Practice areas
Mexican law for companies, from formation to defense.
Six areas of work, all under Mexican law, all handled personally by Mariela Cárdenas, LL.M.
Corporate
Formation of Mexican companies and the corporate work that keeps them in good standing: corporate books, powers of attorney, shareholder and board resolutions, and annual corporate maintenance.
Who it is for. For U.S. and international companies opening or running a Mexican subsidiary, and for Mexican companies that want their corporate records in order.
Contracts
Drafting and review of supply, distribution, lease, confidentiality and services agreements under Mexican law, in English and Spanish, including the Mexican side of contracts prepared by counsel abroad.
Who it is for. For companies that buy from, sell to or lease in Mexico, and for U.S. counsel who need the Mexican-law part of an agreement reviewed.
Corporate, tax and labor compliance
Corporate, tax and labor obligations of a company operating in Mexico: compliance before the SAT (the Mexican tax authority) in coordination with the company's accountants, preventive reviews, Mexican employment contracts, employer registrations and day-to-day labor compliance.
Who it is for. For legal, finance and compliance teams that answer to a parent company for a Mexican operation.
Foreign trade programs and permits
Programs, registrations and permits that a company needs to trade and operate in Mexico: IMMEX and IVA/IEPS certification, REPSE registration for specialized services, importer registries, USMCA origin reviews, sector registries, permits for regulated sectors such as energy and health, NOM certifications and hazardous materials.
Who it is for. For importers, exporters, manufacturers and customs brokers, and for suppliers that sell or deliver regulated goods in Mexico.
Customs and tax defense
Defense of companies before Mexican customs and tax authorities: seized shipments (PAMA), fines and tax assessments, administrative appeals before the authority, and annulment suits before the Federal Court of Administrative Justice. Mariela Cárdenas handles these matters personally.
Who it is for. For importers, exporters, shippers and customs brokers who have received a seizure record, a fine or an assessment in Mexico.
Legal department on a monthly plan
A standing arrangement in which the office acts as the company's legal department in Mexico: corporate, contracts, compliance, permits and customs defense, handled by one attorney who knows the company. See what the monthly plan covers.
Who it is for. For companies with recurring legal needs in Mexico that do not have in-house Mexican counsel.
Tell us about your matter in Mexico.
Write a few lines about your company and what you need. You will hear back from the attorney herself with a proposed first review.