Strategic integration with Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada & Dabi and Florete Law strengthens national presence and regional capability.

July 23, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — In a landmark move toward nationwide integration, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, one of the Philippines’ leading full-service law firms, welcomes esteemed legal practitioners from Florete Law (Visayas) and Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada Dabi (Mindanao). The firm’s expanded partnership underscores its commitment to delivering consistent, high-caliber legal service across the country – anchored in local insight and national reach.

The expansion reinforces the firm’s growing presence in key practice areas such as arbitration, real estate, and criminal litigation, and signals its evolution into a fully integrated Philippine law firm with capabilities spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

This alliance brings together some of the most respected legal minds in the country, including former Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo Nograles, former House Deputy Majority Floor Leader Margarita “Migs” Nograles, former DENR legal officer Kenneth Dabi, corporate and property law practitioner Cindy Ilagan-Cayco, litigators and labor relations specialists Victor Cayco and Raphael Lizada and international arbitration specialist Mary Christine Florete. Their regional leadership and deep legal acumen will further strengthen Gorriceta’s capacity to deliver nuanced, localized, and strategic counsel to clients across the Philippines.

“This integration is more than just geographic, it is strategic,” said Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, Managing Partner of Gorriceta. “With our new partners from  Florete Law and NICLD Law, we bring clients the same level of excellence and strategic insight  – whether they are based in London, Manila, Davao, or Iloilo. This allows us to be where our clients are, understand the nuances of each region, and deliver integrated solutions with both national consistency and local depth. It is a firm step forward in our mission to be a true partner in our clients’ growth stories, wherever in the Philippines they may be.”

“We are honored to join forces with Gorriceta” said Atty. Migs Nograles, Founding Partner of Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada & Dabi. “This alliance marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional legal services across the Philippines. This collaboration allows us to expand our practice while maintaining the local relationships and contextual knowledge that our clients highly value. Clients in Mindanao will now have access to a law firm that operates with international standards, ensuring top-notch legal expertise and services. By combining regional leadership with international and national capabilities, this partnership will foster growth for lawyers in Minanao and set new benchmarks in the legal industry. Together, Gorriceta and NICLD are poised to drive innovation and excellence in every case we handle.”

Atty. Mary Christine Salome Florete, Founding Partner of Florete Law, said: “This alliance strengthens our presence in the Visayas and opens pathways to international markets. By combining our arbitration expertise with Gorriceta’s strength in tech, data privacy, and regulatory practice, we create a synergy that delivers real impact. With rising cross-border disputes in tech and IP, among others, our partnership is well-positioned to meet emerging global challenges.”