Given the new dynamic in which the energy sector is developing in Mexico, we spoke with Jesus Rodríguez Dávalos, partner of the office "Rodríguez Dávalos & Sotomayor, which currently participates in some projects of great importance in the country. Rodríguez Dávalos tells us about his experience and challenges of the energy sector, especially in the legal area of development of infrastructure.
1. Can you briefly tell us about the office Rodríguez Dávalos & Sotomayor and your work in the energy sector?
"Rodríguez Dávalos& Sotomayor" is a law firm specialized in the energy and development of infrastructure sectors with 20 years of said areas experience. In RDA we direct ourselves to have a team with the highest technical and academic training, and with a wide knowledge of tradematter that we deal with. Today we can say with pride that the office participates in several energy infrastructure projects that are most important for Mexico for the last few years.
2. What are some of the key challenges for a law specialist when working in a sector like the energy one?
The main challenge for a lawyer specializing in the energy sector is to achieve a high performance not only in the legal area, but also in the commercial aspect. Development of an energy project does not end after winning a tender or finish building the project. Even though the previous are fundamental stages, the project also requires a broad knowledge of the trade side. A lawyer specializing in the sector is someone who is capable of offering a comprehensive service that achieves that an infrastructure project reach its maximum economic and social performance.
3. After the approved Energy Reform, what are the main challenges of the sector?
The Energy Reform has many challenges for the country, but it seems to me that there are two main ones. First, the implementation of the Reform and the interaction of the various players involved in the sector.Today in Mexico, we can see great activity in the construction of infrastructure and arrival of new players and investments, a very good sign for the market.
Second, the growing demand for specialized work. New players in new projects, implies larger spaces for professionals of very specific areas of energy development. This is a great benefit for the country, but requires a close work with the academic sector and civil society so that suitable training areas might exist for current workers and students.
4. Recently the Asociación de Derechos de Vía was created, which you preside over. Can you briefly tell us about it?
The Asociación de Derechos de Vía, AC , is a nonprofit association made up by a group of specialists in the topic, with the objective to encourage knowledge of management of rights of way in projects of infrastructure. In Mexico, this not a new matter, but it´s a matter not much known, which will progressively gain greater importance. The association offers training and certification programs and various educational services for our members and other interested parties.
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