Walter Monroy

Leaders in Law endorses Walter Monroy as our exclusively recommended Accounting Services expert in Guatemala. If you wish to get in touch with Walter please use the contact information provided above.

García Monroy & Asociados, is an audit firm legally constituted in Guatemala, which main objective is to provide professionals services in the financial, auditing and consulting areas. It was created with the objective to provide services in a different way and of a higher quality in relation with other similar firms at the market.

We have gathered an experience of 15 years, providing our auditing services to different kind of development entities, Associations. Foundations and non-governmental organizations, also, we have worked directly by the international cooperation; experience which has positioned us in the market like one the firms specialized in these development areas.

Our experience in the commercial area has been obtained providing our services to pharmaceutical laboratories, travel agencies, and companies providing real estate, agricultural and mercantile services, as well as cargo carrier companies.

If you have a requirement in this area, please get in touch with Walter directly or with the International Referral head office for an introduction.

 

Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón

Leaders in Law endorses Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón as our exclusively recommended Energy Law expert in Guatemala. If you wish to get in touch with Juan please use the contact information provided above.

Partner serving as head of the Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking, and Finance departments of the firm.

Ranked amongst the three top lawyers in Guatemala for mergers and acquisitions by Latin American Corporate Counsel Association – LACCA.

Currently recognized as a top practitioner in the Guatemalan and Central American legal market.

Juan Carlos has participated in some of the largest and most important transactions in Guatemala.

He has a wide experience in counselling non-profit organizations.

Education

  • 1991 – Master of Laws by Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • 1991 – Bachelor of Law and Social Sciences, Magna Cum Laude, by Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala, Guatemala.

Professional Experience

  • 2007 – present Partner at Aguilar Castillo Love
  • 1999 – 2007 President of the Guatemalan Stock Exchange Market.
  • 1998 – Legal Advisor to the Government of Guatemala in the Privatization of Guatemala’s Seaports and Airports.
  • 1996 – Legal Advisor to the Government of Guatemala in the Privatization of Electric Power Generation and Distribution Companies.
  • 1993 – 2001 Head Professor of Public International Law at Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala.

Publications

Judicial Independence in Guatemala: A Critical Analysis, published in Harvard Law School, 1991.

Awards and Recognition

Ranked as one of the three top lawyers in Guatemala for mergers and acquisitions by Latin American Corporate Counsel Association – LACCA.

Skills

Juan Carlos serves as “trusted advisor” to his clients. His comprehensive knowledge in business and Law gives his clients security and confidence that they will receive an accurate and honest legal advice. He invests time and effort understanding the priorities and needs of the client’s transaction and, as a result, obtains his clients’ loyalty. His experience and knowledge characterize him. Juan Carlos has successfully led the regional firm in a broad scope of Due Diligence Transactions.

The legal advices provided by Juan Carlos do not stop in making a profound analysis of the transaction to understand the Law’s implications, but they also comprise the context of the client’s transaction in order to provide a comprehensive solution.

He is a practical and efficient attorney, with great ability to critical analysis, an above-average analytical capacity, and the necessary tools to convey knowledge to the client. He is intuitive, attentive to detail, accurate, and has the ability to anticipate the needs and risks of the client.

Mr. Castillo is constantly described by clients as “the lawyer with the most capacity in this area in all of Central America” (speaking of the Finance area of practice, Legal500).

The integrity, knowledge and skills that characterize Juan Carlos has allowed him to participate in some of the biggest acquisitions in the history of Guatemala, such as the sale of Generation Assets of Empresa Eléctrica de Guatemala, S.A.; the Sale of Shares (80%) of the same company; the acquisition of all the assets of Shell in Central America; and a percentage of the entity Royal Forest Holding (RFH) and its subsidiaries in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, among many other projects. He has also advised on some of the largest financing deals in Guatemala, recently, in the issuance of bonds by two companies in the energy industry for US$ 300M and US$ 450 M.

Languages

  • Spanish
  • English

Memberships

  • Guatemalan Bar Association
  • International Bar Association -IBA-
  • Harvard Law School Alumni Association

Firm Description:

Aguilar Castillo Love has always been at the forefront of legal change and landmark legal cases across Latin America. We have consistently redefined what it means to be a leading law firm and continue to provide the highest level of customer service and quality legal advice to a prestigious client base, domestic, regional and international.

We are one of the leading law firms in Latin America as recognized by directories such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500Latin Lawyer 250, and Latin Lawyer Elite. Our position is reflected in the fact that we work with some of the most highly regarded global law firms including many of the Global Elite and Magic Circle law firms such as Cravath, Linklaters, Freshfields, Slaughter and May, Wachtell Lipton and White & Case, among others.

Clients expect the best from us. We have built a reputation of providing the highest quality of legal advice as well as the highest level of personalized service. In addition, our reputation for transparency and business integrity through the law sets us apart from our competitors and continues to attract top talent to the firm.

History

Aguilar Castillo Love is the product of business and legal traditions that reach back for several centuries beginning in Guatemala and Costa Rica. We combine the best of what tradition and longevity has to offer with the innovative approaches and fresh perspectives of the new generations of lawyers at the firm. Our philosophy and culture have evolved over many generations. Bufete Aguilar was the first law firm in Costa Rica, founded by Don Manuel Aguilar Chacón in the 1820s. Don Manuel was known as the “the first Costa Rican lawyer”, making the name Aguilar the oldest still active in the Central American legal community. Castillo took part in the foundation of Guatemala, and the family created one of the region’s biggest business conglomerates.

The modern law firms that were the immediate predecessors of Aguilar Castillo Love were established in the 1960s: John Aguilar & Asociados, (a re-establishment of Bufete Aguilar by John Aguilar Osborne in Costa Rica), and Bufete Castillo Love (founded by Francisco J. Castillo Love in Guatemala). By the time they came together, both firms already had a long history of serving major regional and international businesses in complex commercial transactions and dispute resolution in Central America.

An agreement to embark on a joint regional venture was made between the current senior partners, John Aguilar Quesada and Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón, whilst at Harvard Law School where they both obtained their LLM degree. This journey began in 1991 and evolved into the first truly Central American initiative and law firm. It concluded with a formal integration in February 2006.  Aguilar Castillo Love has consistently championed women in the legal profession being one of the first firms to name a female partner in Nicaragua, and subsequently in other countries of the region.

Our vision for our role as a law firm is born of our above described heritage, a continued emphasis across the years on ensuring we lead the industry, leveraging our longevity and trust in the market and with clients, to introduce new ideas and concepts that address current day challenges. Our ethos is drawn from many models, realities, and lessons. It has been long tested. The decisions we make in the present have a direct impact on our clients’ futures. In a world of noise, distraction, short-termism and volatility, in a world that demands ‘modernity’ for modernity’s sake, we know the value of knowing who we are and the value we bring. It doesn’t mean we don’t move with the times. Quite the opposite, it qualifies us to lead. Proof of the foregoing is the many recognitions the law firm has received over the past few years including, the recognition by the Women Economic Forum 2019, Latin America, as one of the “Iconic Companies Creating a Better World for All”, for the work the firm hands for the non-profit She Is (www.she-is.org)  in Central America. She Is works with high-risk women in severe economic need- helping to turn crafts and services into businesses.

 

Alvaro Hurtado Bocaletti

Leaders in Law endorses Alvaro Hurtado Bocaletti as our exclusively recommended Private Equity Law expert in Guatemala. If you wish to get in touch with Alvaro please use the contact information provided above.

Alvaro is the founder of LegalPlus and has more than 10+ years of professional experience as an Attorney in Guatemala, and participating in international transactions in Latin America, USA, Europe and Asia. He currently advises a and serves the Board of a diverse group of clients including start-ups, local and multinational companies. His practice focuses primarily in Private Equity and Venture Capital transactions; however, he has vast experience in Aviation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Development, Corporate Law and Intellectual Property.

Academic Background

He graduated from Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM) as a Lawyer and Notary Public, obtained a Master’s Degree in International Economic Law from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and a Master’s Degree in International Trade from AGEXPORT and Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). Among other academic achievements he has participated in courses at Stanford University and American University.

Currently he is a Professor at his alma mater, the School of Law of Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM).

Offices in Hong Kong

Alvaro started the firm’s office in Hong Kong in 2012, and this operation has allowed the firm to provide trading and other offshore services to its clients. This office provides complementary services to multinational corporate groups, family offices and other regional transactions.

Firm Description:

LegalPlus is a business and technology oriented law firm. We specialize in providing legal advisory services that fit the business model, stage and demands of our clients’. Understanding our clients’ business and goals allow us to provide spot on legal solutions that meet their true needs and resources. Unlike traditional law firms, at LegalPlus we maximize our efforts through technology and add real value to our clients.

Experience

At LegalPlus, we are proud to represent a broad and diverse group of domestic and international clients; ranging from emerging startups to multi-national corporations and non-profit entities. Advising diverse clients have provided us with vast experience and extensive understanding of what a client needs, based on their business stage and goals.

The PLUS in Legal Plus

As a business and technology law firm, we are confident technology can provide a business with innovative ways to solve routine legal tasks. Therefore we have developed and adopted a set of legal tools to help us all save time and money on mechanical tasks, and focus truly in adding value to our clients through advise and analysis. Our technological complimentary services set us apart from traditional law firms and allow us to provide cost-efficient services.

 

Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groote

Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groote is head of the Foreign Investment Department of the firm.

Advised clients and lead the local strategy to invest in multiple mining and energy projects which include Nickel, Silver, Gold, Antimony and Petroleum in Guatemala and Central America.

Advised and lead as local counsel international arbitrations including the first ever DR-CAFTA Investor vs State dispute in Washington DC., which was ruled on behalf of the investor.

Team leader in multiple strategic and large real estate transactions, involving natural resources companies, government, and multinationals.

Team leader in multiple complex commercial transactions between multinationals and national entities and individuals.

Practice Areas:

  • Foreign Investment
  • Natural Resources (Mining and Energy)
  • Acquisition of strategic Real Estate Assets
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Corporate Law
  • International Arbitration and Mediation

Education:

  • Bachelors of Law (LL.B.), (Guatemala, 1998) – Universidad Francisco Marroquin.
  • Specialization in Arbitration Law and Alternate Dispute Resolutions (U.S.A., 1998) – Loyola University.
  • Certificate if Digital Economy and E-Business (Guatemala, 2002) – Central American Institute of Public Administration -ICAP / Ministry of Economy.
  • Specialization in International Mergers & Acquisitions (England, 2003) – College of Law of England & Wales.
  • Executive Program in Legal Issues of International Business Law, (2003) – Georgetown University Law Center/ INCAE.
  • Specialization in Advanced Negotiation, Deal Design & Implementation (U.S.A., 2005) – Harvard Law School.
  • Magister Science (LL.M), Mercantile Law & Competitiveness (Guatemala, 2008) – CIG /USAC.
  • Attorney at Law – Public Notary (Guatemala, 1998)

Memberships:

  • Central Law Guatemala
  • AMCHAM Guatemala
  • ASCABI
  • Guatemalan Bar Association
  • Mexican Chamber of Commerce
  • German Chamber of Commerce
  • Guatemalan Chamber of Industry
  • American Bar Association – ABA
  • Chambers & Partners, Latin America.

Natural Resources Law Practice:

CENTRAL LAW has established a solid reputation thanks to its counseling services in the regulatory scope and due diligences on the main hydrocarbon and electricity industries.

Investment in these fields is considered of high-growth in the CAFTA-DR region. Our firm has been providing counsel to the principal investment projects in Central America, Panama and Dominican Republic.

At CENTRAL LAW we promote Renewable Energy Projects and Infrastructure, caring for the environmental management of all the operations involved.

Our firm offers a comprehensive service that covers all necessary stages to ensure the success of the whole project from prefeasibility, feasibility and Implementation, setting out the critical routes within the legal, technical and financial frameworks and supported by a team of experts in the matter.

Central Law:

CENTRAL LAW is the leading regional law firm advising clients on corporate law and in Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure in Central America, Panama and the Caribbean.

With 11 offices in the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic, CENTRAL LAW has advised domestic and foreign corporations as well as individuals and international organizations in different projects in their business development in the countries where the firm’s offices are located.

International directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR 1000 have recognized CENTRAL LAW´s lawyers as prominent professionals in the fields of Corporate Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Corporate Finance, Corporate M&A, Energy & Infrastructure, Energy & Natural Resources, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment, Real Estate & Tourism, Shipping and Tax.

Armando Mérida

Leaders in Law endorses Armando Mérida as our exclusively recommended IP Law expert in Guatemala. If you wish to get in touch with Armando please use the contact information provided above.

As founder and partner of the firm Mérida & Associates, Mr. Armando Mérida worked several years in the legal department of a prestigious international bank in the city of Guatemala, which enabled him to acquire a vast knowledge and extensive experience in banking affairs national and international as well as in Commercial Law and Distribution Agreements, which is an area of great importance in the firm. He was also a partner in the law firm of Quezada, Ibargüen and Escobar in Guatemala City,  and since 1994, founded the firm that operates under the name of Merida and Associates.

Our office is confirmed by a team of professional lawyers and assistants experienced in Civil and Commercial Law.

We are part of the International Firm JUSTINIAN LAWYERS, and also active members of AEA- International Lawyers Network-, INTA, ASIPI, AIPLA, MARQUES, and we are listed in the following international directories:

– International IP Law Firms (Hurrymedia)

– IP Pages (Newton Media)

The attention to our customers is our top priority and we focus on providing the best service possible.

 

Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groote

Juan Pablo Carrasco de Groote is head of the Foreign Investment Department of the firm.

Advised clients and lead the local strategy to invest in multiple mining and energy projects which include Nickel, Silver, Gold, Antimony and Petroleum in Guatemala and Central America.

Advised and lead as local counsel international arbitrations including the first ever DR-CAFTA Investor vs State dispute in Washington DC., which was ruled on behalf of the investor.

Team leader in multiple strategic and large real estate transactions, involving natural resources companies, government, and multinationals.

Team leader in multiple complex commercial transactions between multinationals and national entities and individuals.

PRACTICE AREAS:
  • Foreign Investment
  • Natural Resources (Mining and Energy)
  • Acquisition of strategic Real Estate Assets
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Corporate Law
  • International Arbitration and Mediation
EDUCATION
  • Bachelors of Law (LL.B.), (Guatemala, 1998) – Universidad Francisco Marroquin.
  • Specialization in Arbitration Law and Alternate Dispute Resolutions (U.S.A., 1998) – Loyola University.
  • Certificate if Digital Economy and E-Business (Guatemala, 2002) – Central American Institute of Public Administration -ICAP / Ministry of Economy.
  • Specialization in International Mergers & Acquisitions (England, 2003) – College of Law of England & Wales.
  • Executive Program in Legal Issues of International Business Law, (2003) – Georgetown University Law Center/ INCAE.
  • Specialization in Advanced Negotiation, Deal Design & Implementation (U.S.A., 2005) – Harvard Law School.
  • Magister Science (LL.M), Mercantile Law & Competitiveness (Guatemala, 2008) – CIG /USAC.
  • Attorney at Law – Public Notary (Guatemala, 1998)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Central Law Guatemala
  • AMCHAM Guatemala
  • ASCABI
  • Guatemalan Bar Association
  • Mexican Chamber of Commerce
  • German Chamber of Commerce
  • Guatemalan Chamber of Industry
  • American Bar Association – ABA
  • Chambers & Partners, Latin America.
Natural Resources Law Practice:

CENTRAL LAW has established a solid reputation thanks to its counseling services in the regulatory scope and due diligences on the main hydrocarbon and electricity industries.

Investment in these fields is considered of high-growth in the CAFTA-DR region. Our firm has been providing counsel to the principal investment projects in Central America, Panama and Dominican Republic.

At CENTRAL LAW we promote Renewable Energy Projects and Infrastructure, caring for the environmental management of all the operations involved.

Our firm offers a comprehensive service that covers all necessary stages to ensure the success of the whole project from prefeasibility, feasibility and Implementation, setting out the critical routes within the legal, technical and financial frameworks and supported by a team of experts in the matter.

CENTRAL LAW:

CENTRAL LAW is the leading regional law firm advising clients on corporate law and in Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure in Central America, Panama and the Caribbean.

With 11 offices in the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic, CENTRAL LAW has advised domestic and foreign corporations as well as individuals and international organizations in different projects in their business development in the countries where the firm’s offices are located.

International directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR 1000 have recognized CENTRAL LAW´s lawyers as prominent professionals in the fields of Corporate Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Corporate Finance, Corporate M&A, Energy & Infrastructure, Energy & Natural Resources, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment, Real Estate & Tourism, Shipping and Tax.