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 top-tier firm
Odila Castillo embarked on her professional journey in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically within the audit division for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and skillset propelled her to lead the primary office, broadening her role to include the analysis of audit reports, contracts, consultations, and oral proceedings. Over the span of 13 years, she occupied multiple roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law and representing the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant organizations 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, 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 resolving 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 obstacles, such as the spread of inaccurate and defamatory information by various newspapers. Odila Castillo has openly addressed these false assertions, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media through the right of response.
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.
