Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee (Alcogal) may not be the largest firm in the Panama section, but it certainly packs a punch. This is especially true of its market-leading transactional areas, which oversee sophisticated, cross-border deals. The firm’s banking and finance, capital markets and M&A and corporate practices remain remarkably busy, particularly given the huge impact of the global health emergency on Panama’s economy.
The rest of the offering is also impressive. The firm’s offshore practice, underpinned by strict corporate governance policies, draws custom from all over the globe. Its project finance department is likewise noteworthy.
Alcogal favours incremental growth over rapid expansion and the majority of its partners have honed their craft here. It has steadily increased its partnership and in 2022 it promoted three lawyers to partners, including two women, marking the first-ever female partner appointment at the firm and demonstrating its commitment to organic growth and diversity. Fronted by Arturo Gerbaud, the firm’s leadership has taken steps to develop the management skills of up-and-coming lawyers, in preparation for a generational handover.
The firm’s financial flair means that local banks such as Banco Nacional de Panamá, Promerica and Banco General are regular clients. In other industries, telecommunication company Cable & Wireless Communications and local energy company Elektra Noreste have turned to the firm. Panamanian contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal has long relied on the firm for arbitration proceedings, and Panamanian oil company Petróleos Delta is also a client.
Offices
Apart from its headquarters in Panama, the firm has offices in several offshore hubs, including the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, as well as Belize, Cyprus, Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Seychelles and Singapore.