The full-service offering at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) boasts a particularly strong reputation for handling all aspects of environmental law matters, including environmental due diligence, preparation of legal environmental matrixes and compliance with national and international regulations. The firm regularly assists clients in obtaining environmental licenses, permits, authorisations and registrations, reviewing agreements and indemnification clauses related to the assumption of environmental liability, as well as providing advice on remediation processes and the handling of hazardous waste. Head of energy and natural resources, Patricia Arrázola Bustillo, and head of the environmental practice, Lina Uribe García, co-lead the 10-strong team, displaying extensive experience across the environmental spectrum. Key support is provided by senior associate Lina Correa, who focuses on environmental compliance matters for clients in various economic sectors.
Environment in Colombia
Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)
Practice head(s):
Patricia Arrázola Bustillo; Lina Uribe García
Testimonials
‘Good attention, clear solutions and a very good disposition in the search for the probative material with which the case was approached.’
‘Very good advice, totally understandable and always looking for the best solution for the client, mitigating risks.’
‘Very good adaptation to virtuality.’
Key clients
Pricesmart
Clorox Company
Cenit
Gases Industriales de Colombia
Pluspetrol
Weatherford Colombia
Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Abbot Laboratories
Bufalabella
Softys (CMPC Company)
General Motors-Colmotores
Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and The World Wildlife Fund
Signify
Yanbal
Fundación Santo Domingo
Work highlights
- Advised Carlyle Group on the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of major Colombian oil producers, Oxy Colombia Holdings and Occidental International Holdings’ assets in Colombia.
- Assisted EDP Renováveis with the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Solar Power Solutions ESP, which owns 100% of three companies, each of which is developing a wind farm located in the Department of La Guajira.
- Advice on the environmental and social requirements for the modification of the hydroelectric projects located in the Chocó region in favour of Hydroglobal HK (joint venture owned by China Three Gorges) and EDP Portugal.
Holland & Knight
The ‘excellent’ multidisciplinary team at Holland & Knight has in-depth knowledge of all issues related to land use and environmental law, covering the full spectrum of matters but with a particular focus on climate change, compliance auditing and corporate governance, energy efficiency, environmental health and safety, green building, natural resources and sustainability issues. The team acts for a number of high-profile companies in the oil-and-gas industry and has seen recent growth in its client roster in to the food and beverage and chemicals segmments, among others. Leading the 16-strong team is José Vicente Zapata, a well-known prasence in th eenvironmental sector and natural resources' expert with over 20 years' experience – he currently focuses on corporate and commercial matters which include an emphasis on the environment, energy and natural resources. Other names to note are: Ines Elvira Vesga (who was promoted to partner in August 2021), senior counsel Juan Israel Casallas, senior associate Camila Del Villar and associate Margarita Solorza.
Practice head(s):
José Vicente Zapata
Testimonials
‘It is an excellent team with a lot of experience and practice. The lawyers know how to prioritise and understand the needs of their clients.’
‘Excellent and close attention. Quick responses.’
‘It is a very solid team with great cohesion, knowledge and management of environmental issues, and the ability to articulate these issues with those of the sector in which the company is located, as well as great knowledge and management of regulatory issues that apply to the company. As a team they complement each other perfectly and have excellent handling.’
‘Empathy to understand the needs of the company and the difficulties faced in the development of activities so as to provide solutions.’
‘This area in Colombia is very demanding because it is made up of legal elements and environmental technical elements. Lawyers who handle this issue require solid legal knowledge complemented with an understanding of how the environmental authorities operate, along with environmental knowledge. I believe that H&K has a solid team and that it builds responses based on experience and risk assessment. They are people with deep knowledge and a permanent attitude of investigation and seeking solutions. They are very accomplished and efficient in responding to the needs we have as clients.’
Key clients
Racafe CIA SCA
Petrobras de Valores Internacional de España (sucursal Colombia)
Sator
Emerald Energy
Lewis Energy Colombia
Syngenta
Terranum Desarrollo
TransGas de Occidente
Equión Energía
Work highlights
- Advised coal mining company Sator on the environmental licensing procedure of a key coal mining project, involving strategic analysis of the granted environmental licences, focusing on potential restrictions to in situ operations, and the drafting and submission of the corresponding appeal before the National Environmental Licensing Authority.
- Provided advice and judicial representation to oil and gas company, Equion, in more than 200 judicial proceedings related to the discussion of an environmental tax (1% obligation) derived from the environmental license granted for oil projects, the structuring of the legal strategy necessary for the negotiation with the environmental authority at the mediation discussions with the National Agency for Environmental Licenses (ANLA) led by the National Agency for the Judicial Defense of the State (ANDJE).
- Ongoing advice to oil and gas E&P company, Emerald Energy, on regulatory and contractual matters; services include the preparation of contractual and legal documents related to the operation of the company in Colombia, as well as environmental matters.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
Head of the environment team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, and widely recognised by peers and clients as a leading practitioner in the field, Luis Fernando Macías advises both national and multinational companies on complex environmental matters. The practice regularly undertakes work covering the full spectrum of environmental-related services with a focus on the corporate aspect. In addition, it is currently developing a new sub-practice regarding sanitary law – a growing area of focus following new regulations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Key support at associate level comes from principals Alexander Acosta, who focuses on sustainability and renewable energies; and Ivan Paez , who shows ‘exceptional knowledge of litigation issues’. Senior associate María Alejandra Gómez is an ‘excellent professional, with extensive knowledge and versatility’.
Practice head(s):
Luis Fernando Macías
Testimonials
‘The availability they have to attend to our affairs. They are open, warm people and their experience in the sector makes them reliable.’
‘Plus factors: their human qualities and the knowledge they have of our company. Moreover, the preventive and risk management approach allows us not only to trust its concept but also to be reassured by its risk management approach.’
‘Alejandra [Gómez] our support lawyer, in addition to being young, has the full support of the partner in charge and gives us a lot of confidence. Alejandra is the best attorney for environmental matters that we have found. Dr. Macías is the partner who leads this issue and has been empowering Alejandra so that she is the one who leads the relationship with us.’
‘The availability of the lawyers and their knowledge of the sector. Alexander Acosta: his availability and knowledge of the sector.’
‘Ivan Paez – his exceptional knowledge of litigation issues.’
‘Luis Fernando Macias: his availability and knowledge; the attention is excellent and the delivery times noteworthy.’
‘Extensive knowledge and recognition of environmental issues. It is a team that looks at different alternatives and debates them, something very positive.’
‘They are a great team, far superior to other firms.’
‘Alejandra Gómez is an excellent professional, with extensive knowledge and versatility in seeing opportunities or threats in the context of a problem raised. Fernando Macías is an authority on the subject and this translates into the reliability of his analysis.’
‘I like the reports of regulatory changes in the different sectors, it is an email with relevant information, not only from the environmental field; a very good initiative.’
‘It is a very good team, very diligent, attentive and always support the company with advice and concepts that are very consistent and complete.’
‘Ivan Páez seems to us to be an excellent lawyer, very clear in all his presentations, he makes us feel comfortable, confident and that we are advised in an excellent way.’
‘They keep us updated with the regulations in all matters, particularly those related to environmental issues, it is easy to access the trusted advisor, unlike other firms where one is assigned an advisor per share.’
‘PPU’s internal environmental team stands out for its knowledge of the sector and the experience of its associates. They have very specialised knowledge in environmental matters. Alejandra Gómez is highlighted, she has all the virtues to be the next partner in the department.’
‘Recommended for having the environmental technico-legal experience and their availability to the client – which personalises the handling of needs and priorities.‘
Key clients
Bayer
Mansarovar Energy Colombia
Holcim Colombia
Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico
CI Prodeco
Interconexión Eléctrica ESP
Sociedad Aeroportuaria de la Costa (SACSA)
Hocol
Cementos Argos
Compañía Nacional de Levaduras, Levapan
Transmisora Colombiana De Energía ESP
Autopistas del Nordeste
Concesionaria Vial Del Oriente
Grupo Manuelita Isagen ESP
Aes Chivor & Cia ESP
Jemeiwaa Ka’i
Brinsa
Productos Naturales de la Sabana – Alquería
Work highlights
- Legal and regulatory advice to Bayer for the design of a strategy to authorise the production of agrochemical products, such as glyphosate, through the modification of the environmental license by Resolution 1044 of 2020.
- Legal advice to Mansarovar Energy Colombia on the submission before National Environmental Authority, ANLA, of the updating of the obligation related to the forced investment of 1% of the value of the total project, as a method to avoid overruns to the client.
- Legal advice and representation of Holcim Colombia in the judicial process of Reparación Directa, before the Tribunal de Boyacá with regard to accusations of negative impacts on water resources linked to the occurrence of floods in the lands surrounding the plant; Holcim was acquitted of all accusations.
Brigard Urrutia
The interdisciplinary practice at Brigard Urrutia draws experience from lawyers across its natural resources, infrastructure and public utilities departments to offer a comprehensive portfolio of services in matters such as obtaining environmental authorisations and permits, due diligence and environmental audits. The firm regularly represents clients in environmental claims and investigations before governmental agencies, as well as before the courts, combining the expertise of its litigators and environmental experts. Senior associate Guillermo Tejeiro is head of the environmental and sustainable business development team, and advises national and international clients on matters related to the sustainability of projects and activities, including the representation of clients in environmental litigation, advising on environmental tax benefits, ESG matters, and structuring projects and green business. Partner Jaime Robledo is best known for corporate work, but also advises on environment-related cases for companies from the finance, aeronautics, and oil-and-gas sectors.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Robledo; Guillermo Tejeiro
Key clients
Laboratorios Baxter
Biofix Consultoría
Carbo-sostenible
Compañía de Puertos Asociados (COMPAS)
Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente (CFRO)
Elecnorte
Electricaribe
Expertise France
Ferro Internacional – Nubiola
Proyectos Vertize
LCPZ Colombia
Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia / Oleoducto de Los Llanos Orientales
SK Bergé
Suzuki Motor de Colombia
Transmisora Colombiana de Energía (TCE)
Volvo Group Colombia
Work highlights
- General environmental advisor of Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia and Oleoducto de Los Llanos Orientales regarding their operations, including advisory on the legal, technical and social aspects of their operations in Colombia.
- General environmental advisor to Laboratorios Baxter on its operations, including advisory on legal and technical aspects.
- Consultants to Expertise France in realtion to defining the new legal structure of the Colombian Strategy to Decarbonize the Economy by 2050 (Climate Resilience Strategy)
Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados
Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados' broad service offering revolves primarily around advice within the mining, oil and gas, energy and infrastructure sectors – often on matters involving hazardous waste management, compliance and regulatory issues. The three-strong area is sought after by both local and multinational companies for its weight in strategic matters, especially audits, administrative defence and environmental litigation. The department is now under the leadership of associate director Silvia María Méndez Parodi, whose past experience includes as an environmental advisor at the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Méndez Parodi was promoted to head of practice after reputed specialist Juan Manuel Sabogal passed away in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Silvia María Méndez Parodi
Key clients
Geopark Colombia
Petróleos Sudamericanos (sucursal Colombia)
Asociación Nacional de Empresas Generadoras (ANDEG)
Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniería Julio Garavito
Promotora Convivienda
Corporación Club Los Lagartos
Organización Terpel
Constructora Bolívar
Monster Energy Drink
Caja de Compensación Familiar de Antioquia (COMFAMA)
Protela
Work highlights
- Assisting GeoPark, an oil and gas E&P company GeoPark with the analysis of oil easements, environmental responsibility and compliance on environmental and mining matters.
- Ongoing advice to Petróleos Sudamericanos (“Petrosud”) to assist with solving environmental enquiries that arise from its day-to-day activities – focused on the reactivation of wells across Colombia, and on ensuring optimum efficiency to enable production from low-capacity wells.
- Prepared multiple petitions for CREG (Regulation Commission of Energy and Gas), seeking a regulatory adjustment to the way in which energy is valued in relation to the “Cargo por Restricciones”, a charge that affects both the fee paid by the users of an energy service and the payment received by the companies producing the energy.
Posse Herrera Ruiz
Posse Herrera Ruiz‘s environmental practice group is a full-service offering, acting particularly on matters across the entire energy sector, and perhaps best known for its advice on oil and gas, renewable energy and associated disputes, as well as in environmental regulation. The practice is led at partner level by Alvaro José Rodríguez (head of the natural resources department), a renowned professional in energy and environmental matters, whoe spent four years at the Ministry of Environment prior to entering private practice. Senior associate Erika Serrano who has wide experience in environmental permitting and sanctioning processes, as well as in the legal management of controlled chemical substances is an additional key member of the team and co-heads the practice in conjunction with Rodríguez. However, former associate Julián Manrique moved in house at Prime Energía in September 2021.
Practice head(s):
Alvaro José Rodríguez
Key clients
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Arrow Exploration Limited
Conoco Phillips
Cedco (The Carlyle Group)
Energo-pro
BHP Chile
SeaOne Caribbean
Northland Power
Hidrocasanare
Yara
Oiltanking
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
Sociedad Minera de Santander S.A.S. (Minesa)
Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp.
Work highlights
- Advised Oxy in the sale of substantially all its onshore Colombian oil and gas assets to the Carlyle Group.
- Advised Solarpack in the qualification process of its subsidiary in Colombia for the bidding process of a 50 MW solar energy farm for Ecopetrol, Colombia’s largest company.
- Advised Northland Power in the bidding process for a 275 km transmission line 500 kW. Northland Power sought to enter the local transmission line market through this transaction. This line in particular joined up with the distribution network of EBSA that they acquired early this year.
Araújo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales
The environmental practice at Araújo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales specialises in advice to corporates on environmental planning and project development, including public investment initiatives, licensing, business risk assessments and compliance with environmental law. The team has experience in modernisation and expansion projects in the oil sector, one such example being the planning and environmental management of two refineries in Colombia. Additionally, the team offers advice on environmental tax benefits. Javier Eduardo Trillos leads the four-strong practice group, and focuses on the implementation of environmental processes, related investments and clean development mechanisms.
Practice head(s):
Javier Eduardo Trillos
Baker McKenzie S.A.S.
The environmental department at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. is active across many transactions, effectively resolving environmental challenges as they relate to compliance with environmental regulations. Experienced senior associate Camila Jiménez leads the practice, representing primarily oil, mining, agrochemical and industrial companies in Colombia, particularly on the structuring of relevant environmental due diligence processes. Partner-level support is provided by energy specialist Alejandro Mesa, and Andrés Crump, who has experience in complex M&A transactions, especially in the infrastructure and power generation sectors. Associate Mariana Villegas is also noted for her work on mining, oil and gas matters.
Practice head(s):
Alejandro Mesa; Andres Crump; Mariana Villegas; Camila Jimenez
Testimonials
‘For the area of environment and compliance, the person who has given us support has been attorney Camila Jimenez, who has provided us with answers and clear and accurate guidance on legal matters, at the times in which we have needed her; I emphasize her availability to assist us, her ability to make us understand the issues, her methodology of analysis of the situations and her speed to comply with the commitments that we establish in each meeting. Definitely for the reasons mentioned above, the Baker McKenzie team has been outstanding in the service they have provided us, being far above other teams.‘
Key clients
Solargreen
Trafigura Marketing Colombia ESP
Oak Creek Energy
Voltalia
SC Solar
EPM
Clarios Andina
SPV Villanueva
Refocosta
MAC Johnson Controls
Schlumberger Surenco
Graña y Montero (Morelco)
ONGC Videsh
Petroleo Brasilero (PETROBRAS)
Total EyP Colombie (sucursal Colombia)
Brookfield
Peabody Energy Corporation
Crest Investments – Texas Mining and Associates
Talis Capital
Stepan Colombia
Cummins Norte de Colombia
Ferro Corporation
Intenartional Flavors and Fragances Colombia
Global Tower Solutions
Sociedad Portuaria Impala Terminals
MGM Innova Group
Work highlights
- Assisting Clarios Andina with the process of implementing the proper management of waste coming from plastics and paperboard, according to regulations recently issued by the Colombian government.
- Advised EPM on the drafting of an environmental due diligence report regarding compliance with the applicable environmental regulations and authorisations granted to Electricaribe, as part of the due diligence process for acquisition of the company.
Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas
Joining the rankings for 2021, Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas' demonstrates expertise in environmental and social regulatory matters, primarily in relation to the mining industry. In this area, the firm has been in consultation with government authorities to discuss a large number of the recent mining, environmental and social regulations in Colombia. The environment practice is perhaps best known in relation to M&A in the mining sector, including complex cross-border transactions, multidisciplinary due diligence and securities-related elements such as Canadian plans of arrangements and the IPOs of listed companies. Associate director María Margarita Lorduy heads the environment team, advising on environmental matters for well known mining, hydrocarbon, and infrastructure companies.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Cárdenas Martinez; James Valdiri Reyes; Jorge Neher, Hernán Rodriguez; Santiago Gonzalez
Testimonials
‘Very professional and have the necessary knowledge to support us in making decisions. Knowledge of regulations and relationship with government entities.’
‘They have a highly experienced team in providing legal services and in different areas of law. They have great communication and relationship skills and are very friendly at all times. The team is diverse in every way, as well as very versatile and with an international and local focus. Their rates are competitive and they are very collaborative. They are very experienced in the practice area and they know the sector well, as well as the regulations. Hernan Rodriguez and Margarita Lorduy always provide an accompaniment of exceptional quality and that is very close.’
Key clients
Novum Energy
Brazil Resources
Valparaiso Energy
Newmont Mining Corporation
Gran Colombia Gold
Iamgold
Anglo Gold Ashanti
Anglo American
Greenstone Mining
Caribbean Resources
Enami
B2Gold
Royal Road Minerals
Mineros
Toachí Mining
Asociación Colombiana de Minería
Sun Valley Investments
Atico Mining
Minera el Roble
Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration
GoldMining
Hochschild Mining
RK Mine finance Bermuda I
Minera Cobre de Colombia
Touchstone
Miraflores Compañía Minera
Baroyeca
Carbocoque
Aris Investment
Fenix Gold
Gramalote Colombia
Minera Cobre Quebradona
Work highlights
- Advised Minera El Roble regarding the filing before the National Mining Agency for an extension of its mining concession.; involving the design and implementation of a complex legal strategy that seeks to obtain a new mining concession under current regulations, allowing it to continue its existing mining operations for an additional 30 years and carry out new exploration activities.
- Advising Gramalote on the structuring of a power line project to supply the company’s project, involving the structuring of the terms of reference, the preparation and drafting of agreements, and support in the definitive contractor’s selection process for the construction of the line.
- Advised AngloGold Ashanti subsidiary Quebradona on preparing the legal chapters of the pre-feasibility study for a world-class copper mining project in Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia.
Guerrero Ruiz Asociados
Specialist boutique firm Guerrero Ruiz Asociados focuses almost exclusively on advising in the environment and natural resources sectors. The team acts primarily in cases involving compliance issues relating to environmental regulations, and strategic litigation concerning environmental risk matters. Recent highlights include advising Refinería de Cartagena (a subsidiary of Ecopetrol) on an environmental licensing disagreement before the ANLA. Founding partner Gustavo Adolfo Guerrero Ruiz ('an indisputable support when making strategic decisions') has a strong track record in the field, and leads the four-strong team.
Practice head(s):
Gustavo Adolfo Guerrero Ruiz
Testimonials
‘The environmental area of Guerrero Ruiz Asociados combines competencies in environmental law with a very important emphasis on urban law. It is also a firm with great competence in litigation matters. I believe that it compares favourably with the teams of other firms as it integrates unique competencies in real estate and litigation matters. They have a team of lawyers specialised in different aspects of environmental law, but also with the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team that works hand in hand with the legal team. This marks an important difference from other areas of environmental law. Gustavo Guerrero is a highly competent lawyer not only in environmental law but also in litigation with the experience that enables him to know the issues in their entirety.‘
‘Guerrero Ruiz Asociados has been a strategic ally in the prevention, control and management of the legal environmental matters of our organisation. The knowledge and expertise of its representative, Gustavo Guerrero, gives us peace of mind that the matters that we submit to his consideration will be resolved with high quality work; he is an indisputable support when making strategic decisions as a company. The firm stands out from others, in its personalised attention and availability to the client, as well as its proven expertise in the solution and planning of business environmental legal management. Likewise, it has an excellent relationship with the environmental authorities, efficiently handling the different procedures under its charge.‘
Key clients
Refinería de Cartagena
Gloria Colombia
Productos Alimenticios El Recreo
Inerco Consultoría Colombia
La Pradera de Potosí Club Residencial
Canacol Energy
Politecnico Internacional
Aventtus
Proyecto El Triunfo
Combustibles Capital
Work highlights
- Advising Refinería de Cartagena on the application, processing and obtaining of modifications to the environmental license before the National Authority of Environmental Licenses ANLA for its expansion and modernisation.
- Advised the INERCO OPTIM Temporary Union on the structuring of eight sustainable productive projects for local communities and producer organisations in the Department of Cauca, with financing from the IDB and the Sustainable Colombia Fund within the framework of the green and sustainable business strategy payment for environmental services.
- Advising the builder of the Montevioleta Country Condominium project on the process to obtain a discharge permit for the urban development project.
Palacios Lleras
Palacios Lleras is perhaps best known for its public law capabilities, especially in relation to the energy sector and mining activities, but also demonstrates successful experience in complex environmental litigation, where it represents an array of companies at all court levels. Particularly strong in regulatory advisory work, the practice is led by enormously experienced founding partner, Hugo Palacios Mejía; and senior partner Óscar Gutiérrez, who is an expert in litigation regarding infrastructure and port matters. Both leaders are highly respected in the environmental industry, acting for public and private entities on environmental, and social and governance matters in relation to complex projects.
Practice head(s):
Hugo Palacios Mejía; Óscar Gutierrez; Pedro Pacheco
Key clients
Drummond
Drummond Coal Mining
Drummond Energy
Work highlights
- Palacios Lleras is currently representing Drummond in two contractual disputes against the National Mining Agency (ANM), and before other public entities.
- Palacios Lleras is representing Drummond Coal Mining in litigation seeking the annulment of an administrative order.
- Representing Drummond Energy in a proceeding in which the company is assisting the Ministry of Mines and Energy (one of the defendants), regarding the possibility of imposing a ban on the use of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in Colombian territory.
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados
With renowned experience advising on environmental and public utility issues associated with land use, planning and urban development projects, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados is widely respected for its strength in this sector. The seven-strong practice, led by environmental specialist partner Natalia Nuñez, advises companies operating across the mining, oil and gas, transport, finance and healthcare sectors, as well as in relation to real estate development. The team mainly focuses primarily on environmental licensing issues, risk assessment, due diligence and administrative environmental proceedings. Key associate support is provided at senior level by Ángela Pinzón, who has particular expertise in land use and water issues, having participated in several transactions concerning the protection and conservation of significant environmental protection areas in Colombia.
Practice head(s):
Natalia Núñez Vélez
Key clients
Prodesa y Cia
Fiduciara Bogota
Tao Tao
Actual Constructora
Autopistas del Café
Garcés Eder
Grupo Chía
Coporación Levante
Ladrillera Santa Fe
Work highlights
- Advised Tao Tao on obtaining a sanitary authorisation to guarantee access to potable water supply for a population of 36000 inhabitants.
- Advised Prodesa on the lifting of a preventive measure that ordered the suspension of construction activities.
- Advised Autopistas del Cafe on environmental legal issues concerning major road infrastructure projects in Colombia.