How To Choose A Mexican Lawyer?
Looking for English-speaking Mexican Lawyers? In this post, I will guide you so that you can find the Mexican lawyer that you need.
Just remember that you can always ask your trusted lawyer or a colleague for a referral.
Emilio Arteaga
Lawyer
Mr. Emilio Arteaga is the director of Doing Business Mexico and a trade and business lawyer.
About Mexican Lawyers
It is not that difficult to practice law in Mexico. Each year, the legal market is flooded by thousands of new lawyers who finished their Law School. Unlike many other countries, Mexico does not have a bar exam. So, any person who concludes Law School can become a licensed lawyer as long as he or she pays the government fees to have his license (known as Cedula Profesional).
Is there a Mexican Bar?
Yes, there are several Mexican Bars, but it is not mandatory to join. In fact, Mexican Law Bars have argued in favor of professionalizing the legal practice in Mexico with a bar exam. However, these calls have been ignored by the Government and Congress.
Be Diligent
Foreigners who seek Mexican Legal Counsel have to be very careful when retaining a lawyer or law firm. First of all, do not retain any lawyer without verifying that he or she is a licensed lawyer. In theory, anyone can freely consult whether a person has a professional license through the following website: https://cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
Of course, having a law license and degree is not enough, but it is a good start.
Mexican Law Firms and Recognized International Rankings
International Rankings, such as Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 or Who’s Who Legal, are used by major companies in their research for retaining legal counsel. Law firms and lawyers who appear in these rankings submit forms to these international guides, who then interview their clients and peers. As a result of the investigations, the guides rank firms and lawyers in different practice areas based on the complexity of matters, the roster of clients, client service, etc.
In a certain way, firms and lawyers that appear in these rankings are “vetted”. It may take years for a firm or a lawyer to appear in such rankings. Hence, you will indeed find experienced and professional law firms and lawyers through these rankings. However, the higher the rank or band, the more professional and specialized the lawyer will be.
In previous years, these rankings listed Law Firms that were located in Mexico City. Fortunately, they have now been expanding and reviewing local firms in important cities, such as Monterrey and Guadalajara.
Big International firms vs Boutique Mexican Law Firms
Let’s say, you need a Mexican Law Firm for international business or trade matters, so you look for the “International Trade” practice in Legal 500. You can see “big” and international law firms, but boutique Mexican law firms also appear in the top bands, like VTZ. Boutique law firms have specialized practices and may even offer competitive fees because of lower overhead expenses. Of course, big firms are a good option, but client service may be more personalized in boutique law firms. Full disclosure, I must say that I am a Jr. Partner at VTZ.
Still hesitating to reach out a law firm?
If you need help finding a specialized law firm for your matter in Mexico, or perhaps you are seeking for a local lawyer in a city to collect some debt, do not hesitate to contact Doing Business Mexico. We can always help.