Linklaters is launching a dedicated Mexico group in a bid to boost its coverage in Latin America.  

The group will be led by managing associate Alberto Garcia Linera, who will be based in Mexico City and supported by lawyers from the firm’s other offices, especially from New York, Washington DC and Madrid. 

By setting up a presence in Mexico, the firm said it will be able to better advise clients through access to ‘on-the-ground’ knowledge of the country, while simultaneously deepening existing relationships with leading local law firms.

The firm said it will not be opening an office in Mexico nor practicing Mexican law or entering into formal exclusive alliances with local law firms. Instead, it emphasised that establishing a permanent presence in the country will allow it to strengthen its footprint in Latin America through a combination of its ‘global capabilities and local counsel expertise’.   

Linera, who is licensed to practice law in Spain, has been with the firm for nearly a decade. He has practiced in Linklaters’ offices in Madrid and New York, where he was dedicated to the Latin America market with a special focus on Mexico. 

He focuses his practice on cross-border finance and corporate transactions, with experience advising financial institutions and listed companies in securities transactions including debt and equity issues. Linera is also experienced in handling banking, finance and restructuring deals, as well as M&A and general corporate matters. 

Inigo Berricano, partner and co-sponsor of Linklaters’ Mexico group, commented: “The creation of the Mexico Group demonstrates the importance of Mexico to our firm and our clients. Alberto’s deep market understanding and wide networks in Mexico make him a perfect fit to lead this new endeavour. Latin America is one of the world’s most important emerging regions with Mexico expected to be one of the few markets to continue growing despite the current economic climate, while continuing to attract investment from top international organisations.” 

Linklaters’ only physical office in Latin America is located in Sao Paulo. The firm has a team of dedicated lawyers with knowledge in different local markets, including Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador. 

Earlier this year, Linklaters lost Latin America-focused M&A lawyer Gabriel Silva to Vinson & Elkins in New York. He became the third New York-based partner at a Magic Circle firm with a focus on Latin America to move to a US rival in January, following Latham & Watkins' hire of the capital markets duo Gianluca Bacchiocchi and Guido Liniado from Clifford Chance.