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Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee

Panama

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Key contacts
Managing Partner: Arturo Gerbaud
Strategy & Marketing Manager: Marisa Urrutia
Partner: Patricia Cordero
Partner: Rita de la Guardia
Quick facts
Number of partners

14

Number of other qualified practitioners

20

Number of total practitioners (worldwide)

34

Network memberships

Meritas, STEP, IBA, IFA, STEP, AmCham, CCIAP, IPA, ICC

Languages

Spañish; English; French; Italian

Key practice areas
Banking and finance
Banking
Capital markets
Capital markets : Debt
Capital markets : Equity
Financial and corporate
M&A
Energy and infrastructure
Project development
Firm overview

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo, and Lee (Alcogal) is a highly reputable law firm that provides comprehensive legal services in banking and finance, M&A, litigation, offshore services, and other business-related matters.

At our core, we boast extensive proficiency in serving banking institutions and multinational corporations. We take great pride in representing some of the largest foreign and locally owned banks operating within Panama's financial landscape. In addition to our banking expertise, we also excel in handling Mergers & Acquisitions, participating in the largest and most complex M&A transactions in the country. We also have a leading litigation team, providing guidance and strategic counsel to companies and individuals. Alcogal is also a highly experienced energy and telecom in Panama, advising the largest players in the market.

Our reputation for delivering prompt, efficient, business oriented and sound legal advice is well-earned. Our highly skilled attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in Panamanian law, ensuring that our clients receive exemplary representation.

Key practice contacts and recent case highlights

Banking
Arturo Gerbaud Rafael Marquínezde la Guardia
agerbaud@alcogal.com

  • Counsel to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the recent transaction involving the transfer of its banking operations in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Davivienda.  The transaction is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. As part of the transaction, Scotiabank will receive an approximately 20% interest in the new combined entity. The integration will strengthen Banco Davivienda, increasing its total assets to around $60 billion and improving its position in the Latin American market.  This comprehensive service has been led by partners Arturo Gerbaud and Rita de la Guardia, with the valuable support of the Rafael Amar associate and the outstanding participation of partner Jorge Federico Lee, the Leopoldo Padilla associate and the junior associate Victoria Castro.  This agreement represents a significant milestone in the regional banking landscape and underscores Alcogal's commitment to excellence in legal and financial advice.
  • Advised on the structuring of the financing for Grupo Nutresa in Colombia, a transaction valued at USD 2 billion.  Grupo Nutresa is one of the leading conglomerates in the food sector in Latin America, with operations in more than 14 countries and a presence in more than 80 markets.  This transaction involved the participation of partners Arturo Gerbaud and Patricia Cordero, associate Rafael Amar and junior associate Lilah Levin.

Patricia Cordero
pcordero@alcogal.com

  • Advising BAC International Bank, Inc. in the closing of an international syndicated financing for USD 500 million, the most significant in its category in the history of Panamanian banking.   The transaction, structured with the participation of SMBC, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, reaffirms the global market's confidence in BAC's strength and in the economic dynamism of Central America. Alcogal's legal team, led by our partners Patricia Cordero and Rafael Marquinez, strategically accompanied BAC throughout the process, providing key advice on the structuring and legal execution of the transaction, which not only strengthens the bank's financial position, but also contributes to the growth of strategic sectors in the region.
  • Advised on the structuring of the financing for Grupo Nutresa in Colombia, a transaction valued at USD 2 billion. Grupo Nutresa is one of the leading conglomerates in the food sector in Latin America, with operations in more than 14 countries and a presence in more than 80 markets.  This transaction involved the participation of partners Arturo Gerbaud and Patricia Cordero, associate Rafael Amar and junior associate Lilah Levin.

Rafael Marquínez
rmarquinez@alcogal.com

  • Advising BAC International Bank, Inc. in the closing of an international syndicated financing for USD 500 million, the most significant in its category in the history of Panamanian banking. The transaction, structured with the participation of SMBC, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, reaffirms the global market's confidence in BAC's strength and in the economic dynamism of Central America. Alcogal's legal team, led by our partners Patricia Cordero and Rafael Marquinez, strategically accompanied BAC throughout the process, providing key advice on the structuring and legal execution of the transaction, which not only strengthens the bank's financial position, but also contributes to the growth of strategic sectors in the region.

M&A
Alejandro Ferrer
aferrer@alcogal.com

  • Advisors to CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack in the sale of Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals. Since the beginning of the concession in 1998, we have provided accompaniment to the company, advising them on all their legal needs, which is a testament to our commitment and dedication. We congratulate Panama Canal Railway for its contribution to the logistics development of Panama and APM Terminals, a leading global company that we are sure, will be key in the efforts to consolidate Panama as one of the great logistics centers. We thank our partners Alejandro Ferrer, Jaime Castillo, Jorge Federico Lee, Raúl Borrell Azcárraga A. and Rita de la Guardia, as well as the associates Diego Anguizola, Rafael Amar and Victoria Castro, for their effort and collaboration in this.

M&A
Rita de la Guardia
rdelaguardia@alcogal.com

  • Counsel to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the recent transaction involving the transfer of its banking operations in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Davivienda. The transaction is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. As part of the transaction, Scotiabank will receive an approximately 20% interest in the new combined entity. The integration will strengthen Banco Davivienda, increasing its total assets to around $60 billion and improving its position in the Latin American market. This comprehensive service has been led by partners Arturo Gerbaud and Rita de la Guardia, with the valuable support of the Rafael Amar associate and the outstanding participation of partner Jorge Federico Lee, the Leopoldo Padilla associate and the junior associate Victoria Castro. This agreement represents a significant milestone in the regional banking landscape and underscores Alcogal's commitment to excellence in legal and financial advice.

  • Advisors to CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack in the sale of Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals. Since the beginning of the concession in 1998, we have provided accompaniment to the company, advising them on all their legal needs, which is a testament to our commitment and dedication. We congratulate Panama Canal Railway for its contribution to the logistics development of Panama and APM Terminals, a leading global company that we are sure, will be key in the efforts to consolidate Panama as one of the great logistics centers. We thank our partners Alejandro Ferrer, Jaime Castillo, Jorge Federico Lee, Raúl Borrell Azcárraga A. and Rita de la Guardia, as well as the associates Diego Anguizola, Rafael Amar and Victoria Castro, for their effort and collaboration in this.

Key practice areas
  • Asset finance
  • Banking
  • Capital markets: Debt
  • Capital markets: Derivatives
  • Capital markets: Equity
  • Capital markets: High yield
  • Financial services regulatory
  • Financial restructuring
  • Investment funds
  • M&A
  • Private equity funds
  • Project development
  • Project finance
  • Real estate finance
  • Real estate funds
  • Securitisation
  • Restructuring and insolvency
  • Structured finance/securitisation
Sector expertise
  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Construction and materials
  • Consumer goods and services
  • Energy
  • Financial services
  • Natural resources
  • Real estate
  • Shipping
  • Technology and telecommunications
  • Transport
  • Utilities
Other offices

Bahamas
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE (BAHAMAS) LIMITED

Winterbotham Place
Marlborough & Queen Streets
P.O. Box CB 11343
Nassau, Bahamas

British Virgin Islands
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BVI) LIMITED

3rd Floor, Yamraj Building,
Market Square,
P.O. Box 3175,
Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands.

Belize
ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED

New Horizon Building, Ground Floor
3 ½ Miles Philip SW Goldson Highway
P.O. Box 1906
Belize City, Belize

Seychelles
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (SEYCHELLES) LIMITED
Second Floor, The Quadrant
Manglier Street
PO Box 309
Victoria
Mahe, Seychelles

Hong Kong
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (HK) LIMITED

Room 1501, 15/F, Prosperity Tower
39 Queen´s Road Central, Hong Kong

Singapore
APEX CORPORATE SERVICES (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.

16 Stanley Street, Level 3
Singapore 068735

New Zealand
APEX TRUST (NZ) LIMITED

60 Tinakori Road, Thorndon
Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Address:
2nd Floor, Humboldt Tower,
East 53rd Street, Urb. Marbella,
Panama City, 0819-09132
Tel:+5072692620 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://alcogal.com/
Rankings published in 2026
Banking and finance
Tier 1
14 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Tier 3

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Dentons Muñoz
3 practice areas
View profile

Tier 4

Lovill
3 practice areas
View profile
Pardini & Asociados
3 practice areas
View profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Ivette Martinez | Attorney-at-Law
2 practice areas
View profile
Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
Capital markets
Tier 1
7 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Quijano & Associates
5 practice areas
View full profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
M&A
Tier 1
15 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Tier 3

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Fabrega Molino
3 practice areas
View profile
Lovill
3 practice areas
View profile

Tier 4

Patton Moreno & Asvat
3 practice areas
View profile
Quijano & Associates
5 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Delvalle Escalona Levy Corró
3 practice areas
View profile
EY Law
2 practice areas
View full profile
Sigma
4 practice areas
View profile
Project development
Tier 1
11 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
9 practice areas
View full profile
Galindo Arias & López
8 practice areas
View profile
Morgan & Morgan
8 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Anzola Robles & Asociados
5 practice areas
View profile
Arias Fábrega & Fábrega
7 practice areas
View full profile
Dentons Muñoz
3 practice areas
View profile
Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán
7 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez
7 practice areas
View profile
Arias
5 practice areas
View full profile
Central Law Panama
2 practice areas
View profile
Virtù Atelier Legal
5 practice areas
View profile
Linked Reviews
Financial and corporate

Founded in 1985 and commonly known as AlcogalAlemán Cordero Galindo & Lee has swiftly risen to prominence as one of Panama’s leading full-service law firms. Based in Panama City, Alcogal is renowned for delivering timely, efficient, and top-tier legal counsel. The firm prides itself on its highly collaborative approach, catering to both domestic and international clients with exceptional service. 

 

Highlights

Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee advised on high-impact transactions in Panama during 2024. The firm acted as Panamanian counsel to Macquarie Bank on a credit facility for Canacol Energy, structuring and perfecting complex security interests under Panamanian law in a cross-border context. It also represented Banco Nacional de Panamá in a loan guaranteed by MIGA, supporting SME financing and requiring innovative structuring under Panamanian and international frameworks.

Additionally, the firm advised Intervial Chile on securing Panama’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Pan-American Highway, a project that sets legal precedents for future PPPs. These transactions underscore the firm’s expertise in finance, infrastructure, and regulatory innovation. 

 

Key clients  

AES Colon Holding, AropecuariaBancolombiaBanco Nacional de Panama, Global Bank Corporation, Grupo Celsia, Macquarie Bank, Intervial Chile and Renewable Energy Systems. 

 

Testimonials 

They are always available at any time and respond rapidly to our needs. We always find answers to our questions based on a profound knowledge of laws and regulations in Panama” (Financial services regulatory) 

9 results9 results
Deal Highlights
51 results51 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
Global Bank Corp (Panama) - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Global Bank Corp (Panama)
Issuer
Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen - Bond Issue
2021-08-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Bond issue
Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citigroup
Underwriter
HPH Joint Venture - Project development
2020-01-02
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Raúl Borrell A
HPH Joint Venture
Bidder
Consorcio Loma Cová - Project development
2021-02-25
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Jaime Castillo
Consorcio Loma Cová
Project developer
Constructora Meco - Project development
2021-02-25
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Jaime Castillo
Constructora Meco
Project developer
Banistmo SA - Financing
2020-01-12
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud
Banistmo SA
Lender
The Bank of Nova Scotia - Financing
2020-01-12
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Lender
Grupo Aval - Financing
2020-01-05
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B, Arturo Gerbaud
Grupo Aval
Lender
Banco Nacional de Panamá - Financing
2020-01-07
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B, Arturo Gerbaud
Banco Nacional de Panamá
Lender
Credito Real SAB de CV - Financing
2020-01-02
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B
Credito Real SAB de CV
Borrower
SOFOM; ENR - Financing
2020-01-02
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B
SOFOM, ENR
Borrower
Marevalley Corporation - Financing
2020-01-02
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B
Marevalley Corporation
Borrower
The Bank of Nova Scotia - Financing
2020-01-04
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Lender
Imperia Intercontinental - Financing
2020-01-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B, Arturo Gerbaud
Imperia Intercontinental
Agent
AES Panama Generation Holdings - Financing
2020-01-08
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud
AES Panama Generation Holdings
Borrower
AES Panama Generation Holdings - Financing
2020-01-04
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Arturo Gerbaud
AES Panama Generation Holdings
Borrower
Inversiones Vilma - Financing
2020-01-08
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Financing
Eloy Alfaro B
Inversiones Vilma
Borrower
BAC International Bank - Securitisation
2020-01-11
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Securitisation
Eloy Alfaro B
BAC International Bank
Issuer
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - Project development
2021-02-25
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Jason Crowell
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Contractor
Guardian Power Limited - Project development
2020-01-01
Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Panama
Project development
Jason Crowell
Guardian Power Limited
Project company
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IFLR is delighted to announce the winners of the IFLR Americas Awards 2021
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