Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Panama City
Established over four decades ago, Patton Moreno & Asvat has built a reputation as a leading legal firm serving local and international clients. Our multidisciplinary team specialises in complex legal matters, offering tailored solutions in aviation law, corporate governance, banking regulations, and international trade. With offices strategically located in Panama City, London, and Montevideo, we provide round-the-clock legal support to clients across diverse industries. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition by Chambers & Partners as a top-tier firm in aeronautical law through our affiliation with the L2B Group. We prioritise client success by combining deep local expertise with a global perspective, ensuring swift and effective responses to legal challenges.Our values of integrity, teamwork, and innovation underpin every service we deliver, from corporate structuring to dispute resolution. As pioneers in Panama's legal landscape, we have advised on landmark projects in infrastructure, finance, and maritime law. Our attorneys hold leadership roles in international professional associations and contribute to legal publications shaping industry standards. We maintain rigorous compliance with international best practices while offering cost-effective solutions tailored to clients' needs. With a focus on long-term partnerships, we provide strategic counsel that aligns with evolving business objectives and regulatory environments.
Services
Aviation Law
Corporate Structuring
Banking Regulations
Private Wealth Services
Litigation & Arbitration
Government Permits
Intellectual Property
Labor & Immigration Law
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in international commercial law
- Our team includes certified arbitrators admitted to foreign jurisdictions
- We maintain 24/7 availability for urgent client matters
- Our firm is ranked by Chambers & Partners in aviation law
- We offer multilingual legal services across three international offices
Associations and certifications
- Chambers & Partners
Services
Aviation Law
Our aviation law practice represents airlines, lessors, and aviation stakeholders in aircraft financing, registration, and regulatory compliance. We handle cross-border transactions, including aircraft leasing agreements and security documentation. Our team manages disputes before Panama's Civil Aeronautics Bureau and provides operational permit counsel.
Corporate Structuring
We advise on establishing legal entities under Panama's special economic regimes, including multinational headquarters and free zones. Our services cover regulatory compliance, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance frameworks tailored to international business requirements.
Banking Regulations
We provide regulatory counsel to domestic and international banks operating in Panama's financial sector. Our services include compliance with Superintendency of Banks requirements, asset securitisation, and structuring investment funds under Panamanian law.
Private Wealth Services
Our private wealth team specialises in trust formation, estate planning, and structuring Private Interest Foundations. We offer tax-efficient solutions for high-net-worth individuals, including cross-border asset protection and inheritance planning under Panamanian fiduciary laws.
Litigation & Arbitration
We represent clients in commercial litigation and international arbitration proceedings. Our practice covers maritime disputes, contract enforcement, and cross-border debt recovery through Panama's specialised courts and arbitration centres like the Chamber of Commerce.
People
Mara de Lourdes Marengo
Partner
Leading aviation law expert with contributions to international publications. Author of Panama's chapter in 'Aviation Finance & Leasing' and 'Aircraft Liens and Detention Rights'. Active member of the International Aviation Womens Association.
Ebrahim Asvat
Partner
Specialises in banking law and international arbitration. Advises major financial institutions on regulatory compliance. Holds dual qualifications in Panamanian and foreign jurisdictions. Leads complex cross-border litigation cases for multinational clients.
Khatiya Asvat
Partner
Expert in corporate structuring and government permits. Advises on special economic zone regulations. Handles intellectual property matters and immigration law for corporate clients establishing operations in Panama.
Nadya Price
Partner
Specialises in banking regulations and immigration law. Provides counsel on financial compliance and corporate establishment. Manages client relations for international investors seeking Panamanian business opportunities.
Joaqun De Obarrio
Partner
Focuses on public procurement and infrastructure projects. Advises on government concessions and regulatory compliance. Handles immigration cases for high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives.
Questions
What areas of law does Patton, Moreno & Asvat specialise in?
We specialise in aviation law, corporate structuring, banking regulations, international trade, and cross-border dispute resolution with particular expertise in Panamanian jurisdiction.
Do you handle international legal matters?
Yes, our firm manages cross-border transactions and legal disputes for clients in 28 countries through our offices in Panama, London, and Montevideo.
How does the firm handle urgent legal matters?
We maintain 24/7 availability for urgent client needs through our international team of attorneys fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
What recognition has the firm received?
We are ranked by Chambers & Partners in aviation law and maintain active membership in the International Aviation Womens Association.
Can you assist with business establishment in Panama?
Yes, we specialise in corporate structuring under Panama's special economic regimes, including the Colon Free Zone and Panama Pacific Special Economic Zone.
