Elba ArjonaElba has 15 years of experience practicing law in the oil & gas sector including government procurement, admiralty, and insurance. Elba has advised many private companies regarding the domestic and international oil industry with a focus on the Mexican energy reform and current challenges and opportunities.
Elba obtained her JD degree with honors from UNAM law school in Mexico City. She obtained her LLM in admiralty law from Tulane University in Louisana.
Elba worked at the Ministry of the Interior with former justice of the Supreme Court Olga Sanchez Cordero where she advised on energy matters. She was General Director of Petroleum Contracts at the Ministry of Energy where she led the team responsible for the design and evaluation of production sharing contracts and profit sharing contracts derived from the CNH bidding rounds and responsible for coordinating with CNH, ASEA, Ministry of Finance and Pemex. She was alternate director to Pemex E&P on behalf of the Ministry of Energy.
Elba is a member of the UNAM law school roster of law professors.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Sergio, a seasoned legal professional with over 29 years of experience, specializes in Agricultural Law, offering expert advice, consultancy, and litigation services and has established himself as a prominent figure in the legal landscape, particularly in matters pertaining to agrarian law.
Sergio’s academic journey began at Universidad La Salle, Mexico, where he earned his law degree between 1991 and 1996. He further enhanced his legal expertise with a specialization in Amparo Law from Universidad Panamericana in 2000 and a Diploma in Labor Law and Social Security from ITAM in 1998. His pursuit of knowledge continued with a Master’s Degree in International Business Law from Universidad Iberoamericana, obtained between 2004 and 2006.
In his professional career, Sergio has been the founding partner of Bonfiglio Macbeath Abogados S.C., based in Mexico City. Here, he continues his practice, focusing on legal counsel in Agricultural Law. His teaching career includes a tenure as a Professor of Agrarian Law at Universidad Iberoamericana Santa Fe, Mexico, from 1998 to 2012.
An active member of the Mexican Bar Association since 2005, Sergio has coordinated the Agrarian Law Commission for several years, significantly contributing to the field. His expertise is further recognized in his role in the National Association of Business Lawyers.
Sergio’s intellectual contributions are notable. He co-authored “La inclusión el Sistema Jurídico Mexicano” and has been involved in several other significant publications, delving into diverse aspects of Agrarian Law and its implications for justice and investment.
His influence extends to various national and international conferences, where he has shared his insights on foreign investment in Ejidal lands and other pertinent agrarian law issues. Sergio has moderated and presented at numerous congresses, enhancing the understanding of Agrarian Law’s role in investment and environmental regulation.
Sergio Bonfiglio Macbeath, with his extensive experience, publication record, and active involvement in legal education and practice, stands as a formidable figure in the realm of Agrarian Law in Mexico.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Nicolas has more than 25 years of experience in cross border deals and disputes involving Mexico and investors from the United States, Canada, Latam, Europe and Asia with a focus on energy, natural resources, infrastructure and agribusiness.
Nicolas is licensed in Mexico and New York. He obtained his JD degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA) in Mexico City and his LLM from University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Borda has been a partner with many big law firms most recently Reed Smith LLP.
Nicolas helps clients with cross border transactions including joint ventures, commercial contracts, compliance, investment, trade and any other cross border transaction with a special focus between Mexico and the United States.
In the energy field Nicolas has advised many international companies with renewable projects including battery storage, oil & gas, wind, solar, geothermal, refining, trading of energy commodities.
Nicolas Borda has been ranked from many years by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, and other major publications as a top lawyer in the energy field.
Licensed in Mexico and NY. Not licensed in CA nor TX. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Francisco studied and graduated in Law at Universidad Iberoamericana. He also holds an LLM from the University of Miami School of Law and is authorized as a Corredor Publico (Commercial Notary Public) in Mexico City. With 35 years of legal experience, he specializes in labor and commercial law. Breña Malagamba has represented clients such as Ford, Sony, Philips, Gillette, Grupo Altex (a Bimbo-related company), Sky Chefs de México, Grupo Arka, Ergon Materiales, Metlife Mexico, and many others.
As a Corredor Publico, he has incorporated legal entities, legalized shareholders’ meetings, certified commercial documents, certified statements of facts, and handled other matters related to fe pública. He is also authorized as an appraiser for real estate, intangible assets, machinery and equipment, and other assets. Furthermore, he is certified as a Private Mediator by the CDMX court.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Gabriel obtained his law degree cum laude from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.
Gabriel has more than 15 years of experience in the practice of environmental law in many industries such as oil & gas, tourism, infrastructure and equator principles.
Gabriel has worked extensively with domestic and international NGOs and local and federal governments. He participated in drafting model rules on environmental issues for indigenous communities in Mexico and has handled many indigenous consultations and public hearings throughout Mexico.
Gabriel obtained his masters degree in environmental law and policy with distinction from the Center for Environmental Research and Learning. Gabriel is a partner with Bustamante & Freyre.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French.
Jorge Galicia obtained his law degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.
Jorge has more than 30 years of experience in civil and commercial litigation. Jorge is the Managing Partner of Bufete Galicia Alcala y Asociados, S.C. a boutique litigation firm founded by Manuel Galicia Alcala in 1979.
Jorge is a member of the Mexican Bar Association and is licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Roberto Hernandez obtained his law degree in 1995 and his Masters degree (cum laude) in 2012 from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City.
Roberto is specialized in construction law in Mexico and Latin America. He is listed in arbitration centers as arbitrator and dispute board in several countries in Latin America.
He has been co-chair of the International Construction Projects Committee of the IBA; chair of the Construction Disputes Committee of the ICC Mexico and member of the Steering Committee of International Construction of the ABA Forum on Construction Law. Roberto is a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers and a Fellow of the International Academy of Construction Lawyers. Roberto is partner director of COMAD.
Roberto is the author of “Construction Law in Mexico Perspectives and Challenges” and “Construction and Covid-19” with Wolters Kluwer.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Sergio Huacuja, a distinguished legal professional with extensive experience in Administrative and Constitutional Law, has built an eminent career since graduating with honors from Escuela Libre de Derecho in 1986. With specializations in Administrative and Constitutional Law from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) and advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Law from UNAM and Universidad Panamericana, Sergio stands out in the legal field with a profound academic and practical foundation.
His professional journey began as a student law practice intern at various prestigious institutions and offices in Mexico, where he gained valuable experience in Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Law, as well as Public Contracting and Public Servants Responsibilities. Sergio’s dedication to his field led him to establish Huacuja Betancourt y Haw Mayer Abogados, S.C., where he serves as a Consulting Attorney and Founder. His expertise in Administrative Law, particularly in areas like public contracting, anti-corruption, ethics, and compliance, is widely recognized.
Furthering his commitment to legal education and practical application, Sergio founded Consultores Empresariales H.B. S.C., where he provides specialized training programs in Public Contracting, Anti-Corruption, and Ethics. His role as a Postgraduate Master’s Degree Lecturer at the National Public Administration Institute (INAP), Escuela Libre de Derecho, and Universidad Panamericana, reflects his dedication to nurturing future legal professionals.
Sergio’s influence extends beyond the classroom. As a former coordinator and founder of the Anti-Corruption Commission at the Barra Mexicana Colegio de Abogados, A.C., he has played a pivotal role in shaping legal practices and policies. His active involvement in promoting the General Law of Administrative Responsibilities before the Senate of the Republic exemplifies his commitment to legal reform and integrity.
A prolific author, Sergio has written several books and articles on key legal topics, including government procurement and anti-corruption measures, showcasing his deep understanding and thought leadership in the field. He has also served as an invited speaker at international forums, including the International Institute of Ethics in Government in Washington, D.C., and various congresses across Latin America.
Sergio possesses a rich background in extracurricular studies, with diplomas in Philosophy, Government and Corporate Ethics, and Anti-Corruption. His comprehensive approach to law, encompassing both academic rigor and practical application, makes him a respected figure in the legal community, both in Mexico and internationally.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Rolando is a partner at Consortium Legal – Costa Rica, he has more than 33 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, real estate, and civil and commercial litigation.
Rolando obtained his Law Degree as well as an Advance Degree in Commercial Law from University of Costa Rica and his Master’s Degree from Georgetown University (USA).
Rolando played a key role in many local and global transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, securitizations, and complex real estate deals. Additionally, he served as legal counsel in major civil and commercial litigation cases. Notable achievements include advising Cemex in a $335 million sale, guiding the buyer in acquiring S.T.T Group CR SA, overseeing the sale of Cabletica from Televisora de Costa Rica to Liberty and facilitating the sale of Aceros Abonos Agro to Metalco. His experience in litigation includes many multimillion dollars civil a commercial complex cases.
Rolando Laclé was recognized by Latin Lawyer magazine as one of the 40 best attorneys under 40 in Central America (2006) and consistently ranked by Chambers & Partners, IFLR1000, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, LACCA APPROVED, and other major publications as a top lawyer in corporate law.
Licensed in Costa Rica. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Manuel MacFarland is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience in tax and constitutional litigation.
Manuel obtained his law degree from Escuela Libre de Derecho and a Master’s degree in constitutional procedural law at the Universidad Panamericana.
Currently Partner at Accuracy Legal & Consulting, S.C., Manuel has also worked in various high-profile positions within the Legal Counsel Office of the President of Mexico, the Mexican Institute of Social Security, the Federal Communications Commission and The Ministry of Treasury and Public Credit.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
J-J Méndez is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, franchises and trade secrets.
J-J helps clients with the advisory and litigation of IP rights including e-commerce, unfair trade practices, M&A due diligence, global enforcement and protection strategies of IP rights and cross border disputes.
J-J obtained his JD degree of the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City and his LLM in IP law from Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire. He has been a partner with several law firms including Baker & McKenzie and is currently the Director Partner of Méndez Cortés, S.C. J-J was the President of ANADE (National Association of Corporate Counsels) and is a member of the Mexican Bar Association, AMPPI, AIPPI and INTA.
J-J Méndez is the current President of AMPPI the Mexican Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Martín Moguel-GloriaMartín obtained his law degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and his Certificate Programs in Applied Economics and in Corporate Law at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). He has a master’s degree in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick (England).
He has more than 30 years of experience in economic competition and “amparo”. His experience includes antitrust analysis in economic sectors such as finance, food, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, entertainment and transportation. He litigates before the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice and specialized Courts in Economic Competition and Telecommunications.
He participated in the reforms of the Federal Law on Economic Competition (2006) and was responsible for drafting the Regulations of the Federal Law on Economic Competition (2007). He participated in the negotiations of the new Federal Law on Economic Competition and in the elaboration of the Regulatory Provisions of the law, as well as various provisions and guidelines of the Federal Economic Competition Commission.
Martín founded the antitrust boutique Moguel y Asociados. He was proposed by the President of Mexico as a member of the Plenum of the Federal Economic Competition Commission and ratified by the Senate as Commissioner for the term 2013-2019. He founded the law firm De la Torre, Rodríguez, Leroux & Moguel. He was the General Counsel of Legal Affairs at the former Federal Competition Commission.
He has been a Professor of Economic Competition for more than fifteen years in educational institutions such as Universidad Anáhuac, Universidad La Salle, Universidad Panamericana.
Martin has been a speaker on economic competition issues in seminars and congresses in Mexico and abroad. He has published several articles on economic competition.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Alejandra is President of the Fondazione Italia-Messico and serves as LATAM Business Ambassador for the consulting firm E-Quilibrium, based in Milan, Italy. At the same time, she is the manager of a European project on innovation and technology transfer, leading the working group composed of 9 partners located in Lebanon, Greece, Italy and Tunisia.
She is the author of the book “Corporate Social Responsibility: a multidisciplinary approach for its legal implementation”, published by Editorial Porrúa.
Her professional activities include consultancy in corporate internationalization, corporate social responsibility, as well as project management.
Alejandra holds a law degree from the Escuela Libre de Derecho, a Master in Legislative Sciences from the Università di Pisa, a Master in European Studies from the Università di Firenze and a PhD in Comparative Law from the Universities “Luigi Vanvitelli” and Ca’ Foscari di Venezia.
At the age of 33, Alejandra became the youngest president of the Mexican Academy of Private and Comparative International Law, where she currently holds the 14th position out of 25 seats reserved for full members.
Fluent in Spanish, Italian and English. Alejandra also reads and understands French.
Sebastián PatiñoSebastián Patiño obtained his law degree from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City, and he is currently pursuing the Executive MBA at IPADE.
He is specialized in Mexican social security law, with a wide range of experience including litigation, consulting services, construction law advisory related to social security compliance, and day-to-day corporate matters exclusively linked to social security and pensions. Sebastián is a Partner of Consultores y Abogados en Seguridad Social, S.C. (CASS Abogados), a top-tier boutique law firm founded in 1985.
Sebastián is member of the Mexican Bar Association, Illustrious and National Association of Lawyers of Mexico, International Association of Lawers, General Council of Mexican Advocacy, and ANADE (National Association of Corporate Counsels), being the youngest member in the governing board of the latter.
Sebastián has been Professor of Social Security Law in educational institutions such as Universidad Panamericana, Universidad La Salle, UNAM, Universidad Anáhuac, Universidad Iberoamericana, and Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. He has published several articles and has been a speaker on social security matters in national and international forums.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Margarita PazosMargarita is an attorney licensed in Mexico where she obtained her JD with highest honors from the Autonomous Technology Institute of Mexico (ITAM), and obtained her Master in Corporate Law with highest honors from the Universidad Panamericana.
Margarita has more than 25 years of experience in legislative studies, corporate law, public policy and governmental affairs. She has collaborated professionally with industrial chambers, law firms, government entities, universities and companies.
She was a member of Solana Consultores, S.C., a firm specializing in public policy under the direction of Fernando Solana (former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Senator); Legal Coordinator of the Rural Sector Capitalization Fund, trust in NAFIN (national development bank); corporate lawyer at Breña y Asociados, S.C .; member of the Mexican Council of International Affairs (COMEXI). Margarita is a partner at Spetsen S.C.
She has been a law professor at the Universidad Iberoamericana teaching Administrative Law and Public Policy.
Margarita has experience in government contracts, regulatory affairs, public policy as well as corporate and business law. She has served as secretary of the board of many companies. Margarita practices competitive sailing and was once an Olympic Athlete.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Margarita is an attorney licensed in Mexico where she obtained her JD with highest honors from the Autonomous Technology Institute of Mexico (ITAM), and obtained her Master in Corporate Law with highest honors from the Universidad Panamericana.
Margarita has more than 25 years of experience in legislative studies, corporate law, public policy and governmental affairs. She has collaborated professionally with industrial chambers, law firms, government entities, universities and companies.
She was a member of Solana Consultores, S.C., a firm specializing in public policy under the direction of Fernando Solana (former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Senator); Legal Coordinator of the Rural Sector Capitalization Fund, trust in NAFIN (national development bank); corporate lawyer at Breña y Asociados, S.C .; member of the Mexican Council of International Affairs (COMEXI). Margarita is a partner at Spetsen S.C.
She has been a law professor at the Universidad Iberoamericana teaching Administrative Law and Public Policy.
Margarita has experience in government contracts, regulatory affairs, public policy as well as corporate and business law. She has served as secretary of the board of many companies. Margarita practices competitive sailing and was once an Olympic Athlete.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Nuhad PonceNuhad Ponce is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience in corporate law, data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, metaverse, and digital rights. She is currently de Director Partner at Ponce Kuri, S.C.
Nuhad is an attorney licensed in Mexico where she obtained her JD at Universidad Panamericana, she also obtained her Master`s Degree in Business and Corporate Law with highest honors from the Universidad Panamericana, and is certified by Normatividad y Certificación Electrónica (NYCE), as a Certified Professional in Data Protection, Senior Level.
Nuhad is First Vice President of the National Board of Directors, of the Asociación Nacional de Abogados de Empresa, Colegio de Abogados (Mexican Bar) (ANADE). Since 2010, she is certified as a corporate and business lawyer by that Association. She is member of the Council of the Asociación Jurídica Mexicano Libanesa, Al Muhami, A.C. She is Honorary President of the Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales (INAI). She is the President of the Cibersecurity Board of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE), and member of the Consejería Jurídica de la Confederación Patronal de la República Mexicana (COPARMEX). She is considered one of the most influential lawyers in Mexico, by Foro Jurídico magazine. She is also member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
She has been a law professor at the Universidad Panamericana, for more than 10 years teaching Data Protection Law.
Nuhad has experience in corporate law, contracts, digital contracts, data privacy, cybersecurity, metaverse and digital rights (assessment and litigation).
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Germán has more than 25 years of experience in financial, tax, corporate, public policy and telecom sectors. He obtained his JD from the ITAM University in Mexico City and an LL.M. from Konstanz University in Germany.
Germán worked at the office of the General Counsel to the President of Mexico; was the General Counsel of Avantel (a joint venture between Citi Bank and MCI/WorldCom); was the Deputy Director General of the Banking, Securities and Savings Unit at the Ministry of Finance.
Additionally Germán was Managing Director of Institutional relations at PRODECON (Mexican Taxpayers’ Defense Attorney Office) and Chief Legal Officer of Family Office and Holdings at Bocar Group in Mexico City.
Germán is currently the VP of the Tax Commission at the ICC (Mexico) and a member of the Mexican Bar Association (BMA) and the National Association of Corporate Counsels (ANADE). Germán is a partner at Spetsen S.C.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish, English and German.
Gerardo focuses on infrastructure, energy and corporate matters including Public Private Partnerships, government procurement and public policy.
Gerardo obtained his law degree from the ITAM University in Mexico City in 2002.
Gerardo has lectured and authored on many energy infrastructure topics. He was legal advisor to the WEC – Mexican Chapter from 2004 to 2007.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Gerardo Soria Gutiérrez, a distinguished legal mind and founding partner of Soria Abogados, S.C., has been at the forefront of legal innovation in Mexico since 2003. With an illustrious career beginning at Galicia Abogados, S.C., and pivotal roles as Commissioner and General Counsel of the Federal Telecommunications Commission of Mexico, Gerardo has deeply influenced the telecommunications, broadcasting, media, and other regulated sectors.
Holding a Law degree with honors from Universidad Iberoamericana, where he dissected the complexities of Preferred Shares in Mexican Corporations, Gerardo furthered his expertise with a Master of Law, focusing on the New Mexican Law on Telecommunications and Broadcasting. His academic pursuit didn’t stop there; he also delved into Modern Literature, exploring the Nordic Eddas and Sagas through the lens of Jorge Luis Borges.
Gerardo’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, from antitrust issues, mergers and acquisitions, to the pharmaceutical industry, public sector acquisitions, and project financing. Beyond his legal practice, he’s an editor and founding partner of Auieo Ediciones and Los Libros del Sargento, contributing significantly to the cultural and legal discourse.
A cornerstone of the legal community, Gerardo chairs the Telecommunications Law Institute, A.C., and is a respected voice in telecommunications law, recognized by Chambers and Partners in Band 1. He’s also a prolific columnist and author, influencing thought and policy in Mexico’s legal landscape.
Gerardo Soria Gutiérrez remains a pivotal figure in shaping Mexico’s legal framework, blending deep legal acumen with a passion for literature and cultural exploration.
Licensed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Dr. Herfried Wöss has more than 30 years of experience in commercial and investment arbitration and dispute settlement mainly related to complex damages cases, infrastructure and energy projects. He also practices in the area of customs and international trade law (anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations, dispute resolution under WTO, USMCA and other trade agreements) as well as corporate law. He is listed as top tier and leading individual in arbitration by the Legal 500, in the Legal 500 Power List Arbitration Latin America and the international Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration. His arbitration and damages portfolio as party counsel, arbitrator, adjudicator, damages and legal expert and consultant recently exceeded US$1 billion. In June 2022, the European Commission included him in its list of candidates suitable as arbitrators under the European Union Trade and Investment Agreements
He recently successfully represented a large French energy company in a complex US$ 240 million energy tariff arbitration in which all claims against the firm’s client were dismissed and the counterclaims and costs of arbitration were awarded to the client. In 2020, the firm also successfully advised a leading EPC contractor with respect to multiple claims and counterclaims with a New York investment fund regarding a 1,000+ MW combined cycle thermoelectrical plant and complex technical and economic issues, which led to the settlement of the dispute while on the brink of commencing an ICC arbitration in New York under the laws of New York.
Dr. Herfried Wöss and his partner Adriana San Román are the principal authors of the Oxford University Press monograph Damages in International Arbitration under Complex Long-term Contracts in which they formulated an international damages doctrine for income generating contracts and investment goods. They have published extensively on these issues, including their chapters on ‘Damages in Commercial Arbitration’ and ‘Damages in Investment Treaty Arbitration’ (International Arbitration and EU Law (Edward Elgar Publishing 2021)). They have contributed to the UNCITRAL Working Group III work on damages through an expert opinion and are the authors and lecturers of the Advanced Seminar on Damages in International Arbitration©.
Dr. Wöss is an Austrian jurist resident in Mexico City and Vienna, licensed in Mexico and as Special Legal Consultant affiliated to the Washington DC Bar. He holds a Magister iuris and a doctorate in international economic law (with honours) in Austria, an LL.M. in International Business Legal Studies at the University of Exeter UK, is Licenciado en Derecho in Mexico and was a Visiting Scholar for arbitration, comparative and international damages law at the Georgetown University Law Centre from 2012-13.
Dr. Herfried Wöss is the managing partner of Wöss & Partners, S.C. in Mexico City and of Woess & Partners LLC – International Arbitration – in Washington DC.
He is fluent in German, English and Spanish, and also reads French.
Attorney admitted to practice in Spain and Mexico, specializing in regulatory energy and economic affairs with a Master’s Degree in Regulation from the London School of Economics (UK), and a Master’s Degree in Laws from the University of Chicago (USA).
Guillermo is a former National Commissioner at the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) of Mexico and Vice President of the Iberoamerican Association of Energy Regulators (ARIAE). His work focused on energy transition and clean energy penetration.
Guillermo developed his career for 20 years in the energy sector in Mexico and Latin America, pioneering efforts to design energy markets, including leadership positions at the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), Energy Ministry (SENER), Mexican Petroleum (Pemex), Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE), and the Federal Competition Commission (Cofece).
He has been a Part-Time Professor at the ITAM for almost 10 years in subjects related to Contracts, Economic and Energy Law, and Policy.
He has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential leaders of the energy industry in Mexico by Petróleo & Energía Business Magazine. In 2016 he was recognized as one of the “30 promises in their 30s” by CNN Expansion Magazine.
Fluent in Spanish and English.