Luis E. Sibaja

Overview 

Mr. Sibaja has been a member of LEXCOUNSEL since its establishment in 2002. With extensive experience in domestic, cross-border, and international litigation, he specializes in commercial disputes, particularly those involving inter-company conflicts and disputes between companies and the Government of Costa Rica. His expertise also extends to domestic and international arbitration. Mr. Sibaja has worked in multiple court proceedings and arbitration matters in Costa Rica and also across various other jurisdictions, serving as both lead attorney and arbitrator. His professional focus lies in complex litigation, including construction claims (covering warranties, defects, financial balances, and cost overruns), breach of contract cases, and damage collection and compensation. Mr. Sibaja has also been involved in domestic and international commercial transactions, including those related to Foreign Direct Investment. Educated in law and international trade at Costa Rican universities, he furthered his studies with a master’s degree in international business law and international litigation from American University in Washington DC, a postgraduate degree in international private law from Universidad de Salamanca in Spain, and a diploma in construction law from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Currently, he is in the process of certification as an adjudicator to serve in Dispute Adjudication Boards for construction contracts. Specializing in international arbitration, Mr. Sibaja has undertaken several courses and seminars, including the executive training program at the University of Leiden and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. He holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration awarded by the International Chamber of Commerce and the ELD in Mexico. Currently, he is participating in the LATAM cohort of the 2024 ICC Advanced Arbitration Academy. Mr, Sibaja has authored several publications on topics related to international procedural law and arbitration and has served as a professor of private international law. Mr. Sibaja is also listed as arbitrator in the main centers for mediation and arbitration in Costa Rica.

Education:

• Universidad de Salamanca, Spain (Postgraduate Degree in International Private Law, 2002)
• American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (LL.M., 1998)
• Escuela Libre de Derecho, Costa Rica (Law Degree, 1996)
• Universidad de Costa Rica, Business School, Costa Rica (Certificate in International Business and Trade, 1996)
• Tulane University, New Orleans (Course of Legal English, 1995)

Experience:

• LEXCOUNSEL, Costa Rica (2002-present)
• Vargas, Jiménez & Peralta, Costa Rica (1999-2002)

Publications:

“Aliens in Costa Rica and International Law”

Faculty Experience:

Professor of International Trade Law and Conflict of Laws, Escuela Libre de Derecho, Costa Rica (1999-2006)

Languages:

Spanish and English

Practice Areas:

International Business Law, International Trade Law, Conflict of Laws, Local and International Litigation and Arbitration