Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee (Alcogal) is home to market-leading transactional practice groups, often seen as part of complex, cross-border matters. This may not be the largest firm in this chapter, but it certainly packs a punch.
Alcogal’s banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A groups continue to impress both local competitors and regional counterparts. The remaining services on offer are also impressive, including a particularly strong project finance team. The firm’s offshore practice – underpinned by strict corporate governance policies – draws clients from around the world.
Alcogal had a role on a deal which won Latin Lawyer’s Deal of the Year in the banking and finance category in 2022, advising US telecoms group Phoenix Towers in the repackaging of its multijurisdictional loan facilities.
The firm’s financial flair means that local banks such as Banco Nacional de Panamá as well as Banco General and its holding group are regular clients. Colombia’s Grupo Aval is another client from the region’s financial sector. In other industries, construction consortium Grupo Unidos por el Canal, Colombian energy group Celsia and Panama’s Foundation Hydro Power are all recent clients.
Alcogal favours sustained and steady growth over rapid expansion, meaning that the majority of its partners have honed their craft at the firm and been rewarded for their commitment through promotions. It has incrementally grown its partnership and in recent years it promoted three lawyers to partners, including two women, marking the first-ever female partner appointment at the firm. Helmed by Arturo Gerbaud, the firm’s leadership has taken steps to develop the management skills of up-and-coming lawyers, preparing for a generational handover.
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, Seychelles and Singapore.