Ana Teresa Rizo

Partner, Nicaragua
ana.rizo@ariaslaw.com

Experience

She has advised international finance institutions reviewing the security structures and drafting the agreements. She also has advised foreign investors in their corporate organization for use in Nicaragua as well as regulatory issues.
Ana Teresa has participated in complex transactions, including the due diligence and structuring the transaction to acquire companies in different areas such as retail, distribution, telecommunication, financial institutions, among others. She also acts as legal counsel to different local companies dealing with the day-to-day operations as way as taxes, labor and contracts.
Ana Teresa has also been involved in drafting and reviewing the “Ley de Garantías Mobiliarias” (Real Estate Securities Law) and “Ley de Leasing” (Leasing Law) to be approved by the National Congress as well as in the discussions of the “Ley de Promoción de la Competencia” (Competition Promotion Law).

Career

Degree in law at the Universidad Centroamericana de Nicaragua
Authorized to practice as a lawyer and notary public by the Supreme Court of Nicaragua.
Master of Economic Law at the University of Chile and Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Cornell University.

Recognitions

Ranked as Highly Regarded by IFLR1000.
Listed as Leading Individual by The Legal 500.
Recognized by Whos Who Legal for her practices in: Administrative and Public Law, Banking, Finance and Projects, Corporate and Taxes.
LACCA approved for her Corporate and M&A practices.
Listed in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners Latin America and Chambers and Partners Global for her Corporate/Commercial practice.
Recognized as one of the Women Leaders by IFLR1000.
Winner of the Client Choice Award. Client Choice recognizes those law firms and lawyers around the world that stand apart for the excellent client care they provide and the quality of their service.

Memberships

International Bar Association (IBA)

Client's feedback

Peers celebrate Ana Teresa Rizo as a first-rate legal adviser to foreign investors, large-scale corporations and financial institutions. – Who’s Who Legal
Ana Teresa Rizo earns plaudits for her top-tier expertise in complex transactions and contracts, including government procurement. – Who’s Who Legal
Ana Teresa Rizo is recognised for her extensive experience advising international financial institutions and investors on corporate tax matters. – Who’s Who Legal
Ana Teresa Rizo co-heads the corporate and commercial department and is held in high regard by a source as "a lawyer with a lot of experience in this area." She maintains an excellent reputation among international investors active in the region, benefiting from particular experience acting for multilateral credit agencies. M&A and loan finance are areas of particular strength. – Chambers and Partners Global
Esteemed lawyer and co-head of department Ana Teresa Rizo is well known within the Nicaraguan market, often working on loan finance cases for international investors. One interviewee also reports that she is particularly active on corporate mandates. – Chambers and Partners Latin America
Ana Teresa Rizo and Maryeling Guevara stand out for their good approach, availability and quality of service.’ – The Legal 500
Ana Teresa Rizo is highlighted for her first-rate work negotiating public and private procurement contracts and advising on privatisation structures for domestic and multinational companies. - Who's Who Legal 2022.
"She is always very timely and accurate in her legal recommendations. She prioritises us and makes us see the future impacts of the matters at hand." -- Chambers and Partners Latin America and Global 2023.
"Ana Teresa Rizo is one of the most professional lawyers that I've met. She is very capable of managing the firm with success, and attends legal matters with assertiveness." - Chambers and Partners Latin America and Global 2023.

Her role in the community

She is involved in Pro-Bono projects working with the ONG Vital Voices promoting and involving females attorneys of the Nicaraguan office in the mentoring and training of entrepreneur women in different aspects of their business, specifically with the programs named “Mujer Voz Vital” and the “Global Mentoring Walk”.