Our Firm

Strategic legal counsel in Mexico, grounded in local knowledge and international perspective.

Connell & Associates provides trusted, bilingual legal counsel to individuals, families and businesses in Mexico and abroad. We combine deep local knowledge with international experience to help our clients navigate complex legal matters across borders with confidence.

Personal Service. Professional Follow-Through.

At Connell & Associates, we provide legal counsel to international clients navigating real estate, business, investment, and personal legal matters in Mexico. Our practice combines extensive knowledge of Mexican law with an understanding of cross-border transactions and the particular needs of foreign investors, property owners, and families.

With more than 30 years of experience, our firm advises clients from the United States, Canada, and other countries on a broad range of legal matters, including real estate transactions and development, corporate law, foreign investment, estate planning, trusts, probate, and dispute resolution.

We believe that effective legal representation requires more than technical expertise. Our approach is founded on personalized attention, careful legal analysis, practical judgment, and a commitment to understanding each client’s objectives.

Personal service and professional follow-through are central to our practice. From the initial consultation through the completion of each matter, we emphasize clear communication, proactive coordination, and consistent attention to detail.

At Connell & Associates, we value long-term professional relationships built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to providing practical legal solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Meet Our Partners

CEO

David W. Connell

For more than 30 years, David W. Connell has helped international clients confidently navigate the legal and business landscape of Mexico. As Founder of Connell & Associates, he has built a reputation for delivering economical legal strategies that protect investments, preserve wealth, and support long-term success.
 Born in California and educated in both the United States and Mexico, David offers a unique cross-border perspective that bridges two legal systems and two cultures. His ability to understand the expectations of U.S. and Canadian clients—while providing practical solutions under Mexican law—has made him a trusted advisor to property owners, investors, developers, and families throughout the country.
 Throughout his career, David has advised on complex real estate transactions, foreign investment, corporate matters, trusts, estate planning, and high-value development projects. His work is driven by a simple philosophy: exceptional legal counsel should provide clarity, confidence, and lasting peace of mind—not complexity.
 David advises several non-profit organizations. He is also the Founder of TLA escrow services, which is one of the top real estate and commercial escrow companies in Latin America with offices in Dallas, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and San Jose Costa Rica. David also takes an active roll in real estate development and has been the principal in recent project such as Ancora Punta Mita and Los Panchos in Saladita, State of Guerrero (among others). In hist free time he will probably be somewhere on the ocean freediving, surfing or fishing with family and friends.
Partner | Real Estate & Corporate Attorney

Cenorina Gomez

With more than two decades of legal experience, Cenorina Gómez is recognized for guiding international clients through some of Mexico’s most complex real estate,
corporate, and investment matters. As a Partner at Connell & Associates and Managing Attorney of the Puerto Vallarta office, she combines deep legal knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach that delivers confidence at every stage of the process.
 Since joining the firm in 2002, Cenorina has advised individuals, developers, investors, and international businesses on high-value real estate transactions, corporate structuring, foreign investment, and regulatory compliance. Her ability to anticipate legal challenges and create strategic solutions has made her a trusted advisor for clients investing and doing business throughout Mexico.
 Her practice extends beyond traditional legal counsel. Cenorina has extensive experience leading due diligence for residential, commercial, and development projects, helping clients identify opportunities, minimize risk, and move forward with confidence. From trust structures and corporate entities to environmental permits, condominium regimes, and regulatory approvals, she provides comprehensive guidance tailored to every investment.
 Known for her attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Cenorina believes that exceptional legal representation should bring clarity, security, and long-term value—not unnecessary complexity. Her collaborative approach ensures that every client receives personalized legal strategies aligned with their goals and investments.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cenorina works closely with U.S. and Canadian property owners, investors, and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the Mexican legal system with confidence, transparency, and peace of mind.
Partner | Specialist in Real Estate, Corporate, and Intellectual Property Law

Hector García

Héctor García is a Partner at Connell & Associates, where he advises international clients on navigating the legal and business landscape of Mexico with confidence, precision, and strategic insight.
 Known for his client-centered approach, Héctor works closely with U.S. and Canadian property owners, investors, developers, and business leaders, providing practical legal guidance tailored to each client’s objectives. His philosophy is simple: exceptional legal counsel should not only solve today’s challenges, but also protect tomorrow’s opportunities.
 As part of the firm’s leadership team, Héctor collaborates on sophisticated legal matters involving real estate, foreign investment, corporate transactions, and long-term asset protection. His ability to transform complex legal issues into clear, actionable strategies has earned the trust of clients seeking security, transparency, and lasting results.
Héctor believes that every investment represents years of dedication and hard work. For that reason, he is committed to delivering legal solutions that safeguard not only property and business interests, but also the legacy his clients are building for future generations.
 Together with the multidisciplinary team at Connell & Associates, Héctor is dedicated to providing the level of professionalism, responsiveness, and personalized service that international clients expect when investing and doing business in Mexico.
Partner | Head of Litigation

Omar G. Ortiz Castañeda

Omar G. Ortiz Castañeda is a Partner at Connell & Associates and leads the firm’s Litigation Practice, representing international clients in complex legal disputes throughout Mexico. With more than 15 years of experience, he is recognized for delivering strategic legal solutions that protect investments, resolve disputes efficiently, and safeguard his clients’ long-term interests.
 Since joining the firm in 2010, Omar has played a key role in strengthening Connell & Associates’ litigation practice. His experience spans constitutional, civil, commercial, and criminal litigation, where he has successfully represented foreign investors, property owners, businesses, and private
clients in high-profile and strategically significant matters.
 Graduating with highest academic honors from the University of Guadalajara, Omar has built a reputation for combining technical excellence with practical legal strategy. His ability to analyze complex legal challenges, negotiate effective resolutions, and confidently represent clients before Mexican courts has made him a trusted advisor for those doing business and investing in Mexico.
 As Head of Litigation, Omar coordinates sophisticated legal matters alongside multidisciplinary teams and strategic partner firms, ensuring every client benefits from comprehensive representation and seamless legal support. His leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes have contributed to the continued growth and reputation of Connell & Associates.
 Fluent in English and Spanish, Omar works closely with U.S. and Canadian property owners, investors, and entrepreneurs, providing clear communication and practical guidance throughout every stage of the legal process. His philosophy is rooted in professionalism, integrity, and the belief that exceptional legal representation should provide clients with confidence, certainty, and lasting peace of mind.

Our team

Alejandra Cuevas

ATTORNEY

Karen Cruz

ATTORNEY

Hilda Abarca

ADMINISTRATION

Jose Manuel Cundai Davila

ATTORNEY

Dora Diaz

ADMINISTRATION

Diana Vanessa Sahagun Galindo

ATTORNEY