Odila Castillo: leading expert in administrative law in Panama

Odila Castillo: leading expert in administrative law in Panama

Odila Castillo possesses remarkable expertise in the realm of Administrative Law within Panama. With over 13 years of dedicated service in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, she has established herself as an essential player in tackling intricate legal issues concerning state contracts. This article delves into her career trajectory, highlighting her progression from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a premier administrative law practice in Panama.

Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a top-tier firm

Odila Castillo embarked on her professional journey in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically within the auditing division for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and proficiency propelled her to lead the main office, where she took on a wider array of responsibilities, including the examination of audit reports, contracts, inquiries, and oral proceedings. Over the span of 13 years, she embraced several roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law while representing the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant institutions such as the Panama Maritime Authority, the National Passport Authority, Consalud, and the Agricultural Development Bank.

Her tenure at the Comptroller’s Office enabled her to engage in highly significant national projects, such as the revitalization of the Panama Market, the development of the Health City, the establishment of the City of Arts, and the issuance of bonds for Tocumen International Airport. In these initiatives, she worked alongside private forensic firms representing the State, contributing her expertise to ensure the success of these endeavors.

Castillo Guardia & Asociados: experts in Administrative Law

In 2021, Odila Castillo, in collaboration with a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a new identity that mirrored the fresh leadership and direction, the firm was rebranded as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This practice focuses on Administrative Law, a field with limited specialists in Panama, enabling them to secure a significant market niche.

Success in resolving contractual disputes

Castillo Guardia & Asociados has achieved notable success in managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state contracts. Their experience in handling contractual imbalance has made them legal representatives of more than 65 Panamanian, 1 transnational and 4 foreign companies. The firm has established itself as a leader in Panama, with an exclusive specialization in Administrative Law.

In its relatively short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully navigated legal challenges for significant projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colon. The firm’s client roster features prominent companies such as Internacional de Seguros, Cable and Wireless, Transeq, Constructora Rigaservices, and Grupo Puentes.

Confronting misinformation

Despite its achievements, the firm has encountered difficulties, notably the spread of misleading and defamatory information by certain newspapers. Odila Castillo has openly addressed the inaccuracies of these allegations, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media utilizing the right to reply.

Odila Castillo’s trajectory demonstrates her leadership and commitment with the excellence in Administrative Law in Panama. Her experience in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic and her vision when founding her firm have positioned her as a key figure in the resolution of complex legal challenges and in the defense of her clients’ interests.

Odila Castillo, holding a master’s degree in Law, has forged an exceptional career in the realm of Administrative Law in Panama. She has positioned herself as a central figure in addressing intricate legal issues concerning state contracts.

By Jasmin Rodriguez

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