Juan Carlos Esguerra > Esguerra Asesores Jurídicos > Bogota, Colombia > Lawyer Profile

Esguerra Asesores Jurídicos scores points with sources for its ‘strong disposition to find solutions and strategies to take matters forward’. Widely recognised for its dominant public law practice, the team shines in representing domestic and multinational clients in complex constitutional and administrative litigation. As well as being sought after for its specialist public law expertise, the dispute resolution group also packs a punch in contentious competition matters, where it leverages its top-tier competition and antitrust offering; and commercial litigation, where it is adept at handling disputes involving heavily regulated industries. Name partner Juan Carlos Esguerra is lauded as ‘an expert in Colombian legislation’, which positions him as a popular figure for public-law litigation. Esguerra recently paired up with fellow public law specialist Felipe Piquero to represent Cerrejón in proceedings initiated by indigenous communities, members of the Congress, and others, to revoke the environmental licences permitting its operation in La Guajira. Other key names include competition partner Andrés Jaramillo and dispute resolution-focused associate Jorge Andrés Gómez. Associate practice director Andrés Felipe Cadena joined WOM Colombia in April 2023, while associate Carlos Lasprilla left to study abroad in July 2022. Since publication, the firm has merged with tax specialist firm Jiménez, Higuita, Rodríguez & Asociados (Tax & customs) to become Esguerra JHR – effective as of February 2024.

‘An expert in Colombian public and administrative law’, Esguerra Asesores Jurídicos is particularly admired for its contentious firepower, where it frequently handles high-stakes constitutional and administrative law disputes — in both judicial and arbitral forums. The group also advises a diverse roster of local and multinational companies and public entities on bidding processes, project structuring and public contracts, among other matters. Name partner Juan Carlos Esguerra maintains a prominent disputes practice; he recently paired up with Felipe Piquero to represent Ecopetrol in two different collective rights protection suits aimed to block its $3.5bn acquisition of the government’s stake in ISA. The team also includes next-generation public law specialist Adriana Nieto, as well as public-law focused associates Jorge Andrés Gómez and María Fernanda Barraza Díaz. Associate Carlos Lasprilla left in July 2022 to study abroad. Since publication, the firm has merged with tax specialist firm Jiménez, Higuita, Rodríguez & Asociados (Tax & customs) to become Esguerra JHR – effective as of February 2024.