Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Citadelle, Legal, Tax & Accounting was established in September 2024, leveraging the reputation of its managing partner, Carlos Rodríguez Capurr, from Blanco & Etcheverry, and swiftly positioning itself as a trusted, agile firm handling complex litigation and arbitration matters with a focus on expansion both locally and internationally.

Dispute resolution in Uruguay

Ferrere

The dispute resolution department at Ferrere is a dominant force in Latin America, renowned for its expertise across all forms of disputes, including commercial, constitutional, administrative and international litigation and arbitration. It represents leading multinational corporations and global financial institutions across key sectors such as construction, pharma and energy. Sandra González, a prominent figure in complex litigation and arbitration, advises major clients including Shell and Hyundai. Alejandro Pintos specialises in commercial disputes, particularly corporate, media, bankruptcy, and agency litigation, securing significant victories in ICC arbitration and M&A disputes. Soledad Díaz is a leading authority in natural resources and infrastructure disputes, with impressive arbitration successes. Martín Rosati brings extensive arbitration experience, having advised clients like Petrobras and Hyundai.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sandra González


Autres avocats clés:

Alejandro Pintos; Martín Rosati; Soledad Díaz


Les références

‘Their professionalism, their competence, their work ethic. They deliver. Another advantage is their flexibility, which allows us to reach agreements with third parties.’

‘Personalised attention, focused on customer knowledge. Excellent quality of service.’

‘Very warm people, with deep technical knowledge.’

Principaux clients

Nordex


Hyatt


ExxonMobil


Uber


Shell


Petrobras


KPMG International


Total


Hyundai Engineering & Construction


JPMorgan Chase


Grupo Cobra


Katoen Natie


Mattel


Agrifirm


Deutsche Bank


Sikeston


Mapfre


Metrogas


Tsakos


Travelgenio


Siena Enterprises


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing the logistics services company Katoen Natie, the operator of the Montevideo port terminal, in a complex dispute triggered by another logistic operator seeking to reverse the agreement reached by Katoen Natie and the Uruguayan Government in the context of their USD 1.5 billion investment dispute.
  • Representing Seaboard companies and some of their officers and affiliates in the context of the bankruptcy of three local agribusiness companies (the Cereoil Group), in which Seaboard purchased an indirect stake.
  • Representing Siena Enterprises in a bet-the-company shareholder dispute over an investment in the largest free trade zone in Uruguay.

Guyer & Regules

The litigation and arbitration department at Guyer & Regules handles some of Uruguay’s most sophisticated and high-profile disputes. From investment arbitration for Philip Morris to complex antitrust litigation for Roche, the team is recognised for its expertise, track record and an impressive client portfolio ranging from major banks and global manufacturers to leading energy companies. Department co-leader Carlos Brandes focuses on high-value civil and commercial litigation, international and domestic arbitration, investment treaty disputes, insolvency, civil fraud and complex insurance and banking matters. Co-leader Mariana Santo is a specialist in administrative law, with vast experience in litigation against the State as well as public procurement, infrastructure and energy sector matters. Macarena Fariña, counsel, advises on civil and commercial disputes and international arbitration, with a strong background in private international law. Senior associate Ana Paula González focuses on complex civil and commercial disputes, international law and arbitration, particularly regarding IP, shareholders and distribution agreements. Cecilia Orlando, also counsel, handles commercial and corporate disputes and contractual negotiations. Martín Balmaceda, senior associate, works on civil, commercial and criminal litigation, including fraud, shareholder conflicts and representing victims in economic crime cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Brandes; Mariana Santo


Autres avocats clés:

Macarena Fariña; Ana Paula González; Cecilia Orlando; Martín Balmaceda


Les références

‘Total commitment to the client, with a client-centered approach.’

Principaux clients

Citibank


Philip Morris


Telefónica


Moody’s


Montes del Plata


GNLS


BBVA


Itaú Bank


HSBC


Unilever


Tienda Inglesa


BASF


Bunge


Airbus


Homecenter Sodimac


Nicoll Uruguay


Total Chile


Rouar


Axion Energy


Codere


Banque Heritage


Acciona


Enjoy – Conrad


Petroleum Geo-services


GX Technology Corporation


Medtronic


Spefar


TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company


Curtiembre Paris


Verifone


Hudson Clean Energy


Brittshop


ICM Stellar Sports Limited


Bunge Argentina


Auto Lider Mercedes-Benz


Securities And Exchange Commission


LG Electronics


Diaril


Mega Labs


Frutura


Grupo Lequio


Abeinsa Inversiones Latam


RBK Uruguay


Electroingenieria


Stora Enso Uruguay


Arroyo Arrandí and Maberil  (Saman Group)


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted global pharmaceutical company Roche in a complex antitrust investigation and litigation in relation to an innovative subscription-based “Netflix-Model” agreement, through which Roche sells medications to the leading public supplier in Uruguay, Fondo Nacional de Recursos (FNR).
  • Represented multinational company LG Electronics in a suit filed by former sub-distributor of all its products in Uruguay, Incotel S.A., claiming damages related to alleged breaches of contract and termination of its contract, for over USD 2.7m.
  • Successfully represented Arroyo Arrandí SRL and Maberil S.A. in a suit filed against La Represa Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, Acamay S.A., Esther Fernández Iza, Silvana María Alves Fernández y Graciela Alves Penela, Beatriz Alves Penela y Luis Alves Penela, requesting payment of credits, loans and taxes due for the sums of USD 15.245.022,42y $ 50.774.241 Uruguayan pesos (minus rents of USD 3.911.055,75), plus interests and the readjustment of such sums.

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga’s dispute resolution practice represents multinational corporations, including advising Uruguay’s two largest banks, Santander and Itaú, on restructuring and bankruptcy matters. It handles high-profile cases for global companies and excels in arbitration, antitrust and environmental law. Nicolás Brause, co-leading the team, specialises in financial litigation, handling major cases such as Pluna’s liquidation and the Diamantis Plaza resolution. Mariela Ruanova, co-leader, brings extensive expertise in regulatory matters, fintech and financial innovation. Bruno Steneri, a senior associate, plays a key role in financial and insurance litigation, advising top institutions with unmatched expertise in financial collections. Andrés Tiscornia, also a senior associate, excels in complex litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolás Brause; Mariela Ruanova


Autres avocats clés:

Bruno Steneri; Andrés Tiscornia


Les références

‘Both the advisory and litigation teams have demonstrated professionalism and kept us informed of relevant regulatory changes in tax, labour and commercial matters. Their response to our institution’s needs has been solid, swift and coordinated.’

‘Accessibility and speed of response. Partners who have had outstanding practice include Bruno Steneri: professionalism, ability to work as a team, speed of response.’

Principaux clients

Google


Banco Santander


Volkswagen


TikTok


Dubai Investment Corporation


Zambrano & Cia


Banco Itaú


Amazon


Adidas


Genacol International Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Google in Uruguay’s cases regarding the right to be forgotten.
  • Advising Adidas in the millionaire claim filed against all Adidas companies (Adidas International, Adidas Latam, Adidas Argentina and Uruguay), by the former local representative of Reebok, a brand previously bought by Adidas.
  • Advising Zambrano on the structuring of a private mega-proceeding.

Hughes & Hughes

The dispute resolution team at Hughes & Hughes handles a broad spectrum of high-stakes cases across areas and industries such as commercial law, asset recovery, intellectual property, banking, pharma and real estate. The practice excels in complex litigation and arbitration, advising clients on environmental law, competition, tax, insolvency and labour disputes. It boasts an impressive client roster, including HRU and BBVA. Co-leading the department, Bernardo Porras specialises in asset recovery and insolvency matters. Alfredo Taullard, also co-leader, focuses on complex litigation, asset recovery, insolvency and arbitration. Senior associate Agustina Silva specialises in litigation, arbitration and asset recovery. Senior associate Magela Ramon is experienced in dispute resolution, tax law and foreign trade matters, having worked at Uruguay’s National Tax Office. Associate Felipe Riva specialises in dispute resolution, administrative law and asset recovery. Associate Camila Chanes focuses on litigation, bankruptcy and asset recovery, with expertise in maritime law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bernardo Porras; Alfredo Taullard


Autres avocats clés:

Agustina Silva; Felipe Riva; Magela Ramon; Camila Chanes


Les références

‘They are very dedicated to my cause. It’s as if the cause belongs to them.’

‘Agustina Silva’s attention to detail and legal expertise were instrumental in helping achieve the outcome. Whenever I had a question, she was quick to respond with clarity and professionalism. I highly recommend working with Agustina.’

Principaux clients

Abriley


Aerolíneas Argentinas .


Aker Biomarine Antarctics


Akuo Energy Uruguay


Akzonobel


Alcafe Hnos


American Express


Baluma  (Enjoy Conrad Punta del Este)


BBVA Uruguay


Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires – Grupo Galicia


B.G. Industria Láctea


Blanvira


Blue Monk


Camposol.


Cardiomovil


Carrasco Nobile.


Chembulk Maritime Denmark


Cielo Azul Cementos y Calizas


Colgate Palmolive


Corporación Nacional para el Desarrollo


Corporación Ferroviaria del Uruguay


Diremar


Emprendimientos de Valor


Extreme Liquidation


Forestal Oriental


Generación Eólica Minas


Grendene


GMO Renewable Resources Uruguay


Pestana Group


HRU .


Jebesen & Jessen


Lojas Renner


Olam Group


Pernod Ricard Uruguay


Pinturas Inca


Procampo Uruguay


Samifruit Uruguay


S.C. Johnson & Son de Uruguay


Statoil


Tile Forestal


Timac Agro Uruguay


Trade & Commerce Bank


Trade & Purchasing Company


UPM


Wartsila Uruguay


Principaux dossiers


Posadas

The litigation and arbitration department at Posadas excels in handling high-stakes, complex matters, representing clients in sectors like energy, healthcare and construction. Recent successes include a USD 60m Supreme Court case and significant wins in unfair competition and bankruptcy. Co-head Luis Nin Estévez is renowned for his work on recent high-profile matters for clients like Asociación Española and Conaprole. Valeria Techera, a skilled commercial litigator, leads the team. Senior associates Virginia Yellinek and Emiliano Opertti bring exceptional expertise in civil, commercial and international arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luis Nin Estevez; Valeria Techera Barreiro


Autres avocats clés:

Virginia Yellinek; Emiliano Opertti


Les références

‘Good firm with a solid track record.’

‘Knowledge of the market.’

Principaux clients

Conaprole


Cubico Sustainable Investments


CIEMSA


Julio Cesar Lestido


Caterpillar Leasing Chile


Gas Sayago


UTE


ANCAP


165 owners of the Forum building


Cementos Artigas


De los Horneros/Lorena Speranza and Fernando Rovira/Lucía Degano and Franco Cipriani/Eldiner


176 owners of the Icon Tower Brava building


Asociación Española Primera de Socorros Mutuos


Provimi/Cargill Agrícola


Intendencia Municipal de Maldonado


Intendencia Municipal de Rocha


Intendencia Municipal de Durazno


Principaux dossiers


  • Achieved a victory before the Supreme Court for Conaprole in a dispute with Corpovex and the State of Venezuela.
  • Defended apartment owners in a high-profile COVID-19 liability case brought by Mrs. Carmela Hontou, who alleges damages resulting from the actions of the building’s management’s during the early days of the pandemic.
  • Defended Asociación Española and Russomando against a USD 13m claim for damages, which concluded with the court dismissing Russomando from the proceedings and rejecting accusations of unfair competition against Asociación Española.

Bergstein Abogados

The dispute resolution practice at Bergstein Abogados is renowned for its expertise in complex litigation, specialising in antitrust, unfair competition, trade mark protection and international bankruptcy proceedings. The team handles a wide range of civil actions, including enforcing foreign judgments, arbitral awards and managing product liability, insurance claims and labour disputes. Practice head Leonardo Melos, a former judge, leads the department, advising on commercial disputes and negotiations, especially loan and shareholder agreements. Associate Silvina Vila specialises in intellectual property, commercial disputes and portfolio management. Associate Rodrigo Felló focuses on labour litigation, commercial disputes, arbitration, and contract negotiations. Together, the team offers comprehensive legal expertise across various high-stakes matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonardo Melos


Autres avocats clés:

Rodrigo Felló; Silvina Vila


Principaux clients

Compañia Uruguaya de Medios de Procesamiento  (TotalNet Uruguay)


Warner Bros


Sun Distribution


CasasUru


Pos 2000


Servimedic Shareholders


Amadeus IT Group


Wheaton


Iglesia Dios es Amor


Republica Federativa del Brasil


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Visanet to promote a successful arbitration with local POS network administrator Geocom for anticompetitive actions conducted against the company.
  • Successfully renegotiated a ruling against Casasur’s group of companies.

Castellan Abogados

Castellan Abogados’s multidisciplinary dispute resolution team excels in civil and commercial disputes, corporate conflicts and insolvency cases, and is led by Maria Lucia Acosta and Santiago Castellán. Acosta specialises in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes, complex litigation and arbitration, particularly in infrastructure, retail and agribusiness. She has advised multinational clients such as Kia Motors and Luxottica Group on arbitration-related litigation and the enforcement of arbitral awards. Associate Carolina Diaz de Armas focuses on civil, consumer protection, commercial and administrative law disputes, with expertise in cross-border dispute resolution and international contracts. Associate Paola Spangenberg Beceiro specialises in civil, commercial and administrative law, advising companies on bidding processes, government disputes and cases involving sensitive social issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Lucía Acosta


Autres avocats clés:

Santiago Castellan; Carolina Díaz de Armas; Paola Spangenberg Beceiro


Les références

‘Castellan’s legal team is distinguished by its highly specialised approach and deep knowledge in each area we have consulted on.’

‘I find the group’s organisation, respect, and ability to interact in designing client strategies to be remarkable.’

‘It’s an organised team, with good management in the distribution of tasks and roles, while always maintaining a professional, humane, and direct approach to their clients.’

Principaux clients

Aleph


Shift Brazil


Grand Vision (Essilor Luxottica group)


M Dias Branco – Las Acacias


Sandonato


Kia Motors Uruguay


MAPA


Grupo Losan


Club de Golf del Uruguay


Guru’Guay


Export Jaime


Alva Creative House


Club Urunday Universitario


Mantiba


Shafel


SADA Group


Abelenda


Pilay


Famiq


GAVA


Forever Living Products


Carmen Steffens


Constructora Riva


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Grupo Losan in a contractual dispute with its local partner in Uruguay following a contract termination and commission claim.
  • Advised Las Acacias in challenging irregular procurement processes, ensuring fair bidding conditions and defending against administrative disputes.
  • Assisted Export Jaime, an Ecuadorian exporter, in a breach-of-contract case against a Uruguayan distributor.

Olivera Abogados

The dispute resolution team at Olivera Abogados excels in handling complex, high-value disputes across sectors such as pharma, sports, corporate, IP and bankruptcy. The team works with other departments and boasts an impressive client roster, including Tenfield and Ebital. Led by Ricardo Olivera García,  a prominent arbitrator, the team also includes associates Laura Chalar and Valentina Quinteros, who bring deep expertise in corporate, insolvency and arbitration matters, with Chalar playing a key role in arbitration procedures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ricardo Olivera García


Autres avocats clés:

Laura Chalar; Valentina Quinteros


Les références

‘Very good knowledge and handling of the topics’.

‘Competence’.

Principaux clients

Saomil


CVM – Custodia de Valores Mobiliarios


Asociación de Laboratorios Nacionales


Alian


Laboratorio Libra


Tenfield


Chromograph


EBITAL


Megalabs Uruguay


Teyma Uruguay


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Tenfield in a civil lawsuit filed by over 600 football players against Tenfield and the Uruguayan Football Association. The players sought to void broadcasting contracts, halt match broadcasts, claim antitrust violations and demand over US$30 million in damages.
  • Provided integral counsel to EBITAL’s majority shareholder in a long-lasting conflict with a minority shareholder, due to differences regarding administration, pertaining to the management of the company and the verification of fraudulent acts.
  • Represented CVM, UB and Sara Goldring in multiple civil and commercial cases brought by clients who suffered portfolio losses during the international market downturn due to the execution of put options sold on their behalf.

Bragard Abogados

With expertise before national and international tribunals, Bragard Abogados‘s litigation department regularly represents clients in commercial disputes, bankruptcy proceedings and cross-border matters, and has advised DISA Group in trials before the administrative courts. Practice head Augustina Bomio leads the team alongside María Laura Capalbo, who brings extensive experience from both national and international arbitrations. Andrea Ramírez has expertise in civil, commercial and bankruptcy law. The team also includes associates Josefina Sanguinetti and Paul Laborda.

Responsables de la pratique:

Augustina Bomio; María Laura Capalbo


Autres avocats clés:

Andrea Ramírez; Josefina Sanguinetti; Paul Laborda


Les références

‘They are persistent and maintain good communication with peer law firms.’

Principaux clients

Ponte Armelina Caputo


Commercial Mauco


Megal


Mónica Tomas


Brum Costa Abogados

The litigation department at Brum Costa Abogados is recognised for its expertise in civil, commercial, constitutional, administrative and arbitration cases. The team manages a variety of disputes, including breach of agreements, bankruptcy and public law challenges, with a notable record in constitutional and public administration cases. Oscar Brum, co-leader, has a strong track record in securing favourable court decisions. Associate Nicolás Gómez, another co-leader, is a skilled labour litigation expert. Associates Christopher Knuppel and Micaela Morales focus on labour law and represent clients in both court and out-of-court matters. Associate Federica Artagaveytia specialises in civil, commercial and labour law disputes, and has extensive insurance law experience.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Oscar Brum; Nicolás Gómez


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Knuppel; Micaela Morales; Federica Artagaveytia


Les références

‘A very good team dedicated to disputes. They have very senior resources who have been involved in public administration, and that gives them an inside look at the justice system.’

‘Oscar Brum stands out for his litigating skills, with extensive knowledge of law and judicial strategies.’

‘Direct contact with department heads and partners.’

Principaux clients

Matriz


Ducsa


Renmax Corredor de Bolsa


Bolsa de Valores de Montevideo


Alur


Latu


Sendibel Trading


Bioerix Labs


De Baeremaecker & Perera Corredor De Bolsa


Sinergia


Paganza


Vl Consultores


Centro Ceibal


Zambrano y Compañía


Prolesa


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Sendibel in court during its successful defense against Tamsil.
  • Successfully overturned a precautionary measure against Carlos Perera and his stock brokerage company.
  • Secured a favorable outcome for DUCSA in a lawsuit initiated by a former gas station dealer.