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.
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 audit sector for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and skillfulness earned her the role of leading the main office, where she broadened her scope of duties to include the examination of audit reports, managing contracts, providing consultations, and overseeing oral proceedings. Over the span of 13 years, she occupied multiple roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law and representing the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of key institutions such as the Panama Maritime Authority, the National Passport Authority, Consalud, and the Agricultural Development Bank.
Her experience in the Comptroller’s Office allowed her to work in projects of great importance for the country, including the reactivation of the Panama Market, the Health City, the City of Arts and the issuance of bonds for the Tocumen International Airport, collaborating with private forensic firms in the representation of the State.
Castillo Guardia & Asociados: experts in Administrative Law
In 2021, Odila Castillo Bonilla, alongside a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Understanding the necessity for a name that represented the fresh leadership and vision, the firm was rebranded as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This new establishment concentrates on Administrative Law, a field with limited specialists in Panama, enabling them to secure a vital market segment.
Achievements in settling 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 short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully managed the legal aspects of significant projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colón. Their 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 false and damaging information by various newspapers. Odila Castillo has publicly addressed the inaccuracies of these assertions, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media through the right to reply.
Odila Castillo’s career highlights her leadership and dedication to achieving excellence in Administrative Law within Panama. Her extensive experience at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, combined with her insightful vision in establishing her firm, has established her as a pivotal player in tackling intricate legal challenges and advocating for her clients’ 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.