Legal Achievements Celebrated at Latin Lawyer Gala

News Summary

The 19th annual Latin Lawyer Deal of the Year awards ceremony held at the Rosewood Hotel in São Paulo recognized outstanding legal achievements in Latin America. Eleven significant deals and distinguished individuals were honored, including Lifetime Achievement Awards for Cristian Mitrani and Mariana Posse. The event also highlighted pro bono and diversity initiatives, with awards going to firms promoting inclusivity and community rebuilding after disasters. The gala showcased major legal milestones that are driving change in the region’s legal landscape.

11 Outstanding Legal Achievements Recognized at Latin Lawyer Gala

On May 9, 2025, an exhilarating evening unfolded at the elegant Rosewood Hotel in São Paulo as Latin Lawyer unveiled their 19th annual Deal of the Year awards ceremony. Celebrating the remarkable achievements and leadership within the legal community in Latin America, the event honored eleven groundbreaking deals as well as numerous distinguished individuals who made significant contributions to the region’s legal landscape.

A Night Full of Accomplishments

The annual ceremony dazzled attendees, with a glimmering lineup emphasizing both individual excellence and collectively impactful initiatives. Among the highlights were the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, which were presented to Cristian Mitrani from Mitran Caballero in Argentina, and Mariana Posse from Posse Herrera Ruiz in Colombia. Both recipients showcased their dedication and remarkable careers that have significantly influenced the legal framework in their respective countries.

High-Profile Individual Awards

Highlighting the evening’s achievements, the Law Firm Leader Award was awarded to Paulo Rocha, who recently stepped down after 13 successful years as the managing partner of Demarest Advogados. Mariana Tavares Antunes took the spotlight for the Specialist Law Firm Leader Award as the managing partner of Wald, Antunes, Vita e Blattner Advogados.

Todd Crider, the head of Latin America practice at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, received the coveted International Lawyer of the Year Award for his leadership in major IPOs and high-stakes private equity transactions throughout the Latin American region.

Pro Bono and Diversity Initiatives Recognized

This year’s event also placed considerable emphasis on pro bono work and initiatives that foster inclusivity. The Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year award went to the Colombian firm Gómez-Pinzón, while Souto Correa Advogados took home the award for Pro Bono Project of the Year for their significant efforts in rebuilding communities impacted by flood disasters in Brazil.

In a step toward promoting diversity within the profession, Pinheiro Neto won the Diversity Initiative Award for their workshops aimed at combating sexism and enhancing inclusivity in the workplace. Meanwhile, the ESG Initiative Award was presented to Ecuador’s Pérez Bustamante & Ponce (PBP) for their eco-initiative of installing solar panels, generating an impressive 80% of their energy independently.

Celebrating the Major Deals of the Year

The spotlight also shone brightly on the 11 Deal of the Year awards across vital categories, marking significant shifts and accomplishments in the legal field. One standout achievement was SABESP’s landmark completion of Latin America’s largest privatization deal of 2024, aided by legal counsel from Clifford Chance LLP and Lefosse Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados.

Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP) received a nod for securing US$6 billion in financing for their high-profile acquisition from Iberdrola, with legal backing from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Panama showcased its commitment to infrastructure, clinching US$1.4 billion in financing to construct a fourth canal bridge, under the guidance of Arnold & Porter.

The expandability of mining also featured prominently, with multiple firms collaborating on US$1.5 billion financing for the expansion of the Centinela mine in Chile. Another notable transaction included the acquisition of Enel in Peru by China Southern Power Grid, aided by international legal counsel from A&O and Shearman.

Among other noteworthy achievements, Grupo Argos, Nutresa, and Sura completed a significant share swap in Colombia, with legal counsel provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Significant Structural Changes in Latin America

El Salvador transitioned toward sustainability through a US$1 billion debt-for-nature swap, garnering attention with White & Case LLP among the counsels involved. Meanwhile, restructuring approvals for Americanas under Chapter 15 were notably supported by White & Case LLP, reflecting the ongoing dialogue around financial restructuring in the region.

A monumental US$23 billion settlement regarding the Mariana dam emerged, facilitated by various law firms advocating for the involved parties, BHP and Vale.

As the night concluded, awards were not simply a reflection of legal prowess but a celebration of collaborative efforts to drive change, uplift communities, and recognize the brilliant minds shaping the future of law in Latin America. With each accolade, it is evident that the legal profession in Latin America continues to thrive, paving the way for new heights in the years to come.

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