The law firm of De Castro & Robles was established in Panama City, Panama in 1956 by Woodrow de Castro and David Robles. During its first 20 years of existence the firm practiced actively before the U.S. District Court for the Canal Zone with emphasis on admiralty and maritime matters, involving claims and litigation against the Panama Canal Company as operator of the Panama Canal.

Upon entry into force of the 1977 Treaty between Panama and the United States of America, the above mentioned Court was disestablished. Prior to that occurrence, a Presidential Commission was established presided over by Mr. De Castro and of which Mr. Robles was also a member, to draft a Code of Maritime Procedure for Panama. After 18 months of work, the draft legislation proposed by the Commission was enacted into Law 8 of 1982, creating Panama’s Maritime Court and Code of Procedure, replacing the U.S. Federal Court which had exercised exclusive admiralty and maritime jurisdiction since the opening of the Panama Canal.  

As its activities expanded in subsequent years, additional partners joined the firm. De Castro & Robles largest involvement is in maritime and admiralty litigation including defense of cargo, collision and salvage disputes, claims involving marine insurance, Charter Parties and Bills of Lading disputes, claims against Canal Authority on behalf of owner and underwriters flowing from damages sustained by vessels persons or cargo while transiting the Canal, as well as maritime arbitration. Maritime services also encompass registration of vessels under the Panamanian flag, vessel financing and registration of mortgages on vessels.

The firm currently represents the major P & I Clubs in Panama and many of the well established and highly respected shipping companies and agents there located.

Over the years the firm expanded its activities to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. The lawyers and staff are bilingual and have been exposed to law and practice in other jurisdictions by studying and working, in an effort to attend the strict standards required by the international practice of law. Today areas of practice include Admiralty and Maritime Law, Business and Corporate Law, Asset Protection & Estate Planning, Real Estate, Immigration Law, Labor Law, Civil Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration.

With an ample network of correspondent firms in Europe, the United States, Latin America and other parts of the world, De Castro & Robles is also in a position to provide legal assistance in a wide variety of jurisdictions.