Brigard Urrutia finds favour for its ability to ‘very effectively integrate the different disciplines that can contribute to the solution of a particular problem‘, with sources attesting that this ensures ‘decisions always have the benefit of having been built holistically’. The firm houses a deep and broad energy and natural resources practice, which routinely advises key industry participants on the full life cycle of matters, from regulatory issues, through to finance and corporate transactions. Among the names to note, managing partner Carlos Umaña is recognised for his specialist focus on infrastructure, procurement, utility and natural resources law, while senior partner Carlos Urrutia is sought after for his broad commercial practice that spans regulatory, contentious and transactional work. The department also draws on the senior experience of energy regulation expert Claudia Navarro, who is well versed in both the electric and natural gas spheres, transactional specialist Jaime Robledo and associate director Marianna Boza, who spearheads the firm’s mining and oil and gas group. The practice also leans on a talented band of more junior lawyers, including senior associate Juan Carlos Padilla, who joined in June 2021 from Transportadora de Gas Internacional.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's energy and natural resources group is comprised of ‘experts in the legal and regulatory framework for natural gas and electricity', according to sources. Additionally, the group packs a powerful punch in the mining sector, as demonstrated by its recent appointment to act as local counsel to BHP on the headline $588m sale of its 33% stake in the Cerrejón coal project to Glencore. However, transactional work is just one element of the practice; it is also sought after by mining and energy clients to advise on regulatory matters and the structuring, financing and development of energy projects. Department head Sandra Manrique is roundly praised as ‘one of the best lawyers in the country in the matters she handles'; she is a go-to specialist for hydrocarbons and mining law issues. Other leading figures include associate director of the hydrocarbons practice Johanna Cajigas and principal associate Juan Pablo Gutiérrez, who is responsible for electrical energy matters — together they are highlighted as ‘courteous and creative when proposing solutions'. Additionally, principal associate Mateo Sinisterra steers the mining team, including litigation and administrative proceedings, and is praised as a ‘great connoisseur of the mining industry in all its phases and minerals' — he led the department’s advice on the BHP deal.

The ‘very friendly and attentive' team at Posse Herrera Ruiz is distinguished by its ‘availability, pro-positive disposition and comprehensive advice', according to sources. The full-service practice shines in all key pillars of energy and natural resources work, from bidding applications, through to financing, construction and transactional matters — across all core industry segments. It also routinely works hand-in-hand with other departments in the firm, such as environmental and corporate, to provide support on large-scale energy projects and transactions. Department head Alvaro José Rodríguez maintains a comprehensive energy practice, with an enviable track record in electricity and hydrocarbons matters; he is acting alongside the financial services team to advise Akuo Energy on the development and financing of the Planeta Rica photovoltaic project. Director Diana Salazar spearheads the firm’s mining offering and stands out for her ‘knowledge, technical experience and, above all, for the service she provides'; she brings to bear robust in-house experience following previous roles at Tigers Realm Minerals and Uranium One. Newly promoted partner (January 2022) Mariana Sánchez is additionally recommended for her focus on the natural resources, energy, and infrastructure areas. Clients also single out associate Erika Serrano Rojas, who supports on natural resources and environmental law matters.

‘Distinguished by its teamwork and deep capacity for analysis’, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero houses an increasingly prominent energy and climate change practice that has experienced significant growth in recent years. Most notably, the group was boosted in July 2021 with the absorption of specialist power boutique, Yáñez & Asociados. Additionally, the firm welcomed the arrival of new counsels Leopoldo Olavarría , a Venezuelan-qualified energy transactions specialist who joined in October 2021 from Norton Rose Fulbright in Mexico (from where he will continue to operate); and Mónica Torres , formerly head of boutique firm Viable Legal Business, who joined in March 2022. Alongside its robust electricity offering, the group has broad experience in hydrocarbons and mining matters. Key names include Álvaro Josué Yáñez Alsina , who has two decades of experience in energy and natural resources law and is noted for his regulatory and commercial expertise. Yáñez Alsina co-leads the department together with Daniel Rodríguez  , who has a focus on regulation and projects, and seasoned energy specialist Álvaro Yáñez Peñaranda . Since research concluded, the firm has continued its growth in the natural resources segment with the absorption of mining and environmental boutique Vergel Riascos Abogados in September 2022; mining specialist Daniela Vergel  arrives as a partner with her team of six associates, and also brings abritral and ADR expertise to the team.

Clients value Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas for its ‘responsiveness and ability to transcend legal issues to provide good practical advice'. The multidisciplinary practice is particularly well-primed to handle transactions, including M&A, project finance and securities offerings, but it is also equipped to advise on regulatory matters. Venezuela-qualified Jorge Neher is a ‘practical and sagacious lawyer' and leads the energy practice in Latin America and the Caribbean; he is noted for his focus on hydrocarbons and mining. Other senior names include Hernán Rodríguez, who demonstrates ‘comprehensive knowledge of mining issues', and corporate finance specialist Bernardo Cárdenas. Up-and-coming energy specialist Santiago González is acclaimed as an ‘expert in advising companies in the oil and gas sector'; he handles a mix of transactional and regulatory matters. María Margarita Lorduy, who is associate director of the firm’s environmental practice, is also recommended.

The energy and natural resources group at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) is held in high esteem due to its ‘very good organisation, rigour and quality'. The team primarily handles hydrocarbons and power-related matters, with strong skill sets in both regulation and transactions. Less frequently, it advises on mining and metals-related work. Practice head Patricia Arrázola is widely lauded for her practical approach and brings over 30 years' experience in representing clients in the electricity industry. Germán Villamil specialises in oil and gas law, with a focus on regulatory issues and large-scale transactions. Rounding out the partners is José Luís Palacios, who is also noted for his hydrocarbons expertise. Key support is provided by senior associates Daniel Fajardo, who joined from Holland & Knight in October 2021, and Lina Correa, who specialises in environmental law.

Energy is a core practice globally for Miami-headquartered Holland & Knight and its international prowess is evidenced by its premier client roster, which is comprised of major regional and multinational corporates. Widely recognised for the strength of its oil and gas practice, the group also houses robust offerings in power and mining law. Department head Jose Vicente Zapata enjoys a strong profile in the market for his expertise in the electricity, oil, gas, mining and agrochemical spheres; his broad practice focus spans corporate, commercial and regulatory matters. Ines Elvira Vesga is also a key contact and is particularly recognised for her track record in the oil and gas sector. Senior counsel Juan Casallas provides contentious and regulatory support, while associate Estefanny Pardo has an emphasis on mining, environmental and energy disputes. In a significant development, the group was boosted in August 2022 by the hire of mining specialist Milton Fernando Montoya, who joined as of counsel from his own boutique firm Estudio Juridico Montoya & Asociados, bringing a team of three associates with him. Since publication, Casallas has been raised to the partnership - effective as of 2023.

‘Focused and specialised in the renewable energy sector’, Angulo Martínez & Abogados earns plaudits from sources for its position at the forefront of the Colombian energy transition space. The team, which is dedicated to the electricity sector, handles the full scope of relevant matters, from regulatory and licensing issues, through to project development and cross-border transactions. Founding partner Juan José Angulo is held up by satisfied clients as ‘a benchmark in the renewable energy sector' and is well versed on the full array of regulatory, commercial and transactional issues. Counsel Juan Fernando Giraldo provides specialist support in tax and litigation.

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados impresses with its ‘excellent and timely service' as well as its ‘deep knowledge of the issues'. The firm combines its top-tier projects practice with robust offerings in dispute resolution and public law to specialise in advising energy and natural resources companies in regulatory, judicial and administrative proceedings. Public law expert Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is respected by sources for his ‘career record and good judgment'; he has recently represented mining, electricity and oil and gas companies in regulatory and contentious proceedings. Yady Villaquirán, who has an emphasis on public law and mining work, is also recommended.

Lloreda Camacho & Co.'s team is commended for its ability to ‘provide solutions to any issues that arise’. The firm’s marked focus on mining and minerals-related work pays dividends and major multinational players, such as Anglo American and Zijin-Continental Gold, are on the department’s books. Among its key areas of activity, the practice is recognised for its strength in regulatory issues (including permitting and environmental licensing), commercial agreements and transactional support work — it also regularly advises on contentious matters. High-profile mining expert Ignacio Santamaria co-leads the group alongside recently promoted partner Angela María Salazar; they are highlighted together for their ‘deep technical knowledge of all aspects of mining law in Colombia'.

Energy is a core pillar of Chalela | Abogados‘ firm-wide offering and it enjoys close relationships with a string of longstanding clients operating in the hydrocarbons, mining and power sectors, including High Power Exploration, BC Exploración y Producción de Hidrocarburos and Equion Energia. Regulated industries specialist Federico Chalela spearheads a team that also includes associate María Isabel Paz, who specialises in dispute resolution. Additionally, associate director María Jose Romero (administrative and environmental law) joined in February 2022 from Occidental Petroleum, while principal associate Andrea Gutierrez (commercial law) joined in December 2021 from OlarteMoure. Associate Ana María Iregui  left in May 2021 to become legal counsel at Latitud.

‘A remarkable group with 24/7 availability‘, DLA Piper Martinez Beltrán‘s energy and natural resources lawyers are commended for being ‘focused on the business‘. The team’s industry experience encompasses a range of conventional and renewable power, oil and gas, and water-treatment matters, while its ability to plug into its full-service domestic and global offering ensures that it can provide support on specialist regulatory matters right through to transactional and tax advice. The department’s practice breadth was augmented in April 2021 by the arrival new of director and co-head of ​​energy and natural resources Lucas Arboleda, who was formerly Legal Director of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Public utilities specialist José Miguel Mendoza co-heads the practice.

Clients of Goh assert that the firm stands out for ‘the commitment and dedication of its partners'. The group provides broad coverage of the mining and hydrocarbons industries, with notable strength in the regulatory, contractual, environmental and tax fields. Department head Juan Pablo Godoy has extensive experience in both the upstream and downstream oil and gas spheres; he also brings to bear specialist tax, foreign investment and arbitration expertise. Dispute resolution head Juan Sebastián Lombana and corporate-focused director associate Álvaro Sabbagh also advise on energy and natural resources matters.