Odila Castillo possesses remarkable expertise in the realm of Administrative Law within Panama. With over 13 years of dedicated service in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, she has established herself as an essential player in tackling intricate legal issues concerning state contracts. This article delves into her career trajectory, highlighting her progression from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a premier administrative law practice in Panama.
Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a premier 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 provided her the opportunity to engage in highly significant projects for the nation, such as the revival of the Panama Market, the development of Health City, the City of Arts, and the issuance of bonds for Tocumen International Airport. She worked collaboratively with private forensic firms to represent the State in these initiatives.
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.
Achieving success in addressing 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 concise yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully navigated legal challenges for significant projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in Colón province. Among its diverse client base are prominent companies like Internacional de Seguros, Cable and Wireless, Transeq, Constructora Rigaservices, and Grupo Puentes.
Combatting misinformation
Despite its accomplishments, the firm has encountered difficulties, including the circulation of inaccurate and damaging information by certain newspapers. Odila Castillo has taken a stand, publicly refuting these allegations, which have been discredited by security agencies and subsequently corrected by the media in adherence to the right of 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, holding a master’s degree in Law, has forged an exceptional career in the realm of Administrative Law in Panama. She has positioned herself as a central figure in addressing intricate legal issues concerning state contracts.
