DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALSWe combine a wealth of experience with a deep commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients.
With diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, our team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters efficiently and effectively.
Meet our legal team at Pacífica Legal.
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Teresa Carballo
PARTNER
Corporate Law | Blockchain | Digital Assets -
Edgar Young
PARTNER
Corporate & Transactional Law
Blockchain | Digital Assets | AI | FinTech -
Ami Ahir
LEGAL COUNSEL
Corporate Law | IP | Private Client -
Joinel Lammie Carvajal
LEGAL COUNSEL
Regulatory Advisory | FinTech and Web3 -
Manuel Noriega Tejeira
SENIOR COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT
Compliance Advisory | Fractional AML Services -
Pedro Zapata
OF COUNSEL
Civil and Commercial Litigation | Arbitration -
Isabella Fernandez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Corporate Law | Immigration -
Alejandra Rodriguez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Legal and compliance operations -
Melissa Moncada
ACCOUNT MANAGER & OPERATIONS
Client relationship management and operarations -
Marilín Correa
ACCOUNT MANAGER & OPERATIONS
Client relationship management and operations -
Daria Kolpakova
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
MORE ABOUTTeresa Carballo
Teresa Carballo is a Panamanian lawyer focused on bridging technology and law, with a practice centered on advising blockchain and virtual-asset projects on their legal and regulatory strategy, particularly in Panama and Mexico. She is a co-founder of Pacífica Legal, where her work frequently involves designing compliant corporate structures and commercial operations, all with a pragmatic, prevention-oriented approach grounded in real-world risk management. She holds a degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Panama. She brings a strong foundation in corporate and preventive law, complemented by litigation experience, which informs her ability to translate complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable guidance for founders and international teams operating in fast-evolving markets
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She has contributed to the legal area of various DAOs, serving as the Legal Coordinator for the BanklessDAO Legal Guild and as a Governor for H.E.R. DAO LATAM. This latter organization aims to diversify the blockchain ecosystem by empowering LATAM women to pursue careers in Web3. She is also a member of the Blockchain Lawyers Group and lead of the Code of Conduct Council in the Optimism Collective.
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With over 10 years of professional experience, Teresa is also licensed to practice law in Mexico.
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Spanish and English.
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Teresa is also a horse rider and mother of two girls.
MORE ABOUTEdgar Young
Edgar is a distinguished attorney with over a decade of experience in multi-jurisdictional legal practice. A Partner at Pacifica Legal, he specializes in Emerging Technologies, including crypto, IT, FinTech, IP, and venture-backed startups. Qualified to practice law in Panama, he holds a Ph.D. and LL.M. in International Private Law from RUDN University in Moscow and an LL.B. from the University of Panama.
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Edgar has extensive experience advising clients on complex legal matters related often working across languages and sovereign border.
At Pacifica Legal, he focuses on offshore corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, and legal frameworks for web3 projects. His expertise includes incorporating corporations and foundations, handling Token Offerings and SAFT agreements, drafting terms of use and privacy policies, securing crypto-friendly accounts, and providing legal opinions. He works closely with a diverse range of clients, including L1/L2 blockchain networks, centralized and decentralized exchanges, perpetual trading platforms, DeFi protocols, DAO foundations, NFT marketplaces, and gaming platforms.
A former Associate Professor of International Private Law at the University of Panama, Edgar is actively involved with the Blockchain Lawyers Group, LegalDAO, ICC’s Young Arbitrators Forum (ICC YAF) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
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Licensed attorney in Panama.
Registered Real Estate Broker
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Spanish, English and Russian.
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Passionate about business, technology, and innovation, Edgar enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.
MORE ABOUTAmi Ahir Ali
Ami Ahir obtained a Bachelor of Law and Political Science (Cum Laude) from the School of Law at Universidad Santa María La Antigua (USMA) in Panama in 2020. She also holds a LL.M. in Intellectual Property, Industrial Property, and New Technologies from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
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Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her completion of a Diploma in Human Rights and Conventionality Control at USMA and a Diploma in Corporate Incorporation at the Center for Educational Excellence in Panama, further enhancing her expertise in corporate law.
Ami has practical experience in Intellectual Property Law, gained at a renowned boutique law firm in Panama. There, she advised clients on the protection and strategic management of intangible assets. She was also involved in a special case related to Trust Law in Panama.
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Ami is qualified to practice law in Panama.
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Spanish and English
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In her free time, Ami enjoys activities that connect her with nature. Her favorite hobbies include visiting the beach, reading novels, and spending time with her dog.
MORE ABOUTJoinel Lammie Carvajal
Joinel is a qualified attorney with over seven years of experience advising clients across corporate, commercial, FinTech, and Web3 sectors. At Pacífica Legal, he advises clients on crypto-asset services, decentralized protocols, and blockchain-related matters. Joinel holds a degree in Law and Political Science from Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA) in Panama. Additionally, he holds a Master of Laws from the University of Minnesota Law School – Twin Cities and Master of Laws in International Business Law from the Université Catholique de Lyon.
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He has advised local and international clients on commercial transactions, dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, energy projects, and real estate matters. Prior to joining Pacífica Legal, he worked at a leading law firm in Panama focusing on corporate and dispute resolution matters.
Experience in reviewing complex corporate structures and commercial agreements, while delivering business-oriented legal advice on innovative blockchain technologies and applicable regulatory frameworks.His academic background in both the United States and France has further strengthened his ability to approach legal matters with an international perspective. This global outlook, combined with his practical experience across multiple sectors, enables him to provide clients with thoughtful, commercially aware, and business-oriented legal advice.
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Qualified to practice law in the Republic of Panama.
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Spanish, English and French.
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Outside of practice, Joinel has a strong interest in the art scenes, specially in cinema and the film industry and also in fitness training, and bouldering.
joinellammie@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTManuel Noriega Tejeira
Manuel is a Senior Compliance Consultant at Pacífica Legal with more than twelve years of cross-border experience in business, operational risk, and forensic consulting. He designs and oversees AML/CFT and regulatory risk frameworks for institutional clients across the banking, FinTech, and digital asset sectors, and helps deliver the firm's AML Fractional Services. Manuel holds a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management, complementing his degree in Industrial Engineering, and is an active member of the Panama Digital and Blockchain Chamber of Commerce.
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Manuel specializes in structuring comprehensive compliance architectures for FinTech companies and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)—including cryptocurrency exchanges, OTC desks, and stablecoin platforms—while advising entities on advanced transaction monitoring.
Throughout his career, he has directed high-stakes Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) investigations, anti-financial crime audits, and reputational risk mitigation for complex international clients. His foundational background in engineering provides a highly technical framework for developing proprietary risk-scoring algorithms, transaction tracking models, and internal fraud prevention controls.
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Certified Virtual Asset Financial Crime Specialist (CVAFCS) from ACAMS (in progress). Currently pursuing an Executive MBA.
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Spanish and English.
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Outside of work, Manuel enjoys playing soccer and Fantasy football.
MORE ABOUTPedro Zapata
Pedro brings over a decade of distinguished experience in litigation throughout the Republic of Panama. As Of Counsel at Pacifica Legal, he specializes in civil and commercial procedures, providing strategic legal guidance and representation to clients across diverse industries. His comprehensive practice extends beyond litigation to encompass corporate matters, where he delivers directorship services and ensures regulatory compliance for client entities.
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As Of Counsel at Pacifica Legal, Pedro provides specialized expertise in civil and commercial litigation, leveraging his extensive courtroom experience to guide clients through sophisticated legal matters. He serves as director for multiple client entities across various industries, maintaining full compliance with Panamanian regulatory requirements and supporting comprehensive corporate governance initiatives. Pedro plays a pivotal role in corporate matters, including the review of resolutions, maintenance of statutory records, and providing expert legal counsel in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, corporate resolutions, and other critical legal documentation.
Pedro built his professional foundation through progressive roles at established Panamanian law firms. At Zapata, Hijos y Asociados (2015 – Present), he assisted in court filings and client coordination, guaranteeing all documentation met legal requirements. Earlier at Consultorio Jurídico Brown, Zapata y Asociados (2010 – 2015), he supported litigation teams through legal research, case preparation, and drafting of pleadings and legal opinions under attorney supervision.
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Bachelor of Laws and Political Science
University of Panama -
Spanish
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Beyond his legal practice, Pedro embraces Panama's natural beauty through outdoor adventures. He is passionate about exploring the country's hidden gems, from pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls to challenging hiking trails.
pedrozapata@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTIsabella Fernandez
Isabella works as a Legal Assistant in the corporate area, supporting clients throughout the process of entity creation and corporate structuring. Her curiosity for emerging legal fields drives her to continuously expand her understanding of how law can adapt to an increasingly digital world.
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Fourth year, Bachelor of Laws and Political Science — Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA), Panama
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Spanish and English
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Outside of work and studies, Isabella enjoys exercise, reading, meaningful conversations, and spending time with family.
isabellafernandez@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTAlejandra Rodriguez
Alejandra supports legal and compliance operations at Pacifica Legal, assisting with corporate filings, due diligence, regulatory processes, and legal documentation across multiple jurisdictions, while helping ensure efficient and compliant client service delivery.
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Alejandra has experience in civil, family, criminal, and labor proceedings. She brings experience in corporate law, compliance, and legal administration gained through work with law firms and consulting companies. She has supported the drafting of legal documents, public deeds, board resolutions, and meeting minutes, as well as the registration, dissolution, and management of natural and legal persons before the Public Registry, DGI, municipalities, and other authorities.
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Interamerican University of Panama
Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political Science
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Spanish
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Spanish
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Outside of work, Alejandra enjoys traveling, exploring new places, learning about history and culture, and spending quality time with her daughter.
legal@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTMelissa Moncada
Melissa is an experienced professional in the administrative field, with a strong background in managing office operations for multinational companies and brokerage firms. She has also developed expertise as a corporate administrator and in compliance, supporting international companies and financial institutions in meeting regulatory and operational requirements.
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Throughout her career, Melissa has supported senior management and cross-functional teams by ensuring the efficient coordination of daily operations and regulatory processes. She has played a key role in streamlining office procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, and facilitating compliance with internal policies and international standards. In brokerage and multinational environments, she has provided reliable administrative and compliance support, contributing to smooth audits, effective client service, and the successful execution of business goals. Her ability to balance operational efficiency with regulatory accuracy makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
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Spanish and English
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Melissa is an animal lover and supports the fight against animal cruelty, in her free time she enjoys reading content that contributes to spiritual growth. She also enjoys watching comedy plays and movies.
melissamoncada@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTMarilín Correa
Marilín supports client relationship management, operational coordination, and process efficiency at Pacífica Legal, helping ensure smooth operations and strong long-term client relationships.
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Marilin brings hands-on experience in account management, logistics, and operational leadership. She has managed high-value client portfolios, led contract negotiations, and analyzed markets to support strategic decision-making.
Her professional background includes overseeing branch operations, supervising teams, and ensuring service excellence across all processes. Her work in user readiness and system implementation has also allowed her to guide teams through process improvements, reduce operational errors, and enhance overall efficiency. -
Business Communication - Technological University of Panama
Currently pursuing a degree in Industrial and Business Engineering -
Spanish and English
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Outside of work, Marilín enjoys baking, swimming, spending time outdoors, and is a passionate coffee and animal lover.
marilincorrea@pacifica.legal
MORE ABOUTDaria Kolpakova
Daria Kolpakova represents the Financial Department at Pacifica Legal, supporting the firm’s financial coordination, internal administration, and operational processes. Her background combines academic excellence, international experience, and strong organizational discipline.
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Daria brings experience in academic leadership, operational management, and international client coordination. She has supervised institutional processes, managed program administration, and worked closely with multicultural teams and clients. Her professional background developed her precision, structured approach, and strong attention to detail.
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Daria graduated summa cum laude from Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia in Saint Petersburg with a degree in Linguistics and Interpretation (Spanish and English). She also completed her earlier education with honors at the Linguistic Humanitarian College.
Her continued professional development includes participation in international conferences, academic training programs, and cross-cultural initiatives in Europe and Latin America
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Native Russian
Fluent English and Spanish
Basic Portuguese, Italian, Greek, and German
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Beyond her professional life, Daria has participated in international forums and exchange programs in Europe, the United States, and Latin America. She enjoys music, cultural initiatives, and community engagement projects, bringing the same energy and dedication to her personal pursuits as she does to her professional responsibilities.
finance@pacifica.legal