
The 17th Derecho y Negocios Gala highlighted various players involved in El Salvador’s economic, legal, and business activities. During the event, organized by the magazine itself, 29 awards were presented, including several honoring public sector officials and institutions.
One of the major awards went to the Vice President of the Republic, Félix Ulloa, who received the “Legal Master” distinction. The award recognized his career in the legal profession and his involvement in various aspects of national life.
Upon accepting the award, Ulloa addressed a topic currently transforming the legal profession: artificial intelligence. The Vice President noted that these technologies present both an opportunity and a challenge for lawyers, emphasizing the need for professionals to learn how to incorporate them into their work.

Ulloa also noted that technological changes are opening new possibilities for professional practice, including areas related to digital assets. His remarks were part of one of the gala’s key discussions, which focused on the changes the legal sector faces due to new technological tools.
Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem was another government representative recognized during the ceremony. She received the “Official of the Year” award,a distinction she noted reflects the work of the entire Ministry of Economy team.
During her address, Hayem highlighted various areas of the institution’s work, including support for startups, trade, investment, and incentives for new businesses. She used the occasion to emphasize that economic progress is the result of the efforts of teams and institutions.

In the institutional category, “Invest in El Salvador” was named “Public Institution of the Year,” joining the list of entities honored by the magazine at this year’s event. The award was presented at a ceremony that brought together representatives from the public, business, and legal sectors.
In addition to recognizing the public sector, the gala presented awards to law firms, companies, and professionals. Recipients included Arias, Iuspublik, Hominid Abogados, Sanchia International, and Fernando Kriete, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year. The event also featured a call by Manuel Carranza, president of Derecho y Negocios,to uphold principles such as ethics, responsibility, and trust amidst the changes transforming the business and professional worlds.
Other representatives from the business, legal, and social sectors were also honored. AES El Salvador received the award for Corporate Legal Department; Sanchia International, Company of the Year; Gloria de Romero, National Business Career Achievement; and Mario Ancalmo, Outstanding CEO of the Year. Additionally, La Casa de Mi Padre was recognized as the Outstanding Foundation of the Year, while Camilo Trigueros, Rafael Barraza, Guillermo Catalán, Cosette Georgina Fuentes, Roberta Gallardo, and Roberto Oliva de la Cotera received awards for their career achievements, professional impact, and practice. Firms such as BDS El Salvador, Torres Legal, Lex Litis Latam, and Rivera Rodríguez Fajardo, GH Abogados y Central Law were also recognized in the legal categories.
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