The Legal 500 > Latin America > Colombia > Environment

Providing compliance assessment to major companies from all economic sectors of the economy, full-service Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) renders preventive and day-to-day advice, as well as support and representation in investigations and requirements before the authorities. With a practice that combines environmental law with corporate and M&A matters, practice head Lina Uribe has extensive experience across the environmental spectrum, from punitive proceedings to contaminated site remediation. Uribe leads an eight-strong team that also includes key senior associate Lina Correa, who focuses on preventative and compliance matters (including staff training), and also has expertise in social and community matters.

Holland & Knight is widely respected for its deep and broad environmental focus, which encompasses a comprehensive spread of regulatory and compliance issues, corporate support matters, permitting and certifications, and top administrative and judicial litigation. In terms of industry strengths, the team is best known for its expertise in the energy and natural resources sector, but it also acts for private and public sector clients in the food, beverage, transport and construction sectors, among others. A longstanding authority in the field, practice head José Vicente Zapata has 'an impressive practical sense and never limits himself to just answering what the law says', leads the 15-associate strong team. Senior counsel Juan Israel Casallas, who focuses on public law, arbitration, and constitutional and administrative litigation; and associates Margarita Solorza (corporate and litigation), and Camila Del Villar (environmental law), render key support.

A medium-sized firm with a broad service offering, Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados houses a sophisticated and comprehensive environmental practice led by reputed specialist Juan Manuel Sabogal, who is highlighted for his 'up-to-date and forceful knowledge', as well as for his availability and attentiveness. The four-strong area advises local and multinational companies on day-to-day compliance and regulatory issues, primarily in the energy and extractive sectors, but also for clients in the construction, aviation and public utilities areas. The team is particularly sought after for its weight in strategic matters, especially audits, administrative defence and environmental litigation. Key experience comes from noted senior associate Silvia Méndez, whose past experience includes as an environmental advisor at the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.

Full-service firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría features one of the leading practices in the market after the incorporation of former corporate environmental law boutique Macías Gómez y Asociados Abogados SAS. Recognised specialist Luis Fernando Macías, a former legal chief of the Ministry for Environment who also has over 20 years' private practice experience, is deeply knowledgeable, particularly in environmental litigation and arbitration. He leads an eight-strong group that covers the full array of environmental-related services with a focus on the corporate aspect; the team can also fall on the support from the firm's other departments. The practice has a broad sector approach and beyond the energy and extractive industries advises major players in the food and drinks industry and the financial sector, particularly in relation to environmental impact assessments for potential investment projects. Key support comes from principal associate Alexander Acosta, who focuses on sustainability and renewable energies, and senior associate María Alejandra Gómez, who is experienced in identifying and mitigating potential risks.

Brigard Urrutia's environmental law practice is distinguished by its close links with other firm departments, particularly the natural resources and infrastructure and public utilities practices, which translates into a steady stream of both transactional and regulatory support matters, as well as acting before regulators and courts. Senior associate Guillermo Tejeiro, who has prior experience in sustainability matters as consultant for an NGO and an environmental law boutique in Brazil, is the key name in the area, and leads the seven strong team. Providing an interdisciplinary approach, the group assists with obtaining environmental authorisations and permits, undertaking due diligence on legal and socio-environmental issues, and planning and executing prior consultations with ethnic communities.

Providing comprehensive advice to project development and business compliance, Posse Herrera Ruiz's environmental practice group is co-led (at partner-level), by Álvaro José Rodríguez, a former legal advisor and international negotiator for the country's ministry of environment before entering private practice. The group handles the strategic planning of environmental licensing and permitting applications for complex energy, infrastructure and manufacturing projects, considering conservation areas, land use restrictions, municipal plans and community’s consultations. The team also undertakes environmental litigation and representation in administrative authorities’ investigations. Energy and natural resources senior associate Erika Serrano, who joined from Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría in October 2019, has past in-house environmental experience; she and corporate-focused associate Julián Aguirre in the Medellín office, act as fellow co-heads in conjunction with Rodríguez. However, the group lost administrative litigator María Lucía Posada in July 2020, as well as associate María Catalina Visbal, who left for Parex Resources, in August 2019.

Palacios Lleras is a popular choice for complex environmental litigation, particularly for mining companies, representing them before the highest courts. However, the firm, also a regulatory powerhouse, additionally advises clients on the impact of environmental regulatory changes to their businesses and operations. Founding partner Hugo Palacios Mejía and senior partner Óscar Gutiérrez, both widely recognised as experienced litigators, head the six strong team. The team has particular expertise advising public and private entities regarding royalties’ payments for environmental services, and on corporate and social responsibility in relation to projects.

A market-leader in real estate and construction matters, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados is best known for the strength of its environmental advisory focused on urban and planning matters. The five strong practice, led for the last three years by environmental specialist Natalia Nuñez, has consolidated its presence in a number of other sectors, including energy, mining and agricultural. The practice handles advisory on the dismantling of industries, public utilities, connectivity issues, environmental due diligence and representation in administrative environmental litigation, as well as processing licenses and permits. Senior associate Ángela Pinzón who focuses on environmental law and public services, provides key support.