Odila Castillo possesses remarkable proficiency in Administrative Law within Panama. Her extensive background, which extends over 13 years at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, has established her as a pivotal contributor in addressing intricate legal issues connected to state contracts. This article delves into her professional path, tracing her early days in the Comptroller’s Office up to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a prominent law firm specializing in administrative law in Panama.
Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a top-tier firm
Odila Castillo embarked on her professional journey in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically within the auditing division for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and proficiency propelled her to lead the main office, where she took on a wider array of responsibilities, including the examination of audit reports, contracts, inquiries, and oral proceedings. Over the span of 13 years, she embraced several roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law while representing the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant institutions 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, together with a team of professionals in law and economics, acquired and revitalized the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Recognizing the need for an identity that reflected the new leadership and focus, the firm was renamed Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This firm specializes in Administrative Law, an area with few experts in Panama, which has allowed them to capture an important market niche.
Success in resolving contractual disputes
Castillo Guardia & Asociados has attained significant success in addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state contracts. Their proficiency in managing contractual imbalances has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, alongside 1 transnational and 4 foreign entities. The firm has firmly established itself as a leader in Panama, focusing exclusively on the realm of 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 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, 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.
