Jorge Luis Arenales

Partner, Guatemala
jorgeluis.arenales@ariaslaw.com

Experience

Jorge Luis Arenales has been a Partner at Arias since 1998. He is Head of the Corporate and Finance departments.
He specializes in advising corporations on mergers and acquisitions and corporate and commercial matters in general. He has ample experience in regulated industries such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Telecommunications and Pharmaceutical, among others. Likewise, he has experience in Project Financing and structuring of guarantees. Also, his experience includes corporate and civil litigation as well as commercial arbitration.
In tax matters, he has participated and advised regarding structuring in transactions, for both buyers and sellers, for over 20 years, in almost all types of industries: Retail, Energy, Petroleum, construction and agroforestry investments.
In addition, Jorge Luis is currently the Co-Chair of the Latin American Council of the International Section of the New York State Bar Association and Global Ambassador for Northwestern University.

Career

Law Degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala.
Authorized as a practicing Attorney and Notary Public.
LLM with honors from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (Chicago).
Business Administration at the Instituto de Empresa (Madrid).
Postgraduate in the Program of Instruction for Lawyers (PIL), Harvard Law School Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Professor of the MBA Finance Specialization course at the Business School of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
Professor at the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
Guest speaker in the refresher courses of Commercial Law taught by the Universidad San Carlos of Guatemala, the Institute of Commercial Law and the Association of Lawyers and Notaries of Guatemala.

Recognitions

Recognized as one of the “Leading Lights” of Latin America by Latin Lawyer and Vance Center for his Pro-Bono work.
Listed in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners Latin America, from 2008 to date.
Recognized as Market Leader by IFLR 1000 in the corporate and financial area, from 2010 to date.
Recognized as a Market Leader by IFLR1000 in Energy, Media, Technology and Telecommunications, Hydrocarbons and Gas from 2018 to date.
Listed as a Leading Individual by The Legal 500.
Outstanding lawyer in the Whos Who Legal directory from 2013 to date for his Banking, Finance and Projects and Corporate practices.
In 2003 he was recognized by the edition of Latin Lawyer Magazine 40 under 40, selecting him among the 40 best lawyers under 40 years of age in Central America.
Approved by LACCA for his Corporate, M&A, Litigation practices.

Memberships

International Bar Association (IBA).
Member of the Bar Association of Guatemala
Member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Mercantile Law of Guatemala.
Member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Law of Universidad del Itsmo.
Global Ambassador in Guatemala for Northwestern University.
Association of Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala
Co-chair, Latin American Council, International Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA).

Client's feedback

Department head Jorge Luis Arenales de la Roca is esteemed by market commentators, with one client declaring: "I have a wonderful impression of Jorge. He knows what he is talking about; he was very good at understanding and negotiating the terms." Another source adds: "He is very good at maintaining good quality and great customer service. He should be praised for being responsive, particularly on sensitive matters." – Chambers and Partners Global
Esteemed co-head of department Jorge Luis Arenales de la Roca receives effusive praise from market commentators, with one client noting: "He is very connected in Guatemala. His experience, expertise and willingness to resolve roadblocks we encountered have provided valued resources to our business." Another interviewee highlights his relevant position within the Guatemalan corporate M&A arena, calling him a "well-known" practitioner. – Chambers and Partners Latin America
Jorge Luis Arenales secures endorsements from peers for his broad expertise in energy and telecoms project financing. – Who’s Who Legal
Jorge Luis Arenales de la Roca at Arias has a wealth of experience in advising corporations on mergers, acquisitions and commercial disputes. – Who’s Who Legal
‘I have worked with Jorge Luis Arenales, who I find always available to answer questions regarding corporate issues in Guatemala. His responses are always prompt and thorough.’ – The Legal 500
"Jorge Luis Arenales de la Roca is extremely responsive, very commercial, and has a strong understanding of Guatemalan law." - Chambers and Partners Latin America 2023.
"Jorge Luis Arenales de la Roca possesses very strong commercial awareness. We are grateful to have him as our lawyer. He stands out for his experience and great service." - Chambers and Partners Global 2023.