Odila Castillo boasts exceptional proficiency in the realm of Administrative Law within Panama. With over 13 years of experience at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, she has established herself as a pivotal player in tackling intricate legal issues associated with state contracts. This article delves into her career path, tracing her early days in the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a prominent administrative law firm in Panama.
Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the founding of a top-tier firm
Odila Castillo’s career began in 2008 in the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, in the audit office of the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her dedication and competence led her to assume the direction of the main office, expanding her responsibilities to the review of audit reports, contracts, consultations and oral proceedings. For 13 years, she held various positions within the institution, strengthening her knowledge in Administrative Law and representing the comptrollers in Boards of Directors of important entities 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 Bonilla, along with a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a name that represented the fresh leadership and direction, they rebranded the firm as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This new establishment specializes in Administrative Law, a field with limited expertise available in Panama, enabling them to seize a significant market niche.
Achievement in handling 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 brief but impressive trajectory of almost three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has legally resolved emblematic projects such as the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colon. Its client portfolio includes important 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 journey highlights her leadership and dedication to excellence in Administrative Law within Panama. Her extensive experience in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, coupled with her foresight in establishing her firm, has established her as an influential figure in tackling intricate legal challenges and advocating for her clients’ interests.
Odila Castillo, who holds a master’s degree in Law, has crafted an impressive career in Administrative Law in Panama. She has distinguished herself as a pivotal player in resolving intricate legal issues associated with state contracts.