De Castro & Robles

The firm was established in 1956 by Woodrow de Castro and David Robles. During its first 20 years of existence an active practice was maintained before the U.S. District Court for the Canal Zone with emphasis on admiralty and maritime matters, including claims against the Panama Canal Company and its successor agency The Panama Canal Authority, as operator of the Panama Canal. This Court was replaced in 1982 by the Maritime Court of Panama resulting from the new Treaty between Panama and the United States. Subsequently additional partners joined the firm which today engages in general admiralty practice with emphasis on the defense of cargo, collision charter party and salvage disputes, marine insurance, claims for personal injury; claims under Bills of Lading and arbitration; formation of Panamanian corporations, the registration of vessels under the Panamanian flag and vessel financing. The firm represents the major P&I Clubs at the Panama Canal as well as a number of well known ship owners and agents. Over the years the firm's services expanded to other areas of commercial and corporate law. The firm entered into a strategic alliance with Panamanian law firm Galindo, Arias & Lopez, and in 2009 opened an office in Bogota, Colombia.