Peru is considering a bill that will require all arbitrators in domestic cases to have their legal qualifications certified by a state regulator or face removal from tribunals – a move that practitioners warn will cause “chaos” and effectively bar foreign lawyers from hearing those disputes.
Here we celebrate “Leading Lights”, the law firms making a noteworthy contribution to strengthening Latin America’s pro bono culture.
As clearing house membership reaches an all-time high, the institutions across the region acting as the go-between for law firms and pro bono projects are reinventing themselves, adapting to the times to provide first-class responses to those most in need. They are plugging gaps, as well as making pro bono networks more inclusive.
Rebaza, Alcázar & De Las Casas in Lima has helped Peruvian investor Grupo Andino structure a US$50 million investment fund that will provide loans to local, mid-sized companies.
Necessity is often considered the greatest driver of innovation. As a result of covid-19, the traditional service model for legal advice across all practice areas has had to evolve, pro bono included. Lawyers who work in this field are having to adapt to continue to provide access to justice for vulnerable people in today’s digitalised and distressed world.
Steps towards greater institutionalisation demonstrate law firms are embedding a culture of pro bono among both their lawyers and wider communities. Firms that are serious about delivering access to justice are taking things to the next level, fostering higher levels of accountability within their internal processes to make sure they secure meaningful results. We present some of the key findings from the latest Latin Lawyer–Vance Center Pro Bono Survey.
Ashurst LLP in New York, Canada’s Stikeman Elliot LLP and Payet, Rey, Cauvi, Pérez Abogados in Lima have helped Singaporean metals investor Boroo buy one of Peru’s largest gold mines for US$307 million.
Clifford Chance LLP in New York and Peru’s Rubio Leguía Normand have helped state-owned oil company Petroperú raise US$1 billion in a bond issuance to complete the modernisation of its Talara oil refinery.
Latin Lawyer has recorded a 38% increase in end-of-year promotions to partner level at Latin American law firms, while the proportion of women lawyers elevated to the top rank dropped compared to the previous year’s figures.
A Korean energy company has threatened Peru with a treaty claim, accusing the state of blocking the billion-dollar sale of its gas investments in the Amazon basin.