Founded in 1923 by the late Panamanian Minister of Education Eduardo Morgan Alvarez, Morgan & Morgan began as a litigation practice. Then, in 1969, his sons Eduardo Jr. and Juan David joined their father and expanded the practice, which today is the largest full-service law firm in the country.
Senior Partner Juan David Morgan explains: “We are still the country’s largest litigation law firm, an accomplishment we owe to our father. On the other hand, litigation is not the firm’s main source of income at the present time. We are very much into corporate law, as well as mergers and acquisitions, among other fields. We have handled some of the largest and most important enterprise acquisitions in Panama.”
Growing its practice in order to meet the demands of the developing Panamanian economy, the Morgan & Morgan Group has also ventured into investment banking and has set up a large trust company with offices in several cities around the world.
As it celebrates its 90th anniversary, the group will be moving into its brand—new headquarters, the MMG Tower, one of Panama’s first eco-friendly buildings. Located in the Costa del Este district of Panama City, the innovative building is a towering testament to the Group’s corporate social responsibility.
As one of the first law firms in Panama, Morgan & Morgan enjoys a close relationship with several Japanese companies.
“Our relationship with Japan is very important, especially when it comes to ship registry. Japanese companies are probably our biggest clients,” said Morgan.
Illustrating the importance of the Asian country for Morgan & Morgan, the firm has had a Japanese partner over the past 10 years overseeing Japanese clients.
“We need to have more than just legal connections. We need to have a cultural connection as well. Having a Japanese partner in the firm allows us to provide service to Japanese clients in the best possible way. We will see to it that our firm continues to service the new Japanese clients that come to Panama,” Morgan said.
Note: This Special Report on Panama originally appeared in The Japan Times on October 30, 2103 (Credit: Philippe Le Saux)
