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.
Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the founding 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 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 attained significant success in navigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on government contracts. Their expertise in managing contractual imbalances has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, along with 1 transnational and 4 foreign entities. The firm has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in Panama, focusing exclusively on 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.
Facing 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 showcases her leadership and dedication to excellence in Administrative Law in Panama. Her background in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, along with her foresight in establishing her own firm, has established her as a pivotal figure in addressing intricate legal issues and advocating for her clients’ best 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.
