Tomás Manzanares

Tomás Manuel Ávila Manzanares is a graduate of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of the University of Panama. He has postgraduate studies in Public Law and a Masters Degree in Commercial law.

Tomás was admitted in 1991 and has extensive experience in shipping law and his practice of more than 20 years involves a broad range of ship finance and ship registration work, all cases being cross-border transactions. His work has been praised by his clients and peers, as commentated in Chambers’ Global Guide to Leading Lawyers and The Legal 500.

Tomás served as president of the Panama Maritime Law Association from 2004 to 2008 and is currently chairing the Organizing Committee of the Panama Maritime World Conference & Exhibition.

He is “very dedicated to shipping” according to peers. Sources highlight his proactive approach and work ethic.” – Chambers Latin America 2013.

AVILA & CO:

AVILA & CO. is a Panamanian law firm incorporated in 2009 to serve from Panama the international maritime industry and financiers. We have been conceived as a ‘boutique firm’, meaning we cater to clientele on a special field of the law. Notwithstanding the novelty of the law firm, its founders, management and staff are well experienced in the field, as recognized and commended by international editorials and publications, such as Chambers’ Global Guide to Leading Lawyers, Chambers’ Global Latin America Leading Lawyers and Legal 500.

Our firm provides comprehensive advice to shipowners, vessel operators, charterers, ship agents, ship registration consultants, financial institutions, insurers, underwriters and brokers in contentious and non-contentious issues. Our clientele may rely on our experience in cross-border transactions to obtain a quick response from our firm and assistance around the clock, as required in the shipping industry.

AVILA & CO. assists its clients in ship registration affairs under the Panama flag, which includes the obtainment of all navigation licenses and technical certificates, as well as any other documents which must be obtained through the offices of the Merchant Marine General Directorate of the Panama Maritime Authority for the safe operation of a vessel.

We also provide advice on the purchase and sale of vessels, as well as on ship finance, including registration of ship mortgages, execution of pledges and other securities on behalf of the Borrowers and the Finance Providers.

AVILA & CO. may also set-up special purpose corporations for shipowners and ship financers alike and provide you with all the related services, such as incorporation of companies in Panama and other jurisdictions, registration of minutes, modification, merger, dissolution and redomiciliation of corporations.

So, if your business requires assistance from Panama that is committed to providing you personal support, answers and results, then we are clearly your choice.