Philippines: SyCipLaw Admits Two New Partners

SyCipLaw is pleased to announce that Camille Angela M. Espeleta-Castillo and Ricardo Jesus E. Gutierrez have become partners of the firm effective January 1, 2024.

Camille Angela M. Espeleta-Castillo is an M&A specialist, having handled important projects in various industries, including fintech, energy, and food and beverage. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she advises clients on key tax issues in projects and corporate structuring. She has assisted many multinational entities in market entry, and the establishment of their business presence, and worked closely with foreign counsel and in-house teams on post-transaction and regulatory compliance. Ms. Espeleta-Castillo also has experience in securities and financing, and regularly advises public companies on governance and disclosure regulations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from De La Salle University-Manila in 2010 and obtained her CPA license that same year. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo Law School in 2014, graduating as Class Salutatorian. She joined SyCipLaw in January 2015 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2015. Ms. Espeleta-Castillo has co-authored several articles and publications on M&A, capital markets, and investments, including The Lending and Secured Finance Review published by The Law Reviews.

Ricardo Jesus E. Gutierrez is a corporate and business law practitioner with deep experience in investment issues, financial regulations, and franchising, licensing, and distribution arrangements. He has handled work in several highly regulated industries, including food, health and pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, and media, and has used his extensive and practical knowledge of these areas to advise clients in their projects, compliance, and regular operations. Mr. Gutierrez also provides advice in intellectual property law, including technology transfer and burgeoning issues in artificial intelligence. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (cum laude) in 2010 and his Juris Doctor degree (cum laude, Class Valedictorian) in 2014 from the University of the Philippines (UP). He is a Senior Lecturer at the UP College of Law, teaching Property Law and Private International Law, and is a Teaching Fellow and an Associate Member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. He joined SyCipLaw in November 2014 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2015. He is also cited as a Recommended and Key Lawyer in the 2024 research edition of The Legal 500 Asia Pacific for Technology, Media, Telecoms.