Hogan Lovells' Mexican team provides one of the broadest arbitration offerings in the jurisdiction, excelling both in international arbitration and across an array of domestic arbitral matters - most notably commercial, energy and construction cases. Handling a health caseload of US-Mexico cross border mandates the firm’s Mexico City and Monterrey offices work closely with their counterparts across the US (most notably New York and Miami); while more broadly the firm’s global presence (particularly its offices in Madrid, Paris and London) bolsters its multi-jurisdictional capability. The automotive and energy sectors both stand out as particular areas of expertise, yielding a varied slate of matters. Dispute resolution specialist Omar Guerrero is a renowned figure in complex arbitration mandates, either as party counsel or as sole arbitrator; he also has strong litigious and competition capabilities. Guerrero co-leads the arbitration department with Luis Enrique Graham, a similarly celebrated senior figure for arbitral matters in Mexico. Monterrey-based partner Alejandro García González, whose broad dispute resolution practice includes expertise in national and international commercial arbitration, is an additional experienced name. Further strength-in-depth is evident beneath partner level, with key figures including: counsel Juan Arturo Dueñas, who has considerable experience in energy sector arbitration; senior associate Orlando Cabrera, who advises governments and corporate investors on dispute resolution and political risk management; and fellow senior associate Eduardo Lobatón, who divides his time between the Miami and Mexico City offices and handles a varied international arbitration caseload.

With an extensive client list of majority international companies, the arbitration department at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC has long been regarded as a powerhouse in the field, acting in a broad range of industrial and business sectors and deeply experienced across a variety of arbitration rules. International arbitration and disputes against government entities are particular areas of strength, particularly when the cases are effectively multidisciplinary, such as combining commercial and administrative law. A further niche differentiation is the firm’s strong reputation with Japanese clients. Two pillars of the Mexican arbitration market jointly oversee the department. Veteran practitioner Claus von Wobeser continues to be a key voice in the firm’s teams of leading counsel for a number of its most prominent cases. Alongside him, Adrián Magallanes maintains a stellar practice in both arbitration and litigation, and excels in the energy sector, which has been a major driver of dispute resolution work during the last Presidential sexenio. With 20 years’ experience, Montserrat Manzano is also a key figure (both as arbitrator and counsel); she has particular expertise regarding investor-state arbitral mandates, and more generally handles complex arbitration matters across a broad range of jurisdictions and sectors. Manzano also advises on structuring assets under investment treaties. At more junior partner level Raymundo Soberanis (who primarily focuses on energy-related disputes); the dual-qualified (New York/Mexico) Pablo Fautsch; and Jessika Rocha, all handle arbitration, litigation, anti-corruption and compliance matters in relation to a range of industries. Another standout up-and-coming name is counsel Rodrigo Barradas, whose recent caseload has seen him representing clients in disputes with Mexican state-owned enterprises and contractors. Former associate Rodrigo Macín left the firm in May 2024.

DLA Piper Mexico continues to build out its presence in domestic arbitral matters, where it already demonstrates particular strength in energy sector disputes. The practice is nevertheless perhaps better known for its stellar international arbitration offering, with the Mexico City office acting as a regional hub for the practice, and which is, in turn, a key component of the firm’s global dispute resolution offering. Global head of the firm’s internatioal arbitral practice as well as co-head of the (local) team Kate Brown de Vejar is one of the foremost names in Mexico for international commercial and investment arbitration, practicing US and Australian law. Co-head of the Latin America disputes group, Gabriela Álvarez-Ávila‘s international arbitration practice evidences particularly expertise in disputes relating to investment law and high-stakes’ transactions in infrastructure, banking, energy and TMT. Both partners are currently co-leading on GoldGroup Resources’ case against Mexico under the sunset clauses of the USMCA and NAFTA chapter 11 and arising from the judicial expropriation of the client’s shares in a mining company The practice heads are supported by intermediate associate Irene Cuéllar Araiza, who joined from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle S.C. in May 2023; and more recent counsel-level hire Juan Pablo Moyano, an April 2024 hire from Holland & Knight. In addition, litigators Antonio Cárdenas and Daniel González Estrada provide valuable advice in matters that have dual arbitration and litigation components.

Highlighted for its 'significant commercial management capacity' and 'ability to understand highly technical and complex matters', Galicia Abogados S.C.'s arbitration practice has had a significant impact on the market since its establishment in 2015. In arbitrations against Mexican state-owned entities in the infrastructure, construction, and energy spaces, the firm has gained a strong hold, leading counsel in a number of significant cases. Practitioners have substantial experience in international and domestic arbitration, administered by a number of different arbitral institutions. Leadership of the practice group is split between Cecilia Azar, one of the country’s most sought-after arbitrators and expert in cases relating to energy, infrastructure and construction, as well as commercial mediations; and Rodrigo Zamora an equally renowned senior figure in multi-jurisdictional arbitration. At associate level, primary support is provided by seniors Santiago Oñate (construction, public works' contracts and energy) and José Antonio Casas (construction, energy, hydrocarbons, real estate, finance and corporate disputes), who both undertake arbitration and commercial litigation with regard to their respective areas of expertise.

Alongside its renowned heavyweight offering in litigation, Malpica, Iturbe, Buj y Paredes, S.C. has an arbitration practice that acts in a significant number of substantial and significant arbitrations, including investment arbitrations subject to international treaties. The team - which demonstrates 'unmatched commercial sense, multidisciplinary capability and a high sense of ethics and duty', recently acted in several commercial arbitrations in the energy sector, for clients including Engie, AES, and FV Mexsolar; and is also counsel in two current investment arbitrations against Mexico. Furthermore, the team is also working on the early stages of new international arbitration cases against Mexico, pursuant to NAFTA and the Brazil-Mexico Investment Protection Treaty. One of the firm’s founding partners,the 'excellent' Rolando Zarate is an expert in both commercial and ICC arbitration; he has recently co-led counsel to key energy sector clients, in conjunction with senior partner Carlos Malpica, senior partner singled out as 'simply extraordinary' by one client. Horacio Paredes is the contact to note for arbitrations in the energy sector; and July 2024 partner promotion Alejandro Agredano has also played a role in several recent arbitration proceedings.

International arbitration specialist Wöss & Partners is a well respected name in both commercial and investment arbitrations, concentrating mostly on cases centred on infrastructure and energy projects, and having particular expertise in all aspects of damages matters. Figureheads and co-leaders of the practice Herfried Wöss and Adriana San Román are both standout figures when it comes to international arbitration - primarily as regards the Latin America region, a well as points of reference when it comes to damages issues. The practice is currently handling matters -as party counsel, arbitrator, adjudicator and/or damages experts- with aggregate value of over $400m.   can draw on over 25 years' experience in arbitration and associate matters; while San Román - who is not a lawyer- has over 30 years' financial expertise, including a stint at the Banco Nacional de México; the pair lead bespoke teams drawn from across the firm's Washington DC, Lima and Vienna offices (as well as Mexico), with a central focus on construction, project and energy infrastructure disputes. 'Outstanding senior associate' Víctor Manuel Osante is one of the key lawyers to note in supporting the practice heads.

‘Able to present very complex legal arguments in a compelling and clear manner‘, the arbitration team at Bufete Asali handles an impressive breadth of cases, with recent highlights in the country’s growing landscape of energy sector disputes (wind turbine manufacturer Nordex being a key client), as well as cases in the finance and technology spaces. Luis Asali and Jorge Asali jointly oversee the department. Both have considerable experience across the full range of dispute resolution methods in Mexico, and in arbitration are well versed in representation of multinational companies under various rules. Jorge excels in investment arbitration; while Luis is praised – alongside senior associate Santiago Escobar – for making ‘innovative and well-based legal arguments‘. With a niche specalism in maritime law, Omar Colomé is an additional senior associate of note. The practice was boosted in May 2024 by the May 2024 arrival of Rodrigo Macín -fomerly at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC- as a senior associate.

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. fields a strong arbitration practice that coordinates with the firm’s teams in administrative litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods to support clients in the context of cross-border transactions and projects. The department is well versed in various kinds of disputes and acting under the distinct rules of differing domestic and international arbitral institutions and seats. Mexico’s most active sectors when it comes to complex disputes are all represented in the team’s slate of work; infrastructure, energy and hospitality all cropping up regularly. Practice head Elsa Ortega has experience acting as party counsel, sole arbitrator and chair of arbitral tribunals in cases both domestic and international. Senior arbitrator and of counsel to the team, former judge of the International Court of Justice Bernardo Sepúlveda Amor is a key reference point for the department; while Sofía Gómez Ruano (‘particularly responsive and pragmatic‘) focuses on domestic and international commercial arbitration and commercial mediation. ‘An excellent lawyer with a lot of experience in arbitration matters‘, highly-regarded counsel Luis Jardón is the leading figure beneath partner level; he specialises in dispute resolution, regulatory law and international investment protection law.

The arbitration department at Spanish firm Cuatrecasas' Mexico City office continues to excel in energy, construction and infrastructure project disputes. The team leans on the wider firm’s international presence to handle multi-jurisdictional cases and is spearheaded by René Irra, 'a point of reference' in the market. He is seasoned as party counsel and sole arbitrator, and is an expert on Mexican law in proceedings outside Mexico. Young partner Miguel Ángel Ortiz is an up-and-coming figure in international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, drawing on professional experience in the federal public sector, at institutions relating to the energy, infrastructure and international trade arenas. At associate level, senior Elisa Legorreta has experience in domestic and international arbitration administered by the ICC, LCIA, CAM and CANACO, among others.

The considerable international heft of White & Case S.C. is brought to bear on a range of international arbitrations relating to Mexico, with its local (Mexico City-based) team coordinating closely with some of the firm’s US offices to advise a prestigious client base of multinationals on matters that include investor-state, commercial and tax arbitrations, among other segments. Dual-qualified (Paraguay/New York) practice head Rafael Llano (‘great quality but low profile; he’s brilliant‘, according to one international peer) is a deeply seasoned practitioner, a member of the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators, and a recent lead representative of ICC México before the ICC’s World Arbitration Commission (2022-24); locally he focuses on the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors in Mexico (arising out of recent political and legal instabilities), but his broader practice has a strong regional aspect. Francisco de Rosenzweig is the key Mexico-qualified partner at the Mexico City office, with a particular focus on matters arising from project and asset-based financing. January 2024 partner promotion Marièle Coulet-Diaz is a further US-qualified contact to note; while local partner Carlos Véjar -who joined from Holland & Knight in August 2023- has international trade expertise in addition to his arbitral practice.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle S.C. and its US offices have a strong presence in the Mexican international arbitration market with its Mexico City office playing a significant role in multi-jurisdictional teams (generally led from New York or Washington DC), and acting both in cases requiring Mexican law expertise and international disputes. The practice also has a robust commercial arbitration offering that continues to diversify in terms of the types of case handled and is experienced acting under the auspices of UNCITRAL, ICC and the AAA rules. Eloy Barbará de Parres heads the team and is particularly well known as counsel to state entities in the oil-and-gas sector. Javier Jiménez Gutiérrez is an experienced figure in commercial arbitration across various sectors; while Ricardo Mier y Teran is gaining impressive experience in acting for states, state-owned entities and private companies in arbitrations around the world. Associate Irene Cuéllar Araiza departed the firm in May 2023.

Specialist dispute resolution boutique Fonseca, Rodríguez, Perchemlian & Martínez Abogados has a decade’s experience in the market and acts in international and domestic commercial arbitrations, as well as investment cases. Senior figure Salvador Fonseca ‘stands out in all aspects‘ and has approaching 40 years’ experience as an advocate and arbitrator in both international and local arbitrations under a host of rulesets.

With a particularly notable client base in the energy sector, Pérez Correa González is particularly strong in arbitrations that requite close knowledge of industry specific regulations. The practice has capability and experience in cross-border cases involving US law, with other frequent areas of work including the annulment of arbitral awards, manufacturing contract disputes and tax-related arbitration. The practice is co-led by Fernando Pérez Correa, who has a particular focus on matters involving innovative companies in their respective sectors; José Covarrubias, who is especially well regarded in energy sector disputes (particularly those involving the CFE); and Zulima González, whose specialism is cases involving insolvency and bankruptcy.

Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.'s arbitration practice 'demonstrates an excellent ability to handle complex and sensitive cases', particularly in the energy and infrastructure space, in which the firm has a well-established client base; recent mandates for the 'young team' - which nevertheless has 'great experience in the Mexican market' and 'a lot of enthusiasm and capacity for work' - include a number of renewable energy-related mandates. 'An excellent lawyer who has a very good knowledge of cases [and] their management', practice head Adriana Padilla has experience as both counsel and arbitrator, and handles both commercial and investment protection arbitration; clients note that 'she soaks up the case' and is 'particularly effective and incisive in her cross-examinations'. Senior associate Sara Hardy 'stands out for her versatility; immediate availability and attention to detail'; she provides primary support across the firm’s dispute resolution offering and is building a strong practice in cross-border contentious matters.

Having spun out of the full service Santamarina y Steta some six years ago, Del Castillo y Castro Abogados is today a well-established boutique with a solid track record in civil, commercial, construction and insurance arbitrations, acting for international companies conducting business in Mexico. The team is well versed in representing clients before the ICC, the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO), the Arbitration Centre of Mexico (ACM), and public institutions that administer arbitration proceedings. Fernando Del Castillo, an expert in bankruptcy and insolvency, as well as dispute resolution more broadly, co-leads the group from Mexico City; while Monterrey-based Camilo Vázquez López also has broad disputes experience, including domestic and international arbitration proceedings.

Boutique firm García Barragán Abogados fields an arbitration team peopled by 'excellent professionals' that makes for a strong choice in international arbitration and domestic commercial arbitration. Its practitioners also have considerable experience garnered from numerous ad hoc arbitration procedures and in cases from a healthy breadth of sectors, recently acting in the wholesale trade, automotive, finance and energy industries. Daniel García-Barragán is the primary contact and has advised multinational companies on domestic and international arbitrations seated in Mexico City, Houston, New York, London, among other locations.

Garza Tello-Clyde & Co Mexico stands out in the Mexican arbitration market for its expertise in shipping-sector cases, where contract agreements frequently include arbitration clauses. Insurance disputes are also commonly handled by the practice, and the team has a share of the thriving market in energy sector arbitration. Vicente Bañuelos Rizo heads the department as part of his broad dispute resolution practice, with senior associates Gabriela Angel and Agustín Ortega Tellez both bringing international arbitration experience to the offering.

Commercial and investment arbitrations with public international law or cross-border elements are the forte of the offering at Holland & Knight‘s Mexico City office, which collaborates extensively with the firm’s US counterparts, notably the Miami office. Experienced partner Luis Rubio is particularly known for his expertise in NAFTA-related disputes; he now coordinates the practice in Mexico following the departure of former practice head Carlos Vejar in August 2023. Octavio Lecona, a partner in the TMT and corporate and M&A groups, lends his expertise on contractual disputes; and senior counsel Laura Yvonne Zielinski is a further notable contact, specialising in international investment and commercial arbitration. Promoted to senior counsel in April 2024, Antonio Barrera Ríos specialises in energy and natural resources sector (energy, hydrcoarbons and mining) arbitration.

Coordinated by Roberto Fernández del Valle (Mexico City) and Carlos Brehm (Monterrey), the arbitration offering at Santamarina y Steta has extensive experience in handling both ad hoc and institutional procedures, with a number of recent cases in the energy and logistics areas, largely born out of contractual disputes. Handling instructions from both international and domestic clients, Del Valle is particularly well versed in the above mentioned contractual disputes, as well as contentious real estate matters; while Brehm handles a variety of commercial arbitrations.