Chevez, Ruiz, Zamarripa y Cía SC has built a reputation as a leading player in Mexican tax law, achieving a position in that field that other firms in this chapter struggle to rival. Now, Chevez Ruiz has set its sights on becoming a full-service outfit.
Established over 40 years ago by accountants rather than lawyers, Chevez Ruiz began its life with impressive tax consultancy services. With a foothold in its accountancy-focused work, the firm later invested in high-growth areas, adding tax litigation when Mexico joined the OECD and signed the NAFTA (since replaced by the USMCA) and launching international trade and transfer pricing departments as financial transactions became more complex and multi-jurisdictional.
Chevez Ruiz’s wish to broaden its services on offer is clear. The firm launched new practice groups in the past few years, including banking and finance, labour and corporate and M&A teams. It began 2022 by promoting a lawyer in the corporate and M&A department, indicating that the firm is keen to invest in this expanding practice group.
While the firm looks to diversify its offering, it has continued to replenish its core tax team. It promoted two partners in the practice area at the start of 2022. In an impressive move, the firm hired a lawyer from Spanish firm Uría Menéndez to strengthen its Madrid office, which opened a few years ago. The tax litigation group is now a core team, covering cases relating to anti-money laundering, public contracts, anti-corruption, energy and consumer protection.
This firm’s client base consists of large multinationals, including Brazilian mining company Gerdau and Mexican food group Arca Continental. The firm assigns two partners to each key client, usually with different but complementary skill sets. Chevez Ruiz’s team of transfer pricing experts – among them lawyers, economists and accountants – regularly assist companies and individuals undergoing extensive audits by local tax authorities.
Offices
Chevez Ruiz is headquartered in Mexico City and has additional branches in Monterrey and Querétaro. It also has an office in Madrid to target work generated by the rise in investments between Spain and Mexico. Notably, the firm increased its US footprint in 2020, adding an office in Houston to the existing presence in New York.