“Diana Maria Pineda is highly resourceful, exceptionally creative and strongly focused on solving problems. She consistently seeks practical and effective solutions.” -Chambers & Partners (2027)

Diana Pineda joined Nader Hayaux Goebel in 2026 as a Partner in the Energy and Dispute Resolution (Arbitration) practice, with an extensive background advising leading domestic and international clients across the oil, gas, and power value chains.

Her practice combines regulatory strategy, project development, and high-impact dispute resolution, including ICC-administered arbitrations and constitutional litigation (amparos) related to regulatory reforms in the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors. Diana also has in-house experience as VP Legal Advisor to the Board and General Counsel (Mexico) at a U.S.-based energy company, advising on cross-border energy transactions, infrastructure development, and regulatory compliance.

Her arbitration experience includes acting as co-arbitrator in ICC proceedings, as well as representing clients in significant international arbitrations and regulatory disputes. She also advises global refiners, terminal operators, traders, and developers on permitting, compliance, and enforcement matters.

Diana holds a master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University, a law degree with Academic Excellence Award from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, postgraduate studies in civil law obligations from Escuela Libre deDerecho, and international law studies atUniversidad Pontificia de Comillas (ICADE).

Diana has been recognized in multiple rankings and awards, including Arbitration  Lawyer of the Year (Shortlisted, 2023) by Women in Business Law, Chambers Global & Latin America – Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3), The Legal 500 – Next Generation Partner & Recommended, Latin Lawyer 250, Best Lawyers, and the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity & Inclusion Award – Chambers D&I Latin America (2020).

She has published and spoken at conferences on arbitration and energy in Latin America Diana is also actively involved in boards and committees of prominent cultural organizations, expert networks, and international arbitration institutions in Mexico and abroad.

Work Highlights

Energy and Natural Resources

  • Served as lead counsel to global refiners, terminal operators, and energy traders on regulatory strategy, permitting, project development, and dispute management across the oil, gas, and power value chains.
  • Advised Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC / Tesoro Mexico) on the design and development of refined-products business in Mexico, including negotiation with pipelines, storage terminals and rail offloading services; design of import structures, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
  • Advised Jaguar E&P in CNH bidding rounds with committed investments of approximately USD 1.2 billion.
  • Advised MODEC on regulatory strategy, permitting, and operation of Mexico’s first private FPSO supporting Eni Mexico’s offshore development for approximately USD 1.2 billion.
  • Advised Grupo Lodemo in relation to Mexico’s first private maritime refined-products terminal (USD 60 million), as well as in its ongoing activities related to storage, distribution, marketing, and retail sale of fuels.
  • Advised the Mexican subsidiary of Proman AG (Gas y Petroquímica de Occidente) on NAESB-based natural gas supply and transportation agreements with CFE energía and CFE International.
  • Advised Vopak Mexico on regulatory due diligence, operational compliance, and CRE and ASEA inspections for its fuel storage terminal in Veracruz.
  • Represented NuStar Energy (Sunoco) in permitting strategies for the development of a refined-products terminal in Nuevo Laredo and its associated cross-border pipeline.
  • Represented logistics companies, marketers, and end-users in connection with volumetric control obligations and regulatory compliance.

Dispute Resolution

  • Acted as co-arbitrator in ICC-administered proceedings involving a complex upstream dispute valued at USD 300 million.
  • Represented an International Oil company in an ICC arbitration valued at approximately USD 110 million against a major infrastructure company.
  • Represented a fuels marketing company in a dispute arising from the commissioning and commercial operation of a large-scale storage terminal.
  • Represented clients in litigation arising from CRE and ASEA inspections, including shutdowns, seizures, and suspension orders affecting terminals and facilities.
  • Represented COPARMEX in a constitutional challenge against hydrocarbons import/export rules issued by SENER and the Ministry of Economy.