Santos Elizondo S.C.

Number of partners: 20

Number of associates: 35

Languages: Spanish, English, French

For over half a century, Santos Elizondo, S.C. has been a cornerstone of legal expertise in Monterrey, Mexico, renowned for its professional excellence, ethical practices, and unwavering commitment to client needs, all delivered with exceptional efficiency. With its multidisciplinary approach and rich history, the firm has positioned itself as a leading full-service legal institution in Mexico.

Santos Elizondo has transformed into a modern law firm, adopting an institutional governance model that features an executive committee, specialised industry and management committees, and a rotating managing partner with three-year terms. The firm's dedication to excellence is further underscored by significant investments in technology, which enhance both the quality and cybersecurity of its legal work.

General Business Law

The firm advises domestic and international clients in all aspects of business in Mexico, from the selection of corporate structures, incorporation process, regulatory permits, and shareholders agreements to the day-to-day legal advice that may be required.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures

Santos Elizondo brings sophisticated and innovative advice and client service to domestic and cross border transactions, equity and asset acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures and other transactions. The team is composed of practitioners from different areas providing full scope and strategic advice to clients.

Banking, Finance & Securities

The firm’s banking and securities lawyers represent major domestic and international financial institutions, insurance and surety companies, retirement fund administrators, rating agencies and multiple purpose financial companies (Sofoms). They also advise borrowers and trustees on lending transactions, including secured and unsecured credit agreements, syndicated loans, and equity and bond offerings

Foreign Investment

Nuevo León is one of the leading states in Mexico for foreign investment. The firm represents major international companies including car manufacturers and top tier suppliers in all dealings regarding the establishment of subsidiaries, the acquisition of land, regulatory compliance and together with labour and immigration practitioners, the hiring of local employees and immigration of foreign workers into Mexico.

Civil, Commercial, Family & Criminal Litigation

Santos Elizondo represents individuals and entities, whether as plaintiffs or defendants in all types of civil, family, commercial, criminal, labour and constitutional litigation. They also assist and advise foreign clients in enforcing foreign judgments and arbitral awards in Mexico, act as expert witnesses in international litigation and as mediators and arbitrators in domestic and cross border disputes.

Insolvency & Restructurings

The firm is well known for representing clients in need of financial restructuring and insolvency proceedings, regularly acting as lender and debtor counsel and in the acquisitions of distressed assets. Santos Elizondo also provides legal advice to individuals acting as administrators in insolvency proceedings.

Real Estate

The firm represents a wide range of clients in complex and dynamic transactions including the sale, purchase, financing and development of hospitality, commercial, industrial and housing projects across Mexico.

Tax Planning & Litigation

Santos Elizondo actively counsels foreign and domestic clients on the structuring of a wide array of transactions, including corporate sales and acquisitions, business and individual succession planning and tax litigation. Our lawyers have participated as expert witness before the United States Courts in complex cross border matters.

Estate Planning & Probate

The experience of litigation and tax lawyers is complemented to assist clients with estate and succession planning, considering both domestic and international tax implications. We represent high-net-worth families in efficiently transferring assets and managing tax consequences, including implementing family agreements for organised generational transitions. The firm has extensive experience in creating and administering trusts and litigating estate and trust disputes.

Labour & Immigration

The firm actively manages clients' labour issues, from background checks and drafting contracts to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, handling health and safety, stock options, and employee benefits. We also represent clients in employment litigation and advise on immigration matters to ensure compliance with Mexican laws.

Administrative Law & Regulatory Compliance

Santos Elizondo has extensive experience advising foreign and domestic clients on regulatory compliance, including FCPA and OFAC related regulations. We assist subsidiaries of foreign companies in navigating Mexican regulations, working closely with government regulators. The firm aslo advises on business ethics policies to ensure effective compliance with Mexican law.

Antitrust

The firm represents domestic and foreign clients in their business practices to ensure compliance with antitrust regulations regarding competitive business practices. We also evaluate and provide advice in the filing of merger and acquisition notices for approval.

Energy

The firm has extensive experience in energy-related projects, including securing necessary permits, negotiating land acquisition and usage rights, and representing companies and individuals involved in major biogas, solar, and wind energy projects. We also provide counsel and representation in public bidding processes.