Panama Litigation Lawyer
The Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of Motta, Yaafar & Díaz focuses on the strategic representation of its clients in complex disputes. Our team has broad experience in civil, commercial, corporate, real estate and administrative disputes, as well as in domestic and international commercial arbitration.
Our lawyers have represented multinational companies, joint ventures, state entities, banks, insurers, brokerage houses, real estate developers and individuals in local and cross-border disputes, in sectors as diverse as construction and infrastructure, banking and finance, insurance, securities, real estate, telecommunications, logistics and public procurement.
Breach of contract, contractual and non-contractual civil liability, and litigation arising from banking and insurance contracts.
Arbitration under the rules of the region's leading centers, including disputes arising from public contracts, private contracts, and corporate and foundation disputes with an arbitration clause.
Simple and mortgage executive proceedings, ordinary proceedings and criminal actions for bad checks and financial crimes, aimed at maximizing creditor recovery.
Representation of creditors and debtors in insolvency proceedings and strategies against insolvent debtors.
Corporate conflicts, challenges to corporate acts, representation at shareholder meetings, successions and disputes over estate planning structures.
Financial crimes, fraud and other scams, punishable insolvencies, document forgery and crimes involving payment instruments.
Evictions, collection of maintenance fees, conflicts among co-owners, developers and management, and disputes over land, boundary demarcation and easements.
Proceedings before the Consumer Protection Courts and ACODECO, including disputes over purchase promises in real estate projects.
Lawsuits and complaints before regulatory authorities (Superintendency of Banks, Superintendency of Insurance and Reinsurance, ASEP, ANATI, MiAmbiente, MIVIOT and municipalities), challenges to administrative acts before the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, and damages claims against the State.
Strategic protection of your interests
When a dispute arises, the strategy you choose at the very start can shape the outcome. As litigation lawyers in Panama, we take an honest look at our client's position, the risks and the options on the table, and recommend the most efficient route: negotiation, conciliation, mediation, arbitration or court proceedings.
We represent businesses and individuals, Panamanian and foreign, in civil and commercial cases, debt collection, breach of contract, shareholder disputes, real estate conflicts, liability claims and interim measures such as asset attachments. We also handle employment, maritime and intellectual property disputes together with our specialist teams.
In arbitration, we advise from the drafting of the arbitration clause through to the hearing and the enforcement of the award. In mediation and conciliation, we work toward settlements that protect our client's interests and avoid long, costly proceedings.
We keep clients informed at every stage, with clear explanations of where the case stands and what comes next. For clients based abroad, we run the matter remotely and in your language, English or Spanish.
Before any proceedings, we review the documents, the evidence and the other side's position, and give you a realistic picture of the case's strengths and weaknesses, the likely outcomes and the costs involved. That early assessment lets you decide on solid ground whether to negotiate, sue or defend.
A good defense starts before the dispute. We review our clients' contracts, dispute resolution clauses and internal practices to reduce the risk of litigation and, if a dispute does arise, to make sure the paperwork needed to support their position is already in place.
If you have been served with a claim or a court notice, it is important to act quickly. Contact us so we can review it and prepare a timely response.
Clients abroad can rely on us to coordinate with their in-house counsel or foreign law firm, sharing updates in English and aligning strategy across jurisdictions when a dispute has an international dimension.
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Frequently asked questions
Does every dispute have to go to court?
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No. Many disputes are settled through negotiation, conciliation or mediation. We assess your case and recommend the best route before any proceedings begin.
How long does a court case take in Panama?
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It depends on the type of case, its complexity and how the parties act. At the first consultation we give you a general picture of what to expect.
What is an interim measure?
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It is an order a judge can grant to secure the outcome of a case, such as attaching a debtor's assets. We assess whether one is available in your situation.
Can you represent me if I live outside Panama?
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Yes. With a power of attorney we can act for you in Panama and keep you updated remotely throughout.
What are the advantages of arbitration?
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Arbitration is often more flexible, specialized and confidential than court litigation, which makes it especially useful for commercial and cross-border disputes.
What should I do if I'm served with a lawsuit?
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Don't ignore it. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review the papers, identify the applicable deadlines and prepare a proper defense.
Let's talk about your matter
Tell us about your situation and we'll walk you through your options in an initial consultation, in person or remotely, in English or Spanish.
Contact Us
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