Ranked in 2 Practice Areas
1

Band 1

3

Band 3

Public Law

Mexico

4 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

About

Provided by Derek M Woodhouse Saavedra

Latin America

Practice Areas

Energy & Natural Resources, Climate Change, Public Law, Project Finance and Infrastructure

Career

With over three decades of experience, Derek Woodhouse is recognized as a leading advisor in Mexico’s energy sector, he has experience advising on complex energy and infrastructure matters. Early in his career, he played a central role in Mexico’s regulatory transformation of the 1990s, helping design and implement the legal framework that opened the natural gas and electricity sectors to private participation. Building on this foundation, Derek joined CMS in London, where he advised governments, banks, and leading companies on the financing and development of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Since returning to Mexico, he has led high-profile practices, co-founded Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow (now part of CMS), and counseled both public and private clients on major reforms and transactions. Notably, he supported the Energy Ministry and the System Operator in the design of Mexico’s Wholesale Electricity Market, the restructuring of CFE, and the drafting of key legislation such as the Geothermal Law.

Derek combines unparalleled regulatory expertise with extensive international project finance experience. His unique background—spanning both public service and global private practice—makes him a trusted partner for clients looking for innovative and practical solutions in energy and infrastructure sectors.

Personal

Escuela Libre de Derecho, Mexico City, Law Degree, 1988-199

George Washington University, International Law Institute, Washington D.C., United States, Postgraduate Studies, Introduction to the United States Legal System, 1997

Harvard University, Center for International Development, Boston, Massachussets, United States, Postgraduate Studies, International Program on Privatization, Regulations and Corporate Governance, 1999

Clients

Derek has been advising private sector banks, investors, developers and other companies on matters pertaining to the Mexican power sector, including Vitol, Mitsui, EDF, Saavi, GE, Pepsico, Walmart, Vesta, CDPQ, CKD IM, Thermion, BP, Shell, Total, Nafin, Mota Engil and Interacciones.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Latin America

Energy & Natural Resources: Power - Mexico

1
Band 1
Individual Editorial

Stellar partner Derek Woodhouse Saavedra garners praise from market commentators for his expertise in matters arising in the power sector in Mexico, frequently winning mandates to advise on electricity market regulations.


Public Law - Mexico

3
Band 3
Individual Editorial

Seasoned practitioner Derek Woodhouse Saavedra is noted by market onlookers for his experience in public law and administrative disputes in Mexico.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

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CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow SC

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Mexico

Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded

4
Giancarlo Schievenini Espíritu Santo
4
Band 4
Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

2
Luis Roberto Fernández Lagunas
2
Band 2
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

4
Luis Roberto Fernández Lagunas
4
Band 4
Energy & Natural Resources: Power

1
Derek M Woodhouse Saavedra
1
Band 1
4
Luis Roberto Fernández Lagunas
4
Band 4
Life Sciences

3
Mauricio Gómez Guerrero
3
Band 3
Projects

2
Enrique Lorente Ludlow
Head of Projects
2
Band 2
U
Marcia Livia Santome Sánchez
U
Up and Coming
Public Law

3
Derek M Woodhouse Saavedra
3
Band 3
Manuel Alejandro Ferrara Ibarra
Associates to watch
Real Estate

2
César Armando Lechuga Perezanta
Head of Real Estate
2
Band 2
3
Enrique Lorente Ludlow
Head of Real Estate
3
Band 3
Luis Enrique Mora y Medrano
Associates to watch

Key Sectors

Provided by CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow SC

Energy and Utilities

Government and Public Sector

Industrials, Engineering and Manufacturing

Environmental and Waste