Ranking among the market leaders for criminal defence work, Jaime Granados Peña & Asociados Ltda retains its leading reputation for complex white-collar crime cases. Established in 1998, the boutique firm has notched up key roles in many of Colombia’s most sensitive white-collar crime matters for a comprehensive range of clients, including state dignitaries and major private and public-sector companies. Among its most illustrious representations, the team notably advised former president Álvaro Uribe in his high-profile criminal case — the group was also involved in the cases of colonel Alfonso Plazas Vega and former Army commander Nicacio Martínez. Widely acknowledged as a leader in his field, go-to specialist Jaime Granados is a seasoned criminal-law expert with over two decades of experience in criminal defence issues. The practice also draws on a strong second line of external lawyers, which includes senior associates Juan Felipe Amaya Mejía and Carlos Fernando Alarcón González as well as intermediate associate María Carolina Azuero Manrique.
Compliance and white-collar crime in Colombia
Jaime Granados Peña & Asociados Ltda
Practice head(s):
Jaime Granados
Jaime Lombana & Abogados
A destination practice for criminal defence work, Jaime Lombana & Abogados has a leading track record in representing individuals and corporations in white-collar crime and corruption-related matters. The specialist boutique secures a significant share of Colombia’s most high-profile cases, with its historical highlights including involvement in the Hidroituango environmental file, as well as defending Tecnoglass against the Superintendencia de Companias. Department head Jaime Lombana is a criminal law veteran with extensive practical experience as well as strong academic credentials (he is a professor of criminal law at Rosario University and a founding trustee of the International Foundation for Criminal Sciences). Other names to note include litigator Felipe Alzate Gómez, who is equipped to handle a wide spread of criminal, tax and disciplinary matters, and criminal defence specialist Jorge Amorocho Price — both are associates.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Lombana
MPA/PDA Derecho Punitivo y Riesgos Corporativos
MPA/PDA Derecho Punitivo y Riesgos Corporativos’ specialist focus on criminal and administrative sanctioning law continues to pay dividends and the boutique added seven new clients over the past year. Unlike some practices, the team covers the waterfront on compliance and criminal law matters, with the ability to advise on amtters ranging from compliance programmes and corporate defence plans, through to complex litigation. The group is particularly recognised for its prominent position in the financial services sphere, where it is sought after by major domestic and global financial institutions — notably, it represents 87% of banks doing business in Colombia. In Bogotá, founding partner Mauricio Pava Lugo is a conjuez of both the Supreme Court’s criminal chamber and of the National Electoral Council; he is highly regarded for his extensive criminal law expertise. Barranquilla-based Andrés Díaz Arana is also a senior name. Next-generation partner Jacobo González Cortés, who spearheads the punitive law and virtual financial-risks teams, and associate Daniel Guio, who has a focus on corporate risk management, are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Pava Lugo; Andrés Díaz Aran
Testimonials
‘In addition to the personalised advice of Mauricio Pava Lugo, we appreciate that it fields a complete team of lawyers, with differentiated rates.’
‘It is a firm with a good team, which has relevant, methodical and efficient experience. In particular, Mauricio Pava Lugo is an extraordinary lawyer; widely recognised and meritorious.’
‘We value the personalised attention provided by Mauricio Pava Lugo. We also highlight the team’s knowledge of the subject, clear and timely advice, knowledge of the latest news; and experience and advice on compliance issues.’
Key clients
Aje Colombia
Asociación Profamilia
Axa Colpatria Capitalizadora
Axa Colpatria Seguros
Bancolombia
Banco Davivienda
Banco de la República
Banco de las Microfinanzas Bancamía
Banco Santander de Negocios Colombia
BBVA Asset Management Sociedad Fiduciaria
BBVA Colombia
Citibank Colombia
Cititrust Colombia Sociedad Fiduciaria
Colfondos Pensiones Y Cesantías
Corporación Compromiso Colombia Cívica
Credivalores – Crediservicios
Fiduciaria Corficolombiana
Grupo Energía Bogotá
Itau Corpbanca Colombia
Pensiones Protección
Santander Financing
Scotiabank Colpatria
Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia
Transportadora de Gas Internacional
CMS Rodríguez-Azuero
According to satisfied sources, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s practice is ‘distinguished by its great technical capacity and its dedication to the client’. The team, which covers the full range of compliance and white-collar crime matters, also scores highly for its ability to advise on multi-jurisdictional issues; indeed, one clients asserts: ‘it excels at understanding how local regulations interact with international regulations’. Daniel Rodríguez co-heads the department and brings to bear robust hands-on experience in both compliance and corporate criminal law matters; he recently advised multinational retailer Decathlon Colombia on the implementation of an anti-corruption compliance system. Jacques Simhon, who co-heads the department, also receives strong reviews for his ability to provide ‘personalised attention’. The group additionally benefits from the experience of counsel Beatriz Molina, who is a former prosecutor, judge and magistrate. At associate level, newly promoted seniors Santiago Calle and Paula Andrea Gutiérrez are recommended. María Lucia Amador joined Mendoza Abogados in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Rodríguez; Jacques Simhon
Testimonials
‘The compliance team is fully dedicated to its clients, solving their doubts and adapting to their needs. Lawyers are very knowledgeable about the subject, as well as the potential consequences of each possible option when making a decision.’
‘We value the personal commitment of the lawyers in charge of our processes, particularly Jacques Simhon and associate Santiago Calle.’
‘The team is distinguished by its great technical capacity and its dedication to the client. Undoubtedly, lawyers stand out for their mastery of the subject, which allows the client to feel completely confident with their advice.’
Key clients
Decathlon Colombia
María Paula Linares
FCC Aqualia
Victims of Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
Grupo Empresarial Oleoflores
Odinsa
Minex
HP Colombia
Neos Nogal PH
Federación Nacional de Departamentos
Work highlights
- Advised Federación Nacional de Departamentos on the strengthening of its policies for the prevention and management of smuggled products.
- Advised FCC Aqualia on a due diligence process concerning certain target companies belonging to a high-risk sector in terms of money laundering, financing of terrorism, and corruption.
- Represented an individual in criminal proceedings before the Office of the Attorney General relating to domestic violence committed by the individual’s ex-husband.
Fabio Humar Abogados
The team at Fabio Humar Abogados is ‘bold and innovative when making proposals’, say sources. As a dispute resolution boutique exclusively dedicated to economic criminal law, the group handles the full spread of matters, from compliance issues through to criminal investigations and litigation. The firm also stands out for its May 2022 signing of a strategic alliance with Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA), which allows it to lean into the latter’s top-tier corporate practice and significantly expand its service offering. High-profile managing partner Fabio Humar has an impressive 20-year track record in representing individuals and companies in corporate compliance and white-collar crime cases. External lawyer Gloria Liliana Pérez, who was previously with the Attorney General’s Office, is also noted at senior level. The firm additionally fields a specialist band of associate lawyers, including senior Sandra Ramón Saavedra, who possesses 13 years of experience in criminal law.
Practice head(s):
Fabio Humar
Testimonials
‘Fabio Humar Abogados is a leading firm in criminal matters and economic criminal litigation. It stands out from other firms due to its talent, the quality of the team and the commitment it has to its clients. Lawyers are bold and innovative when making proposals.’
‘Of the firms we have worked with, Fabio Humar Abogados is the best without a doubt. The team is kind, generous with its time, and collaborative. Although there are good lawyers in Colombia, it is not an exaggeration to say that Fabio Humar Abogados is one of the best, above the other firms.’
‘All the lawyers in the office are professionals, very serious in their work and renowned in the Colombian legal and business environments. Engaging Fabio Humar Abogados is a guarantee of being represented by one of the best firms in the country.’
‘Fabio Humar and associate Juan Camilo Casas led the defence and representation of the company’s interests, and I have no doubt that they are the best lawyers in their areas.’
‘We value the team for its specialised knowledge and ability to liaise with the relevant authorities.’
‘The team’s relationship with the client is exceptional; its interest in satisfying client needs is treated as a real concern. Transparent in billing and spares no time in keeping the customer informed of what has been billed/paid.’
‘Lawyers are outstanding for their response capacity and ability to meet our requirements.’
Key clients
Consorcio CCC (constructor de Hidroituango)
Cusezar
Coca Cola Colombia
Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC)
Superintendence of Family Subsidy
Lácteos el Pomar
Helicol
Claro
Digital Ware – HIG
Ministerio De Cultura De Colombia
Fundación Mario Santodomingo
Global Tuition Seguros
Ogilvy & Mather Colombia
Arco Capital
Hidroituango
Tubomar
Global Seguros De Vida / Global Tuition
Alianza Fiduciaria
Renovar Financiera
Work highlights
- Advised Ogilvy & Mather Colombia on white-collar crime litigation.
- Represented Arco Capital on litigation in Colombia and before the Superintendence of Corporations.
- Represented Terpel in a criminal investigation concerning the falsification of documents.
Francisco Sintura Varela Abogados Asociados SA
Distinguished by its focus on the financial services sphere, Francisco Sintura Varela Abogados Asociados SA houses a comprehensive economic and corporate crime practice that counts many of Colombia’s largest financial institutions among its clients. That being said, the team is equipped to handle the full range of compliance and contentious matters, with experience in representing both private and public-sector clients in criminal cases concerning finance, labour relations, environmental law and others. Widely acknowledged as a leader in his field, criminal law specialist Francisco Sintura is particularly noted for his impressive regulatory credentials, which includes former roles as the head of the Control Division at the Banco de la Republica as well as head of the foreign trade section of the Banking Superintendence. Other key contacts include Pilar Astrid Sánchez, who combines strength in criminal law and financial law, as well as criminal law-focused associates Fabio Ballesteros and Andrés Sintura.
Practice head(s):
Francisco Sintura
Prias Cadavid Abogados
A three-partner strong criminal law boutique, Prias Cadavid Abogados stands out for its exclusive focus on representing clients in business, economic and financial fraud-related matters. With extensive experience that covers the full spread of compliance, investigations and judicial proceedings, the team is particularly well versed in issues concerning the financial services, telecoms, IP and environmental law spheres. Key contact Paula Cadavid is a criminal law specialist with a strong record in economic criminal cases, where she represents both individuals and corporate entities. Fellow founding partner Juan Carlos Prías is also noted for his robust practical and academic expertise in the criminal defence field. The team additionally includes Viviana Gómez Barbosa, who was promoted to partner in February 2022 after 20 years of practising with the firm, and criminal law-focused associate Emilio Restrepo Villegas.
Practice head(s):
Paula Cadavid; Juan Carlos Prías; Viviana Gómez Barbosa
Key clients
Branch of Microsoft Colombia
Grupo SURA
Schrader Camargo
Une Epm Telecomunicaciones
Chiquita Brands
Cerromatoso
Bancolombia
Drummond
Primax Colombia
CB&I
Colgate-Palmolive
Tigo – Une
Sulzer Pumps Colombia
Cáez Muñoz Mejía Abogados (CMM)
Cáez Muñoz Mejía Abogados (CMM)’s practice strikes a balance between corporate compliance and contentious matters, with a particularly prominent record in the former sphere. Over the past year, the team assisted a host of multinational clients with their local corporate compliance programmes, including Astara, Central Park System and Pernod Ricard Colombia. Founding partner Alejandro Mejía spearheads the department and advises both individuals and corporations on compliance, criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Other key contacts include Freddy Navarrete, who sits in the corporate and energy groups and advises on compliance programmes and due diligence-related matters. At associate level, Juan Pablo Pantoja provides dedicated practice support, while Maria Camila González splits her time between the corporate and compliance teams.
Practice head(s):
Alejandro Mejía; Freddy Navarrete
Key clients
Astara
Central Parking System
Mueve Usme
Mueve Fontibón
Arintia Group
Puma Energy
Pernord Ricard Colombia
Constructora Rincón De Barcelona
Fundación Ideas Para La Paz
Work highlights
- Advised Astara on the maintenance-update of the Transparency and Business Ethics Programme (PTEE), to comply with regulatory updates and avoid possible sanctions for non-compliance.
- Advised Central Park System on the implementation of an anti-money laundering (AML) compliance programme, including PTEE.
- Advised Puma Energy on various regulatory compliance matters.
Diaz Reus International Law Firm & Alliance
The team at USA-headquartered Diaz Reus International Law Firm & Alliance is commended for providing ‘quality, honest, transparent, and close advice’. Distinguished by its robust cross-border expertise, the Bogotá-based group frequently teams up with the wider firm’s Miami office to advise on Colombian, US, and other international compliance regulations. It also handles criminal proceedings and transaction-related issues. Demonstrating the practice’s international-facing approach, ‘exceptional attorney’ Javier Coronado splits his time between Bogotá and Miami. The department also draws on the senior experience of Bogotá managing partner Marcela Blanco, who is dual-qualified in Florida and Colombia and also has a significant multi-jurisdictional dimension to her practice. A former lawyer at the Office of the Attorney General, capable associate Marcelo Buendía Vélez is additionally recommended.
Practice head(s):
Michael Diaz Jr; Marcela Blanco
Testimonials
‘The practice at Diaz Reus is especially efficient in terms of the quality of its lawyers and the close collaboration that is achieved. Good communication and good results.’
‘Javier Coronado is an exceptional attorney. This subject of criminal law is extremely complicated for a non-lawyer, and Javier has a wonderful ability to explain the subject simply, without leaving out the important details.’
‘Billing is interesting because the team’s fees are within the market average, but lawyers offer you quality, honest, transparent and close advice.’
‘Javier Coronado is a lawyer who is always available to give an explanation, have a call, or a brief follow-up meeting. He is a charismatic person, who inspires confidence but the most important thing is that he acts with rectitude and integrity.’
‘Outstandingly, Marcela Blanco and associate Marcelo Buendía Vélez carry out their practice with good, objective and comprehensive communication.’
Key clients
Edwin Nolan Holmes
Allianz Seguros & Allianz Seguros de Vida
Grupo CTO
Karisma Latam Hotels and Resorts
Colserauto
HAE Group
Santiago Vélez & Asociados Corredores de Seguros
Ciudadela Comercial Unicentro
Laboratorios Biogen de Colombia
Machinetronics
Consultores Unidos Asociados
Construcciones Monserca
Incomser
Collaboration Betters the World – Positive Thinking Company
BVP – Birdseye International Corp
Work highlights
- Represented Allianz in its internal investigations into allegations of insurance fraud, inside trading, and other potential criminal conduct.
- Successfully represented an American citizen in a criminal appeal case, following the individual’s conviction for entering Colombia with guns for shooting practice.
- Advised Incomser on designing and implementing a risk management system to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
MestreMendieta Penalistas
A ‘very interactive boutique firm’, MestreMendieta Penalistas receives strong praise from sources for its ‘direct relationship with its clients’ as well as for its ‘exhaustive investigation and judicious analysis of cases’. A strong choice for both corporate and public-sector clients, the practice handles a broad mix of compliance, risk-prevention and contentious matters, including representation before the Attorney General’s Office. Noted for his strong combination of professional experience and academic capability, José Fernando Mestre has notched up an impressive record in advising corporate executives and public servants in corruption-related cases. Mestre co-leads the department together with Nadia Carolina Mendieta, who is noted for her ‘pragmatism in resolving cases’. The team also includes senior associate Nicolás Hurtado, who is an increasingly prominent name in the compliance and white-collar crime sphere.
Practice head(s):
José Fernando Mestre; Nadia Carolina Mendieta
Testimonials
‘It is a very interactive boutique firm, with a direct relationship with its clients, which facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the issues and allows the team to provide tailored, comprehensive advice.’
‘MestreMendieta is a law firm with complementary practices that allows it to diagnose and elaborate on detailed theories of the case and prepare for changes in the decisions of the prosecutor, or the judge, throughout the process.’
‘The team knows how to utilise forensic investigation firms specialised in data analysis to process the large volumes of information that are an integral part of white-collar processes because, by their nature, they include a large amount of financial, accounting, tax and even engineering information.’
Key clients
AngloGold Ashanti Colombia
Grupo Argos
Bancolombia
GM Financial Colombia
Mercado Libre
Banco Davivienda
Phillip Morris
Legislación Económica
Jaime Leonardo Flórez
Juan Carlos Roa
Acueducto de Bucaramanga
Entorna (Mashouse)
Super de Alimentos
Andres Carne de Res
Cargil de Colombia
Pollos El Bucanero
Droguerías y Farmacias Cruz Verde
Ulife Operador de Experiencias (CityU)
Latam Credit
Cementos Tequendama
Tigre Colombia
Avgust Colombia
Arkus
Multibank
Hoteles Cosmos
Fibra Óptica de Colombia
GE Health Care
Image Quality Outsourcing
Grupo Eulen
Juan Carlos Arbelaez y Claudia Eugenia Mariño
LDM
Andrés Bermudez
Luis Luna
Carlos Ospina
Construcciones y Servicios Arcipet
Irene Rincón
Work highlights
- Cross-examined several witnesses in an individual’s trial for corruption charges.
- Advised Mercado Libre on improving its compliance programme.
- Represented the former legal counsel of Reficar following the filing of indictments against certain individuals of the company regarding possible embezzlement during Reficar’s refinery modernisation.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
The ‘very dynamic team’ at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría maintains an interdisciplinary approach to white-collar crime issues, where it benefits from its ability to lean on the wider full-service firm to provide coverage of contentious and non-contentious matters. On the compliance front, the group advises domestic and multinational corporations on the development of internal compliance and risk prevention programmes. On the white-collar crime side, the team is predominantly known for its representation of victims in criminal matters, although it also acts for defendants. Led jointly by Pamela Alarcón, who focuses exclusively on compliance and criminal law matters, and former Attorney General of the Nation Juan Carlos Forero, the group also draws on the specialist support of associate Armando Lacouture. Associate Andrea Succar left in September 2022.
Practice head(s):
Juan Carlos Forero; Pamela Alarcón
Testimonials
‘It is a very dynamic team, with lots of knowledge at all levels, organised and familiar with all the issues that we handle. Response times are immediate; lawyers resolve the issues very quickly and provide us with solutions. An excellent work team.’
‘Pamela Alarcón is always available to solve our needs. In addition to being an excellent person, she has an incredible ability to permeate her team with positive management.’
Key clients
Adelante Soluciones Financieras (Addi)
Organización Terpel
Procaps
Diana Corporación
Oxígenos de Colombia
Accenture
Cochlear Colombia
Despegar Colombia
Amadeus TI Group
Sociedad Aeroportuaria de la Costa
Husqvarna Colombia
Tiffany & Co
Carboquímica
Subway Systems Colombia
Compañía Electríca Sochagota
CI Acepalma
Plexa
Federación Nacional De Cultivadores De Palma De Aceite (Fedepalma)
Vigia Servicio Especial
Zurich Colombia Seguros
Gramalote
Canal Extensia América
Work highlights
- Advised the five companies that comprise the Diana Group on compliance matters, and also represented the clients, as victims, in a criminal case concerning crimes against the company’s assets.
- Represented Praxair Group subsidiary Oxigenos de Colombia (as a victim) in criminal proceedings initiated against a criminal group dedicated to stealing medical oxygen tanks and other medical devices.
- Advised Accenture on risk prevention issues and ongoing compliance matters.
Baker McKenzie S.A.S.
Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s team ‘acts as a partner to the client, seeking to understand its business and its procedures’, according to sources. A particularly strong performer on the compliance side, where it leverages its global platform to excel in advising multinational corporations on local compliance matters, the team’s recent experience also encompasses internal and administrative investigations. Competition and TMT specialist Carolina Pardo steers the practice and is noted for her robust regulatory compliance expertise, while the recently promoted Luis Alberto Castell has a broad regulatory that spans competition, corporate compliance and data protection. On the contentious front, newly promoted (July 2023) partner Bibiana Cala is noted for her extensive experience in criminal litigation.
Practice head(s):
Carolina Pardo; Bibiana Cala
Testimonials
‘The team has very good lawyers, who possess lots of experience and are always aware of their clients. The team compares favourably with other firms due to its cost-benefit ratio; it offers excellent quality services at very competitive prices.’
‘Associate Bibiana Cala is a lawyer with experience in her field, who is always ready to assist her clients when they require it. Bibiana is always available.’
‘In addition to its strong knowledge on the subject, the team acts as a partner to the client, seeking to understand its business and its procedures. Lawyers always respond within the agreed period, particularly Luis Alberto Castel and Carolina Pardo.’
‘The team provides strong support and advice. Lawyers’ opinions are favourable for analysing decision making.’
‘Associate Bibiana Cala, in addition to the excellent service she provides, stands out for her prompt resolution of concerns and her strong availability, which means that we receive opinions and concepts on time.’
Key clients
Multinational Technology Company
Equinix Colombia
QuidelOrtho
NCR
EPAM systems
Tencent
SLB
Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
ICU Medical
Global Technology Conglomerate
AT&T
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG Bank)
Jeeves
Phoenix Towers International
Diageo
Goodyear
French infrastructure company
Diageo Colombia
Glaxosmithkline
Phoenix Tower International
AES Chivor y Cía
Mondelez Colombia
JGB
Schlumberger Surenco
National Oilwell Varco de Colombia
Exxon Mobil Corporation
SAP Colombia
MGA Entertainment
Lego Juris
Hasbro
Primax Colombia
Diseño, Ingeniería y Control (Dinacol)
Work highlights
- Successfully advised AES Chivor on the closure of an investigation opened by the Attorney General’s Office against the executives of the company into the illegal exploitation of mining deposits.
- Advised a multinational technology company’s compliance officer and regional payments team on various compliance matters.
- Advised Ortho Clinical Diagnostics on the review and adjustment of its AML prevention programme for its subsidiary in Colombia.
Brigard Urrutia
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.
Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)
Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) houses a robust risk and compliance practice that finds favour with sources for its ‘creativity in providing solutions to problems’. The group handles the full spread of corporate compliance issues, from audits and internal investigations, through to due diligence and the design and implementation of compliance programmes. Experienced director Adriana Bueno Buitrago heads the department and brings over 30 years of experience to her role, with strong recent showings in the implementation and management of corporate governance and compliance models. At associate level, Anguie Castro and Nathaly Acero provide specialist support to the risk and compliance team.
Practice head(s):
Adriana Bueno Buitrago
Testimonials
‘The team possesses knowledge in corporate law, office skills, management of accounting and financial knowledge, projects, and risk management.’
‘All offices have particularities that make them unique. However, this team successfully met all the doubts, questions and needs that our company had. We value the team’s creativity in providing solutions to problems.’
‘Lawyers stand out for their knowledge of the topic and for their ability to synergise with other areas of practice.’
Key clients
Laboratorios Baxter / RTS
Mejor CDT
Reckitt Benckiser Colombia / Mead Johnson Nutrition Colombia / RB (Health) Colombia
Innova Schools – Colegios Colombianos
IGT Foreign Holdings Corporation Sucursal Colombia / IGT Colombia / IGT Colombia Solutions
Inmobiliaria Morato
Sandvik Colombia
Inversiones Ventura Group: Grupo Portuario / OPP Graneles / BGP Container and Logistics
ATC Sitios de Colombia / ATC Sitios Infraco
BTS Derechos Económicos
EDPR: Eolos Energía / Vientos del Norte
Signify Colombiana
SK Rental
Nitrofert
Sacs Be Ventures Colombia
Medtronic Colombia
Closter Pharma
Exponencial Confirming
Glencore Colombia
Prosalon Distribuciones
Work highlights
- Advised Laboratorios Baxter and RTS on the updating of their internal compliance programmes.
- Advised Exponencial Confirming on a risk factor segmentation matrix for its SAGRILAFT (System of Self-Control and Management of the Comprehensive Risk of Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism, and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction) policy.
- Advised SK Rental on the implementation of its SAGRILAFT and PTEE systems.
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados fields a full-service practice, with strong recent activity in compliance programmes, administrative investigations and criminal proceedings. Uniquely positioned to advise on real estate sector-specific issues, in line with its firm-wide strength, the team is particularly well versed in criminal processes related to illegal land occupation, fraud, misrepresentation, document forgery, and crimes against public administration, among other matters. Founding partner Felipe Pinilla steers the department and has extensive experience in real estate-related criminal proceedings. The team also includes associate César Augusto Gónzalez, who specialises in advising on the implementation of compliance programmes, criminal litigation cases, and disciplinary processes; and criminal law-focused associate Laura Pinilla De Brigard.
Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla; César Augusto González
Testimonials
‘This practice is unique because of the special consideration it gives to its clients. Its strong points are its immediate attention to the queries and needs of the client and its effective management of the legal strategy to be applied in each case.’
‘The team compares favourably with other law firms due to its high success rate. There is permanent support from all areas of the firm, as and when the criminal area requires, which complements the advice in an integral way.’
‘The team’s experience and knowledge of the norms and processes, combined with its lawyers’ personal and respectful treatment, makes it stand out. The team differs from its competitors by its results in this field.’
‘The team’s best qualities are its effective solution of the queries and cases, its strong support, and the permanent willingness to serve the client. César Augusto Gónzalez particularly stands out.’
‘The firm maintains an excellent relationship with the client, and also displays willingness to answer questions. Excellent case management.’
‘Felipe Pinilla provides clear advice and good case management. César Augusto Gónzalez brings to bear excellent case management.’
‘The firm’s personalised attention makes it stand out.’
‘We value the team for its client service and real concern to solve the problems of its clients, which makes it stand out from its competitors.’
Key clients
Lucas Tamayo Giraldo
Álvaro Rozo Castellanos
Structures and Designs
Michael Baxter
IHS Towers Colombia
Centennial Towers Colombia
Work highlights
- Represented Lucas Tamayo, CEO of the company Ingeniería Inmobiliaria, in criminal proceedings.
- Represented José Álvaro Rozo Castellanos, the former mayor of Mosquera, in judicial proceedings concerning allegations that he illegally obtained an urban licence to build a holiday centre in Apulo.
- Advised Centennial Towers Colombia on the implementation of its compliance programme, among other matters.
Posse Herrera Ruiz
‘Concerned with understanding the real and specific needs of the client’, Posse Herrera Ruiz fields an increasingly broad practice in this sphere. Historically better-known for its robust compliance expertise, the group continues to strengthen its white-collar crime offering. Most notably, in September 2022 it added new associate and former prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Office Camila Páez, who is singled out as ‘an expert in criminal procedure and criminal justice’. Corporate partner Oscar Tutasaura remains the key contact for compliance matters and continues to co-lead the department together with infrastructure and public law head José Alejandro Torres. Other names to note include junior associate Jordi Buitrago, who is highlighted for his ‘excellent work’. Associate Luis Miguel Russi left to join Halliburton in September 2022.
Practice head(s):
Oscar Tutasaura; Jose Alejandro Torres
Testimonials
‘The lawyers that make up the team are experts in their field and respond to all requests quickly and with significant legal certainty.’
‘The team is very professional and able to assist with grey areas in the field of law. Excellent work by lawyers Oscar Tutasaura and associate Jordi Buitrago for compliance.’
‘It is a multidisciplinary team that integrates different legal formations, which allows the design of comprehensive legal solutions for clients.’
‘Oscar Tutasaura is a very intelligent lawyer able to identify problems and give solutions. Associate Camila Páez is an expert in criminal procedure and criminal justice.’
‘The team supports us in filing criminal complaints, as well as in due diligence matters.’
‘In general, the team is always very open and is concerned with understanding the real and specific needs of the client. Lawyers make follow-up calls in order to be very clear about the process and adjust their times to the urgency of certain issues. Advice has been clear internally and externally.’
‘Oscar Tutasaura and Jordi Buitrago are diligent, committed, effective, efficient, committed, clear, and respond to the urgency of clients. Both go further than others in terms of explanations and understanding, which allows us to properly manage risks and replicate these explanations to colleagues in other countries.’
Key clients
Saint-Gobain Colombia
Porsche Colombia
CI ADM Colombia
Drummond
Halliburton Latin America
Distribuidora Toyota
Morelco
Nabors Drilling International Bermuda
Work highlights
- Advised Distribuidora Toyota on internal investigations and overall defence strategy in connection with potential investigations conducted by criminal and administrative authorities.
- Advised Saint-Gobain Colombia on the design and implementation of an anti-corruption and anti-transnational bribery system.
- Advised Drummond on an audit of its AML, anti-corruption and anti-transnational bribery systems.