Arias
Latin America Guide 2025
About
Managing Partners Team:
Chairman: Armando Arias
Regional Managing Partner: Vicente Lines
Arias Guatemala: Liz Gordillo
Arias El Salvador: Lilian Arias and Roberta Gallardo
Arias Honduras: Evangelina Lardizábal
Arias Nicaragua: Ana Teresa Rizo
Arias Costa Rica: Carolina Flores
Arias Panamá: Siaska SSS Lorenzo
Number of partners: 39
Number of lawyers regionwide: 130
Firm Overview:
Arias was established in 1942 by Francisco Armando Arias (1915-2013), and today it continues to be the most recommended firm in Central America, with 81 years of experience in providing accurate and timely solutions based on its clients’ goals and backed by a great team of professionals, highly focused on client service.
The firm’s heritage, passion for law and commitment to quality, allows Arias to grow along with the region and overcome new challenges in each country in which Arias operates: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Main Areas of Practice:
Arbitration & Litigation:
Arias advises companies facing litigation of various types before administrative or judicial forums. This includes out-of-court settlements, alternative mechanisms for dispute resolutions and skillful litigation. The team also has vast experience in international and local arbitration.
Antitrust:
Advises in concentrations, competition-related litigation, clearance, cartel investigation and litigation, compliance, counselling and training programs, antitrust disputes, commercial disputes and judicial reviews, among others.
Banking & Finance:
Structuring finance projects with development and international commercial banks and counselling financial institutions and multinational companies in corporate and financial transactions.
Corporate & Commercial:
Start-up projects, establishment of operations, corporate governance, due diligence, contracts, corporate immigration and day-to-day legal needs.
Intellectual Property:
Trademark registration, patents, oppositions and all matters related to intellectual property protection.
Labour:
Drafting and execution of labour contracts, internal labour regulations, registrations with employment authorities, changes in employment terms and conditions, terminations, labour controversies and negotiations of out-of-court settlements, labour dispute mediation, litigation of employment-related matters and corporate immigration.
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Negotiations and closings in selling and acquiring companies, acquisition of minority and controlling interest, businesses due diligence process and identifying legal contingencies.
Tax Planning & Litigation:
Tax structuring, tax planning, tax litigation, transfer pricing, free trade zones and fiscal grounds, municipal taxes, customs, among others related.
Environmental Law:
Environmental due diligence, Filing for licenses and permits, Supervision and review of environmental impact studies, Forest laws, Zoning and development restrictions, Water Law, Land and maritime zone regulations, among others
Regulatory:
Through its extensive knowledge of local regulations, Arias provides regulatory advice in consumer protection, data protection and privacy, energy, environment, finance matters, telecommunications, media and technology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, among others.
Energy:
Arias provides advice on the successful development of energy generation projects, from the initial investment phase to the beginning of operations, as well as in the distribution sector and electricity market. Arias has vast experience in public tenders, regulatory compliance issues before different public entities, power purchase agreements, supply and other agreements necessary to enable the participation in the energy market.
Other Practice Areas:
Administrative law, aviation, compliance, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption, franchising, government procurement, international trade, foreign investments, insurance and reinsurance, oil and gas, project and infrastructure finance, public private partnerships, real estate, among others.
DIVERSITY:
Arias promotes equal opportunities for men and women within the firm, in which recruitment, appointments and professional growth are based on individual merits above any other reason. At Arias, over 50% of the lawyers in the region are women.
50% of our partners are women
49% of our associates are women
100% of our managing partners are women
57% of our administrative managers are women
Partners promote learning and growth opportunities for female attorneys, taking into consideration their personal life, family responsibilities, studies, etc., while encouraging them to thrive in their career.
PRO BONO:
Our partners are involved in various activities, especially regarding, inclusion and education of children, the protection of families and vulnerable women across Central America.
At Arias, the pro bono work is promoted by partners and associates. Each member is free to decide which association or foundations will be supporting. As a firm operating in developing countries Arias has a profound commitment to protect, defend and support people in need. Being our countries places where violence and displacement are highly sensitive issues, and real issues, Arias Managing Team is constantly encouraging collaborators to act as part of the solutions our societies need among the problematic environments.
We are proud of the commitment every associate, partner or team member shows and strongly believe that this kind of selfless work can only make us become better humans, working to make our nations better.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Arias
- San SalvadorCalle La Mascota #533, Colonia San Benito, San Salvador, Area Metropolitana de San Salvador, El Salvador
- Web: www.ariaslaw.com
- Tel: +503 2257 0900
- Fax: +503 2257 0901
- View ranked office
- San JoséCLS Business Center, 9no piso / 9th floor. Sabana , San José, San José, Costa Rica, 10108View ranked office
- Guatemala City6ª. Avenida 12-24 zona 10 Edificio HQ Fontabella, Nivel 8 , Guatemala City, Guatemala, GuatemalaView ranked office
- TegucigalpaEdificio Park Plaza local 19, Barrio Guamilito, 5 y 6 Calle, 11 Av. N.O., San Pedro Sula Cortes, Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán, HondurasView ranked office
- ManaguaPista Jean Paul Genie, Edificio Escala, 3er piso, Managua, Managua, NicaraguaView ranked office
Arias rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
35 items provided by Arias
LEGAL COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION IN A $150 MILLION FINANCING FOR GRUPO RANSA
ARIAS SERVED AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION IN A SIGNIFICANT $150 MILLION FINANCING FOR GRUPO RANSA
Strengthening Expertise: Key Promotions in ARIAS El Salvador’s Legal Team
ARIAS El Salvador announces the promotions of Rafael Burgos, Marcela Canjura, René García, and Carlos Fernández to strengthen its legal team. Their expertise spans M&A, intellectual property, tax, and corporate law, reflecting ARIAS' commitment to excellence and client success across the region.
ARIAS ADVISES HOLCIM IN THE ACQUISITION OF 100% OF CEMEX OPERATIONS IN GUATEMALA
ARIAS served as legal counsel to Holcim in acquiring 100% of Cemex's operations in Guatemala, from due diligence to completion. The acquisition includes a cement grinding plant, ready-mix concrete plants, a maritime terminal, and distribution centers, strengthening Holcim's presence and supporting i
FMO AND ARIAS FOSTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN GUATEMALA WITH FINANCING OF US$85 MILLION
ARIAS advised The Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. ("FMO"), along with other lenders, in providing a loan of up to US$85 million to Fundación Génesis Empresarial ("Génesis")
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
IVÓN HERNÁNDEZ PROMOTED TO PARTNER AT ARIAS GUATEMALA
We are proud to announce that Ivón Hernández, Director of Intellectual Property at ARIAS Guatemala, has been promoted to Partner.
ARIAS COSTA RICA WELCOMES NEW IP DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA WO CHING
ARIAS´s Costa Rican IP operations are now directed by Cynthia Wo-Ching, expert attorney with over 20 years of experience in the field.
ARIAS ACTED AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO CENTRO FINANCIERO CRECER, S.A. IN THE ACQUISITION OF AFP CRECER, S.A
ARIAS served as legal counsel to Centro Financiero Crecer, S.A., a member of Grupo Rizek in the Dominican Republic, in its acquisition of AFP Crecer, S.A., a subsidiary of Proteccion, a Colombian Group, for a total of US$60 million.
ARIAS ACTED AS LOCAL COUNSEL IN THE FINANCING RESULTING FROM THE MERGER OF RANSA WITH TCF
ARIAS is pleased to recount the role played as local counsel in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Santander and Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) in the financing and refinancing resulting from the merger of Ransa with TCF
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A.,
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A., CREATING A LEADING PUBLICLY TRADED DEVELOPER
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A.,
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A., CREATING A LEADING PUBLICLY TRADED DEVELOPER
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
ARIAS LEGALLY ADVISES UNIVAR SOLUTIONS IN THE ACQUISITION OF CHEMSOL IN CENTRAL AMERICA
At Arias we provided legal advice to Univar Solutions Inc. in the acquisition of the regional chemical company Chemsol. Univar Solutions Inc. is a leading global distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients representing a premier portfolio of the world's leading producers. Chemsol, on the othe
LEGAL COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION IN A $150 MILLION FINANCING FOR GRUPO RANSA
ARIAS SERVED AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION IN A SIGNIFICANT $150 MILLION FINANCING FOR GRUPO RANSA
Strengthening Expertise: Key Promotions in ARIAS El Salvador’s Legal Team
ARIAS El Salvador announces the promotions of Rafael Burgos, Marcela Canjura, René García, and Carlos Fernández to strengthen its legal team. Their expertise spans M&A, intellectual property, tax, and corporate law, reflecting ARIAS' commitment to excellence and client success across the region.
ARIAS ADVISES HOLCIM IN THE ACQUISITION OF 100% OF CEMEX OPERATIONS IN GUATEMALA
ARIAS served as legal counsel to Holcim in acquiring 100% of Cemex's operations in Guatemala, from due diligence to completion. The acquisition includes a cement grinding plant, ready-mix concrete plants, a maritime terminal, and distribution centers, strengthening Holcim's presence and supporting i
FMO AND ARIAS FOSTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN GUATEMALA WITH FINANCING OF US$85 MILLION
ARIAS advised The Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. ("FMO"), along with other lenders, in providing a loan of up to US$85 million to Fundación Génesis Empresarial ("Génesis")
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES BLADEX ON A SYNDICATED FINANCING OF US$100 MILLION
The Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) has successfully concluded the granting of a syndicated loan totaling US$100 million to Banco Promerica, S.A. During this transaction, ARIAS served as the legal advisor in Guatemala for Bladex.
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN CR, SV AND MEX
ARIAS ADVISES IMCD GROUP IN THE ACQUISITION OF GRUPO BRETANO'S COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO
IVÓN HERNÁNDEZ PROMOTED TO PARTNER AT ARIAS GUATEMALA
We are proud to announce that Ivón Hernández, Director of Intellectual Property at ARIAS Guatemala, has been promoted to Partner.
ARIAS COSTA RICA WELCOMES NEW IP DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA WO CHING
ARIAS´s Costa Rican IP operations are now directed by Cynthia Wo-Ching, expert attorney with over 20 years of experience in the field.
ARIAS ACTED AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO CENTRO FINANCIERO CRECER, S.A. IN THE ACQUISITION OF AFP CRECER, S.A
ARIAS served as legal counsel to Centro Financiero Crecer, S.A., a member of Grupo Rizek in the Dominican Republic, in its acquisition of AFP Crecer, S.A., a subsidiary of Proteccion, a Colombian Group, for a total of US$60 million.
ARIAS ACTED AS LOCAL COUNSEL IN THE FINANCING RESULTING FROM THE MERGER OF RANSA WITH TCF
ARIAS is pleased to recount the role played as local counsel in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama to Banco Santander and Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) in the financing and refinancing resulting from the merger of Ransa with TCF
ARIAS ADVISES BAC ON SOLAR PLANT FINANCING
At Arias, we are proud to announce our collaboration with BAC (Banco de América Central, S.A.) in the US$34 million financing for the construction and operation of the "San Patricio" photovoltaic solar plant in Guatemala. This project, with a capacity of 66MWp, is scheduled to start operations in mi
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED SURAMERICANA ON THE SALE OF ASESUISA´S SHARES IN EL SALVADOR
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ASSISTED CORPORACIÓN TS ON THE SALE OF SEGUROS DEL PACÍFICO´ SHARES
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A.,
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A., CREATING A LEADING PUBLICLY TRADED DEVELOPER
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A.,
ARIAS ADVISED TWO SPAC IN THE MERGER WITH LATAM LOGISTIC PROPERTIES S.A., CREATING A LEADING PUBLICLY TRADED DEVELOPER
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
Arias Strengthens its Service and Regional Structure in Central America
Arias is executing an ambitious strategy that strengthens its leadership in Central America, leveraging more than 80 years working with clients in the development of their businesses through a diverse and specialized team of more than 140 lawyers.
ARIAS LEGALLY ADVISES UNIVAR SOLUTIONS IN THE ACQUISITION OF CHEMSOL IN CENTRAL AMERICA
At Arias we provided legal advice to Univar Solutions Inc. in the acquisition of the regional chemical company Chemsol. Univar Solutions Inc. is a leading global distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients representing a premier portfolio of the world's leading producers. Chemsol, on the othe