Portilla, Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar
- Founded
- 2008-01-01 in Mexico City, Mexico
- Headquarters
- Córdoba 42, Interior 209, Colonia Roma Norte, Código Postal 06700, Mexico City, Ciudad de México, Mexico
Portilla, Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar, S.C. (PR&A) is a Mexican full-service law firm founded in 2008 through the merger of experienced lawyers from Mexico and the United States. Headquartered in Mexico City’s Colonia Roma Norte, with additional offices in Querétaro and Los Cabos, the firm serves both international corporations and domestic clients across a wide range of legal disciplines. PR&A is particularly noted for its dedicated gaming and gambling practice, one of few in Mexico, led by founder and senior partner Carlos Fernando Portilla Robertson, who brings over 15 years of industry experience. The firm also offers robust capabilities in corporate law, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, tax, labour, immigration, intellectual property, and litigation. It has earned recognition from Chambers and Partners (Global 2026 – Leading Firm in Gaming & Gambling), Who’s Who Legal, Best Lawyers México, and the International Comparative Legal Guide. With a partner-driven structure and a team that includes associates, paralegals, and translators, PR&A emphasises personalised, practical counsel and proactive risk management. Its involvement in international legal organisations keeps the firm attuned to global trends, allowing it to influence evolving regulatory landscapes in Mexico and beyond.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Portilla, Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar, S.C. (PR&A) was established in 2008, bringing together legal professionals from both Mexico and the United States. The firm’s founders sought to combine deep local knowledge with cross-border expertise, a strategy that has proven particularly valuable in the gaming and gambling sector. Over the years, PR&A has grown organically, expanding its practice areas and opening offices in Querétaro and Los Cabos to better serve clients across the country.
Business Model and Practice Areas
PR&A operates as a full-service law firm, generating revenue through billable hours and retainer agreements across diverse practice groups. The firm’s gaming and gambling practice is a standout, advising operators, suppliers, and investors on licensing, regulatory compliance, due diligence, and transactional matters for both land-based and online operations. Beyond gaming, PR&A’s corporate and M&A team handles company formation, joint ventures, and foreign investment structures; its real estate practice covers property acquisitions, development permits, and fideicomisos; and its tax group provides consulting and litigation support. Other key areas include labour and employment, intellectual property and data protection, foreign trade and customs, immigration, and commercial/civil litigation and arbitration.
Market Position and Recognition
PR&A is positioned as a mid-sized but highly specialised firm, particularly in the Mexican gaming landscape. It is one of the few Mexican law firms with a dedicated gaming practice, giving it a competitive edge against larger generalist firms. The firm’s recognition by Chambers and Partners (Global 2026 – Leading Firm in Gaming & Gambling) and its listing in the International Comparative Legal Guide underscore its reputation. Additionally, it has received accolades from Who’s Who Legal, World Justice Project, Best Lawyers México, ACQ 5 Global Awards, and M&A International, reflecting broad client satisfaction.
Leadership and Team
The firm is led by two key figures: Carlos Fernando Portilla Robertson, senior partner and founder, who has over 15 years of gaming law experience and is recognised by Chambers and Lexology; and Luisa Racon Acosta, managing partner, confirmed by ICLG. The partner-driven structure includes additional partners, associates, paralegals, translators, and administrative staff across the three offices. The firm emphasises collaboration and cross-office service to ensure seamless support for clients’ multi-jurisdictional needs.
Recent Developments and Strategy
PR&A continues to strengthen its gaming practice, staying active in international legal organisations to monitor regulatory changes. The firm’s proactive, risk-preventive approach aims to minimise client conflict and safeguard interests. While no recent M&A or major partnership news is publicly available, the firm’s consistent directory rankings suggest stable growth and a strong reputation in its niche.
Key Products
Gaming & Gambling Law
Licensing, regulatory compliance, due diligence, and transactional advice for land-based and online gambling operators, suppliers, and investors. Led by Carlos Fernando Portilla Robertson.
Corporate & M&A
Company formation, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, foreign investment structures, and corporate governance.
Real Estate & Construction
Property acquisitions, development permits, real estate trusts (fideicomisos), and construction contracts.
Tax Law (Consulting & Litigation)
Tax planning, treaty analysis, tax audits, and dispute resolution with Mexican tax authorities.
Foreign Trade & Customs
Import/export regulations, tariff classification, customs compliance, and trade agreement utilisation.
Labour & Employment
Individual and collective labour agreements, workplace compliance, and termination proceedings.
Litigation & Arbitration
Civil, commercial, and consumer protection litigation, plus domestic and international arbitration.
Intellectual Property & Data Protection
Trademark and patent registration, IP enforcement, data privacy compliance, and regulatory advice.
Immigration
Work permits, investor visas, temporary and permanent residence for foreign individuals and company transferees.
Key Persons
- Carlos Fernando Portilla
Speaker