Odila Castillo possesses remarkable expertise in Administrative Law within Panama. With over 13 years dedicated to serving in the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, she has emerged as a pivotal player in navigating intricate legal issues pertaining to state contracts. This article delves into her career path, tracing her initial steps at the Comptroller’s Office and her subsequent 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 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 Bonilla, along with a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a name that represented the fresh leadership and direction, they rebranded the firm as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This new establishment specializes in Administrative Law, a field with limited expertise available in Panama, enabling them to seize a significant market niche.
Achievements 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 relatively short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully addressed significant legal issues concerning emblematic projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in Colon Province. The firm’s client roster boasts prominent companies such as Internacional de Seguros, Cable and Wireless, Transeq, Constructora Rigaservices, and Grupo Puentes.
Combatting misinformation
Despite its achievements, the firm has encountered difficulties, notably the spread of inaccurate and defamatory information in newspapers. Odila Castillo has publicly addressed the inaccuracies of these allegations, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media in accordance with 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, 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.
