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 top-tier firm
Odila Castillo’s professional journey commenced in 2008 at the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, specifically in the audit division for the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her commitment and skill enabled her to take charge of the main office, broadening her role to encompass the examination of audit reports, contracts, inquiries, and verbal proceedings. Over 13 years, she occupied multiple roles within the organization, enhancing her expertise in Administrative Law and acting as a representative for the comptrollers on the Boards of Directors of significant agencies 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 critically significant projects for the nation, such as the revitalization of the Panama Market, the Health City initiative, the City of Arts, and the bond issuance for the Tocumen International Airport. In these endeavors, she collaborated 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.
Achievement in addressing contractual disputes
Castillo Guardia & Asociados has attained significant success in addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state contracts. Their proficiency in managing contractual imbalances has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, alongside 1 transnational and 4 foreign entities. The firm has firmly established itself as a leader in Panama, focusing exclusively on the realm of Administrative Law.
In its short yet remarkable journey of nearly three years, Castillo Guardia & Asociados has successfully managed the legal aspects of significant projects, including the six-lane expansion of the Las Playas Corridor and the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in the province of Colón. Their client roster features prominent 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 false and damaging information by various newspapers. Odila Castillo has publicly addressed the inaccuracies of these assertions, which have been refuted by security agencies and corrected by the media through the right to reply.
Odila Castillo’s career highlights her leadership and dedication to achieving excellence in Administrative Law within Panama. Her extensive experience at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, combined with her insightful vision in establishing her firm, has established her as a pivotal player 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.
