Julio A. Quijano B.

Since 1959, Quijano & Associates has provided services to an ever growing clientele, covering the creation of companies, corporations and trusts, as well as fiduciary services, the registration and representation of vessels under the Panamanian flag, and a wide range of advisory services for the establishment and maintenance of legal entities formed under a diversity of jurisdictions, including the Republic of Panama, the British Virgin Islands, Seychelles and Belize. The firm has positioned itself as one of Panama’s most respected law firms by banks and international financial institutions, shipping lines, foreign investors and multinational companies, through its main offices in Panama, Switzerland, and subsidiaries in the British Virgin Islands, Belize and Seychelles. In addition, it has also expanded its field of activities through its own trust company: Quijano Trust Corporation. Multinational companies deciding to locate regional operations in Panama, international investment companies wishing to benefit from territorial taxation or establishing operations in the Panamanian market, and well-known shipping lines, have found in Quijano & Associates a top ranking efficiency, trustworthiness, personalised attention, promptness and confidentiality firm with more than 60 years of experience. One of the pillars of the firm is the integrity of its lawyers and staff. This principle is observed within the context of competence and a first class legal formation, allowing it to professionally and efficiently act, fulfilling the needs of its clientele. The firm ‘transforms challenges into opportunities.’

Main Areas of Practice:

Formation and Management of Companies and Foundations:

From its foundation, Quijano & Associates has been a leader in this field, being the first Panamanian law firm to open its own offices abroad. Through the firm’s present international network of offices and correspondent law firms, along with strategic regional alliances to which Quijano & Associates are parties, the firm performs the organisation, structuring, management and operations of offshore companies, private interest foundations and other investment vehicles in different jurisdictions all over the globe, especially, but without being limited to, Panama, the British Virgin Islands, the State of Delaware, Seychelles, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Trust Services & Estate Planning:

Quijano & Associates’ strength in the practice of offshore law covers all of its areas. Through ist affiliate Quijano Trust Corporation, the firm owns a trust license in Panamá, issued by the Superintendence of Banks by means of Resolution No. 002-2006 of 9th March, 2006. The firm provides custody and depository agency services. In addition, it works closely with its clients with the purpose of creating the most convenient structures for the protection of assets and Patrimony management, as well as creating guarantee mechanisms for commercial transactions, all with the purpose of providing fiscal efficiency and satisfying their individual requirements.

Commercial & Corporate:

Being pioneers for many decades in law practice, Quijano & Associates has achieved a unique understanding of the business field in Panama and Latin America, and the commercial relationship between the Americas and other countries and markets. Therefore, the firm is in a first class position to advise clients on all types of businesses and investment matters related to Panama. Quijano & Associates has advised high profile clients of the private sector, including multinational companies and multilateral organisations.

Banking and Securities:

Frequently, the firm is involved in public offers of shares, issuance of bonds, corporate restructuring, financing of projects and acquisition of companies, structuring of loans and guarantees. It is also requested to offer advice on banking and trust regulations, and on the process for obtaining banking or investment advisers licenses, amongst others.

Maritime and Admiralty:

Quijano & Associates acts on behalf of an important percentage of the Panamanian Merchant Marine Fleet, the largest worldwide, both in tonnage and number of registered vessels. The firm’s clientele includes ship owners, vessel operators, charterers, shipping agents, financial institutions, insurance companies, and underwriters and brokers. Quijano & Associates covers all branches of maritime affairs. It manages disputes related to the maritime sector in Panama and possesses a broad knowledge of the regulations and procedures of the maritime courts in Panama.

Intellectual Property:

Quijano & Associates is widely recognised for its advisory and incisive assistance in this area related to the different ways in which clients may register and protect their intellectual property rights and capitalise on said rights through their sale and licensing in Panama and abroad. The firm also offers full advisory related to the granting of franchises and copyright protection.

Immigration:

Quijano & Associates frequently receive requests from individuals or companies requiring assistance in regards to regulations on Panamanian immigration laws pertaining to employment and relocation of executives and retired foreigners. The firm also offers advisory services to multinational companies interested in establishing their operation seat in Panama. Likewise, it processes residence permits, tourist and investment visas, and naturalisation certificates. Its broad experience allows the firm to offer the most appropriate response for any immigration matter that may arise.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

Quijano & Associates submits all types of civil and commercial suits in Panama, and in regards to foreign jurisdictions, the firm works in collaboration with its correspondents’ attorneys. Also, it always make the effort to use other methods for resolving civil and commercial suits, such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration with the objective of resolving the problems as soon as possible and with efficiency in regards to the expenses for the firm’s clients. Quijano & Associates’ team has qualified arbitrators, both at the local level by the Center for Conciliation and Arbitration of Panama, and at the international level by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution of Florida.

Entertainment:

The firm’s expertise in entertainment law adds an additional dimension in its practice. It represents an important number of clients of this industry. Quijano & Associates service is broad and includes from the representation and negotiation of contracts, up to advice on the financial aspects of the business.

Real Estate:

Quijano & Associates offers legal assistance for the purchase, sale and lease of residential and commercial real estate. The firm offers guidance throughout the negotiation of the agreement terms to be subscribed, management of the transaction and administration documents, investigation of encumbrances that may exist on any property, processing of financing by the bank, up to the conclusion of the transaction. It may also aid property owners in regards to procedures of zoning and rezoning, evaluation of real estate taxes, management of eviction procedures and resolution of disputes between owners and tenants.

Tax Consultants:

Through the firm’s subsidiary, Sterling Tax Consultants, Quijano & Associates are in the capacity of aiding its clients professionally in accounting, financial and fiscal procedures in a timely and efficient manner, offering the taking of administrative decision at a lessor cost and promoting the development of their businesses and the optimisation of their services.

Public Tenders & Administrative Law:

Quijano & Associates has a department exclusively dedicated to advising its clients on the drafting of offers that are required to be submitted at public biddings or private purchases; be these for purchases, for works and services with the purpose of complying with the pertaining rules, requirements and guidelines that must be included in said offers. The firm also advises state or private institutions that require legal support related to said contracting.

Relocation Services: By means of its relocation services, Quijano & Associates facilitates the relocation procedures of expatriates. The firm take charge as from his/her arrival at Tocumen Airport, aiding with a rapid entry to the country, transportation from the airport to the firm's offices and after to the offices of the National Immigration Service, always in the company of a qualified member of its staff. This VIP package includes hotel reservations at a corporate rate, administrative services during his/her stay (fax, telephone, internet, copies), immigration procedures, opening of a bank account and organisation of a company, if this should be the case. The relocation services will save the firm’s clients time and money. This VIP package was created by Quijano & Associates to expedite the transition and aid in reducing the stress and complexity of an international relocation.

Virtual Offices: Quijano & Associates offers its clients the feature of establishing virtual offices with a seat in Panama, without consideration to their location on the globe. With a virtual office at Quijano & Associates, you will always have a fiscal domicile for projecting professionalism and confidence to your clients, providers and potential partners.

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Julio was recently awarded the Medal Eduardo Morgan unanimously by the Board of Directors of the National Bar Association of Panama in recognition of his meritorious work as a lawyer for the enhancement of the legal profession and for the Republic of Panama.

Born: Panama, Republic of Panama, November 9th, 1963.

Admitted: 1994, Panama.

Éducation

Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, 1982.

Colgate University, Bachelor Of Arts, 1986.

Tulane University, Juris Doctor, 1989.

Membership:

Panama Bar Association

Panama Maritime Law Association (APADEMAR)

Professional Networks

Society of Primerus Law Firms

International Lawyers Network (ILN)

Geneva Group International (GGI)

Languages: English | Spanish

Main Practice Areas: Corporate Law and Immigration Matters, Admiralty & Maritime Law.

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