IFLR1000

Dominican Republic

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IFLR1000 Reviews

Overview

Competition authority: Directorate of Investment and Company Administration

Financial regulator: Central Bank of Myanmar

IFLR1000 ranking categories for this jurisdiction:

Financial and corporate (published October) – Financial and corporate, Project development

Jurisdiction overview

As Myanmar emerged from five decades of military rule that cut it off from much of the rest of the world, the resource rich country started to open up in 2011 with a series of far-reaching political and legal reforms to achieve rule of law and provide more legal certainty for its people and investors.

Previously known as Burma, the country has seen US and EU sanctions eased and increasing interest from the international business community. It appears to be looking forward to a period of relative peace and prosperity. 

Some big international law firms have committed to Myanmar by opening an office in Yangon, including Allen & Overy in 2013 and Baker & McKenzie in 2014. This year, Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) opened its doors in the country by hiring Baker & McKenzie’s former managing partner Chris Hughes to lead its newly opened office in Yangon. 

Domestic law firms have also sought out new opportunities, with NK Legal Myanmar integrating into the wider regional network of Singapore firm Rajah & Tann, while Myanmar Legal Service affiliated itself with Thai firm Chandler & Thong-Ek Law.

But Myanmar’s local legal sector is underdeveloped and there is no national bar association for legal practitioners in the country. With the assistance of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), Myanmar’s lawyers ran an election in September this year for their first ever independent national professional organisation to represent lawyers.

Once known for its poor human rights record, media censorship and tyranny under military rule, the regime has been left with many old laws that were set up to give leaders’ extensive powers to target political opposition and ethnic insurgents. 

Candy Chan - Journalist - Asia-Pacific

Financial and corporate
De Camps Vasquez Varela

Founded in 2005, the office of De Camps Vásquez Valera is located in Santo Domingo. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms  

The firm attends to corporate and M&A matters, financings and project development deals. 

In the corporate space, the firm provides regulatory advice to a variety of companies. 

In M&A, a large portion of the firm’s deals pertain to the energy sector.  

The financing group is among the firm’s most active, emphasising lender-side representation.   

The firm’s project development team emphasises renewable energy development deals and represents bidders, concessionaires, developers and contractors, among others.  

 

Key clients  

Key firm clients include Acropolis Center, Grupo Cisneros, Grupo Puntacana and Invesco Global Group. 

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022) 

Project development 

“Best energy law firm in the Dominican Republic. Superb knowledge of all energy-related matters, with a highly collaborative and pragmatic team that quickly understands the needs of its clients in securing a successful transaction.” 

“Well connected, solid legal advice.” 

EY Law

EY Law  

EY Law is a globally integrated legal network operating across more than 90 jurisdictions, delivering multidisciplinary legal services in conjunction with EY’s tax, assurance, and consulting teams. With deep sector knowledge and a commitment to innovation, EY Law helps businesses navigate complex regulatory environments, execute strategic transactions, and implement cutting-edge legal technologies. The firm focuses on areas such as corporate and commercial law, employment, digital law, data privacy, M&A, and regulatory compliance. EY Law’s seamless collaboration across borders and disciplines makes it a strategic partner for clients facing rapidly evolving legal and business landscapes.  

Highlights  

EY Law advised Avise Ingeniería Estrella, S.A. in structuring and negotiating a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for highway development—the first submitted under the Dominican Republic’s current PPP legal framework to the DGAPP. The firm played a central role in contractual engineering, navigating regulatory complexity and aligning infrastructure goals with public and private interests. This pioneering transaction is expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth, reflecting EY Law’s capacity to deliver innovative legal solutions in transformative infrastructure initiatives.  

Guzmán Ariza

Guzmán Ariza   

Guzman Ariza is a full-service firm with eight locations countrywide. The firm was founded in 1927 and has offices in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Las Terrenas, Casa de Campo, Samaná and Cabrera. It is a part of the SCG Legal and GGI Geneva Group International networks. The firm is known for its work in the financial and corporate, and project development practice areas. Many of its clients are international and represent a variety of industries. The team advises clients in matters relating to acquisitions, financing, restructurings and project financing and development.   

Highlight   

Guzmán Ariza continued to solidify its reputation as a trusted adviser in complex cross-border transactions throughout 2024. The firm acted as lead counsel on an acquisition involving a U.S. financial services target and an Indian private equity seller, navigating a highly regulated landscape across jurisdictions.  In the Dominican Republic, the team advised Knauf Gips KG on a mining concession and acquisition, counseled Goldquest on a potential share sale, and supported Banesco USA in a multi-party secured lending transaction. The firm’s broad capabilities reflect its fluency in financing, regulatory structuring, and transactional execution across Latin America and beyond.  

Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández

Headrick Rizik Alvarez &  Fernández  

Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández is an experienced firm that was founded in 1985. The firm’s main office is in Santo Domingo. The firm is also a part of the legal network known as TAGLaw. The firm has focused its efforts on developing its asset finance and banking practices. The firm is also strong in project development, specializing in project acquisitions and projects in the mining and energy sectors.     

Highlights  

Headrick demonstrated its cross-border and financing expertise in advising a regional conglomerate on a strategic acquisition in the water industry. The firm’s role encompassed coordination across jurisdictions, negotiation of key transactional documents, and support in structured financing tied to expansion. Its involvement also included handling complex security instruments and lender-side due diligence, reinforcing its reputation for managing sophisticated deals with precision and efficiency. The transaction showcases Headrick’s ability to deliver impactful legal solutions across industries and borders, aligning with clients’ long-term growth objectives. 

OMG

OMG  

Full-service firm OMG has three domestic offices in the Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana, as well as an international office in Panama. The firm is a part of LEGUS and Eversheds LatAm Alliance Group. The firm is known for its work in both the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. In financial and corporate finance, the firm has experience with bond issuances, reorganizations, mergers, loan agreements, acquisitions and restructurings. It works across numerous industries. In project development, the firm is especially active in the real estate and tourism industry. Within this industry, it represents developers and financiers in real estate developments, joint ventures, acquisitions, and financing.    

Highlights  

The firm played a key role in advising Eurelius on a renewable energy initiative in the Dominican Republic, showcasing its expertise in energy transition projects and complex cross-border financing. Known for delivering strategic legal solutions on infrastructure and sustainability-driven matters, the firm combines regulatory insight with transactional precision. Its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to innovation make it a trusted advisor to leading international developers and investors. In support of Eurelius, the team guided project structuring, negotiation of major agreements, and legal implementation of a solar and battery energy system poised to significantly advance the region’s clean energy footprint. 

Key clients  

CIFI Services and Eurelius GmbH 

Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting

Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting is a full-service firm with an office in Miami, Florida and another in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The firm focuses on cross-border transactions, specifically the issuance of sovereign bonds. In project development the firm specializes in concession and exploration contracts in the mining and energy sectors, as well as varying types of infrastructure projects.  

 

Highlights 

The firm’s noteworthy cross-border expertise was demonstrated in its role as local counsel in the sovereign bond issuance as global depository notes by the Dominican Republic. The firm advised J.P. Morgan Securites and Citigroup Markets respectively as the dealer managers and initial purchasers of the bond issuance. It also advised on the first liability management executed in the local markets, showing its ability to lead innovative work. 

The firm was also counsel to Inter-American Development Bank as lender in the financing for the development of Four Seasons hotel by Cisneros Real Estate. The firm advised on the regulatory, real estate, finance and environmental components of this significant transactions.  

 

Key clients 

J.P. Morgan Securities, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio, Inter-American Development Bank, United States International Development Finance Corporation and Anheuser-Busch InBev.  

Alburquerque Abogados Consultores

Alburquerque Abogados Consultoreshas over 40 years of experience. The firm has one office in Santo Domingo and is a member of TerraLex. 

 

Focusses/specialisms 

The firm is noted for its M&A and project development practices.  

In M&A, the firm offers its services on all varieties of transactions, though it has in recent years attended to a higher concentration of divestments and sell-side work in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

In the project space, the firm is particularly involved in tourism development deals. 

 

Key clients 

Among the firm’s key clients are Caliente Club & Resorts, Caribbean Venture LQV, Laurus Master Fund and Ribo Capital.  

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Project development  

“They have a vast knowledge of the Dominican Republic's commercial law and an international network of collaborators.” 

 

Cáceres Torres

Boutique firm Cáceres Torres is located in Santo Domingo. However, its global presence has expanded because of its membership in IR Global and Mackrell International. The firm specializes in financial and corporate business law. 

 

Focusses / specialisms

Though the firm has experience in numerous industries, it is most prevalent in the construction, real estate and food and beverage industries. In the financial and corporate practice area, where the firm focuses, it represents clients in corporate financing, reorganizations, acquisitions, incorporations and joint ventures. 

 

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Zenith Crop Sciences and HYLSEG Seguros.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

 

Bank lending: Lender side

"They are very effective, respond in a timely manner, well versed in DR jurisdiction and are always available for a consult."

 

Restructuring: Corporate

“Excellent knowledge on the subject, giving the extra mile to assess its clients. Services are attended by the partner directly, which provides a sense of security in the recommendations provided."

 "Professionalism. Integrity. Reputation. Honesty."

ECIJA DVMS

Founded in 1997, ECIJA is a global, Iberian-American firm with initial roots in Spain. Since its conception, it has expanded to include 30 offices in 16 countries across the western hemisphere, in addition to maintaining an international China desk. Its Dominican Republic outfit is in Santo Domingo.      

  

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm’s Dominican Republic branch is active in the areas of capital markets, finance, M&A, investment funds, real estate and restructuring.  

The firm’s capital markets involvement encompasses both the debt and equity sides, including bond issuances, IPO’s and secondary share offerings.   

In finance, the firm is offers both lender and borrower-side representation, though it centralizes the lender side.  

The firm’s real estate team is active in both development and finance roles.  

  

Key clients  

Among the firm’s key clients are the Atlanta Braves, Costa Farms, DHL, Inter-American Investment Bank and Pfizer Central America & Caribbean.  

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Bank lending: lender side 

“The team has shown itself to be very knowledgeable and provides creative solutions to complex challenges.” 

 

Financial services 

“Knowledge of the sector and its regulations; high level of negotiation skill. “ 

Jiménez Peña

Jiménez Peña is a full-service firm in the Dominican Republic established in 2003.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm covers a wide range of corporate matters with experience representing multinational corporations and banks on cross-border transactions. The firm has expertise in banking, real estate, infrastructure, energy and hospitality.

 

Key clients

Key clients include Citibank, United Renewable Energy and Acciona.

 

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

 

Bank lending: Borrower side

"Excellent service. Quick and effective responses. Their expertise in the energy sector is notable."

 

M&A

"Deep knowledge of local energy regulation. Experience in project development, good understanding of the industry, customs and practices in the country."

"Good recommendations in all areas."

López Grullón Abogados & Consultores

López Grullón Abogados & Consultores was founded in 2009 and operates out of Santo Domingo. 

 

Focusses/ specialisms 

The firm emphasises capital markets transactions pertaining to structured finance and securitisation, representing clients in such roles as obligor, issuer, depository and others. 

 

Key clients 

Among the firm’s key clients are Cevaldom, Constructora Armando Toros and Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores.  

Pellerano & Herrera
Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting  

Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting is a full-service firm with an office in Miami, Florida and another in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The firm focuses on cross-border transactions, specifically the issuance of sovereign bonds. In project development, the firm specializes in concession and exploration contracts in the mining and energy sectors, as well as varying types of infrastructure projects.   

Highlights  

The firm is actively contributing to ProPedernales, a transformative government-backed initiative aimed at revitalizing one of the Dominican Republic’s most underserved regions through sustainable tourism and infrastructure development. Spanning eleven years, the project encompasses large-scale investments in airports, roads, utilities, and hospitality assets, including 4,700 hotel rooms, recreational facilities, and essential public services. The firm’s involvement reflects its commitment to inclusive growth, public trust structuring, and long-term regional impact—positioning it as a strategic legal advisor in nation-building efforts and sustainable economic advancement. 

Key clients 

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio, Citibank and International Finance Corporation. 

Ulises Cabrera

Founded in 1966, Ulises Cabrera has gained a lot of experience in business law. Though the firm is capable in many industries, it is particularly experienced in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage and industrials. It acts for clients in divestments, acquisitions, mergers, restructurings and incorporations. It also works on regulatory matters including AML compliance. In project development, the firm represents clients in the energy and infrastructure industry in financing and development matters.    

 

Highlights 

The firm’s various teams collaborated as counsel to AERODOM in the renegotiation of a concession agreement with the Dominican Republic. The agreement is related to the broad portfolio of eight airports, mostly international, all in the Dominican Republic.  

The firm also advised TLC Associates, a veteran-owned U.S. company specializing in call centers and BPO services, in its expansion in the Dominican Republic. With over 260 employees, the new entity, TLC Associates DR, S.R.L., will operate as a service-free zone in Santo Domingo. Ulises Cabrera has been crucial in securing permits and approvals, ensuring compliance, and facilitating the smooth transition and integration of the workforce relative to this endeavor.  

 

Key clients 

Solugenix Corporation, Siemens Mobility, Watchfire Signs, TotalEnergies Marketing Dominicana and AERODOM – Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Vinic Airports) 

 

Testimonials 

“We liked the firm’s knowledge of our business and of our company in itself.” (PPP/PFI client)