Firms To Watch: Insurance

Ariza & Marin’s nascent insurance practice continues to make progress following its establishment in February 2022. Led by associate and former Seguros Sura in-house counsel, Luis Felipe Estrada, the group acts for a solid base of insurers, brokers and insured companies.
A practice in growth mode, Dret Legal’s insurance group added eight new clients during 2022/23, including Lockton Re and Sekuritas Insurance Brokers; insurance specialist Julian Avila joined as team head in September 2021 following nine years at Aon.
Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) ramped up its insurance offering in September 2022 with the hire of Consuelo González Barreto -who joined from González & Rodríguez Abogados (a firm she co-founded)- as director and practice head; her former experience includes in-house stints at both MetLife and La Previsora Compañía de Seguros.

Insurance in Colombia

Brigard Urrutia

Brigard Urrutia’s insurance group is distinguished by its ‘high-level commitment, quick responses, kindness, and availability’. As part of a full-service firm offering, its ‘ability to call on complementary practice lawyers’ is also a recurring theme among sources. The team acts for a mix of domestic and multinational insurers — and insured companies — on the full gamut of insurance work, with distinct skill sets in regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. Dispute resolution specialist Irma Rivera Ramírez steers the department and advised Bupa Worldwide on its reinsurance operations in Colombia, including on regulatory and contractual matters concerning health insurance products marketed in Colombia. Practice director Lucas Fajardo - who he focuses exclusively on insurance work, including regulatory, contractual and claims-related issues - was promoted to the partnerhsip in June 2023; he is highlighted (along with associate Iván Montenegro), for ‘delivering requests on time and with a high level of analysis.’

Practice head(s):

Carlos Umaña; Irma Rivera; Lucas Fajardo


Testimonials

All the members of the team were fully informed about the topic that was the subject of the consultancy and there was great coordination between them when carrying out the analysis.

We appreciate that the team provides the ability to integrate various practice areas focused on different aspects relevant to the issue under consideration.

I have no point of comparison since it is the only law firm in Colombia with which I have worked, but I can highlight the high-level commitment, quick responses, kindness, and availability of the team.

Lawyers show strong knowledge and professionalism, with the ability to call on complementary practice lawyers, such as tax specialists. I also highlight its command of the English language, which in our case, being a US company, is essential.

I work with director Lucas Fajardo and associate Iván Montenegro. It has been a real pleasure working with them. Always available and very close, clarifying all doubts and delivering requests on time and with a high level of analysis. Their commitment and level of knowledge is noticeable.

Key clients

Allianz SE Technology


Coface Colombia Seguros de Crédito


BUPA Worlwide Corporation


Agencia de Seguros Falabella


Cardif Colombia Seguros Generales


QBE Europe


Motorola Mobility Colombia


PEI Asset Management


QMC Telecom


Starr Indemnity and Liability Company


Work highlights


  • Advised Agencia de Seguros Falabella on insurance market regulation and schemes for new insurance commercialisation projects.
  • Advised QBE Europe on its local reinsurance operations, including regulatory and claims matters, through its representative office in Colombia.
  • Advised Allianz Technology on its establishment in Colombia to provide technology support to Allianz local insurance operations.

DAC Beachcroft Colombia

A destination practice globally for insurance, DAC Beachcroft Colombia’s Bogotá office stands out both for its local capability as well as its cross-border prowess, with the ability to link up with offices throughout Latin America and beyond. Combining impressive contentious firepower with strength in regulatory and compliance matters, the team counts major global insurers and reinsurers among its key clients, including Mapfre Seguros Generales and Zurich Colombia. Office head Juan Diego Arango fronts the group and recently advised Arthur J Gallagher on the analysis and adjustment of a policy wording. Other senior names include consultant Camila de la Torre, who is highly regarded for her contentious insurance expertise, and Ana Catalina Restrepo, who has a focus on litigation and arbitration with an emphasis on civil liability, medical malpractice, financial lines, and property. Senior associates Malory Zafra Sierra and Ángela Hernández provide dedicated practice support.

Practice head(s):

Juan Diego Arango


Key clients

The Hartford


Arthur J Gallagher


Mapfre Seguros Generales


Zurich Colombia


Tokio Marine Kiln + Chubb + LIU


Beazley


Brit


Work highlights


  • Advised Arthur J Gallagher on the analysis and adjustment of a policy wording.
  • Appointed by Liberty International Underwriters, SBS and Chubb to handle the defence of the local cedant in proceedings arising from the triggering of a constructor liability policy, for the alleged damage caused to an apartment complex.
  • Engaged by the reinsurers (Tokio Marine HCC, Liberty International Underwriters, and Chubb) to represent the cedant in litigation concerning alleged damages suffered by the plaintiffs on their property due to construction works carried out by the insured.

Kennedys

Kennedys stands out for its ‘comprehensive service’ and ability to find ‘alternative solutions to defend the economic interest of its clients’. Forming a key part of the global firm’s extensive international platform, the Bogotá group routinely links up with its Miami regional hub, as well as teams across Latin America and beyond, to advise on cross-border matters. A popular choice for contentious work, where it has notable expertise in D&O, bankers blanket bonds, cyber, professional indemnity, and property and energy claims, the team additionally handles corporate and regulatory matters. Department head Mónica Tocarruncho is experienced in all aspects of the insurance sector; she is acting hand-in-hand with the London office to advise Mapfre, and various reinsurers, on matters arising from the Ituango Hydroelectric Project, including a subrogation action. Other key contacts include transport insurance-focused Mauricio Carvajal García and talented former director Catalina Botero, who was raised to the partnership in May 2023. Former senior associate Sebastian Escobar Torres left the firm in mid-2023.

Practice head(s):

Monica Tocarruncho


Testimonials

The team is always ready to support on the entrusted tasks. It provides a comprehensive service that is focused not only on the legal defence of the company, but also on finding alternative solutions to defend the economic interests of its clients.

The team is composed of comprehensive, conciliatory and honest lawyers. They give an objective vision of the businesses they manage and do not make the client incur unnecessary expenses.’

The team is very close to its clients, which creates very strong ties where trust prevails both personally and professionally.’

Key clients

Zurich


Swiss Re


Munich Re


Hannover


Berkley Re


AIG


Seguros Bolivar


SBS


Chubb


Suramericana


Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia


AXA XL


Dual Corporate Group


Travelers


Nacional de Seguros


HDI (Spain)


Everest


Work highlights


  • Advised Mapfre and various reinsurers on matters arising from the Ituango Hydroelectric Project, including a subrogation action.
  • Engaged to analyse coverage concerning the loss of the 4G project, Pacifico 1, and advised the cedants (AXA Colpatria and Alfa) and the reinsurers on legal strategy.
  • Engaged to analyse coverage for the various losses of the MAR 1 Project and advised the cedant (Previsora) and reinsurers on legal strategy.

Salazar Pardo & Jaramillo Abogados

Founded in 1978, insurance boutique Salazar Pardo & Jaramillo Abogados is a longstanding leader in the market. Widely regarded as a go-to firm for insurance litigation, the group brings to bear an impressive track record in representing insurance companies, brokers and insured entities in strategic disputes. Covering all major insurance lines, the team acts for major domestic and multinational clients (Axa, Aon and Ecopetrol), and also enjoys close referral relationships with global law firms (HFW and Clyde & Co). Considered by many as a reference in the insurance law field, senior partner Gabriel Pardo is a former executive president of the Colombian Association of Insurance Brokers; he is widely admired for his adept handling of both insurance litigation and advisory work. Fellow partner Esteban Pardo specialises in dispute resolution, with a focus on financial lines, industrial risk, environmental coverage and D&O matters, among other lines.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Pardo; Esteban Pardo


Key clients

HFW


Clyde & Co


Arias Serna & Saravia


Challenger


Lemco


EPM


Ecopetrol


AXA XL


Aon


ODL


Arthur J Gallagher


BTG Pactual


Refinancia


Botero Salazar Tobón Abogados

Botero Salazar Tobón Abogados’ prominent contentious insurance practice is well versed in judicial and arbitral proceedings, with a particular focus on claims litigation. On the non-contentious front, the group is equipped to advise on a varied mix of insurance regulation, consumer protection and insurance company incorporations, among other matters. Department co-head Bernardo Salazar is a heavyweight trial lawyer with a strong track record in complex insurance litigation. Luís Botero, who has a particular emphasis on arbitration cases, co-leads the group. Senior associate and litigator Julián Morales Valencia provides capable support.

Practice head(s):

Bernardo Salazar; Luis Botero


Key clients

Seguros Generales Suramericana (SURA)


Willis Towers Watson


Arthur J. Gallagher Corredores de Seguros


Clyde & Co


Terranum


Seguros del Estado


Mutual Insurance Company (LMIC)


Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality Insurance


RPC


Work highlights


  • Represented Suramericana in an arbitration brought by Tridelsa Ingenieros Asociados against KMA Construcciones; Suramericana was released from any liability in the award.
  • Represented Arthur J. Gallagher in a lawsuit brought by Petroworld against Berkeley and Arthur J. Gallagher; said representation successfully obtained the dismissal of Arthur J. Gallagher from the proceedings.
  • Defended Willis Towers Watson Colombia Corredores de Seguros in an action seeking the payment of material damages for errors allegedly caused by the wrongful subscription of a construction policy.

Tamayo Jaramillo & Asociados

Insurance boutique Tamayo Jaramillo & Asociados is noted for its ‘knowledge and good management of insurance law and issues associated with civil liability’. The team’s emphasis on contentious work translates into a thriving insurance litigation and arbitration practice that routinely represents insurers, reinsurers, and insured companies in disputes concerning major accidents, environmental contamination, product liability, medical malpractice, and other matters. According to some, firm founder Javier Tamayo Jaramillo is an ‘institution in Colombia on the subject of insurance law’. The group also includes risk analysis partner Carlos Andres Gonzales Galvís; transport and medical liability specialist Laura Castaño Echeverri; and Daniel Ossa Gómez, who has a focus on civil and state liability.

Practice head(s):

Javier Tamayo Jaramillo; Daniel Ossa Gómez; Carlos Andrés González Galvis


Testimonials

The team is always available to address customer concerns; it prepares the topic of the meeting before it is held, which generates fluidity and efficiency.

Lawyers are excellent at what they do; they are always ready to collaborate and meet our legal needs

We value the experience and professionalism of the entire team of lawyers.

The firm is widely recognised in the market for its knowledge and good management of insurance law and issues associated with civil liability. When you go to this firm, from the first moment, you can observe its deep knowledge and strong management, analysis and recommendations.

Javier Tamayo Jaramillo is an institution in Colombia on the subject of insurance law; Likewise, I must highlight Laura Castaño Echeverri for her professionalism, knowledge of the subject and expertise.

Key clients

HDI Seguros


Seguros Generales Suramericana


Seguros de Vida Suramericana


Compañía Aseguradora de Fianzas – Confianza


Chubb Seguros Colombia


Cemex Colombia


Sodimac Colombia


Aseguradora Solidaria de Colombia


Work highlights


  • Represented Seguros Generales Suramericana, as insurer of the Hidrosogamoso Hydroelectric Power Plant, in litigation alleging environmental and sanitary catastrophe following the excessive production of hydrogen sulphide.
  • Represented the interests of the insurance company engaged by the owner of the Sogamoso Hydroelectric Power Plant (Isagén), in relation to litigation initiated by the population living near the plant, who allege its development has negatively affected traditional trades.
  • Represented Seguros Generales Suramericana in litigation stemming from three employee deaths during the construction of a bridge.

DLA Piper Martinez Beltrán

According to sources, DLA Piper Martinez Beltrán’s insurance team strikes ‘the perfect balance between price and quality’. The group remains busy advising domestic and multinational insurers and insured entities on claims litigation and regulatory matters, with its recent experience encompassing the energy, financial services, real estate and construction industries. The department is led jointly by Sergio Rojas, who specialises in litigation concerning insurance, infrastructure claims, compliance, and financial risks; and Camilo Martínez, whose practice spans corporate, finance, and dispute resolution. Associate Daniel Felipe Coca left to study abroad in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Camilo Martínez; Sergio Rojas


Testimonials

The DLA team combines a service that allows us to carry out our operations and a price that is favourable for everyone. In other words, it has the perfect balance between price and quality. It also has extensive knowledge of insurance and reinsurance issues.

The plus of this practice is that it combines insurance knowledge with litigation knowledge. Therefore, when we have to advance a process, we are calm because we know that we have that support.

Key clients

Integral, Integral Ingeniería de Supervisión and Consorcio Generación Ituango


BTG Pactual


Segurexpo de Colombia


Gases del Caribe


HDI Seguros


Guy Carpenter Colombia (Corredores de Reaseguros) and Marsh & Mclennan Companies


Work highlights


  • Represented Integral, Integral Ingeniería de Supervisión and Consorcio Generación Ituango in hundreds of legal proceedings initiated by people who allegedly suffered damages due to the Ituango Project.
  • Represented Fiduciaria Bogotá in a $150m claim under its liability insurance.
  • Advised Segurexpo de Colombia and BTG Pactual on issuing more than 60 insurance policies with a total insured amount of more than $200m.

Posse Herrera Ruiz

Posse Herrera Ruiz’s insurance team scores highly for its ability to benefit from ‘the synergy between the different areas of law at the firm’, which sources say, ‘provides clients with a 360° vision’. In particular, the group routinely pairs up with the dispute resolution practice for additional firepower in contentious matters. The department is overseen by corporate specialist Oscar Tutasaura, who is noted for his experience in non-contentious insurance matters, and litigator Carolina Posada. The group additionally includes director Diana Salazar, who is highlighted for her ‘specialised and current knowledge’, and financial law and capital markets partner Natalia Escobar.

Practice head(s):

Oscar Tutasaura; Carolina Posada


Testimonials

The synergy between the different areas of law at the firm provides clients with a 360° vision to make the best decisions for their business.

The actuality of the advice and the avant-garde legal criteria allow us to envision and mitigate risks against a changing state policy. The foregoing is based on an inclusive, pragmatic, and highly empathetic style with the users of the legal service.

We highlight the team’s empathy, availability, confidentiality, and very specialised and current knowledge of legal, contractual, and insurance matters, which allows decisions to be aligned with market trends and customer needs, particularly director Diana Salazar.

Key clients

Alianza Fiduciaria Fideicomisos


Cerro Matoso


Aon Risk Services


Drummond


Odinsa


Takami


Seguros Comerciales Bolívar


Chubb Seguros Brazil


Anadarko


Northland Power


Mainstream


Autovia Neiva Girardot


Hidrocasanare


Work highlights


  • Advised Alianza Fiduciaria on the structuring of its insurance programme.
  • Advised Cerro Matoso on various matters, including on a dispute with ABB for the supply of a transformer that was faulty.
  • Defended Drummond in a tort proceeding in which the plaintiffs allege damage to their property due to a fire allegedly caused by its negligence.

Vélez Gutiérrez Abogados

Established in 1994, Vélez Gutiérrez Abogados is a litigation and arbitration boutique with a marked focus on insurance work. The group houses particular expertise in litigation relating to D&O, financial responsibility, transport, compliance, civil liability and pensions insurance, among other lines. Additionally, it handles non-contentious insurance, with extensive experience in policy analysis and the evaluation of insurance programmes. Co-founding partner Ricardo Vélez is widely acknowledged as a market leader; he is primarily recognised for his prominent record in insurance related arbitral proceedings. Armando Gutiérrez and Lina Juliana Sánchez Landazábal are also insurance specialists.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Vélez; Armando Gutiérrez


G Herrera Abogados & Asociados

The increasingly prominent insurance practice at G Herrera Abogados & Asociadosharmoniously mixes the legal and administrative management of cases’, according to sources. The team is primarily focused on contentious insurance, with strong recent experience in construction, health, and labour-related cases. Managing director Gustavo Alberto Herrera anchors the department and handles a mix of corporate, litigation, and financing matters. Litigator Santiago Rojas and newly promoted (August 2022) partner Jinneth Hernández are also recommended for insurance work.

Practice head(s):

Miguel Agudelo; Jinneth Hernández; Kelly Paz; Manuel Rodríguez; Santiago Rojas; Gustavo Andrés Herrera; Luisa Herrera; María del Socorro Salamanca


Testimonials

An excellent firm, always ready to respond to the client.

We particularly value the team’s professionalism.

It is a firm that harmoniously mixes the legal and administrative management of cases, provides timely feedback and bills, and notifies closures on time. The team offers us a presence at the national level and in all areas of insurance law.

Key clients

La Previsora


Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia


AXA Colpatria Seguros


Aseguradora Solidaria De Colombia Entidad Cooperativa


Chubb Seguros Colombia


Allianz Seguros


Work highlights


  • Represented La Previsora in litigation arising from an alleged breach of contract concerning the paving of a portion of a road.
  • Advised Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia in litigation stemming from a fiscal responsibility process concerning a civil works contract.
  • Represented Aseguradora Solidaria De Colombia Entidad Cooperativa in bringing a claim against Empresas Publicas de Neiva requesting the annulment of contractual administrative acts.

J. Correa Abogados

Dispute resolution boutique J. Correa Abogados maintains a firm-wide focus on the insurance market. In particular, the team is acclaimed for its ‘strong knowledge of maritime and transport matters’, including hull and cargo policies and P&I coverage. Other practice strong-suits include professional indemnity, blanket bonds, and property insurance. Key name John Correa is a go-to expert for shipping-related claims and enjoys close referral relationships with major London law firms. Seven-year associate Andrés Felipe Ávila provides support.

Practice head(s):

John Correa


Testimonials

The team is comprised of qualified personnel in their field, which allows it to carry out its work successfully.

The team has strong knowledge of maritime and transport matters.’

Key clients

Seguros Generales Suramericana


Constructora Colpatria


Mineros


Hudson


Perimetral de Oriente


Mejoracinco


Colcafe


Alimentos Finca


Contegral


Ciamsa


Work highlights


  • Advised Constructora Colpatria on a government investigation aiming to ascertain its liability in the excess cost and expenses supposedly incurred in the construction of government premises in Tolima.
  • Advised Seguros Generales Suramericana in litigation concerning insured cargo that fell off a ship during the transportation process.
  • Engaged to manage a claim regarding a general average declared by the master of the Vantage Rider vessel during the transportation of cargo from Netherlands to Colombia.

Lexia Abogados

Lexia Abogados is frequently engaged by insurers and reinsurers to advise on corporate, contentious, and regulatory issues, including product development and contract drafting. It also advises insured entities on coverage disputes. Founding partner José Fernando Torres Fernández de Castro brings to bear strong academic and practical credentials, which includes previous roles as vice president at insurers such as Fasecolda and Bavaria. Juan Felipe Torres Varela and Jose Fernando Torres Varela are also noted for their dispute resolution experience.

Practice head(s):

José Fernando Torres Fernández de Castro; Juan Felipe Torres Varela; Jose Fernando Torres Varela


Medina Abogados

A firm that is dedicated to its clients’,  Medina Abogados houses a robust litigation practice which primarily represents insurance companies in judicial and arbitral proceedings. Among its key areas of activity, the team is noted for its experience in civil liability, life, social security, and compliance insurance, among other lines, which it handles from its offices in Bogotá and Bucaramanga. Department co-heads Héctor Mauricio Medina Casas and Germán Cajarmarca are highlighted together as ‘exceptional’, with their strong availability a recurring theme among sources.

Practice head(s):

Héctor Mauricio Medina Casas; Germán Cajamarca


Testimonials

The firm is composed of highly qualified and trained legal professionals, I would say above the standard. The legal support the firm provides is of the highest quality and reliability; it is one of the firms to which we entrust the most delicate and confidential matters.

It is a firm that is dedicated to its clients. It provides very good legal advice and it gives us the necessary priority that we require.

Héctor Mauricio Medina Casas and Germán Cajamarca are exceptional; they are available all the time and their legal advice is very accurate.

Key clients

Compania De Seguros Bolivar / Seguros Comerciales Bolivar


Liberty Seguros


Zurich Colombia Seguros


Colmena Compañía de Seguros de Vida


AXA Colpatria Seguros De Vida / AXA Colpatria Seguros


Metlife Colombia Seguros de Vida


Credendo – Export Credit Agency


BBVA España


Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

The three-lawyer-strong insurance group at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría is distinguished by its ‘professionalism and extensive knowledge’, according to sources. Led by dedicated insurance counsel Rebeca Herrera, the team can also lean into the wider full-service firm’s corporate and litigation departments to provide broad coverage of both contentious and non-contentious matters. The compact but growing practice added four new clients during 2022/23, including multinational brands Oneglobal Broking and BMS Group.

Practice head(s):

Rebeca Herrera


Testimonials

The team that attends to us is very professional and is trained to resolve concerns. Communication is effective, either through emails or calls.

Lawyers are professionals who respond on time and are always available when needed. We highlight Rebecca Herrera.

The insurance team is exceptional; its professionalism and extensive knowledge on the subject stands out. Its advice and actions are quite accurate.

Counsel Rebeca Herrera is an incomparable professional; she has extensive experience and knowledge in the field, her advice is always more than satisfactory.

We highlight the team’s interdisciplinary management in such a way that it allows a comprehensive response to the client’s requests. Excellent levels of service and quality in response.

Lawyers demonstrate good disposition and service and provide clarity in their responses.

Key clients

Mapfre Colombia Seguros Generales


Protección Agropecuaria Compañía de Seguros


Oneglobal Broking


BMS Group


Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional


Ecopetrol


ACH Colombia


Segurexpo de Colombia (Aseguradora de Crédito y Comercio Exterior0)


XL Insurance Company


Axa XL


Work highlights


  • Representing Mapfre Colombia Seguros Generales in an international arbitration under a reinsurance agreement.
  • Advising Protección Agropecuaria Compañía de Seguros (Proagro) on regulatory matters, among other issues.
  • Advising Oneglobal Broking (in several Latin American countries and in the USA), regarding its registration and incorporation as a reinsurance and insurance broker.