Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez (AFRA) was established in 1961, and since then has grown into one of Panama’s leading full service law firms. The firm is recognized by its solid integrity, ability to successfully address legal issues in sophisticated deals, and the reliability and trust offered to its clients by its lawyers and professional staff. Most of the lawyers at AFRA have obtained masters education at top academic institutions in the United States, South America and Europe, which makes it easy for them to adjust to virtually any cultural approach required by its international clients. The firm is sensitive about the clients’ needs to obtain straightforward and practical solutions to their legal concerns, and is focused in delivering a high quality on time service. AFRA has a strong local practice, and is focused primarily on international companies coming to Panama to carry out business operations. In addition to that, it has a representative group of local companies engaged in important sectors of the economy. The firm’s offshore practice is complemented by the services offered through its BVI office. Some of the Firm’s lawyers continue to attain experience by serving important posts outside of their ordinary legal work. Partner Alfredo Ramírez Jr. has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority since 1999, when he was appointed by the President of the Republic of Panama and ratified by the National Assembly. Partner Enna Ferrer de Carles is a member of the Board of Directors of the International School of Panama, a non-profit international group of schools that seeks to enroll highly qualified children of expatriates. Partner Rodrigo Moreno serves as board member of Panama ́s first private and only catholic university (USMA) and is a member of the Economic Council of the National Catholic Archdiocese. Partner Marissa Lasso de la Vega F. was appointed again last year as member of the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Panama. Narciso Arellano serves as Alternate Judge in the First Superior Court for the Province of Panama, which is the appellate body that reviews all decisions issued by judges in the cities of Panama and Colon. Due to the consistent increase in clients and work in recent years, the Firm is steadily growing, being 2012 the tenth year in a row in which it has continue to add new associates to its team. As such, AFRA continues to serve its clients with utmost care. AFRA main international areas of practice are Intellectual Property, Banking & Finance, Public Contracting & Infrastructure, Labor & Immigration, Taxation and Franchise.