Cornelio “Leo” Abuda has extensive experience in corporate and banking law practice, which includes mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and foreign investments. He was a partner in Quisumbing Torres (a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International), heading its Banking and Finance Group for four years. He also worked as an associate at Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan before joining Quisumbing Torres.
Leo has been recognized by IFLR1000, Asia Pacific Legal 500, and Chambers Asia as one of the leading banking and finance practitioners in the Philippines. In 2014, Global Law Experts endorsed him as the top specialist for Banking and Finance in the Philippines. In 2019, Leo was named as one of Asia Business Law Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers in the Philippines. Leo has also been recognized as a Distinguished Practitioner for Banking and Finance in the Philippines in the 2020 Edition of asialaw Leading Lawyers.
Admission to the Bar:
Philippines (1991)
Education:
University of the Philippines (LL.B.; Awardee, Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence; Member, Order of the Purple Feather) (1990)
Visayas State College of Agriculture (now the Leyte State University) (B.S. Agricultural Engineering) (1984)
Work Experience:
Partner, Banking & Finance Practice Group, Quisumbing Torres (2000 to 2007)
Associate, Quisumbing Torres (1994 to 1999)
Associate, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (1990 to 1994)
Professional Associations:
Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers