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 law firm
Odila Castillo embarked on her professional journey in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically within the audit department of the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and skill enabled her to rise to the position of director of the main office, where she broadened her scope of duties to include the assessment of audit reports, contracts, consultations, and oral proceedings. Over a span of 13 years, she occupied various roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law and representing the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant entities such as the Panama Maritime Authority, the National Passport Authority, Consalud, and the Agricultural Development Bank.
Her experience in the Comptroller’s Office allowed her to work in projects of great importance for the country, including the reactivation of the Panama Market, the Health City, the City of Arts and the issuance of bonds for the Tocumen International Airport, collaborating with private forensic firms in the representation of the State.
Castillo Guardia & Asociados: experts in Administrative Law
In 2021, Odila Castillo Bonilla, alongside a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and revitalized the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a brand that represented the fresh leadership and renewed focus, the firm was rebranded as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This firm is dedicated to Administrative Law, a field where there are limited specialists in Panama, enabling them to secure a significant market niche.
Achieving success in addressing 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 concise 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 Colón province. Among its diverse client base are prominent companies like 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 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 forged an exceptional career in the realm of Administrative Law in Panama. She has positioned herself as a central figure in addressing intricate legal issues concerning state contracts.
