Baker McKenzie S.A.S. > BOGOTÁ, D.C, Colombia > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie S.A.S. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Colombia > Competition and antitrust Tier 1

Widely lauded as ‘one of the best competition practices in Colombia’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. secures a sizeable share of the market’s most high-profile mandates, spanning both merger reviews and behavioural competition work. With the ability to draw on the wider firm’s comprehensive global platform, the team is a popular choice to advise on the local aspects of major, multi-jurisdictional cases, where it often works hand-in-hand with international offices. In a recent example, highly regarded group head María Carolina Pardo teamed up with lawyers in Germany and Belgium to advise Sika Colombia on the acquisition of LSF11 Skyscraper HoldCo (MBCC Group); the transaction was moved to Phase II for an in-depth review and cleared without remedies in Colombia. Among the practice group's up-and-coming figures: Angélica Navarro, who supported on the Silka matter, was elevated to partner in July 2023; and associates Carlos Arboleda and Luís Alberto Castell are also key contacts. The practice additionally welcomed several new associates over the past year, including Santiago Blanco, who joined in May 2022 from the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC).

Colombia > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

According to satisfied clients, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s corporate and M&A practice stands out for its ‘willingness to help solve client problems’ as well as its commitment to providing ‘almost immediate attention’. As a sizeable Bogotá platform in a global firm, the team is additionally distinguished by its popularity with multinational clients, who routinely engage the group to lead on the local, sometimes regional, aspects of headline-grabbing, multi-jurisdictional deals. A former Senior Vice President at Brookfield Asset Management, Andrés Crump fronts the M&A and private equity groups and is particularly noted for his experience in the infrastructure and power spheres. Among his recent transactions, the ‘cool and calm’ Crump advised Akzo Nobel on the acquisition of Grupo Orbis, which involved co-ordinating the acquisition of over 20 companies across the Latin American region. Clare Montgomery spearheads the companies, restructuring and investment unit and recently advised a multinational tobacco company on the implementation of a merger between two Colombian subsidiaries. Rounding out the senior partner group is high-profile transactional expert Jaime Trujillo, who enjoys a strong regional reputation for his M&A, finance and private equity expertise. Among its younger partners, recently promoted Natalia Ponce de León stands out for her ‘high levels of responsibility, knowledge, availability and attitude’. The group also draws on a capable second line of corporate and M&A-focused associates, including seniors Alexandra Montealegre, Isabel Torres and Adriana Combatt, as well as intermediates Karen Santamaría, Juliana Gómez and Paola Gonzalez. Associate Juliana Tobón left the firm to go on study leave in August 2022.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 1

Forming a key part of Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s premier Colombian dispute resolution offering, the arbitration practice maintains an impressive record in representing leading local and multinational corporations in complex cases. Striking a balance between domestic and international arbitration work, the group has been particularly active in the latter sphere of late, where it has represented a string of global clients in commercial proceedings. High-profile department head Claudia Benavides also sits as the global chair of the firm’s dispute resolution group and is particularly sought after for her high-level expertise in multi-jurisdictional litigation and international arbitration. The team also includes up-and-coming dispute resolution partner Cristina Mejia, who brings to bear significant in-house experience as the former head of the litigation department at Coca-Cola Femsa. Mejia is representing Schlumberger in a domestic arbitration initiated by a supplier to terminate a transportation contract. The group additionally benefits from a strong second line of associates, including dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) senior Daniela Páez Cala, who is particularly well versed in international arbitration cases; and Sebastian Quintero, also a senior, who covers a range of arbitration and litigation matters. The group was reinforced the arrival of a trio of new senior associates: rising star Felipe González Arrieta joined from Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) in June 2022; Ana Carolina Abreo arrived from Brigard Urrutia in June 2022; and Nicolas Rivera Montoya joined in January 2023 from energy company, Oleoducto Central. Former senior María Angélica Burgos left the firm in January 2023.

Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 1

The ‘strong and dynamic team’ at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. impresses with its capability in multi-jurisdictional judicial and arbitral disputes, where it is distinguished by its ability to plug into its enviable global platform. The practice’s high-quality service skills are also widely praised, with one source asserting: ‘lawyers support the firm-client relationship and are always contributing with their knowledge’. Go-to litigation specialist Claudia Benavides chairs the dispute resolution group, both domestically and globally, and stands out for her track record in cross-border litigation and international arbitration. Among Benavides’ recent cases, she is representing Humax Pharmaceutical and Farmatech in a constitutional action brought by an individual plaintiff for the protection of collective rights against Humax and Farmatech. Next-generation partner Cristina Mejia maintains a rapidly developing practice, which saw her recently represent HSBC, as indenture trustee of certain senior unsecured notes, in judicial bankruptcy proceedings initiated by the Transtel group of companies. The department also fields a sizeable team of talented senior associates, including Sebastian Quintero, who handles a mix of domestic and international disputes; Daniela Páez Cala, who has a strong international arbitration dimension to her practice; and Felipe González Arrieta, who also has a focus on international arbitration. Junior Isabella Mejía Sierra, who supports on a range of dispute resolution matters, is additionally singled out by clients. The firm recently strengthened its dispute resolution offering with the hire of two new senior associates: Ana Carolina Abreo joined in June 2022 from Brigard Urrutia; while Nicolas Rivera Montoya arrived in January 2023 from Oleoducto Central (OCENSA). Junior associate Juana Martínez Quintero departed in June 2022 to become head of regulatory affairs at Trafigura; and senior María Angélica Burgos left the firm in January 2023.

Colombia > Labour and employment Tier 1

Baker McKenzie S.A.S. impresses with its ‘high level of up-to-date knowledge in the face of changes in labour law’. The practice handles a comprehensive range of advisory, contentious, and corporate support matters, with the ability to plug into its wider regional — and global — employment platform for support in multi-jurisdictional matters. Department co-head Tatiana Garcés provides support that is ‘above and beyond’ and is noted for her broad practice that spans labour law, employee benefits, social security and occupational health, among other matters. Fellow group head Evelyn Romero advises on a wide scope of employment and immigration issues and notably leads the immigration practice for Latin America. Additional names include newly promoted (July 2023) partners Maria Cecilia Reyes and Daniela Liévano, as well as intermediate associates Gabriela Delgado and Gerardo Paredes. Associates Natalia Suarez and Alexandra Silveira left for Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) and Velocity Global, respectively, in August 2022.

Colombia > Tax Tier 1

The Colombian branch of Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s formidable global tax group stands out for being ‘sensitive to the needs of the business’. The full-service practice demonstrates strong capability across all key pillars of tax law, with its recent experience spanning tax planning and wealth management, transactional support work, regulatory issues, dispute resolution and transfer pricing. The team is additionally recognised for its ability to plug into the wider firm’s international platform, which marks it as a popular choice to advise major multinationals on local issues, including Amazon, Chevron, and Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Among the names to note, high-profile tax expert Ciro Meza is sought after for his expertise in tax planning and consulting, and litigation. Meza co-heads the department together with transfer pricing specialist Gustavo Sánchez, and transactional tax partner Juan David Velasco, who joined from Posse Herrera Ruiz in April 2022. At associate level, Laura Durán and Andrea Jimenez are recommended. In November 2022, associate Carlos Gómez left to join Kuehne+Nagel.

Colombia > Capital markets Tier 2

Lauded for its ‘hands-on and practical legal advice’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. also stands out for its cross-border firepower and its ability to guide multinational clients through ‘the Colombian landscape of deal-making’. Ricardo Trejos is highly regarded for his strength in debt capital markets and private equity transactions — notably, private equity is subject to capital markets regulation in Colombia. M&A specialist Andrés Crump, who co-leads the department together with Trejos, is recommended for equity capital markets work. At associate level, key contacts include senior Natalia Ponce de León and intermediate Juliana Gómez. In December 2022, finance partner Carolina Duque left to establish her own firm, while senior associate Sebastián Boada departed for the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).

Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

The energy and natural resources team at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. strikes the right note with sources due to its ‘very good technical knowledge’ which it applies ‘in a practical way to help the business’. The group, which houses distinct offerings in each of the power, mining, and hydrocarbon areas, also stands out for its extensive cross-border firepower. Managing partner Alejandro Mesa steers the overarching energy, mining and infrastructure department and has been advising Engie on local regulatory and contractual matters. Other key contacts include intermediate associate Laura Torres who has a focus on energy and public law. However, former senior associate Nicolás Arboleda left to establish his own practice in March 2023; while fellow senior (and leader of the power sub-practice), Mariana Villegas, moved to energy transition think-tank Polen Transiciones Justas the following month.

Colombia > Intellectual property Tier 2

Baker McKenzie S.A.S. stands ‘at the forefront of new technology’, according to sources who praise its innovative approach to IP matters. Best known for its trade mark offering, where it routinely advises major multinationals on portfolio management and enforcement, the practice also encompasses copyrights, patents, IP litigation, and corporate support matters. Juan Pablo Concha Delgado demonstrates ‘high-level leadership and relationship skills’; he steers the department, and is also a member of the firm’s global IPtech steering committee. In July 2023, the group was bolstered at top level with the promotions of senior associates Yuliana Salamanca (trade marks, copyrights and litigation) and Bibiana Cala (criminal litigation) to partner. Of counsel Ricardo Metke is noted for IP disputes.

Colombia > Life sciences Tier 2

Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’ global platform is reflected in its life sciences client roster, which includes multinational names in the medicines, medical devices, diagnosis tests and dietary supplements sectors, among others. The group is particularly active in transactional support matters, while it also handles IP, and regulatory and sanitary issues. IP specialist Juan Pablo Concha Delgado fronts the team and is experienced in commercialisation and advertising regulation, as well as sanctioning processes before relevant regulatory bodies. Intermediate associate Andrés Hidalgo demonstrates ‘extensive experience in regulatory matters’. IP-focused associates Maria Ximena Guavita and Sara Merizalde are also noted.

Colombia > TMT Tier 2

The TMT practice at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. is recognised for its expertise in regulatory and compliance matters concerning telecoms, the digital economy and data protection law. The team is particularly praised for its robust industry knowledge, with sources asserting that partners ‘seek to understand the business of the client and its procedures’. Names to note include department head and regulatory specialist Carolina Pardo, who has a strong focus on IT and privacy matters, as well as senior associate Angelica Navarro Acevedo, who — like Pardo — specialises in competition and TMT law.

Colombia > Banking and finance Tier 3

‘Much more nimble than other firms’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. strikes the right note with sources for its ability to take into account ‘the negotiating position of both the client and the counterparty’. Traditionally known for its work in the acquisition finance sphere, the team additionally continues to expand its project finance and regulatory expertise — it also brings to bear comprehensive fund management capability. Department co-head Ricardo Trejos Robledo has a focus on structured credit transactions, M&A and private equity fund formation; he recently advised project sponsor, Unión para la Infraestructura (a private equity fund of Sura and Credicorp), on the $524m project financing of the Puerto Antioquia project. Senior partner and transactional specialist Jaime Trujillo also has a significant banking and finance dimension to his practice. At associate level, senior Mónica Cubillos Iregui is a respected name and leverages significant in-house experience gained during her former role at Itaú Corpbanca Colombia. In December 2022, Carolina Duque left to establish her own firm, while senior associate Sebastián Boada departed for the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).

Colombia > Environment Tier 3

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.

Colombia > Projects Tier 3

Over the past year, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. secured key roles in a string of projects, with a focus on the road, power and airport sectors. Particularly recognised for its record in representing lenders, the group also frequently acts for project sponsors, construction companies, investors and government entities. Project finance specialist Alejandro Mesa is noted for his ‘strong experience and commercial instinct’; he co-heads the department together with recently promoted (July 2023) partner María Montejo, who specialises in public procurement and infrastructure. Former department co-head Carolina Duque left to establish her own firm in January 2023.

Colombia > Real estate Tier 3

Noted for its ‘excellent communication and availability’, the team at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. brings to bear a strong record in real estate transactions. With experience across the full industry life cycle, from permitting issues through to project structuring and corporate matters, the team is particularly noted for its ability to leverage its international platform in cross-border work. Energy and project finance specialist Alejandro Mesa steers the department with strong support from Lucía Murgueytio who was promoted to senior associated in July 2023 and specialises in urban and real estate transactions.

Colombia > Compliance and white-collar crime Tier 4

Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s team ‘acts as a partner to the client, seeking to understand its business and its procedures’, according to sources. A particularly strong performer on the compliance side, where it leverages its global platform to excel in advising multinational corporations on local compliance matters, the team’s recent experience also encompasses internal and administrative investigations. Competition and TMT specialist Carolina Pardo steers the practice and is noted for her robust regulatory compliance expertise, while the recently promoted Luis Alberto Castell has a broad regulatory that spans competition, corporate compliance and data protection. On the contentious front, newly promoted (July 2023) partner Bibiana Cala is noted for her extensive experience in criminal litigation.

Colombia > International trade and customs

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

Baker McKenzie LLP has capital markets expertise across its multiple offices in Latin America and now – with the June 2023 hire of celebrated name Michael Fitzgerald, and partners Arturo Carrillo, Joy Gallup and Pedro Reyes in New York  – it has enormous credibility in international offerings, particularly those originating in Mexico. Fitzgerald has his team were instrumental in building the standing or their former firm (Paul Hastings LLP) in the Latin America market and are expected to do the same for Baker McKenzie LLP. The firm’s widespread presence provides it with close links to local issuers, along with an impressive range of underwriter clients. With an extensive record in equity and debt offerings, the firm is also noted for its securities’ regulatory-expertise and experience in securitisations. Bogota partners Ricardo Trejos and Andrés Crump are active in capital markets transactions, as are Lima’s Alonso Miranda and Pablo Berckholtz. Since the conclusion of research, the New York-based team has been further strengthened with the August hire of Steven Sandretto - formerly at Greenberg Traurig, LLP - who has particular expertise regarding Brazil and Mexico.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

Baker McKenzie LLP’s prevalence across Latin America, with multiple offices, coupled with an established Latin America-focused team in the US, provides it with genuine credibility and a slew of impressive engagements. It has especially strong banking and finance teams in Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Peru, among other offices. It previously advised Banco Davivienda on the $906m refinancing of the Rumichaca-Pasto 4G toll road in Colombia. Buenos Aires partner Gabriel Gomez Giglio is chair of the Latin America banking and finance team, which includes Juan Carlos de los Heros Echecopar in Lima. Sebastian Vivanco, León Larrain and Jaime Munro are key figures in Santiago, notably for corporate lending and project finance; the firm recently advised the banks on the $146m credit facility to finance the Centella and Tap Mauro power transmission line projects in Chile. Bogota’s Ricardo Trejos Robledo is noted for project finance and acquisition finance. Former Bogota partner Carolina Duque left the firm in January 2023.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

Baker McKenzie LLP’s international arbitration team is largely located in Latin America itself, primarily in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. The firm has are fine reputation in investment and commercial arbitration, notably in the energy, infrastructure and construction fields. Santiago partner Rodrigo Diaz de Valdes represents both state and private sector entities in cross border arbitrations, including those in the mining, energy and construction sectors. Lima’s Maria Del Carmen Tovar has represented the Peruvian state and state-entities in a series of investment arbitrations. Bogota partner Claudia Benavides Galvís is global chair of the firm’s dispute resolution group and an experienced figure in investment and commercial arbitrations, particularly for private companies. Luis Dates in Buenos Aires and Caracas-based Eugenio Hernández-Bretón are also key names.