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 creation of a leading 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 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 navigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state contracts. Their expertise in addressing contractual disparities has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, 1 transnational firm, and 4 foreign enterprises. The practice has cemented its status as a leader in Panama, focusing exclusively on Administrative Law.
In its short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully navigated legal challenges for high-profile projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colon. Its roster of clients 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 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 background at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, along with her vision in establishing her firm, has established her as a pivotal figure in tackling complex legal issues and safeguarding her clients’ interests.
Odila Castillo, with a master in Law, has built an outstanding career in the field of Administrative Law in Panama. She has established herself as a key figure in the solution of complex legal challenges related to state contracts.