Twenty years advising Panama’s most demanding matters.
M&A & Business Transactions. Corporate & Business Law. Technology & Digital Business. Real Estate Law. Panama-anchored, internationally connected.
Who We are
Chanis was founded on April 25, 2005. In the two decades since, Panama has consolidated its position as one of Latin America’s most active jurisdictions for corporate structuring, regional headquarters, and cross-border investment. The legal framework governing how companies operate here has been substantially rebuilt across every area we work in: AML compliance, data protection, fintech regulation, real estate development, multinational operations, immigration structuring.
We advised clients through each of those changes. That depth of market knowledge is what we bring to every matter.
The firm was founded by Ricardo Chanis, who before establishing Chanis served as corporate counsel during the reversion of the Canal Zone territories to Panamanian sovereignty, one of the most consequential legal and institutional processes in the country’s modern history. That experience shaped a founding partner who is at home in high-stakes environments: multiple parties, competing interests, and decisions with lasting consequences. Today, the Chanis team brings together lawyers with specialized academic and professional credentials across M&A, corporate law, technology, real estate, and cross-border structuring, including postgraduate training in Panama, the United States of America, Europe, and Turkey.
Who We Serve
The company preparing for its first acquisition in Panama. The international investor structuring regional operations from here. The family business managing a transition to the next generation. The tech founder who needs a legal structure before the seed round closes. The Turkish investor who needs one lawyer who speaks the same language, in every sense.
Our clients include companies with operations or expansion plans in Panama and the broader region; international investors and business groups entering or restructuring in Latin America; technology companies, fintechs, and digital platforms operating under Panama’s emerging regulatory framework; family businesses and entrepreneurs managing growth, governance, or structural transitions; real estate developers and investors in commercial and horizontal property projects; and high-net-worth individuals and family offices requiring private wealth structuring.
WHY CHANIS FOR TURKISH INVESTORS
The only boutique business law firm in Panama with Turkish-language counsel and academic training in Turkey – combined with a broad network of legal correspondents across jurisdictions.
For Turkish companies and investors, Chanis operates the only Türkiye Desk at a boutique business law firm in Panama, delivering legal counsel in Turkish, Spanish, and English
Four integrated areas of practice.
M&A & Business Transactions
Acquisitions, mergers, corporate reorganizations, joint ventures, due diligence, and cross-border transactions.
Corporate & Business Law
Governance, commercial contracts, employment, tax planning, AML/CFT compliance under Law 23/2015, intellectual property, and commercial disputes, and more.
Technology & Digital Business
Legal advisory for technology companies, fintechs, digital platforms, data protection under Law 81/2019, and technology transactions.
Real Estate Law
Domestic and commercial real estate, horizontal property development under Law 284/2022, condominium governance, project structuring, and regulatory compliance.
For cross-border matters, our International Desk extends this coverage through the Türkiye Desk and our IR Global correspondent network across 165+ jurisdictions.
- International Bar Association (IBA)
- International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA)
- IR Global - exclusive M&A member for Panama
- Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA)
- ASOCUPA - Asociación Panameña de Compliance
- Panama Bar Association (CNA)
Let’s talk about your matter.
Schedule a consultation with our team – a direct conversation about your business and what you need.
