Odila Castillo possesses remarkable proficiency in Administrative Law within Panama. Her extensive background, which extends over 13 years at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, has established her as a pivotal contributor in addressing intricate legal issues connected to state contracts. This article delves into her professional path, tracing her early days in the Comptroller’s Office up to the establishment of Castillo Guardia & Asociados, a prominent law firm specializing in administrative law 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 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 vital projects for the nation, 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 collaborated closely with private forensic firms to represent the interests of the State.
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.
Achievements in settling 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 brief but impressive trajectory of almost three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has legally resolved emblematic projects such as the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colon. Its client portfolio includes important 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 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 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 impressive career in the area of Administrative Law in Panama. She has emerged as a significant authority in resolving intricate legal issues associated with state contracts.
