2026 International Law Section Americas Conference

JAMS is a proud sponsor of the ABA International Law Section, Americas Conference, taking place January 26-28, 2026, in Mexico City. JAMS neutrals Cristina Pereyra-Alvarez, Retired Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, Giuseppe De Palo, Esq., and Gilbert K. Squires, P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb, will be featured on panels at the conference, see below for more details. The conference theme, “Building Bridges: From Conflict to Cooperation Through Trade and Innovation,” will provide an excellent opportunity to address current international legal issues.

Featured JAMS Panels:

Recent Developments on Mexico’s Judicial Reform: Implications and Strategies for Foreign Investors

Tuesday, January 27, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Mexico’s sweeping judicial reforms are reshaping the country’s legal and business landscape, raising critical questions for foreign investors, counsel, and dispute resolution professionals. As the government seeks to centralize judicial authority and alter key constitutional structures, concerns have emerged over rule of law, enforcement of contracts, and the independence of the judiciary. This panel will examine the practical implications of these reforms for cross-border transactions, arbitration, and investment protection. Drawing on insights from counsel and corporate representatives, panelists will explore risk mitigation strategies and how investors can adapt to Mexico’s evolving legal environment.

Moderator:

• Cristina Pereyra-Alvarez, Retired Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, International Arbitrator & Mediator, JAMS – Miami

Speakers:

• Javier Oroz Coppel, Chief Risk Officer & General Secretary, AXA Mexico
• Ilan Katz, Katz & Gudiño – Mexico City
• Sofia Gomez Ruano, Creel – Mexico City
• Rafael Lobo, Mediator, Alinea – Monterrey

Tariffs, Trade and Arbitration: Navigating Cross-Border Disputes in a Shifting U.S. Regulatory Landscape

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 9:00 - 10:30 AM

The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies and evolving trade policies are reshaping the global supply chain, creating new challenges for businesses engaged in cross-border commerce. These measures, often imposed with little or no advance warning, can disrupt established commercial relationships, increase costs, and trigger disputes that cross multiple jurisdictions. As companies adapt to this volatile environment, international commercial arbitration is increasingly called upon to resolve complex disputes arising from tariff impacts, contract frustration, and shifting regulatory requirements. This panel will bring together leading practitioners and experts from across the globe to examine the impact of U.S. tariffs on cross-border supply chains and the resulting implications for international arbitration.

Moderator:

• Giuseppe de Palo, Esq., International Arbitrator & Mediator, JAMS – Miami

Speakers:

• Sudhanshu Roy, Senior Associate, Foley Hoag – Washington DC
• Eugenia Seoane de la Cuesta, Associate, Cuatrecasas – New York
• Additional speakers pending

The Ebb and Flow of a Cross-Border Oil and Gas Acquisition

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 9:00 - 10:30 AM

The panel explores the legal and commercial challenges in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the oil and gas sector. It focuses on deals involving U.S. sponsors operating in Latin America. The session covers key issues such as regulatory compliance, political and economic risks, anti-corruption measures, dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution clauses, and structuring considerations to maximize tax efficiency and reduce dispute risks across various Latin American jurisdictions. It also addresses post-closing rights and remedies, including choosing between litigation and international arbitration, key forum and seat considerations, enforceability issues, representations and warranties insurance, negotiated indemnities and escrow holdbacks. 

Moderator:

• Thomas Oppenheimer, Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP – Miami, FL

Speakers:

• Daniel Avila II, Associate, Reed Smith LLP – Houston, TX
• Gilbert K. Squires, P.E., BCS, FCCA, DCIArb, International Arbitrator & Mediator, JAMS – Miami, FL
• Rafael Valdivieso E., Partner, Bustamante Fabara – Quito, Ecuador