Chemás & Asociados > BOGOTÁ, Colombia > Firm Profile
Chemás & Asociados Offices
CALLE 67 No 4-21
Colombia
Chemás & Asociados > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 2
Chemás & Asociados houses a thriving arbitration practice, which is particularly well versed in representing domestic and multinational corporations in proceedings against public sector entities, including ANI, the National Agency for Legal Defence of the State (ANDJE), and the National Highway Institute (INVIAS), among other agencies. While the team is primarily engaged to advise on domestic cases, it does also handle arbitral proceedings under international rules. Founding partner Jorge Eduardo Chemás is noted for his extensive experience in public procurement-related disputes; he recently represented Telefónica Móviles in arbitral proceedings concerning an alleged breach of contract by ETB (the Telecommunications Company of Bogotá) related to the incomplete payment of tariffs for accessing international traffic. Chemás co-leads the department together with Ingrid Soraya Ortiz and Sergio Alejandro Chemás Vélez, both of whom are also recommended for public law-related cases. At associate level, Manuela Sossa Sánchez has a focus on domestic arbitration and litigation.Practice head(s):
Jorge Eduardo Chemás; Ingrid Soraya Ortiz; Sergio Alejandro Chemás
Key clients
Centro de Gerenciamiento Doña Juana
Sedes Educativas Consortium
Autopista de Santander
Ingetec – Ingenieros Consultores Civiles y Eléctricos
Ingetec Ingeniería y Diseño
Grodco Group
Telefónica Móviles
Distral
Sochagota
Pavcol
Inverlink Estructuras Inmobiliarias
Constructora Andrade Gutiérrez
Yuma Autopistas
Codad
Malla Vial
Termo Mechero Morro
Blackboard
Coninsa Ramón H
Work highlights
- Advised CGR Doña Juana, operator of the Doña Juana landfill, in a $230m dispute against the Special Administrative Unit for Utilities.
- Advised the Sedes Educativas Consortium in an arbitration against Autonomous Patrimony of Educational Infrastructure Financial Fund (represented by the FFIE Alianza BBVA Consortium) concerning a breach of contract.
- Advised Autopistas de Santander in bringing arbitral proceedings aimed at the annulment of a public procurement conciliatory agreement with ANI.
Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 3
Infrastructure stalwart Chemás & Asociados has a marked focus on project-related disputes. Arguably better known for its arbitral expertise, the boutique firm also houses significant litigation capability, with extensive experience in administrative and public law-related cases. Notably, the team maintains a prominent position in the transport infrastructure sphere, where it frequently represents consortium clients before the Colombian National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) and the National Roads Institute (INVIAS), among other entities. Founding partner Jorge Eduardo Chemás is a popular choice to advise on public procurement disputes; he is acting alongside experienced litigator Ingrid Soraya Ortiz to represent the Sedes Educativas Consortium in a fiscal liability proceeding initiated by the Comptroller General. Other key contacts include partner Sergio Alejandro Chemás, who has a focus on administrative and public law litigation, as well as associates Manuela Sossa, who is noted for public procurement disputes, and Nicolas España, who specialises in consumer law and liability issues.Practice head(s):
Jorge Eduardo Chemás; Ingrid Soraya Ortiz; Sergio Alejandro Chemás
Key clients
Centro de Gerenciamiento Doña Juana
Sedes Educativas Consortium
Autopista de Santander
Ingetec (Ingenieros Consultores Civiles y Eléctricos)
Ingetec Ingeniería y Diseño
Grodco Group
Telefónica Móviles
Distral
Sochagota
Pavcol
Inverlink Estructuras Inmobiliarias
Constructora Andrade Gutiérrez
Yuma Autopistas
Codad
Malla Vial
Termo Mechero Morro
Blackboard
Coninsa Ramón H
Work highlights
- Representing Consorcio INGETEC-SEDIC in multiple claims originating from the Ituango Hydroelectric Project construction controversy, totalling over $800m.
- Representing Autopistas de Santander before an arbitral tribunal to rule on the annulment of a public procurement conciliatory agreement with the National Infrastructure Agency because of undue influence exerted by the entity.
- Advising Telefónica Móviles on arbitral proceedings concerning an alleged breach of contract by ETB (the Telecommunications Company of Bogotá) related to the incomplete payment of tariffs for accessing international traffic.
Colombia > Public law Tier 3
Chemás & Asociados scores highly with sources for its ‘extensive experience in conflict resolution’ with a focus on ‘highly complex lawsuits in the infrastructure sector’. The boutique firm’s signature contentious public law expertise also spans the energy and telecoms sectors, among others. Jorge Eduardo Chemás is recognised for his track record in public procurement disputes; he co-heads the group together with fellow litigators Ingrid Soraya Ortiz (‘focused, grounded and objective’) and Sergio Alejandro Chemás (‘high analytical capacity to solve complex legal problems’).Practice head(s):
Jorge Eduardo Chemás; Ingrid Soraya Ortiz; Sergio Alejandro Chemás
Testimonials
‘The team has extensive experience in conflict resolution with a special focus on highly complex lawsuits in the infrastructure sector. The firm has a high capacity for negotiation and handling of judicial processes.’
‘Jorge Eduardo Chemás is one of Colombia’s most experienced specialists in litigation and arbitration concerning infrastructure and hydroelectric projects and has extensive technical knowledge of these industries. Sergio Alejandro Chemás has a high analytical capacity to solve complex legal problems.’
‘It is a multidisciplinary team, with a permanent interest in the client, to whom it gives gives the perception of being its first and only priority — this stands out when compared with other firms.’
‘Partners in the team have the possibility of practising law in Colombia, New York and France, so the perception as a legal advisor is global and more complete than any other, as is the case of Sergio Alejandro Chemás.’
‘The team at Chemás & Asociados is experienced and competent. Lawyers are timely in their responses and approaches. They are friendly, clear and specific in their requests, Proactive and purposeful.’
‘Jorge Eduardo Chemás provides confidence, security and credibility. He is attentive and available to the queries and requirements that are formulated. We highlight his experience and knowledge.’
‘Sergio Alejandro Chemás is attentive and available for our queries and requirements. Provides creativity, proactivity and is positive in handling requirements. Ingrid Soraya Ortiz is practical and educational when relaying information and requesting information. Focused, grounded and objective.’
‘Jorge Eduardo Chemás is a lawyer with extensive experience and his advice is impeccable. He offers a personalised service that conveys security to clients. He is absolutely assertive in the elaboration of risk maps and in the implementation of strategies in moments of crisis.’
Key clients
Centro de Gerenciamiento Doña Juana
Sedes Educativas Consortium
Autopista de Santander
Ingenieros Consultores Civiles y Eléctricos (INGETEC)
Grodco Group
Telefónica Móviles
Troncales Bogota Consortium
Distral
Sochagota
Pavcol
Inverlink Estructuras Inmobiliarias
Constructora Andrade Gutiérrez
Yuma Autopistas
Codad
Termo Mechero Morro
Work highlights
- Represented CGR Doña Juana, operator of the Doña Juana landfill, against the Special Administrative Unit for Utilities in $230m litigation concerning breach of contract.
- Advised Consorcio Ingetec-Sedic in multiple claims originating from the Hydroelectric Plant of Ituango construction controversy, with an aggregate value of over $800m.
- Represented the Sedes Educativas Consortium in arbitration against Autonomous Patrimony of Educational Infrastructure Financial Fund (represented by FFIE Alianza BBVA Consortium) in a breach of contract dispute related to overseeing the construction of 112 schools.
Chemás & Asociados > Firm Profile
Over the past 35 years, Chemás & Asociados has focused on providing personalized, tailor-made legal services to its clients with a notably high record of success in litigation and dispute resolution regarding projects in transportation, energy, telecommunications and the infrastructure sectors.
Chemás & Asociados strives for perfection making sure that all clients are properly represented throughout every step of the process to prevent and solve legal conflicts. Our firm has strengthened and expanded its team to ensure that each client and case be permanently attended in order to provide a personalized, careful, detailed service that gives security, tranquillity and confidence. Our vision is to continue growing in quality and attention covering topics of high complexity and interest.
Likewise, our legal team has represented diverse corporations before the contentious administrative jurisdiction, civil jurisdiction, tribunals of arbitration and has also been their legal counsel in public procurement adjudications and licensing matters, along with conflict resolutions, in cases worth US $4.3 billion.
Public Procurement Process: Chemás & Asociados has extensive experience advising contractors during the phases of structuring, planning and execution of state public contracts, in projects of national and international impact. Besides providing advice on negotiations concerning the contract restructuring, reform, and expiration, Chemás & Asociados also specializes in handling high complexity conciliations, arbitrations and litigations in the public procurement area.
Public and Administrative Proceedings: Chemás & Asociados is recognized for its wide experience in public and administrative proceedings by advising and representing its clients in processes before: the Contentious-Administrative Jurisdiction, control entities (Comptroller and Procurator), public entities and regulatory commissions from different sectors.
Arbitration: Our team has vast experience and a successful record in the legal representation of national and foreign corporations before national and international arbitration tribunals in which we have obtained for our clients over US $4.2 billion.
Our firm specializes in arbitration proceedings against the Nation and other entities such as the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), the National Agency for Legal Defense of the State (ANDJE), the Special Administrative Unit for Public Services (UAESP) and the Educational Infrastructure Financing Fund (FFIE), one of the largest public trusts.
Crisis management and dispute avoidance: Over the past year, Chemás & Asociados has focused on crisis management, negotiation, and dispute avoidance. Whit a changing landscape of challenges and uncertainties, our unwavering commitment to help clients navigate crises has been at the forefront of our services. Through our effective negotiation strategies, we have successfully prevented potential disruptions and safeguarded our client’s interests.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Dispute Resolution and Managing Partner | Jorge Eduardo Chemás Jaramillo | jchemas@chemasasociados.com | 3105752056 |
| Head of Anti-Trust Division and Member of Dispute Resolution | Ingrid Ortiz | iortiz@chemasasociados.com | |
| Head of Public Law and Member of Dispute Resolution | Sergio Chemás | schemas@chemasasociados.com | 3118472009 |
| Member of Dispute Resolution Team | Carlos Vera | cvera@chemasasociados.com | |
| Member of Dispute Resolution Team | Nicolas España | nespana@chemasasociados.com | |
| Member of Dispute Resolution Team | Sergio Morales | smorales@chemasasociados.com | |
| Member of Dispute Resolution Team | Isabel Trespalacios | itrespalacios@chemasasociados.com |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Jorge Eduardo Chemás | Head of Dispute Resolution and Managing Partner | View Profile |
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Sergio Alejandro Chemás Vélez | Head of Public Law and Member of Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Nicolás España | Member of Dispute Resolution Team | View Profile |
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Sergio Morales | Member of Dispute Resolution Team | View Profile |
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Ingrid Soraya Ortíz Baquero | Head of Anti-Trust Division and Member of Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Isabel Cristina Trespalacios | Member of the Dispute Resolution Team | View Profile |
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Carlos Daniel Vera | Member of Dispute Resolution Team | View Profile |