The Bogota outpost of insurance heavyweight DAC Beachcroft Colombia maintains the focused practice scope of the wider global firm, which is particularly evident with its adept handling of complex and high-value claims. On the contentious side, the group remains a popular choice to advise major multinational insurers and reinsurers on local and pan-Latin America matters. On the non-contentious front, the firm advises on local incorporations and general regulatory and compliance matters. Department head Juan Diego Arango is highly regarded for his record in complex litigation across various insurance lines. The group also benefits from the senior experience of consultant and litigation specialist Camila de la Torre and Ana Catalina Restrepo, whose practice has an emphasis on contentious cases related to civil liability, medical malpractice, financial lines and property. Key support is provided by senior associate Ángela Hernández.

Noted for its ‘specialisation in contentious matters related to insurance', Salazar Pardo & Jaramillo Abogados has a strong tradition of representing insurance companies, brokers and insured entities in complex and strategic disputes. The group’s experience encompasses Colombia’s core industries, including energy, financial services, construction and aviation, and it is well versed across all major insurance lines. Co-founding partner Gabriel Pardo is widely hailed as a leader in the insurance field and has a pre-eminent reputation for insurance litigation and advisory work. Esteban Pardo also has a strong record in contentious and regulatory matters, particularly in the financial, D&O, personal injury and equipment breakdown segments.

‘A key player in litigation and arbitration procedures related to insurance', Botero Salazar Tobón Abogados' broad dispute-resolution expertise ensures it brings to bear extensive knowledge of the ‘problems that are typically generated in matters of litigation and arbitration’. The firm also houses a robust non-contentious practice, which spans insurance regulation, consumer protection and other relevant areas. High-profile figure Bernardo Salazar is a go-to insurance specialist, who stands out for his ‘years of experience in the insurance law business'. Salazar co-heads the department alongside litigator Luís Botero.

Noted for its ability to provide ‘practical solutions to complicated cases’, Kennedys climbs a tier on the back of its continued growth and increasingly prominent position in the Colombian market. In a significant development, the group was bolstered in September 2022 with the hire of marine and transport specialist Mauricio Carvajal García, who joined from litigation boutique Carvajal Valek Abogados. The ‘supremely effective‘ Mónica Tocarruncho heads the department and is equipped to advise on all aspects of the insurance business, including contentious, regulatory and corporate issues. Director Catalina Botero provides specialist support.

Lexia Abogados advises on the full spread of insurance issues, from compliance and regulatory matters, through to administrative procedures and dispute resolution. Firm founder José Fernando Torres Fernández de Castro has broad experience in the sector, honed by previous stints as vice president at several insurers, including Fasecolda, Seguros Colmena and Bavaria. Other key names include Juan Felipe Torres Varela, who focuses on administrative law, commercial law and fintech; and Jose Fernando Torres Varela, who has an emphasis on international dispute resolution and digital strategy.

Insurance is a mainstay at Londoño & Arango Abogados and the boutique firm provides advice across the full life-cycle of related matters, from regulation and contractual advice, through to supporting insurers in claims handling processes. Senior names to note in the seven-strong team include the dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) Maximiliano Londoño, Daniel Arango and Agustín Londoño — all are particularly well versed in contentious matters, including arbitral proceedings.

Widely recognised as a key player in the insurance law arena, Vélez Gutiérrez Abogados is recommended for its strong skill sets in both contentious and regulatory matters. That being said, it particularly shines in judicial and arbitral proceedings, with a focus on the construction and transportation industries. Key partner Ricardo Vélez is highly sought after for his impressive track record in dispute resolution on behalf of major regional and global insurance companies. Armando Gutiérrez is also a name to note.

New entrant to the table for 2023, G Herrera Abogados & Asociados  impresses sources with its ‘agile and efficient‘ team and its ‘important synergy between practices, which allows it to provide a broad spectrum of advice and defence‘. The insurance group is particularly recognised for its record in contentious matters, especially cases involving civil or administrative liability. Department head Gustavo Andrés Herrera  ‘is a responsive lawyer, who generates trust‘. He is capably supported by younger partners Jinneth Hernández  and Santiago Rojas , who specialise in insurance and litigation respectively.

The insurance group at boutique firm J. Correa Abogados has a strong emphasis on the maritime industry. Practice sweet spots include hull and cargo policies, P&I cover, and third-party liability. Key contact John Correa brings to bear a strong record in multi-jurisdictional cases involving transport-related matters, financial liability and civil liability. Associate Andrés Felipe Ávila provides support and is well versed on the full spread of dispute resolution procedures, including conciliation.

According to sources, Medina Abogados stands out for its ‘legal solvency and knowledge in matters of procedural law and insurance'. The insurance-focused boutique is primarily recognised for its robust contentious capability and routinely advises domestic and multinational insurance companies on judicial and arbitral disputes. Managing partner Héctor Mauricio Medina Casas has experience in contentious and non-contentious matters, while associate Germán Cajarmarca directs the litigation side of the practice.