Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados
CARRERA 7, #71-21
OFICINA 1601, TORRE B
BOGOTA DC
Colombia

Colombia > Projects Tier 1

The ‘creative and determined’ projects team at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociadosreviews problems from multiple perspectives’, according to satisfied clients. The group frequently works hand-in-hand with the wider firm’s public law practice to specialise in representing public entities, concessionaires and other sector stakeholders on major infrastructure projects and public contracts. Alongside its dominant position in toll-road concession contracts, the group is equipped to handle the full range of projects as demonstrated by its recent roles in airport, irrigation and energy-related matters. Senior partner Álvaro Mantilla is widely revered as a go-to sector expert for his broad experience spanning project development, secondary transactions, and contentious work. The team also draws on public law specialist Yady Villaquirán Castro; administrative law and projects-focused Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez; and up-and-coming partner Ramón Enrique Ramírez. As associate level, Julián González Torres is recommended for his emerging expertise in public procurement processes, among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Álvaro Mantilla; Yady Villaquirán Castro; Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez; Ramón Enrique Ramírez

Testimonials

The projects team is agile, versatile, concerned with understanding the client’s business, reviews problems from multiple perspectives, is creative and determined.

We value lawyers for their closeness, depth of knowledge combined with pragmatism, and efficiency, particularly Alvaro Mantilla, Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez, and Ramón Enrique Ramírez.

We appreciate the team for its extensive knowledge of the sector’s problems and personalised attention.

Lawyers demonstrate a good disposition and high-level service vocation.

Key clients

Corficolombiana

Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (Coviandes)

Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina)

Concesionaria Vial de Oriente (Covioriente) and its EPC contractor Proyectos de Inversión Vial del Oriente

Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico) and its EPC contractor Proyectos de Inversión Vial del Pacífico

Concesionaria Vial del Mar (Covimar)

Concesionaria Panamericana

Proindesa

Aerocali

Estructura Plural Aeropuertos del Suroccidente

Proyectos de Infraestructura y Desarrollo (PISA)

Operadora de Aeropuertos de Centro Norte (Airplan)

Concesiones CCFC

Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)

Consorcio Ruta 40

Work highlights

  • Advised Estructura Plural Aeropuertos del Suroccidente (comprised of Corficolombiana and AENA Desarrollo Internacional) on its submission for the PPP for the expansion, renovation, administration, operation, and maintenance of the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón and Benito Salas airports.
  • Advised Corficolombiana on various matters, including on the structuring of the execution of national importance projects through the Public Works Tax Deduction mechanism (“obras por impuestos”)
  • Acted for Consorcio Ruta 40, the EPC contractor in charge of the construction of the Bogotá-Girardot highway, on various matters.

Colombia > Public law Tier 1

The highly regarded public law team at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados impresses sources with its ‘creativity and analytical capacity to suggest actions and solutions’. The full-service group shines in all key areas of public law, with strong skill sets in transactional work, including infrastructure projects, as well as complex disputes and regulatory issues. Widely recognised as a reference in the area, department co-head Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is routinely sought after by public entities, and domestic and multinational companies to advise on judicial and arbitral proceedings. Fellow co-head Yady Villaquirán is an ‘exceptional professional’, who specialises in constitutional law, administrative law, infrastructure projects and mining law. Associate Santiago Cardona is additionally recommended for his growing profile in public law and energy and natural resources-related work.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán Castro

Testimonials

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados’ public law team is very well formed, the professionals are of the highest level and provide a highly personalised service.

Yady Villaquirán is an exceptional professional with great human qualities and an incomparable willingness to serve and care. Her extensive experience always makes us feel well supported in the matters under her responsibility.

This firm stands out in all aspects. I highlight the excellent relationship with the work teams and the leadership that Yady Villaquirán assumes in these projects, where different actors and disciplines are combined. Its collaborative approach is impeccable and it always goes beyond its commitments.

Yady Villaquirán is a very prominent leading lawyer in projects. Not only does she handle legal issues, but her knowledge in structuring projects with financial components is remarkable. The firm is always available for additional meetings. The commitment to close the project is total.

The team demonstrates good understanding of public procurement processes, as well as understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the contracting modalities. We highlight its creativity and analytical capacity to suggest actions and solutions.

In additional to their legal skills, we recommend lawyers for their human quality, communication skills and good interpersonal relationships.

Key clients

Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)

Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia (BMC)

Arbitration Tribunal: Air-E Vs Ufinet Colombia

Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP)

Colombiana de Escenarios

ICO Medios

Work highlights

  • Advising Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional, as contractor, on the legal structuring of the Ranchería-San Juan de Cesar and Triángulo del Tolima’s irrigation districts.
  • Advising Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia on new regulations concerning the acquisition of goods and services for public entities through commission agents.
  • Advising KMPG and Steer Davies Gleave on the development of a methodological proposal for the structuring of public infrastructure projects with private investment.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 2

Leveraging its premier offerings in public law and projects, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados specialises in representing its impressive roster of concessionaire clients on construction disputes against the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), and other public bodies. The group is also less frequently involved in international arbitrations, where it has a focus on representing multinational clients on procurement and public law-related cases. Paula Andrea Ramos co-heads the overarching litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution department and is widely recognised for her strong record in the infrastructure, public procurement, energy and telecoms' spheres. Among her recent cases, Ramos represented Concesionaria Nueva Via Al Mar (Covimar) in arbitration proceedings seeking to obtain the termination of an infrastructure project contract. Fellow practice co-head Carlos Alberto Manzano is also noted for his emphasis on infrastructure-related disputes. The group additionally draws on the broad expertise of seasoned public law expert Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla and high-profile litigator Álvaro Mantilla. Associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda provides capable support on both judicial and arbitral proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Paula Andrea Ramos; Carlos Alberto Manzano

Key clients

Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (Coviandes)

Concesionaria Nueva Via Al Mar (Covimar)

Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao

Concesionaria Vial Del Oriente (Covioriente)

Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico)

Orica Colombia

Orica Norway

Work highlights

  • Represented Concesionaria Nueva Via Al Mar (Covimar) in arbitration proceedings seeking to obtain the termination of an infrastructure project contract, based on a mediator’s force majeure declaration.
  • Represented Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao in an arbitration proceeding filed against the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) concerning the concession contract for the Bucaramanga-Barrancabermeja-Yondo Highway.
  • Represented Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (Coviandes) in arbitration proceedings requesting the nullity of sanctions imposed by ANI due to the alleged breach of a concession contract.

Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 2

A leading public law and projects boutique, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados fields a ‘comprehensive and very committed team’ in the litigation area. Particularly noted for its premier expertise in ‘dispute resolution involving public law, especially in areas such as first generation concessions’, the practice routinely advises on contentious matters connected to the infrastructure, energy, and transport spheres. Additionally, the firm handles a significant volume of commercial and corporate litigation cases. Dispute resolution co-head Paula Andrea Ramos is widely recognised as one of the leading litigators in the market; she continues to act alongside high-profile public-law veteran Carlos Gustavo Arrieta to represent Cerrejón Zona Norte in a $1bn constitutional action concerning its open-pit coal mine. Carlos Alberto Manzano co-leads the department and provides ‘expert advice’, according to sources; he teamed up with Ramos to successfully represent the Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico) consortium in a breach of contract dispute. Other key contacts include senior projects expert Álvaro Mantilla and dispute resolution-focused associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda, who provides ‘effective support’.

Practice head(s):

Paula Andrea Ramos; Carlos Alberto Manzano

Testimonials

I consider that it is a comprehensive and very committed team. Additionally, lawyers maintain a very good relationship with the client. The cost of the fees is competitive and well managed.

We value the team’s commitment to know the background of the dispute, regardless of whether it is technical or commercial. Paula Andrea Ramos, Carlos Alberto Manzano and Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda did a very good job.

The team includes experts in the field of dispute resolution involving public law, especially in areas such as first generation concessions.

In the framework of the selection of the firm, it was possible to observe that the group stands out for its expertise, experience and accredited recognition, as well as for its clarity, its gender diversity (important for district regulation) and its willingness to attend meetings and meet other requirements.

What distinguishes its lawyers the most is their expertise in the various matters entrusted, which allows greater clarity in determining the legal strategy and decision-making by the client.

The team’s best qualities are is willingness, knowledge and clarity in the face of each of the eventualities that arise. As is represented by the leadership of Paula Andrea Ramos, the expert advice of Carlos Alberto Manzano, and the effective support of Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda.

Key clients

Estudios y Proyectos del Sol (EPISOL)

Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao

Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (COVIANDES)

Consorcio Vía al Mar

Constructora de Infraestructura Vial

ConocoPhillips

Cerrejón Zona Norte

Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina)

Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico)

Concesionaria Panamericana

Drummond, sucursal Colombia

Drummond Coal Mining, sucursal Colombia

VP Ingenergía

Proyectos y Desarrollos Viales Del Pacífico (Prodepacífico)

Consorcio Constructor Pacífico 1 (CONPACÍFICO)

Concesionaria Vial Del Oriente (Covioriente)

Grupo Aeroportuario del Caribe

Concretos Argos

Comunicación Celular (Comcel)

Vatia

Orica Colombia

Orica Norway

Proyectos de Infraestructura (PISA)

Concesionaria Nueva Vía al Mar (COVIMAR)

Odinsa

Hidrotolima

Desarrollo Vía Al Mar (Devimar)

Conoco Phillips

Ferrovial Construcción

Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad de Bogotá

Consorcio Ruta 40

Work highlights

  • Representing ConocoPhillips in a class action seeking to injunct the company from further operations due to the alleged use of ‘fracking’ in territories granted by the Colombian Government.
  • Representing Proyectos de Infraestructura, as the concessionaire of a toll road, in a breach of contract claim initiated by the Governor’s Office of Valle del Cauca.
  • Advising Estudios y Proyectos del Sol in its appeal against a first instance ruling in a case brought by the Attorney General’s office, related to the collapse of the Ruta del Sol project due to bribery and corruption, and in which the company was a co-defendant.

Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 3

Public law and projects powerhouse, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados scores highly for its lawyers’ ability to ‘analyse the issues from various perspectives’. The team handles a range of energy and natural resources-related work, but it is primarily focused on the mining sector, where it has extensive experience in advising national and foreign companies on regulatory, judicial and administrative proceedings. A former Attorney Inspector General of Colombia, Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is widely recognised as a force in contentious public law matters. Yady Villaquirán, who is recommended for her ‘personal touch, disposition and professionalism’ co-heads the practice alongside Arrieta.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán

Testimonials

Arrieta Mantilla has a good team of litigation lawyers which, together with the in-depth analysis that partner Carlos Gustavo Arrieta brings to the cases, is an excellent formula.

Carlos Gustavo Arrieta has experience in handling large cases, which are important for the company.

A team that is always analysing the most current and relevant legal and thematic developments. They are not focused on what has already been done, but on case-by-case innovation.

They put themselves in the “shoes” of the client and analyse the issues from various perspectives to create an argument with multiple criteria, not only legal.

The firm provides a high-quality and personalised service. Its lawyers are always willing to meet and resolve concerns and their mastery of the issues is of the highest excellence.

Yady Villaquirán has extensive experience and her personal touch, disposition and professionalism are all exceptional.

Key clients

Carbones del Cerrejón and Cerrejón Zona Norte

Drummond

Cerro Matoso

Continental Gold

Celsia

Anglogold Ashanti

Sociedad Minera de Santander – Minesa

Orica Colombia and Orica Norway

Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional

Conocophillips

Asociación Colombiana del GLP (GasNova)

Work highlights

  • Advised Carbones del Cerrejón and Cerrejón Zona Norte on various mining and public law issues, including representation in administrative proceedings before mining sector agencies and certain jurisdictional authorities.
  • Represented Cerro Matoso in a judicial process related to a nullity action held by the client against Contraloría General de la República as a result of a fiscal liability judgment issued by that authority.
  • Advised Anglogold Ashanti on public, mining and energy law matters, including leading the company’s legal strategies in relation to local measures that may affect the company’s interests.

Since 1998, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados has been a specialized law firm in Bogota, Colombia. It stands out for its team of professionals excelling in their fields of practice, all of whom have attended prestigious law schools in Colombia, and pursued higher education in particular legal matters in national and international top-rated schools. The members of Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados strive to provide clients with a global approach to their specific needs, by delivering timely and accurate legal information and providing global support with the development of their projects in Colombia.

The firm: Arrieta, Mantilla & Asociados is a boutique law firm that is characterized by its high-quality legal services, its personalized attention to clients, and its deep and detailed analysis of the cases that are assigned by its clients. The firm provides legal assistance in specialized areas of private and public law to local and multinational companies involved in the industrial, commercial and natural resources sectors; governmental agencies; investment banks; corporations and individuals. Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados represents a wide range of clientele, including important capital investors in projects related to mining, oil, gas, telecommunications and public services infrastructure projects in Colombia.

Department Name Email Telephone
Administrative law and public contracting Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla cgarrieta@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Administrative law and public contracting Alvaro Mantilla Padilla almantilla@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Alvaro Mantilla Padilla almantilla@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Alvaro Mantilla Sanchez msanchez@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Ramón Ramirez Monroy rramirez@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Litigation Alvaro Mantilla Padilla almantilla@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Litigation Paula Andrea Ramos Arismendi pramos@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Litigation Carlos Alberto Manzano Riaño cmanzano@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Mining – oil and gas Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla cgarrieta@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Mining – oil and gas Yady Catherine Villaquirán Castro yvillaquiran@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Administrative law and public contracting Yady Catherine Villaquirán Castro yvillaquiran@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Public law Santiago Cardona Neira scardona@amya.com.co +57 6017450634
Other fee-earners : 12
Senior Partners : 2
Partners : 5
Associates : 8
Spanish
English