has a fine record in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Puerto Rico, among other markets. It continues to represent ad hoc groups of bondholders, ad hoc groups of lenders and unsecured creditors’ committees in major restructurings across the region. The firm acted for the PREPA Ad Hoc Group, formed in connection with the Title III reorganisation of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). It has also built a significant reputation advising on debtor-in-possession financings. Allan Brilliant is co-chair of the global financial restructuring practice and has an extensive record in Latin America matters. David Herman is another senior practitioner who represents debtors, official and ad hoc committees, creditors, asset acquirers and other interested parties in Chapter 11 cases and in sovereign and governmental debt restructurings. Associate Isaac Stevens is another key team member. Named individuals are all based in New York.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP's Latin America banking and finance practice handles a strong mix of transactional and regulatory matters. The transactional practice covers syndicated loans through to structured finance with an emphasis on acquisition and leveraged finance, along with project finance; the team has also worked on a number of diversified payment rights (DPR) deals. As regards financial regulatory and compliance matters, the firm has further grown its presence in licensing, chartering and partnerships, as well as remittances, digital wallets and lending products. It has experienced further growth in advising international banks on developing their operations and services in Latin America, and has assisted a series of Latin America-based financial institutions to establish a presence in the US. Emilio Alvarez-Farré is a Latin America specialist with a primary focus on financing transactions. Marina Olman-Pal is co-chair of the financial regulatory and compliance practice, and has a major emphasis on Latin America. Both are based in Miami.

Holland & Knight LLP has large and highly-credible Latin America practice, which includes a heavy diet of banking and finance engagements. It has an extensive record in corporate financings, project financings, and restructurings and insolvencies. The Latin America banking and finance team is especially known for syndicated loans, acquisition financings and project financings, along with structured finance and securitisations. Its clients include a long list of commercial lenders, ECAs, development banks, developers and corporate borrowers. Moreover, it has a thriving relationship with IDB Invest for which it has closed a series of financings across Latin America. New York-based Stephen Double's practice spans capital markets and debt finance, including syndicated lending, acquisition finance and structured finance. The highly experienced Norberto Quintana (based in New York and Washington DC) is rated for energy and infrastructure project financings, as is Lara Rios (New York and Miami), who is taking increasingly prominent roles in major deals. New York associate Maria De Bedout is also a key member of the team. Washington DC-based Tadeo Martinez joined the firm from Inter-American Development Bank in September 2024.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP has a long history in syndicated and bilateral loan facilities, particularly in Brazil, although Mexico is another key market for the Latin America team. It has extensive experience in acquisition financings, trade finance, project finance and financial restructurings. It also has a strong focus on aviation finance. With a largely lender-driven practice, the Latin America team advises the likes of Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, which it represented in a large sustainability-linked credit facility for Suzano. Sustainability linked loans have become a common feature of the practice in recent times. Emilio Saiz is chair of the Latin America group and managing partner of the Miami office. Mark Denham has a background in Brazil and has advised on multiple financings in the aviation industry.  The October 2025 hire of Andrés Berry, as a partner, from Clifford Chance further strengthens the team; he typically advises corporates, sponsors and financial institutions on financing transactions.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has an impressive background in representing international banks and multilateral development banks in large and mid-cap financings in Latin America. Regular clients include IDB Invest, Inter-American Development Bank and International Finance Corporation. The Latin America team also advises a number of Latin America-based banks and financial institutions, and is additionally noted for sovereign loans and lending to Latin America banks themselves. The firm has impressive geographic coverage and has achieved further prominence in green financings and sustainability-linked loans. Fernando Alonso is chair of the Latin America group, a versatile practitioner with a long track record in major Latin America financings, along with banking and financial institutions M&A. Washington DC-based Vera Rechsteiner is a prominent figure in energy and infrastructure financings, representing a range of commercial lenders and multilateral development banks. Uriel Mendieta is another key figure in infrastructure financings, including subsea fibre optic cable systems and broader digital infrastructure transactions. Also in Washington DC, Alejandro Silva has made a valuable contribution to the team’s standing, and is particularly noted for multilateral development bank financings in Latin America. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP remains well-known for bilateral and club loans in Brazil, Mexico and across Latin America. Many of these are mid-market financings, particularly trade and pre-payment deals. It has an established record in acquisition and leveraged finance, debt restructurings and has emerging presence in litigation funding. Debt private placements and securitisation are also sweet spots for the Latin America team, which often works alongside colleagues from across the firm. The group has close connections to major commercial lenders including various HSBC operating companies and ING. It also has strong relationships with creditors in significant debt restructurings. New York partner and co-chair of the firm’s Latin America practice, Thomas Mellor is a hugely experienced global finance lawyer with a substantial focus on the region, traditionally Brazil, but now with a real geographic spread; along with bank lending, Mellor is also a prominent figure in litigation funding across Latin America. Houston’s John Crespo, Humberto Padilla Gonzalez and Felipe Alice are also key figures in energy and infrastructure finance; while Washington DC partner Ulises Pin is noted for financings in the TMT sector (including submarine cable projects), and is a growing force in the wider digital infrastructure sector.

Winston & Strawn LLP has continued to expand its presence in financings, financial services and fintech. Its sizeable team, located primarily in New York, Miami and Sao Paulo, brings extensive expertise to the market. From its large Miami office, the firm is at the forefront of advising fintech businesses in Latin America. The Miami team is also rated for cryptocurrencies, blockchain and digital assets, along with general financial-services regulatory issues. Moreover, the firm’s large corporate client base in Latin America frequently requires financing advice. Brazil, Mexico and Chile are prime markets for the financing side of the practice. The vastly experienced Talbert Navia leads the Latin America team from New York and has a background in multiple areas, including financings. New York's Claude Serfilippi is noted for capital markets, securitisations, future flow transactions, and other structured financing transactions. Carl Fornaris is co-chair of the financial services group and co-chair of the digital assets and blockchain technology team, maintaining a strong focus on Latin America. Los Angeles partner Francisco Flores has had a significant role in developing the firm’s Latin America finance and structured finance practice. Rodrigo Carvalho is managing partner of the Sao Paulo office, has strong connections to international and regional lenders, and has a major presence in corporate and project financings, including green and sustainability-linked financings. Chair of the projects practice, Richard Puttré is a big name in project finance, especially in the renewables and infrastructure sectors. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Cuatrecasas maintains strong teams in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Its banking and finance practice ranges from corporate finance, structured finance and real estate finance to asset finance, leveraged and acquisition finance, project and infrastructure finance, and financing and debt restructuring. It has worked on a series of headline acquisition financings, refinancings and project financings in recent times. Clients include a sizeable number of regional and international banks. It also advised EdgeConneX Chile on a $200m refinancing. Bogota partner Manuel Quinche is noted for acquisition finance, structured finance and project finance. Roberto Guerrero and Macarena Ravinet are prominent practitioners in Santiago, as is Alfonso Ugarte, who recently returned from an extended stint at the firm's New York office. León López has a key role in Mexico City; while in Lima, Aldo Reggiardo is another established name. In Madrid, Carlos Lasarte has a focus on Latin America having previously practised in the region.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP's Latin America team has a fine reputation in energy and infrastructure finance, including financings relating to public-private partnerships in the transport infrastructure segment. The group is also active in debt financings, including private credit financings, to Latin American energy and infrastructure businesses. It advised subsidiaries of Frontera Energy Corporation, as borrower and guarantors, on a $120m term loan to refinance existing indebtedness of Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahía. Tomer Pinkusiewicz is co-chair of the Latin America practice and an experienced figure in energy and infrastructure finance. Toren Murphy focuses on transportation infrastructure financings and has a sizeable focus on Latin America. Both partners are based in New York.

King & Spalding‘s Latin America banking and finance practice is largely centred in Miami, where the team has a major focus on infrastructure and telecoms financings. Moreover, the group is noted for project and acquisition financings connected to large energy and infrastructure projects throughout LatinAmerica; this includes private placements and sustainability-linked facilities. The team represents a range of sponsors and developers, structuring banks and lenders. Fradyn Suárez is a prominent practitioner in infrastructure, telecoms and hospitality sector financings throughout the region; she has strong links to international lenders and a number of borrowers/sponsors. Jessica Mendoza was promoted to the partnership in January 2025, bringing further high-level expertise to the senior ranks. Both partners are based in Miami.