Legal leadership in Panama: Odila Castillo’s professional journey

Odila Castillo boasts remarkable expertise in Administrative Law within Panama. With over 13 years of service at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, she has become a pivotal player in addressing intricate legal issues concerning state contracts. This piece delves into her career trajectory, tracing her path from her start at the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a premier administrative law practice in Panama.

From the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a premier law 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, together with a team of professionals in law and economics, acquired and revitalized the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Recognizing the need for an identity that reflected the new leadership and focus, the firm was renamed Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This firm specializes in Administrative Law, an area with few experts in Panama, which has allowed them to capture an important market niche.

Success in resolving contractual disputes

Castillo Guardia & Asociados has attained significant success in navigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state contracts. Their expertise in addressing contractual disparities has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, 1 transnational firm, and 4 foreign enterprises. The practice has cemented its status as a leader in Panama, focusing exclusively on Administrative Law.

In its relatively short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully addressed significant legal issues concerning emblematic projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in Colon Province. The firm’s client roster boasts 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 inaccurate and defamatory information in newspapers. Odila Castillo has publicly addressed the inaccuracies of these allegations, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media in accordance with the right to reply.

Odila Castillo’s journey showcases her leadership and dedication to excellence in Administrative Law in Panama. Her background in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, along with her foresight in establishing her own firm, has established her as a pivotal figure in addressing intricate legal issues and advocating for her clients’ best interests.

Odila Castillo, holding a master’s degree in Law, has developed an impressive career in the realm of Administrative Law within Panama. She has firmly positioned herself as a central figure in addressing intricate legal challenges associated with state contracts.

By Raymond Jr. Lambert

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