Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Environment

Since publication, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero has reinforced it's expertise in evironmental and sustainability matters with the hire of administrative and international public law specialist Tatiana Londoño Camargo as counsel (effective February 2024); formerly the co-founder of LH Law & Consulting, Londoño has particular expertise in human rights' related work.

Environment in Colombia

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)

The practice at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) draws on the wider firm’s premier full-service offering to cover the complete life cycle of environmental law issues. With experience across all key industry sectors — including energy, natural resources, chemicals, infrastructure development and manufacturing — the team advises on a wide range of permitting issues, remediation processes and hazardous waste management, administrative investigations, and contentious matters. The department is led jointly by corporate and M&A head Lina Uribe, who is an expert in environmental regulation and litigation; and energy and natural resources head Patricia Arrázola, who also combines regulatory and transactional experience. The group additionally benefits from the emerging expertise of senior associate Lina Correa, who is highlighted by sources as an ‘effective, analytical, and prudent advisor’.

Practice head(s):

Lina Uribe; Patricia Arrázola


Testimonials

Senior associate Lina Correa  has proven to be an effective, analytical, and prudent advisor.

Key clients

Huawei


BTS


Sierracol


GTM Colombia


Pricesmart


Clorox Company


Gases Industriales De Colombia


Pluspetrol


Weatherford Colombia


Hitachi Power Grids


Softys (CMPC Company)


Idom


Guaicaramo


Signify


Yanbal


Work highlights


  • Advised Sierracol Energy Arauca on all environmental matters concerning the operation of its oil fields
  • Advised Idom on the end-of-life disposal of electronic and electric waste of photovoltaic project and electric vehicles.
  • Advised the main donors, led by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund, on the Herencia Colombia Project, which seeks to allocate $245m for the administration of Colombia’s terrestrial and maritime protected areas.

Holland & Knight

Considered by some as the benchmark for environmental law in Colombia, Holland & Knight’s expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of sectors, including hydrocarbons, energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and food and beverage-related issues. The team is equipped to handle the full scope of matters, from environmental audits and due diligence procedures, right through to major infrastructure project-related work; it also routinely represents clients before administrative and judiciary authorities. Jose Vicente Zapata spearheads the group and is widely revered as a reference in the market; he is currently advising Carbones del Cerrejón on several constitutional claims arising from consultation controversies with ethnic communities. The group also draws on litigator Juan Casallas, who was raised to the partnership in January 2023, as well as energy and environmental law-focused associate lawyers Margarita Solorza and Estefanny Pardo, who were both promoted to senior counsel in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

José Vicente Zapata


Testimonials

Great customer service. The issues are managed diligently and thoroughly. Extensive technical and industry knowledge. Holistic counseling. They are always available. Highly complex issues are adequately handled.

Key clients

Gran Colombia Gold Segovia (Colombia branch)


Racafe


Industria Nacional de Gaseosas (Indega)


Energizer Holding


Lewis Energy Colombia


Promigas


Carbones del Cerrejon


Cerro Matoso


Petroleum Association of Colombia


Transmetano


One of the largest Colombian restaurant chains with presence in more than seven countries


One of the largest consumer goods companies in the world


One of the largest companies in the beverage industry worldwide


One of the world’s leading food and beverage companies


Work highlights


  • Advised Minera de Cobre Quebradona on day-to-day mining and environmental matters related to a strategic environmental licensing procedure.
  • Represented Carbones del Cerrejón in several constitutional claims for the protection of fundamental rights regarding disputes involving prior consultation controversies with ethnic communities.
  • Advised Promigas on environmental licence proceedings, including assistance with hearings requesting additional information before the National Environmental Agency, among other matters.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s environmental law team ‘embodies professionalism, commitment and experience’, according to satisfied clients. The group strikes a balance between regulatory, transactional support, and contentious work, with the ability to support clients at every stage of the environmental law process. In a precedent-setting matter, the group recently represented Grupo Prodeco on the termination of a project’s mining title, including the closing of environmental licences and authorisations with the environmental authority, which was a procedure not covered by Colombian regulations. Go-to environmental specialist Luis Fernando Macías led the firm’s advice to Grupo Prodeco, with support from talented principal associate Alexander Acosta. The group also includes principal associate Iván Páez, who is highlighted as ‘an expert in environmental matters’, and senior associate María Alejandra Gómez, who is noted for her ‘extensive knowledge of current environmental regulations’. Since publication, Páez has been promoted to practice director – effective as of December 2023.

Practice head(s):

Luis Fernando Macias


Testimonials

The PPU team embodies professionalism, commitment and experience, among other virtues. Therefore, its work for our company is remarkable and we prefer it over other firms for this reason.

The team demonstrates its commitment to legal issues that need to be resolved urgently by always being available for inquiries. Associate María Alejandra Gómez and Luis Fernando Macías have extensive knowledge of current environmental regulations, which is available to us as clients at all times.

Associate Ivan Paez is an expert in environmental matters, who is always willing to serve clients, issuing correct and in-depth advice on issues submitted for his consideration. His willingness and advice on all matters entrusted to him is incredible. An exceptional person and an invaluable professional.

We value the team for its lawyers’ kindness and disposition to support the client, especially associate Alexander Acosta.

Key clients

Mansarovar Energy Colombia


Concesionaria Vial del Oriente


Grupo Prodeco


Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA)


Sociedad Aeroportuaria de la Costa (SACSA)


Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente (CFRO)


Inversiones Alcabama


Almacenes Éxito


ALO Sur


Opain


Manufacturas Eliot


Bayer


Colinagro


Work highlights


  • Advised Grupo Prodeco on the termination of a project’s mining title, including the closing of environmental licences and authorisations with the environmental authority.
  • Advised Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA) on modifications to the environmental licences of its power transmission projects.
  • Advised ALO Sur on environmental strategy concerning the development and maintenance of the Avenida Longitudinal de Occidente – Tramo Sur highway project.

Brigard Urrutia

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.

Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados

Lawyers at Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados score highly for combining ‘knowledge of the subject with timely attention in the service’. The latter attribute is a key feature of the practice, which stands out for its expertise in handling environmental emergencies in the mining, hydrocarbons, energy and infrastructure sectors, among others. The group also has growing capability in environmental sanctions procedures and licensing matters. Director Silvia María Méndez Parodi spearheads the department and is noted for her ‘extensive experience’; she is advising Organización Terpel on an environmental sanctioning process regarding an oil spilling in Chiriguaná. In October 2022, five-year associate Lucas Arcila Hoyos joined from Brigard Urrutia.

Practice head(s):

Silvia María Méndez Parodi


Testimonials

We value the environmental law team for its high-quality writing and high-quality legal services. Lawyers provide direct advice and communication. We also appreciate its collaboration with the dispute resolution department.

The lawyers are excellent people, who are very warm and combine knowledge of the subject with timely attention in the service. Silvia María Méndez Parodi has extensive experience in the environmental area. Our contact is directly with her and she is a trusted advisor.

I’d particularly recommend the service of the Environmental Area – it is stand out and there is always a solution to everything.

They provide solutions, landing, kindness, peace of mind and security,.

Key clients

Organización Terpel


Conjunto Residencial Andino


WWF


Familia Navas


GeoPark Colombia


Promotora Convivienda


Corporación Club Los Lagartos


Constructora Bolívar


Monster Energy Colombia


Protela


MG Consultores


Work highlights


  • Advised Organización Terpel on various matters, including an environmental sanctioning process regarding an oil spillage.
  • Advised GeoPark on an analysis of oil easements, environmental responsibility, and compliance matters.
  • Advised Promotora Convivienda on defending their interests before the environmental authorities.

Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados

Real estate powerhouse Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados fields an increasingly prominent environmental law team that is valued for its ‘knowledge of the historical development of environmental regulations and territorial planning’. That being said, the practice extends beyond land planning and land use development to handle environmental issues concerning public utilities, energy, agriculture and life sciences, among other sectors. Group head Natalia Nuñez specialises in environmental, natural resources and public utility law matters; she recently assisted Prodesa with obtaining a riverbed occupation permit for the construction of a bridge for a major housing project. Senior associate Natalia Álvarez and principal associate Ángela Pinzón provide dedicated practice support.

Practice head(s):

Natalia Núñez


Testimonials

We value the team’s interdisciplinary approach and its ability to incorporate knowledge from different practices. We also highlight its ethical qualities.’

Lawyers possess enormous experience in real cases and have direct knowledge of the historical development of environmental regulations and territorial planning. They also demonstrate familiarity with the practice and dynamics of the institutions of the sector.’

Pinilla González y Prieto Abogados is a recognised firm, with extensive and robust experience. Its environmental division has suitable lawyers, duly prepared, with experience in environmental issues of different complexities. Likewise, it is a division that knows the entire technical, legal and political framework of the environmental field and therefore has excellent contacts at all levels. It is seen also clear that the internal support of other disciplines is vital for the success of the work of the environmental division.

The individuals that make up the environmental division are well prepared and trained in different aspects of environmental issues, which allows them to support clients in both normal and complex issues. They are compliant with the work schedules and on issues where there may be a lack of technical knowledge or a weakness, they have the ability to investigate, learn or support themselves with external experts.

Key clients

Prodesa & Cia


IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture


Guala Closures de Colombia


Caicas Flowers


Promotora Parques Industriales de Colombia


Grupo Energía Bogotá


Betania Colombia


Apiros


Promotora Parque Industrial El Cortijo


Autopistas del Café


Work highlights


  • Advised Autopistas del Café on various environmental issues connected to the development of a 12km roadway in the municipality of Pereira.
  • Advised Grupo Energía Bogotá on more than 15 energy transmission projects nationwide.
  • Successfully represented Apiros in an administrative environmental proceeding, obtaining the removal of a preventive measure suspending construction activities for the alleged improper disposal of construction waste in one of its housing projects.

Posse Herrera Ruiz

Posse Herrera Ruiz has a strong record in obtaining authorisations and permits for clients before environmental agencies, with a focus on companies operating in the energy and natural resources, agribusiness, retail and real estate sectors. Among its other practice strong-suits, the group is also well placed to advise on transaction-related matters, where it can team up with the firm’s energy and corporate partners. The department is led jointly by natural resources and energy specialist Alvaro José Rodríguez, who combines strength in regulatory and transactional work, and newly promoted director (July 2023) Erika Serrano, who is noted for her experience in environmental permitting and sanctioning processes. Since publication, Serrano has been raised to the partnership - effective as of March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Alvaro José Rodríguez; Erika Serrano


Key clients

Hidrocarburos del Casanare


Mineros


Unilever Andina Colombia


Prime Termoflores


SeaOne Holdings


Resiter Colombia


Energo-Pro Colombia


GreenLand Investment


Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales


Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia


Work highlights


  • Assisted Hidrocarburos del Casanare with obtaining the environmental authorisations before the national environmental agency relating to a new natural gas project.
  • Advised Mineros on the available legal alternatives for obtaining the environmental authorisations and permits required for developing its placer mining operations.
  • Advised Unilever Andina on all day-to-day environmental matters relating to its manufacturing operations and the management of controlled substances required for its production processes.

Ucrós & Asociados Abogados SAS

Micro-boutique Ucrós & Asociados Abogados SAS fields a highly specialised six-strong team consisting of three lawyers and three environmental technicians (including an environmental engineer and a biologist). The team provides a personalised, fully integrated technical-legal environmental law offering, that includes environmental planning, the development of administrative strategies to obtain relevant permits and licenses, and the resolution of issues arising from accidents (such as spillages & contamination) or other critical scenarios. It also undertakes preventative advice concerning environmental regulatory compliance and sustainability matters. Founding partner and practice head Juan Carlos Ucrós – a genuine pioneer in the sector – spent several years at the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente before establishing the firm, which today has a twenty year trajectory in the sector.  Senior associate and head of projects, John Iván Nova is a dispute resolution specialist with over twenty years’ environmental experience in both the public sector and private practice.

Practice head(s):

Juan Carlos Ucrós


Key clients

Consorcio SH


SACYR Construcciones Colombia


Concesión Doble Calzada Oriente


Club La Pradera de Potosí


Consorcio constructor San Sebastian 064


Concesión Alto Magdalena


Energía de Francia Refoenergy Villanueva


Grupo Cartama


O-I Cristalería Peldar


Crown Colombiana


Helios Energia


Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahia


Consorcio Constructor Sabana Norte


Proquinal


Fundación Omacha


Work highlights


  • External environmantal advisors regarding the Concesión Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá, including the obtaining of the projects environmental license, environmental project direction and regulatory compliance, and management of community and municipal authority relations.
  • External environmental advisors to Concesión Autopistas del Café for the modification of its environmental license for the Par Vial Campoalegre section of the project.
  • Advisors to O-I Cristalería Peldar before the environmental authorities regarding the companies mining explorations, thereby esuring the continuity of such activities and also the incorporation of conservation and sustainability strategies into said operations.

Baker McKenzie S.A.S.

The ‘very diligent and proactive’ team at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. stands out for its ability to plug into the wider international firm’s 250-lawyer-strong global environmental practice. The team’s international capability is reflected in its diverse client roster, which features major multinational corporations, such as Schlumberger and Engie, alongside high-profile domestic names, such as Ecopetrol and the National Mining Agency. Senior associate Camila Jiménez is the leader of the environmental sub-practice, which sits within the larger energy, mining, and infrastructure department. The group also draws on energy specialist Alejandro Mesa and associate Laura Torres, who focuses on energy and environmental law.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro Mesa; Camila Jiménez


Testimonials

The environmental area has extensive knowledge in its field, supports the company’s internal team in a timely manner, and provides adequate support.

We highlight Camila Jiménez for her good attitude, disposition and knowledge, which combine to make this practice strong in environmental law services.

A diverse and competent team, which has the capacity to provide a timely response to our different matters. Lawyers are characterised by their kindness and tact in times of stress and when things get difficult within our team, due to the sensitivity of the topics covered.

Key clients

Engie Colombia


Ecopetrol


Impala Terminals Colombia


Empresas Públicas de Medellín


Schlumberger Surenco


Trafigura Environmental Solutions


Natura Colombia


National Mining Agency


Netflix


Mantos Andinos


Clarios Andina


Humax Pharmaceutical


Minería Texas Colombia


Work highlights


  • Advised FMC Technologies on obtaining the applicable permits granted by DIMAR, in order to be able to provide maritime services to an offshore project to be undertaken by Shell and Ecopetrol.
  • Advised the National Mining Agency on the tender process for awarding contracts for Colombia’s strategic mining areas.
  • Advised Schlumberger Surenco on the environmental licence granted to Ecopetrol to conduct fracking pilot projects, under which Schlumberger would provide oil services.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ team is well versed in environmental law matters relating to the energy, mining, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries, among others. With experience across the full range of permitting, project development, administrative procedures, and due diligence-related issues, practice director María Margarita Lorduy is fully equipped to support domestic and multinational clients on their local environmental law needs. Natural resources co-head Hernán Rodríguez also advises on environmental law matters, with a focus on the mining and minerals sphere.

Practice head(s):

María Margarita Lorduy


Key clients

Cabot Colombia


Grupo Sancho


Derco Colombia


Sacyr Concesiones Colombia


Textiles Lafayette


Strabag


Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Colombia


Lincoln Soldaduras de Colombia


Aris Mining Corporation


ONGC Videsh (Colombia branch)


Work highlights


  • Advised Cabot Colombia on the environmental aspects of its request before the environmental authority for the renewal of an atmospheric emissions permit, among other matters.
  • Advised Grupo Sancho on matters related to the application for registration of visual advertising before the environmental authority.
  • Advised Textiles Lafayette on an appeal for reconsideration of a fine imposed by an environmental-sanctioning procedure, among other issues.

DLA Piper Martinez Beltrán

New entrant to the table for 2024, DLA Piper Martinez Beltrán’s environmental law group has posted significant growth following the arrival of new practice head Camila del Villar in February 2022 from Holland & Knight LLP. Del Villar, who was promoted from director to partner in January 2023, is dedicated to environmental law and sustainable development and is praised by sources for being ‘very knowledgeable about regulation and the market in general’. Significantly, the group added seven new clients over the past year, including Macquarie Group, Norte Santandereana de Gas, and Sika. Associate Daniela Pinilla Mendez, who joined from Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados in March 2022, is also noted.

Practice head(s):

María Camila del Villar


Testimonials

‘The team operates at an excellent professional level. Lawyers provide direct and specialised attention to customer needs.’

María Camila del Villar, as the leader of the practice, is very knowledgeable about regulation and the market in general.

The team is interdisciplinary, has an adequate management of the themes, and is always attentive to the client’s requests.’

We appreciate that the team maintains a more personal relationship with clients. The team’s support generates a very strong relationship of trust regarding its work.’

Key clients

Macquarie Group


Norte Santandereana de Gas


Sika


Shell


Work highlights


  • Advised Macquarie Group on the environmental due diligence process connected to Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V’s acquisition of a stake in Odinsa’s concessions portfolio.
  • Advised Sika Colombia on obtaining regulatory permits for the use of controlled chemical substances under the Colombian legal framework.
  • Advised Norgas on environmental matters concerning their operations, particularly in relation to land use and environmental permits.

Lloreda Camacho & Co.

Noted for its ‘perfect knowledge of Colombian legislation’, Lloreda Camacho & Co. supports clients on a range of environmental compliance, administrative procedures and due diligence matters. The firm’s robust offerings in the mining and life sciences spheres ensures that it is particularly active in environmental law issues pertaining to those industries, but its broad sector experience also spans agribusiness, technology and forestry, among others. Mining and natural resources specialists Ignacio Santamaria and Angela María Salazar oversee a practice that also includes environmental law-focused senior associate Natalia Soto, whose ‘deliverables are perfectly executed’.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Santamaría; Ángela María Salazar


Testimonials

The environmental team has perfect knowledge of Colombian legislation. Lawyers are practical in their advice and they always take care of the interests of their clients.’

It has an excellent programme for regulatory monitoring and regulatory projects, which is essential in a regulatory transition like the one Colombia is currently experiencing with the change of government. It is very important to highlight that the team’s customer service is second to none.’

Lawyers differ from the other law firms we work with because of their customer service. They provide us with constant and excellent quality support, they know our emergencies and support us when we need them.’

Senior associate Natalia Soto is a very competent lawyer, who is always up-to-date on the reality of the sector and regulatory trends. Her deliverables are perfectly executed.’

Key clients

Mineros / Mineros Aluvial BIC


HP Colombia


Corteva Agriscience De Colombia


Permian Global


Rare Inc Colombia


Cristian Perez


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing advice to Mineros in connection with environmental regulations applicable to its operations.
  • Advising HP Colombia on environmental regulations, among other matters.
  • Advising Corteva Agriscience de Colombia on environmental regulations and requirements applicable to special projects, mainly related to air emissions and wastewater.

Palacios Lleras

Public law stalwart Palacios Lleras is arguably best known for its activity in the mining sector, where it primarily supports longstanding key client, Drummond, in environmental law-related administrative proceedings and contentious matters. The team has also recently undertaken environmental law work connected to the shipping and port spheres. High-profile public law expert Hugo Palacios Mejía steers the practice. Additionally, litigator Óscar Gutiérrez is noted for his experience in environmental law disputes, particularly proceedings involving infrastructure and port-related issues.

Practice head(s):

Hugo Palacios Mejía


Key clients

Drummond


Drummond Coal Mining


Drummond Energy


Transport Services


American Port Company


Work highlights


  • Advised Drummond on environmental sanction proceedings filed by the Colombian Environmental Authority.
  • Advised Drummond on disputing an obligation imposed by the Colombian Environmental Authority to relocate more than 850 families living in the vicinity of coal mines.
  • Advised the Drummond group in class actions and individual liability actions concerning alleged environmental infringements, involving damage claims amounting to $102m.