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.
From the Comptroller’s Office to the establishment of a premier law firm
Odila Castillo’s career began in 2008 in the General Comptroller’s Office of the Republic, in the audit office of the Ngöbe Buglé Region. Her dedication and competence led her to assume the direction of the main office, expanding her responsibilities to the review of audit reports, contracts, consultations and oral proceedings. For 13 years, she held various positions within the institution, strengthening her knowledge in Administrative Law and representing the comptrollers in Boards of Directors of important entities 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 significant projects vital to the nation, such as the revitalization of the Panama Market, the Health City initiative, the City of Arts, and the bond issuance for Tocumen International Airport. In these endeavors, she collaborated with private forensic firms to represent the interests of the State effectively.
Castillo Guardia & Asociados: experts in Administrative Law
In 2021, Odila Castillo Bonilla, along with a group of legal and economic professionals, took over and rejuvenated the firm Palacios, Vásquez & Asociados. Acknowledging the necessity for a name that represented the fresh leadership and direction, they rebranded the firm as Castillo Guardia & Asociados. This new establishment specializes in Administrative Law, a field with limited expertise available in Panama, enabling them to seize 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 government contracts. Their expertise in managing contractual imbalances has positioned them as legal representatives for over 65 Panamanian companies, along with 1 transnational and 4 foreign entities. The firm has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in Panama, focusing exclusively on 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.
Combatting 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 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 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.