Odila Castillo has outstanding experience in the field of Administrative Law in Panama. Her expertise, which spans more than 13 years in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, has positioned her as a key figure in the resolution of complex legal challenges related to state contracts. This article explores her professional journey, from her beginnings in the Comptroller’s Office to the founding of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a leading administrative law firm in Panama.
Transitioning from the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a premier firm
Odila Castillo’s professional journey commenced in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically in the audit division for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and skill enabled her to take charge of the main office, broadening her role to encompass the examination of audit reports, contracts, inquiries, and verbal proceedings. Over 13 years, she occupied multiple roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law and acting as a representative for the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant agencies 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, in collaboration with a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a new identity that mirrored the fresh leadership and direction, the firm was rebranded as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This practice focuses on Administrative Law, a field with limited specialists in Panama, enabling them to secure a significant market niche.
Achievement in handling 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 relatively short 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 the province of Colon. The firm’s client roster features prominent companies such as Internacional de Seguros, Cable and Wireless, Transeq, Constructora Rigaservices, and Grupo Puentes.
Confronting misinformation
Despite its success, the firm has faced challenges, including the dissemination of erroneous and offensive information by newspapers. Odila Castillo has publicly clarified the falsehood of these claims, which have been denied by the security agencies and rectified by the media through 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, 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.
