Baker McKenzie LLP has long enjoyd an all-but-unrivalled presence on the ground in Latin America, but the hire of a senior team led by the much-celebrated Michael Fitzgerald from Paul Hastings LLP in 2023, has nevertheless made a considerable difference to its standing - as well as significantly augmenting its New York office. The group has made a particular impression in restructurings and bankruptcies, including the use of exchange offers. It is also active in a range of new money financings, including sustainability-linked loans. Although the high-profile New York-based team is primarily focused on Mexico, it is working with the wider firm to target Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru to a greater degree. Along with Fitzgerald, Arturo Carrillo and Joy Gallup have a fine record in liability management exercises and debt restructurings, with Pedro Reyes and Steven Sandretto (who joined from Greenberg Traurig LLP in 2023 and previously worked with the legacy Paul Hastings LLP group), providing additional senior expertise.
L’éditorial du Legal 500

Témoignages

Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.

  • ‘This is a group that knows each other very well and is excellent as a team. In all the offices in which they have been, they have known how to stand out.'

  • ‘They are dedicated and extremely hardworking. I also highlight above all the leadership capacity of its main partners and how they add value for their clients.’

  • ‘We have been working with BM Latin American Practice Team for over a decade and they have been always outstanding in their scope of knowledge, innovation and execution. We won't consider working with anybody else.’

  • ‘Attention to detail, pristine service.'‘

  • The team made up of Micheal Fitzgerald, Arturo Carrillo, Joy Gallyp, Pedro Reyes and Steven Sandretto is highly trained. They always denote being at the forefront of the topics and issues they address, always in collaboration and direct communication with their clients. In comparison with others, I have found that the cost-benefit that this team offers is notable. Another interesting point that adds value to the service proposal of this team is the use of languages ​​such as Spanish and Portuguese, which facilitates communication between clients and the team.’

  • ‘The team has extensive experience in the area. They know all the participants in the sector very well, they know well how the sector works, the times, the time demands, etc. Compared to other teams from other firms, this particular team has been in the market for much longer, and dedicating themselves to the same thing.’

  • ‘Mike Fitzgerald brings great added value to the project. He has a lot of experience and understands very well the specific needs of each client. Arturo Carrillo coordinates the internal and client work teams for a timely management of matters, he provides order and follow-up in transactions.'

  • ‘We have dealt with knowledgeable lawyers at multiple firms, but none put in the time to respond almost immediately at all times to any of our whims. They make you feel like we are the only and most important client. Very effective.’

Clients clés

  • JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, HSBC
  • Axtel
  • Santander
  • Alfa

Points forts

  • Represented the bank syndicate in connection with a sustainability linked credit agreement for Fibra Uno.
  • Represented Axtel in a $264m syndicated sustainability-linked financing involving a senior unsecured credit agreement.
  • Advised Alfa on a $125m financing involving a five-year senior unsecured credit agreement with Banorte.

Avocats

Responsable de la pratique

Michael Fitzgerald