Brigard Urrutia > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile
Brigard Urrutia Offices
CALLE 70A #4-41
BOGOTA
Colombia
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Brigard Urrutia > The Legal 500 Rankings
Colombia > Banking and finance Tier 1
The banking and finance group at Brigard Urrutia is ‘superior to any Colombian law firm’, according to some. Particularly praised for its ability to handle ‘sophisticated structures with international funders’, the team’s broad cross-border expertise is evidenced by its involvement in many of the market’s marquee cross-border mandates — for both Colombian and global banks and corporate borrowers. As a case in point, dual US- and Colombia-qualified banking specialists Carlos Fradique-Méndez and María Fernanda Diago joined forces to advise CFG Partners on the up-to $150m financing and acquisition of Alpha Capital’s and Vive Créditos’ assets, which involved five jurisdictions. Among its lender-side highlights, go-to expert Fradique-Méndez advised Citibank Colombia on a COP$120bn financing to a newly created debtor trust established by Bayport Colombia. The deep bench also calls upon the senior expertise of César Felipe Rodríguez, who is sought after for infrastructure and project finance-related matters, and seasoned banking, energy and natural resources specialist Carlos Urrutia. The group additionally draws on a capable pool of associates, including seniors Santiago Jaramillo Martínez, who has an emphasis on energy and infrastructure-related work, and Juan Eduardo Gómez, who combines banking and corporate experience. Associate María Fernanda Sánchez moved in house as general counsel at ADL Digital Lab in January 2023; and next generation partner Felipe Alarcón has also subsequently left the firm - effective as of September 2023.Practice head(s):
Carlos Fradique-Méndez; César Felipe Rodríguez; María Fernanda Diago; Felipe Alarcón; Carlos Urrutia
Testimonials
‘They have in-depth knowledge of financial regulation, sophisticated structures with international funders, and exchange regulations. Superior to any Colombian law firm.’
‘Lawyers demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment, particularly María Fernanda Diago.’
Key clients
Bancolombia
Caribbean Financial Group Partners
Gramercy
Citibank Colombia
Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
Banco de Bogotá
QNT
Latam Airlines Colombia
Promigas
ZMP Fontibón
Ecopetrol
Itaú Corpbanca Colombia
AES Colombia
Grupo Lamosa
Blackrock
Elecnorte
Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Fiduciaria Scotiabank Colpatria
Concesion Costera Cartagena Barranquilla
Work highlights
- Advised LATAM Airlines Group, Aerovías de Integración Regional and Línea Aérea Carguera de Colombia (among other entities of the LATAM group), on the Colombian aspects of its $4.5bn Chapter 11 restructuring.
- Advised CFG Partners on the approximately $150m financing and acquisition of Alpha Capital’s and Vive Créditos’ assets, which was structured as a multi-jurisdictional, cross-collateralised, asset-backed financing.
- Advised Solarpack Colombia on Colombian-peso and US-dollar financings from Inter-American Investment Corporation and Bancolombia to fund two solar energy projects, valued at COP$657m and $130m.
Colombia > Capital markets Tier 1
Brigard Urrutia’s status as a destination practice for capital markets work was reinforced during 2022 through its advice to the underwriters on the Republic of Colombia’s $1.6bn bond issuance. The group, which routinely acts for both issuers and underwriters, also has a strong record in equity offerings. Senior partner Carlos Fradique-Méndez is sought after for his extensive expertise in capital markets and banking transactions and co-heads the department alongside Luis Gabriel Morcillo, who specialises in securities, private equity and corporate issues; together they co-led the capital markets advice to the underwriters on Colombia’s high-profile bond offering. The team was additionally boosted by the arrival of two new senior associates: in June 2022, Viviana Araújo joined from Scotiabank, while Nicolás Arocha Roldán, who was formerly at Esguerra Asesores Jurídicos, arrived in September 2022. Senior associate Luis Alejandro León departed the firm in September 2022.Practice head(s):
Carlos Fradique-Méndez; Luis Gabriel Morcillo
Testimonials
‘Brigard Urrutia is a highly professional firm, which provides a close and accurate service to its clients. It is one of the best firms in Colombia, which is clear when dealing with its lawyers.’
‘The main qualities of Brigard are its closeness and professionalism; it provides a service committed to the objectives of the clients.’
Key clients
Bancolombia
Ecopetrol
Asociación Colombiana de Fondos de Capital Privado (ColCapital)
Blackrock Institutional Trust Company
LATAM Airlines
Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina
Credit Suisse Securities
Citibank
Ashmore Management Colombia
Scotiabank Colpatria
Asociación Bancaria y de Entidades Financieras de Colombia (Asobancaria)
Patrimonio Autónomo Estrategias Inmobiliarias
Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF)
Fábrica Nacional de Autopartes (Fanalca)
Advent International Colombia
BTG Pactual
Grupo Argos
Grupo Coltel
Banco Santander
Sura Asset Management
Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC)
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Latam Logistic Properties
Davivienda
LarraínVial Colombia
Goldman Sachs
República de Colombia
Ocensa
AI Candelaria
Mercado Libre Colombia
Atento Luxco
Julius Baer
JP Morgan
Bank of America
UBS
Península Investment Group
Work highlights
- Advised the underwriters (HSBC Securities USA, Santander Investment Securities, and Scotia Capital USA) on a $1.6bn bond offering by the Republic of Colombia.
- Advised LATAM Airlines on its emergence from Chapter 11 in a complex transaction that included the issuance of convertible bonds, among other aspects.
- Advised Enel Colombia on a COP$9bn follow-on bond offering.
City focus > Cali Tier 1
Highlighted by satisfied clients as ‘an excellent firm, the best in Colombia’, corporate powerhouse Brigard Urrutia maintains a sizable on-the-ground presence in Cali. Most notably, competition and antitrust head Alejandro Garcia de Brigard is the partner in charge of the Cali practice, which ensures that a significant volume of the firm’s competition and antitrust work is resourced from the office. Aside from its premier competition offering, Cali houses a growing number of other service lines from across the full-service firm, including the most recent addition of corporate and M&A following the arrival of senior associate Jimena Rincon, who joined in April 2022 from Fanalca. Customs and international trade is another pillar of the Cali practice, with of counsel Maria Eugenia Lloreda a key contact for that work. The team is further equipped to provide labour and employment advice, with eight-year associate Rafael Reyes noted in that sphere. The Cali office’s ability to team up with specialists in Barranquilla, Bogotá, and Medellín should also be mentioned; few peers can rival the firm’s national coverage.Testimonials
‘We appreciate the team for its ability to provide comprehensive business advice to our company.’
‘Lawyers have extensive knowledge in terms of business law, including experience with the best companies in the country. Alejandro Garcia de Brigard is a trusted partner in the development of our company.’
‘An excellent firm, the best in Colombia. Lawyers are consummate professionals and demonstrate absolute commitment to the client.’
‘We value lawyers for their ability to work on several significant projects simultaneously.’
‘The team is well prepared and knows how the SIC works. They also seem to have a quite stable team, which, for clients that wish to work with them for several years is a plus, as the same team can be involved in the different cases over the years.’
‘Alejandro Garcia de Brigard leads the practice in a very competent way. He is practical and can make himself available on a short notice when needed.’
Key clients
Productos Roche
Berry Global Group
Compunet
Centro Logístico Industrial del Pacífico Clip
Constructora Bolívar Cali
Grasas
Productos Roche
Suzuki Motor de Colombia
Christus Rendimiento
Sinergia Global en Salud
C I de Azucares y Mieles
Seguridad Atlas
Baño Móvil de Colombia
Manuelita
Ingenio Providencia
Incauca
Riopaila Castilla
Hacienda San José
Ingeniería Maquinaria y Equipos de Colombia (IMECOL)
Corporación R&T
China Automotriz
Ingredion Colombia
Fashion Factory
Santa Anita Nápoles
Cargill Trading Colombia
Laboratorios Laverlam
Siderurgica del Occidente
Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce
Laboratorios Baxter
Aerocali
Fanalca
Colgate-Palmolive
Cámara de Comercio de Cali
Goodyear de Colombia
Industria Colombiana De Dotaciones Metalicas
Brinsa
Processoft
Mindray Medical Colombia
Furukawa Colombia
Colombina
Cartón de Colombia
Carvajal
Sociedad Puerto Industrial AguaDulce
Furukawa Colombia
Industrias Nortecaucanas
Recamier
Mayaguez
Colegio Bolívar
Dimel Ingeniería
CI Upfield Colombia
Trichem de Colombia
Gases de Occidente
PGI Colombia
Specialized Colombia
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Suzuki Motor de Colombia in the antitrust investigation launched by the National Competition Authority into alleged anticompetitive conduct in the public procurement of motorcycles.
- Advised Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce on all its day-to-day labour relations issues, including collective bargaining.
Colombia > Competition and antitrust Tier 1
In a figure that demonstrates its formidable strength in merger filings, Brigard Urrutia handled over 35 merger control procedures during 2022. Alongside its dominant merger practice, which is driven by the firm’s top-tier corporate offering, the group also frequently advises on antitrust investigations, leniency agreements and unfair competition disputes, among other matters. Department head Alejandro Garcia de Brigard, who is dual-qualified in Colombia and New York, is particularly sought after for his expertise in complex transactional cases; he is representing Avianca before the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) in a merger-review procedure triggered by its acquisition of Viva Colombia. Among its behavioural highlights, Garcia de Brigard represented Bavaria in an antitrust investigation into alleged abuse of dominant position in the beer market; the case was terminated by the SIC without the imposition of any fine as a result of the offering of commitments. The team also includes practice co-ordinator Nicolás Cardona, who was recently promoted from senior associate to director and provides capable support. In December 2022, intermediate associate Natalia Amado Pérez joined from Baker McKenzie S.A.S..Practice head(s):
Alejandro Garcia de Brigard
Testimonials
‘The team is well prepared and knows how the SIC works. It also seems to maintain a quite stable team, which, for clients that wish to work together for several years is a plus, as the same team can be involved in the different cases over the years.’
‘Alejandro Garcia de Brigard leads the practice in a very competent way. He is practical and can make himself available at short notice when needed.’
Key clients
Avianca
Suzuki Motor de Colombia
Bavaria
Global Layer Distribution
Colombia Móvil
Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce
Droguerías y Farmacias Cruz Verde
UPS
ABB
Work highlights
- Advised Avianca on the merger-control procedure before the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) triggered by the acquisition of Viva Colombia, and also advised Avianca on the antitrust investigation, launched by the SIC, for alleged gun jumping with Viva Colombia.
- Represented Bavaria in the antitrust investigation launched by the SIC into alleged abuse of dominant position in the beer market, derived from Bavaria’s exclusivity contracts.
- Acted for Suzuki Motor de Colombia in the antitrust investigation launched by the SIC concerning alleged anticompetitive conduct in the public procurement of motorcycles.
Colombia > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Few firms in the market can equal Brigard Urrutia’s track record in transformative M&A deals, with the 23-lawyer team routinely involved in many of the most high-profile transactions to hit the Colombian market. The group’s ability to lean on a host of complementary practices from across the wider full-service firm equips its lawyers with a ‘comprehensive vision in consulting’ and ensures that it is sought after for complex mandates that require extensive cross-departmental collaboration. As a case in point, senior M&A expert Sergio Michelsen Jaramillo recently teamed up with next-generation partner Tomás Holguín, as well as the capital markets and competition practices, to advise Votorantim on the sale of its 82.42% stake in Acerías Paz del Rio. In a significant first-of-a-kind investment transaction, Michelsen also paired up with Jaime Robledo to advise Canada’s CPP investments on its $334m acquisition of a 19.3% stake in D1, which notably marked its first direct investment in Colombia. Darío Laguado Giraldo , chairman of the corporate and M&A practice, led on several infrastructure-related transactions over the past year, including advising Telefónica, and its subsidiary Colombia Telecomunicaciones, on the agreements by which Colombia Telecomunicaciones and KKR will establish the country’s first independent wholesale open access digital infrastructure company. Other senior names include corporate finance veteran Carlos Fradique-Méndez; aviation and real estate-focused specialist Álvaro Cala; senior partner Carlos Urrutia; and Fernando Alfredo Castillo. The sizeable department also fields a capable bench of corporate-dedicated non-partners, including director Ángela García Páez, prolific senior associates Paola Ordoñez and Andrea Camila Cruz, and associate Laura Ricardo Ayerbe. Since publication, Ordóñez and Mónica Gutiérrez Velasco have both been promoted to practice directors (as of December 2023), but Laguado has left the firm - effective as of April 2024.Practice head(s):
Sergio Michelsen; Jaime Robledo
Testimonials
‘BU’s corporate and M&A areas have important strengths, such as knowing our business very well; its very timely responses; good management and relationship with our parent company; strong understanding of the internal procedures between the parent company and us as a subsidiary.’
‘Álvaro Cala knows our organisation very well; we value his years of experience, knowledge of our culture and business; and his willingness to support us.’
‘Fernando Alfredo Castillo is very skilled and a very good business structurer.’
‘We value the team for its comprehensive vision in consulting.’
‘Lawyers demonstrated strong knowledge of our company and its work dynamics.’
Key clients
Grupo Casino – Casino Guichard Perrachon
Colombia Telecomunicaciones
Emergent Cold
Inchcape
Celsia
Credibanca
Xignux
Grupo Nutresa
Grupo SURA
Droguerías y Farmacias Cruz Verde
Inversiones Infraestructura De Telecom Latam
Productora Nacional Avicola
Votorantim
Emergent Cold
BlackRock
Itau Corpbanca
Claro & Compañía
Auna Group
CAF – Development Bank of Latin America
UPS
Work highlights
- Advised Habi on raising $200m through a series C round with investors including SoftBank, Homebrew, Tiger Global and Inspired Capital.
- Advised CPP investments on its first direct investment in Colombia, with its $334m acquisition of a 19.3% stake in D1.
- Acted as local counsel to CFG Partners Colombia on its purchase of the portfolio of payroll loans, and other assets, of Alpha Capital and Vive Créditos Kusida.
Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 1
Brigard Urrutia houses ‘one of the most solid practices in dispute resolution’, according to some. Certainly the firm possesses one of the largest offerings in the market, with its 22-lawyer-strong litigation, arbitration and insolvency group consisting of two partners, one director and six senior associates, among others. Equipped to handle the full spread of civil and commercial cases, the team is routinely engaged to advise on administrative disputes, commercial litigation, contentious competition matters, arbitral proceedings, and insolvency-related work. Irma Rivera Ramírez spearheads the department and is well versed across the full range of contentious issues, with strong recent experience in representing major multinational clients in constitutional law proceedings. Rivera is flanked by two younger partners: Felipe Mutis - identified by sources as an ‘expert litigator’, he advises clients in domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes, with a focus on administrative and constitutional law litigation and arbitral proceedings; and dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) former practice director María Munevar Torrado, who was raised to the partnership in July 2023. Senior associate Carlos Mauricio Cerrato proovides experienced support - he and Munevar are highlighted for being ‘passionate about the law and the causes they represent’. Other key contacts include Paola Guerrero Yemail, who is an associate director of the insolvency practice; and senior associates Camilo Valenzuela and Carlos Mauricio Cerratto who both maintain broad dispute resolution practices. The team recently welcomed the arrival of two new senior associates: Paula Juliana Téllez joined in July 2022 from Preciado Abogados; and Monica Alejandra León arrived in October 2022 – she was formerly an in-house lawyer at New Cauca. Senior associate Ana Carolina Abreo left the firm in June 2022. Since publication, Cerratto has been raised to associate practice director - effective as of January 2024.Practice head(s):
Irma Isabel Rivera
Testimonials
‘The team is robust; lawyers have several lawyers of diverse experience and abilities, which enables you to respond effectively to the legal challenges that your clients face.’
‘I highlight the work of Felipe Mutis, Carlos Mauricio Cerrato, and María Munevar Torrado. All are excellent lawyers, who are passionate about the law and the causes they represent.’
‘Brigard Urrutia has one of the most solid practices in dispute resolution. The integration of the work teams is very successful.’
‘The advice provided demonstrates the dedication and time invested in each case under its responsibility. The advice provided is complete and very effective. The ability to provide comprehensive advice that goes beyond the analysis of the particular case stands out.’
‘Felipe Mutis is an expert litigator who combines legal depth with the practicality necessary to advise clients.’
Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
A destination practice for energy and natural resources law, Brigard Urrutia’s key attributes include its ‘strong ability to work under pressure’ as well as its ‘rapid co-ordination with other teams within the firm’. The full-service group is equipped to handle the gamut of industry matters, from regulatory and environmental issues, through to project structuring and transactional work. It also stands out for its involvement in both the conventional and renewable energy segments. Claudia Navarro is widely recognised for her renewable energy expertise; she advised Promigas on self-sufficient power generation solutions to be provided to its clients. Very experienced associate director of the oil-and-gas and mining practices, Marianna Boza recently acted alongside senior partner Carlos Urrutia and the M&A department to advise Cordoba Minerals on a strategic agreement with JCHX Mining Management to jointly develop its Alacran copper-gold-silver project. Transactional specialist Jaime Robledo and seasoned energy and infrastructure expert Carlos Umaña are also noted at senior level. The group additionally includes talented senior associate Juan Carlos Padilla, and fellow senior Andrés Felipe Parra who rejoined the team from Ecopetrol in May 2022.Practice head(s):
Carlos Umaña; Carlos Urrutia; Claudia Navarro; Jaime Robledo; Marianna Boza; Juan Carlos Padilla; Andrés Felipe Parra; Carlos Andrés Cerón
Testimonials
‘As a team, its availability and strong ability to work under pressure without making mistakes was the key to our success, especially when compared to the counterpart firm, which made many unforced errors, due to pressure from its own client.’
‘Also, very important, was the rapid coordination with other teams within the firm, which were always available with 24 hours notice, which allowed us to resolve additional issues related to the energy practice in extraordinary times.’
‘We value lawyers for their respect, commitment and professionalism, to name just a few key attributes that added significant value to their work, and to the transaction itself.’
‘Associates Andres Felipe Parra and María Alejandra Salamanca, guided by partner Claudia Navarro, comprised the main energy team that supported us during the transaction. As to these three lawyers, the word exceptional falls short, as they were an immeasurable contribution to the success of the transaction.’
Key clients
Oleoducto de Los Llanos Orientales – Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia
Geopark
Ecopetrol
Cordoba Minerals
Mineros
Barrick Gold Corporation
Elecnorte
Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
Promigas
Total Eren Colombia
Vestas Mexicanas del Viento
Solarpack
Work highlights
- Advised Cordoba Minerals on a strategic agreement with China’s JCHX Mining Management to jointly develop its flagship Alacran copper-gold-silver project in Colombia.
- Advised Total Eren on the construction of a photovoltaic solar park that will be built in the Rubiales field.
- Advised Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional on the structuring of a public procurement process to be initiated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Colombia > Insurance Tier 1
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.
Colombia > Projects Tier 1
Brigard Urrutia’s ability to draw on its premier full-service offering is a key feature of its multidisciplinary projects team, which routinely works alongside other practice groups to provide comprehensive advice. Project finance is a notable sweet spot, in line with the wider firm’s top-tier finance capability, and it shines in representing lenders and sponsors on major energy and infrastructure projects. However, it also handles public procurement, project development, and contentious work. Senior contacts include Carlos Umaña, who maintains a broad practice with a focus on infrastructure, public procurement, utilities, and natural resources; managing partner Carlos Fradique-Méndez, who is sought after for infrastructure financings; and Claudia Navarro, who has extensive expertise in regulatory and commercial matters. The department additionally calls upon the experience of banking and finance specialists César Felipe Rodríguez, María Fernanda Diago and Felipe Alarcón, as well as associate practice director Julián Parra. In July 2022, senior associate Juan Pablo Canaval left to join Uraba Highways.Practice head(s):
Carlos Umaña; Carlos Fradique-Méndez; César Felipe Rodríguez; Claudia Navarro; Maria Fernanda Diago; Felipe Alarcón; Carlos Urrutia
Testimonials
‘It is a very committed and capable team, with high level technical knowledge and negotiation skills.’
‘Lawyers are outstanding when negotiating.’
‘The team becomes personally engaged with the project and the client’s vision; it feels almost like in-house staff. The team is always available.’
‘Lawyers are smart and opinionated, and they develop close relationships with the in-house team.’
Key clients
Termocaribe
Energía de Colombia STR
Metro Línea 1
Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
Fiduciaria Scotiabank Colpatria
Scotiabank Colpatria
Ashmore Management Company (Colombia)
Bancolombia
Concesión Santa Marta Paraguachón
Concesión Costera Cartagena Barranquilla
Scotiabank Colpatria
Grupo Ortiz
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
AMP Capital Investor US
ISA
John Laing
Matrix Renewables
Fábrica Nacional de Autopartes (Fanalca)
Invenergy
Celsia
Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá
Solarpack
Odinsa
Concesión del Sisga
Enel Colombia
Work highlights
- Advised Solarpack Colombia on the COP and USD financings granted by Inter-American Investment Corporation and Bancolombia to finance solar energy projects “La Unión” and “La Mata”.
- Advised ZMP Fontibón V and ZMP Fontibón III on the $120m financing granted by Proparco and Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional to finance the acquisition of electric public transportation buses from BYD Auto Industry, in order to provide them to Transmilenio.
- Advised Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente on the $130m financing of the local train, “Regiotram De Occidente”, which connects Bogotá DC with several municipalities located in the west side of the city.
Colombia > Public law Tier 1
Brigard Urrutia has ranked ‘among the leaders in public law for many years’, according to sources. The team, which acts for the full spread of government agencies, state-owned enterprises and private companies, is often brought in at the structuring stage to help develop major projects, such as its recent appointment by Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) to be part of the team responsible for structuring Bogotá’s second metro line project. High-profile figure Carlos Umaña ‘provides confidence and security to his clients’; he led on the FDN work. The group also draws on infrastructure and public utilities partner Claudia Navarro; public law practice director Julián Parra, who ‘constantly looks for solutions and alternatives to overcome obstacles’; and director Mario Forero, who is noted for public procurement and administrative law matters.Practice head(s):
Carlos Umaña; Claudia Navarro; Julián Parra; Mario Forero
Testimonials
‘We value the team for its ability, prestige and experience. It has been among the leaders in public law for many years. We particularly recommend practice director, Julián Parra.’
‘It is one of the best law firms in Colombia. Its lawyers are highly recognised. By dedicating themselves to several practice areas, lawyers can offer comprehensive legal advice. Good treatment with the client and very good quality of services.’
‘Carlos Umaña is a lawyer with extensive experience and knowledge, he provides confidence and security to his clients.’
‘Associate Mario Forero is one of the lawyers in his practice area that we rely on for public services and administrative law advice; he maintains excellent relationships with clients and has a very good command and knowledge of legal issues in this practice area.’
‘The team genuinely understands the client’s needs and prepares and adapts recommendations and actions with the client’s demands as a priority. The team provides exceptional strategic support, offering alternatives and different approaches to find solutions.’
‘Associate Julián Parra is an excellent lawyer, who constantly looks for solutions and alternatives to overcome obstacles. He is always available to meet customer requests and is always up-to-date on the different regulatory elements.’
Key clients
Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)
National Agency for the Defense of the State (Agencia Nacional de Defensa Jurídica del Estado)
Special Unit for Public Utilities (Unidad Administrativa Especial de Servicios Públicos – UAESP)
Red Cárnica
Green Móvil P6 and Green Móvil P17 (owned in equal parts by Fanalca and Transdev)
ZMO Fontibón III and ZMO Fontibón V (owned in equal parts by Fanalca and Transdev)
Consorcio Cable Móvil
Oleoducto Bicentenario
Forte Global
Olimpia IT
Metro Línea 1
Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente (controlled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation)
BMO Sur (owned in equal parts by Fanalca and Transdev)
Concesión Santa Marta Paraguachón
Concesión Costera Cartagena Barranquilla
Canadian Solar
CRRC Changchun Do Brasil Railway Equipamentos & Serviços
Ciudad Limpia
Concesión Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá
Work highlights
- Selected by Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional to structure Bogota’s Second Metro Line project; currently, Colombia’s largest infrastructure project valued at approximately $3.4bn.
- Entered into a consulting agreement with the National Agency for the Defense of the State for analysing mistakes which government entities may incur when undertaking administrative proceedings aiming to impose sanctions.
- Advised CRRC Changchun Do Brasil Railway Equipamentos & Serviços, as a member of the joint venture awarded the civil works contract, on the construction of the 80th Avenue Medellin Tramway project.
Colombia > Tax Tier 1
Brigard Urrutia’s tax team scores highly with sources for its ‘excellent knowledge and mastery of tax legal issues’. Covering the waterfront on tax law, the practice group enjoys a particularly prominent reputation for tax structuring and transactional tax work, where it is routinely engaged by leading domestic and regional companies, including recent mandates for Valores Industriales, Transportadora de Gas Internacional and Linea 2 Metro de Bogotá. The department also houses significant contentious expertise, including on transfer pricing matters. Tax litigator Catalina Jaramillo stands out for her ‘knowledge and experience’ and regularly handles complex constitutional litigation. Sh co-heads the practice in conjunction with tax planning partner Andrés Hernández, who is noted as ‘a leader in the Colombian tax arena’; and the deeply experienced Adrián Rodríguez – a January 2022 hire from Lewin & Wills, Abogados – whose broad practice encompasses international and national corporate taxation, foreign investment ,and transactional tax. Other key contacts include Daniel Duque, who was raised to the partnership in July 2023. Senior associate Zaira Cortés left in August 2022 to study abroad.Practice head(s):
Catalina Jaramillo; Andrés Hernández; Adrián Rodríguez
Testimonials
‘Among its strong points, the team is highly committed to the client’s needs, to the point that it seems like an internal employee of the client, understanding the problem from the client’s internal point of view, so that the proposed solutions are truly effective.’
‘Andrés Hernández is a highly committed partner, who works alongside the entire team, contributing his knowledge and experience.’
‘The team is the best in its field. It has partners with extensive experience and excellent knowledge of the sector in which we work. Associates answer inquiries promptly and sufficiently.’
‘Despite his young age, Andres Hernandez has been a leader in the Colombian tax arena for many years. He has been consistently rated and praised as innovative, thorough, and close to clients. I have witnessed all this through a long relationship with the top law firm Brigard Urrutia, and him personally.’
‘The team demonstrates excellent knowledge and mastery of tax legal issues, as well as great customer attention.’
‘Catalina Jaramillo is very up-to-date on tax issues, she brings knowledge and experience.’
Key clients
Multienlace
Productos Familia
Transportadora de Gas Internacional (TGI)
Nitro Energy Colombia
Caribbean Financial Group
Línea 2 Metro de Bogotá
Linio
Orosur Mining Limited (Minera Anzá Colombia)
Siderurgica del Occidente
Fanalca
Work highlights
- Advised Valores Industriales on the design and implementation of a structure to sell a significant interest in one of the major hygiene companies in Colombia, Productos Familia.
- Advised Multienlace on the preparation of two statements of claim for fiscal years 2012 and 2009 regarding the amortisation of the expense of the commercial credit triggered on an M&A transaction.
- Advised Línea 2 Metro de Bogotá on tax matters related to the construction of the metro in Bogotá.
Colombia > TMT Tier 1
The dedicated TMT practice at Brigard Urrutia is commended by satisfied clients as ‘the strongest in this area’. Packing a punch across all key pillars of technology, media and telecoms, the group stands out for its ability to advise on a comprehensive spread of transactional, regulatory and contentious matters. Particularly sought after by major global corporations — Meta Platforms, Microsoft and SpaceX all turn to the firm for local advice — it also represents domestic and regional heavyweights, such as Grupo Televisa. Department head and sector specialist Sergio Michelsen Jaramillo provides ‘a perspective far beyond what is strictly legal’. The group also includes highly regarded practice director Juan Nicolás Laverde. Senior associate Andrea Bonnet became a freelance lawyer in December 2022.Practice head(s):
Sergio Michelsen; Juan Nicolás Laverde
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are excellent; they know our company and the industry, and help us to handle both business and regulatory issues. The team is the strongest in this area in my opinion.’
‘Sergio Michelsen is a lawyer who is a strategic partner for us, and gives us a perspective far beyond what is strictly legal.’
‘The legal advice provided by the team is of a very high quality, and most importantly, within the terms required by the industry. It knows our business and therefore understands our needs and the times we manage. The advice is concrete and goes directly to solving the issue of the query, clearly.’
‘Juan Nicolás Laverde is an excellent lawyer and human being. He is always up-to-date on applicable regulations and has a comprehensive knowledge of our business, which allows quick co-ordination with our team in response to our queries. Juan Nicolás and his team send short emails, with clear answers.’
‘It is a team that is fully willing to be part of the company. It understands the business and looks for ways to provide solutions within the parameters of the law. It fields people who are highly trained in the subject, which leads to interesting legal conversations that allow clear answers to concise problems.’
‘The team manager is directly available when needed. The team is highly trained and it is fully willing to understand the business more and more in order to provide a better service.’
‘Juan Nicolás Laverde and associates Andrea Bonnet and Juan Manuel Pacheco have a great capacity to solve any situation and they make every effort to be shoulder-to-shoulder with us as a client.’
Key clients
Meta Platforms
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX)
Tencent Holdings
Microsoft Corporation
TIS Productions Colombia
Grupo Televisa and Univisión Holdings II
Intelsat Global Service Corp
Spotify Technology
Volkswagen
Twilio
Work highlights
- Advised Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) on the relevant telecoms regulatory requirements and standards to enter the Colombian market.
- Represented Meta Platforms in a public hearing about zero-rating held before the Colombian Constitutional Court.
- Advised TIS Productions Colombia on various matters, including contracts with talent, vendors, locations, and crew; legal clearances for designs proposed by the production team; and licensing of music and footage for film use.
Colombia > Environment Tier 2
The ‘very diligent and attentive’ team at Brigard Urrutia was bolstered in September 2022 with the hire of senior associate Juan Sebastian Panesso, who joined from the environmental authority of Atlántico. The group leverages the wider firm’s top-tier offerings in projects, and energy and natural resources to specialise in environmental matters related to those spheres, but it has also recently handled work for clients in the industrial, real estate, and food & beverage sectors. Associate director and department co-head Guillermo Tejeiro is highlighted for his ‘extensive knowledge’; he focuses on environmental law, ESG, climate change, energy transition, ethnic law and green business. Corporate and M&A specialist Jaime Robledo co-heads the group. Since publication, Tejeiro has moved in house at Citibank - effective as of October 2023.Practice head(s):
Jaime Robledo
Testimonials
‘A collaborative team that is very diligent and attentive to our requests. Technologically, it uses the best in communication media at the national level, which makes it easier for us to connect with our allies in Colombia and worldwide. They are simply the best.’
‘The environmental law team is a wonderful group with extensive knowledge and always attentive to our requests. Lawyers connect us with opportunities and, of course, they solve our doubts at all levels when we need it. We particularly highlight director Guillermo Tejeiro.’
‘I found the legal team at Brigard Urrutia to be very caring and personable. It is as if the attorneys there are an extension of the family. They are always looking out for their client’s best interest.‘
‘Very knowledgeable of the law. Very considerate. Very hard working.‘
Key clients
First Ammonia
Telxius Colombia
Aerovías del Continente Americano / Avianca
Ecomedics
Drummond Energy
Drummond
Alianza Team
Scotta Colombia
Puerta de Oro Empresa de Desarrollo del Caribe
Grupo Fanalca
Climate Impact Partners
Acerías Paz del Rio
Cirion Technologies
Minerva Foods
Terracarbon Development
Terranum Desarrollo
Lafarge Holcim Colombia
Laboratorios Baxter
Total Eren
Work highlights
- Advising Acerias Paz del Rio on the structuring of a habitat bank.
- Advising Puerta de Oro on the construction of an environmental and social governance mechanism for the Ciénaga de Mallorquín (Mallorquín swamp) — and also on the necessary instruments to finance it.
- Advising Scotta Colombia on structuring the first biodiversity-driven scheme of payment of environmental services in Colombia, focused on protecting endangered species of fish.
Colombia > International trade and customs Tier 2
Brigard Urrutia’s international trade team scores highly for its ‘very unique vision that is focused on the client and finding practical solutions’. The practice encompasses a broad scope of trade and customs matters, with strong recent showings in anti-dumping investigations, customs disputes, free trade zones, and transactional support matters. A ‘benchmark in his field’, key partner Jose Francisco Mafla sits in the corporate and M&A, and international trade and customs teams; he specialises in advising on regulatory and transactional matters intersecting customs and foreign trade law, including trade remedies and WTO regulation. The group also fields two up-and-coming rising stars in associate director Camilo Castrillón (‘extensive knowledge of the law’) and intermediate associate Gerardo Chadid (‘thinks of innovative solutions for different problems’).Practice head(s):
José Francisco Mafla; Camilo Castrillón
Testimonials
‘Brigard Urrutia’s customs and international trade practice is excellent. The lawyers on the team have an exceptional level of knowledge, the documents they deliver are of the highest quality, and a high level of rigour is evident in everything they do.’
‘The team has a very unique vision that is focused on the client and finding practical solutions to highly complex problems. At Brigard Urrutia, lawyers are very efficient compared to other teams.’
‘José Francisco Mafla has extensive knowledge in international trade and the interpretation of international treaties and is an excellent lawyer. Jose’s deliverables and presentations are always of the highest quality.’
‘The team is highly qualified in finding efficient and safe solutions, showing that it is up-to-date in the branches of law in which we contracted its services. Additionally, it keeps its clients updated with constant newsletters, which reduces potential legal risks.’
‘Lawyers have broad experience, which makes their recommendations full of options. The team is comprised of highly trained personnel providing expeditious attention to their clients, and thus achieves the commercial and legal objectives of the clients they serve.’
‘José Francisco Mafla has extensive experience, is a benchmark in his field and has good customer management. Associate Gerardo Chadid is our main contact and it is a pleasure to work with him; he is always available to support us, providing the best advice thanks to his knowledge of the sector.’
‘Director Camilo Castrillón has extensive knowledge of the law. He conducts his work with empathy, great communication skills and abilities. His experience as a professor is exceptional for handling different issues in front of the client, its directors and shareholders.’
‘I especially highlight the work of Gerardo Chadid, who is an exceptional associate with extensive knowledge in all areas of foreign trade and customs law. He has a business approach and thinks of innovative solutions for different problems.’
Key clients
Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC)
Odata Colombia
Empresa Colombiana de Cables (EMCOCABLES)
Continental Industries
Schneider Electric de Colombia
Kuehne+Nagel
Agencia de Aduanas KN Colombia
Annar Diagnóstica Import
Work highlights
- Advised Odata Colombia on the process of adding 172,000 sqm to the Metropolitan Free Trade Zone.
- Represented Federación Colombiana de Productores de Papa (Colombia’s Federation of Potato Producers) in an anti-dumping investigation into Belgian, Dutch, and German imports of frozen potatoes.
- Advised Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC) on the process of obtaining authorisation as an International Logistics Distribution Center.
Colombia > Labour and employment Tier 2
Brigard Urrutia’s labour and employment practice is noted for its ‘sense of immediacy, willingness, and promptness’. Among its other distinguishing features, the group’s ability to draw on the wider international-facing firm, as well as its membership of global labour and employment law alliance Ius Laboris, ensures that it is a popular choice to advise multinational clients. Department head Catalina Santos handles advisory and contentious work, including restructuring processes, collective bargaining and transactional support matters. The team also draws on director José Alejandro Sierra (sports law, and labour and employment), and senior associates Daniela Caicedo (‘empathic and business oriented’) and Camilo Mutis (‘understands the sense of urgency’). Since publication, both Caicedo and Mutis have been promoted to associate practice directors (effective as sof January 2024), allowing Sierra to focus more fully on sports law and gaming matters.Practice head(s):
Catalina Santos
Testimonials
‘The labour and employment work team is excellent, and contributes all of its experience and knowledge. I highlight its excellent customer service and response times.’
‘We value the team’s warmth and quality of work and proactive responses.’
‘The team has solid knowledge of labour regulation and practice. The consultancies have been assertive, the procedural strategy and the execution applied to the required cases have been to the satisfaction of our HR team.’
‘We appreciate the sense of immediacy, willingness and promptness with which its professionals meet our requirements. It understands the sense of urgency and the complexity of a dynamic and changing industry; I would like to highlight associate Camilo Mutis in this regard.’
‘The team provides quick and efficient responses and demonstrates high levels of professionalism.’
‘Daniela Caicedo is a great professional. Very empathic and business oriented.’
Key clients
Exxon Mobil
Austin Ingenieros Colombia
Cardinal Health
NBCUniversal Networks International Colombia
Apple
Intel
3M
International Committee Of The Red Cross
The Walt Disney Company
Universal Linc de Colombia
Work highlights
- Represented Oncológos del Occidente, and its partners, in employment litigation initiated by its former general manager.
- Represented Austin Ingenieros Colombia in more than 30 employment claims, which were mainly initiated by former employees requesting the declaration that two extra legal benefits (transportation and meal allowance).
- Advised Cardinal Health on defining the employee transfer mechanism that was most convenient to its interests, following the sale of a part of its business in Colombia to Cordis.
Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 3
Brigard Urrutia’s arbitration practice sits within the firm’s wider litigation, arbitration, and insolvency department. With experience in both domestic and international arbitral proceedings, the team has a focus on cases concerning public law issues, including energy and utilities-related matters. Irma Rivera Ramírez heads the group and is equipped to act as counsel and arbitrator in domestic and international cases. Other key contacts include Felipe Mutis, who is well versed in judicial and arbitral disputes; former practice director María Victoria Munevar, who was raised to the partnership in July 2023; and senior associate Camilo Valenzuela. Senior associate Ana Carolina Abreo left in June 2022.Practice head(s):
Irma Rivera Ramírez
Colombia > Real estate Tier 3
Brigard Urrutia’s real estate, urban regulation, hotel, and agribusiness practice acts for a diverse client base, which includes developers, investment funds, concessionaires and property owners. Primarily recognised for its transactional work, particularly real estate finance, the team is also equipped to handle regulatory and planning matters. Group head Francisco Uribe’s comprehensive industry experience spans tourism and hotels, urban operations and agribusiness, among other segments. The team also includes director of the urban law department Wilben Palacios, and Juanita Bermúdez, who was promoted to director of the transactional real estate unit in September 2022.Practice head(s):
Francisco Uribe; Wilben Palacios; Juanita Bermúdez
Key clients
Habi
Hyatt Hotels
Odata
Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) Colombia
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Metro Línea 1
Financiera de Desarollo Nacional (FDN)
Terranum Desarrollo
Iscatá
Smart Fit
Fanalca (Fabrica Nacional de Autopartes)
Scotiabank Fiduciaria Colpatria
Puerta de Oro
Two Way Stadium
Work highlights
- Advised Anheuser-Busch InBev on the legal structuring of the Corona Island eco-tourism project located in the Caribbean.
- Advised Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) on the drafting, negotiation, and execution of the lease agreements of various properties around the country as part of its expansion plan in Colombia and Latin America.
- Advised Financiera de Desarollo Nacional on its role as financing entity of the transportation infrastructure project, Bogotá Metro Line 2.
Colombia > Compliance and white-collar crime Tier 4
Global clients of Brigard Urrutia laud it as a ‘one-stop-shop for any subsidiary of a multinational company doing business in Colombia’. On the corporate compliance front, this is evidenced by its ability to provide advice to leading corporations, such as Bayer, H&M Hennes & Mauritz and WeWork, on their local compliance programmes and initiatives. The multidisciplinary team is also well equipped to handle investigations and criminal litigation. Director Ricardo Forero heads the department and is highlighted for his ‘super practical and solid approach to consulting for multinational companies’; he has experience across a range of investigations, compliance and corporate crime-related matters. Associate María Camila Sarria provides dedicated practice support.Practice head(s):
Carlos Umaña; Ricardo Forero; Paula Soto; Catalina Riveros; Maria Camila Sarria; Camila Prada
Testimonials
‘A super comprehensive and holistic team in terms of compliance, risk management and white-collar crime, it is a one-stop-shop for any subsidiary of a multinational company doing business in Colombia, which includes lawyers, economists and engineers.’
‘Director Ricardo Forero combines the best of both worlds: regulatory knowledge in compliance & AML matters and a specific application of these fields to local criminal law. A super practical and solid approach to consulting for multinational companies.’
‘Associate Maria Camila Sarria is super detailed and possesses meticulous knowledge of the applicable AML and compliance regulations.’
Key clients
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Bitso
The Walt Disney Corporation
WeWork Colombia
Hughes de Colombia
DiDi
Matrix Renewables
Louis Vuitton
WeWork Colombia
Cititrust
Apple Colombia
BlackRock
Bayer
British Embassy
Work highlights
- Advised Bayer on implementing a compliance program aimed to prevent crimes set forth in Law 2195 of 2022.
- Advised WeWork on the implementation of an anti-bribery and corruption management system.
- Advised Minerva on the presentation of a criminal complaint concerning fraud to the Office of the Attorney General.
Brigard Urrutia > Firm Profile
Founded in 1934 and with over 85 years of experience, Brigard Urrutia is recognised as a leading law firm in Colombia and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. The firm’s size gives it the ability to offer an unparalleled range of first-class legal services and bespoke solutions to its global client base which includes leading domestic and foreign financial institutions, multinational corporations, private equity/venture capital funds, state-owned enterprises, governments and multilateral agencies. The firm frequently advises on complex cross-border matters, and its attorneys have been involved in many of Colombia’s groundbreaking landmark transactions. The firm is committed to its clients and seeks to provide them with comprehensive and expert advice.
It has a multidisciplinary team of specialised attorneys in various practice areas of business law, who follow the most rigorous ethical principles and the highest standards of professional excellence. All its partners and associates are fluent in at least one language other than Spanish, and many are admitted to practice in foreign jurisdictions (most notably in the State of New York). The firm’s lawyers are graduates from Colombia’s top universities and many have completed post-graduate programs in law schools located in the United States and Europe.
Brigard Urrutia also has a management team that is constantly innovating through solutions, best practices and trends to attain optimal customer experience levels. As part of its transparency policies and institutional values, it has a corporate governance structure that allows the firm to implement the best international practices. These practices help guarantee compliance of internal and external rules and achieve the objectives set forth in its strategic plan.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and financial services; Capital Markets, Securities and Private Equity; Forex, derivatives and structured products | Carlos Fradique-Méndez | ||
Public Law; Infrastructure and public utilities | Carlos Umaña | ||
Corporate M&A; Trusts and Estates; Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology | Sergio Michelsen | ||
Banking and financial services; Natural Resources; Insurance | Carlos Urrutia | ||
Corporate | Álvaro Cala | ||
Litigation, arbitration and insolvency; Insurance and reinsurance | Irma Rivera | ||
Tax | Adrián Rodriguez | ||
Tax | Andrés Hernández | ||
Tax | María Catalina Jaramillo | ||
Banking and financial services | César Felipe Rodríguez | ||
Infrastructure and public utilities | Claudia Navarro | ||
Customs and international trade | José Francisco Mafla | ||
Capital Markets, Securities and Private Equity | Luis Gabriel Morcillo | ||
Antitrust and competition | Alejandro García de Brigard | ||
Labor and employment; Immigration | Catalina Santos | ||
Corporate M&A | Jaime Robledo | ||
Banking and financial services | María Fernanda Diago | ||
Real Estate, Urban Regulation, Hotel and Agribusiness | Francisco Uribe | ||
Corporate M&A | Tomás Holguín | ||
Corporate M&A | Fernando Alfredo Castillo | ||
Litigation, Arbitration, and Insolvency | Felipe Mutis | ||
Commercial and Corporate Law | Johann Schomberger Tibocha | ||
Trusts and Estates, Family Law | Paula Camacho | ||
Tax | Daniel Duque | ||
Insurance and Reinsurance | Lucas Fajardo Gutiérrez | ||
Litigation, Arbitration, and Insolvency | María Victoria Munévar |