Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados
CARRERA 7, #71-21
OFICINA 1601, TORRE B
BOGOTA DC
Colombia

Colombia > Projects Tier 1

The projects team at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados provides ‘complete and focused advice that generates confidence in the client‘, according to sources. The boutique’s firm-wide focus on infrastructure, public law and public procurement translates into a projects offering that specialises in advising public entities, concessionaires and other key stakeholders on the full range of project structuring, procurement and operational matters. Primarily recognised for its impressive track record in toll-road concession contracts, the team has also recently advised on other flagship economic and social infrastructure projects. Senior partner Álvaro Mantilla is sought after for his extensive experience in the projects space; he is advising Aerocali on the concession contract for the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón airport. Mantilla co-heads the team together with Yady Villaquirán Castro, who combines strength in projects and administrative law, and Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez. Senior associate Ramón Enrique Ramírez directs the infrastructure area and is also noted for his ‘ability to resolve legal challenges‘.

Practice head(s):

Álvaro Mantilla; Yady Villaquirán Castro; Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez; Ramón Enrique Ramírez

Testimonials

‘Ramón Enrique Ramírez is highly available to attend to the day-to-day issues of the project and has the ability to resolve legal challenges that arise from the ordinary course of business.’

‘We value the firm for the good level of participation from senior partners.’

‘The team stands out for its knowledge of specific sectors (infrastructure, energy, etc.).’

‘The active participation of the team in projects allows for complete and focused advice that generates confidence in the client and also in the other consultants and participants.’

‘Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla, Yady Villaquirán Castro and Santiago Cardona make up a solid team that instils confidence in the client and facilitates the development of the project.’

Key clients

Corficolombiana’s subsidiaries

Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (Coviandes)

Concesionaria Vial Andina Coviandina)

Concesionaria Vial de Oriente  (Covioriente) and its EPC contractor Proyectos de Inversión Vial del Oriente

Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico) and its EPC contractor Proyectos de Inversión Vial del Pacífico

Concesionaria Nueva Via al Mar (Covimar)

Concesionaria Panamericana

Proindesa

Aerocali

Estructura Plural Aeropuertos del Suroccidente

Baggerwerken DeCloedt en Zoon

Patrimonio Autónomo Lagos de Torca

Concesiones CCFC

KPMG Advisory Services

Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)

Work highlights

  • Advised the members of the Estructura Plural Aeropuertos del Suroccidente joint venture (Corficolombiana and AENA Desarrollo Internacional) on a private initiative PPP for the expansion, renovation, operation and maintenance of the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón and Benito Salas airports.
  • Acted for Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina) on the legal structuring of a potential solution to the geological instabilities that exist in several sectors along a key road corridor.
  • Acted for Concesionaria Vial del Oriente (Covioriente) on negotiations held by involved parties to reformulate the scope of a concession contract concerning the construction of a road project.

Colombia > Public law Tier 1

Highlighted for its ‘recognised and notable experience in the areas of public law‘, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados‘ team demonstrates ‘enormous capabilities for analysing complex issues‘. The practice spans a comprehensive range of transactional and contentious matters, with strength in public procurement, public contracts, regulatory proceedings and constitutional law matters. Widely recognised as a market leader in public law, Carlos Gustavo Arrieta specialises in arbitration and litigation proceedings; he co-heads the practice together with the ‘collaborative and detail-orientedYady Villaquirán, who is well versed in constitutional law, administrative law and infrastructure projects. Capable support is provided by associate Santiago Cardona, who is ‘results-oriented, practical and provides innovative ideas‘.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán Castro

Testimonials

‘This is a firm with enormous capabilities for analysing complex issues. Lawyers demonstrate a broad overview of the situation and are willing to give detailed recommendations based on extensive research. We value their capacity to analyse matters from the perspective of the client.’

‘Carlos Gustavo Arrieta and Yady Villaquirán are lawyers with experience, good analysis capacity and legal/commercial vision that goes beyond the client’s expectations.’

‘AMYA’s detailed work is undoubtedly a comparative advantage over other law firms. Its lawyers’ willingness to collaborate regardless of the day or time also makes its work unique.’

‘Yady Villaquirán’s work is highly valued; it is collaborative and detail-oriented. The documents presented are consistent. Associate Santiago Cardona’s work is always results-oriented, practical and provides innovative ideas to achieve the stated objective.’

‘Arrieta Mantilla has recognised and notable experience in the areas of public law and it is characterised by its high-quality standards. We receive direct involvement from partners, in a personalised way, unlike other law firms.’

‘Its main partners have held positions of high responsibility and importance in the public sector; they have an impeccable reputation and exceptional credibility in the market that gives the firm a seal of transparency and precision.’

‘The experience of working with the Arrieta Mantilla y Asociados team has been very enriching, since it has extensive knowledge in the structuring of public projects and has the great virtue of integrating technical and financial awareness.’

‘Yady Villaquirán’s experience and leadership makes her a trusted reference for decision making. She has a great ability to understand, compile and highlight the most important points of the financial and technical experts.’

Key clients

Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

KPMG Advisory Services

Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)

Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia

ICO Medios

Accesos Norte de Bogotá (Accenorte)

British American Tobacco (BAT)

Empresa Nacional Promotora del Desarrollo Territorial (ENTerritorio)

Sociedad Portuaria de Barranquilla

Work highlights

  • Carlos Gustavo Arrieta was appointed as agent for the Republic of Colombia before the International Court of Justice in two contentious cases filed by Nicaragua against Colombia.
  • Advised KPMG Advisory Services on the legal structuring of the public-private association responsible for the renovation of Colombia’s High-Performance Sports Center (Centro Deportivo de Alto Rendimiento).
  • Advised Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN), as the contractor, on the legal structuring of Parque Natural San Rafael y Cable Aéreo.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 2

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados‘ arbitration unit sits as part of its wider litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution practice. Particularly recognised for its emphasis on construction arbitrations (in line with firm’s signature infrastructure strength), the team also has experience in the energy, technology and financial services spheres. Seasoned veteran Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla currently serves as the Agent of the Republic of Colombia before the International Court of Justice and enjoys a strong profile for contentious matters; he is particularly recommended for mining, energy and public law-related cases. Also a senior figure, Paula Andrea Ramos is widely hailed for her record in infrastructure arbitrations; she recently represented Concesionaria Panamericana in arbitration proceedings against the Instituto de Infraestructura y Concesiones de Cundinamarca (ICCU), connected to the operation and maintenance of certain road routes. The group also incudes senior partner Álvaro Mantilla and Carlos Alberto Manzano, who both co-lead the practice together with Arrieta Padilla and Ramos. Associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda is also noted for his focus on domestic and international arbitration disputes.

Practice head(s):

Alvaro Mantilla; Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla; Paula Andrea Ramos; Carlos Alberto Manzano

Key clients

Concesionaria Nueva Via al Mar

Concesionaria Panamericana

Consorcio Constructor Pacífico 1

Concesionaria Ruta Del Cacao

Concesionaria Vial de Los Andes

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented Concesionaria Panamericana in an arbitration proceeding against the Department of Cundinamarca’s Instituto de Infraestructura y Concesiones de Cundinamarca (ICCU), connected to the operation and maintenance of certain road routes.
  • Successfully represented Consorcio Constructor Pacífico 1 (a subcontractor of motorway concessionaire, Covipacífico) in a construction arbitration against Gisaico.
  • Represented Concesionaria Ruta Del Cacao in an arbitration proceeding filed against The National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) seeking redress for contract compliance, economic imbalance of the contract and contract interpretation.

Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 2

A strong team that provides clear advice', Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados' dispute resolution group is valued for its ‘sector-specific experience‘ — particularly in the infrastructure and public law spheres, in line with the wider firm’s sweet spots. The group is particularly active on behalf of concessionaires seeking support on contentious construction matters, but it also enjoys close relationships with energy, mining, telecoms and technology companies. Senior partner Carlos Gustavo Arrieta — a 40-year veteran in dispute resolution — has represented both corporate and public-sector clients in large-scale cases. In a highlight example of his litigation prowess, Arrieta is acting in conjunction with impressive trial lawyer Paula Andrea Ramos to represent Cerrejón Zona Norte in a $1bn constitutional action concerning its open-pit coal mine. Álvaro Mantilla shines in projects-related work, particularly on the arbitration front, where he is considered among the market leaders; he is also highly active in concession-related litigation. Carlos Alberto Manzano, who is ‘characterised by his pragmatism and his knowledge', rounds out the partner group; his practice is heavily weighted towards contentious work, with an emphasis on projects-related issues. Associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda, who specialises in infrastructure litigation, provides support.

Practice head(s):

Alvaro Mantilla; Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Paula Andrea Ramos; Carlos Alberto Manzano

Testimonials

‘A great work team, committed, serious, comprehensive and honest with the client.’

‘We particularly appreciate the effort and commitment litigators put into the issues, because although our disputes involve components from other practice areas, they do everything possible to understand it.’

‘The team obtains total knowledge of the dispute; any points that may be weak in the process are analysed to reinforce them with documentary evidence and the respective expert reports.’

‘Arrieta Mantilla &Asociados is a strong team that provides clear advice. It supports the client very well and is very accessible — there is no time restriction to attend to requests.’

‘We appreciate the firm’s support and its comprehensive knowledge of the clients’ economic industry and dispute under consideration.’

‘The firm has several well-formed teams that complement each other very well and provide support at all stages of a possible litigation.’

‘It is a firm specialised in infrastructure matters with personalised work and a highly trained team. Lawyers are attentive to customer requirements and their sector-specific experience has a positive impact upon the affairs of the company.’

‘Carlos Alberto Manzano is characterised by his pragmatism and his knowledge of the legal background applicable to the pending controversies of the concessionaire.’

Key clients

Desarrollo Vía Al Mar (Devimar)

Estudios y Proyectos del Sol (EPISOL)

Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao

Concesionaria Vial de los Andes

Consorcio Vía al Mar

Constructora de Infraestructura Vial

ConocoPhillips

Cerrejón Zona Norte

Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina)

Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico)

Concesionaria Panamericana

Drummond Ltd (sucursal Colombia)

Drummond Coal Mining (sucursal Colombia)

VP Ingenergía

Proyectos y Desarrollos Viales Del Pacífico (Prodepacífico)

Consorcio Constructor Pacífico 1 (Conpacífico)

Concesionaria Vial Del Oriente (Covioriente)

Grupo Aeroportuario del Caribe

Concretos Argos

Comunicación Celular (Comcel)

Vatia

Orica Colombia

Orica Norway

Proyectos de Infraestructura

Concesionaria Nueva Vía al Mar (Covimar)

Odinsa

Hidrotolima

Work highlights

  • Representing ConocoPhillips in a class action seeking to injunct the company from further operations due to the alleged use of ‘fracking’ in territories granted by the Colombian Government.
  • Representing Proyectos de Infraestructura, as the concessionaire of a toll road, in a breach of contract claim initiated by the Governor’s Office of Valle del Cauca.
  • Advising Estudios y Proyectos del Sol in its appeal against a first instance ruling in a case brought by the Attorney General’s office, related to the collapse of the Ruta del Sol project due to bribery and corruption, and in which the company was a co-defendant.

Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 3

Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados impresses with its ‘excellent and timely service' as well as its ‘deep knowledge of the issues'. The firm combines its top-tier projects practice with robust offerings in dispute resolution and public law to specialise in advising energy and natural resources companies in regulatory, judicial and administrative proceedings. Public law expert Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is respected by sources for his ‘career record and good judgment'; he has recently represented mining, electricity and oil and gas companies in regulatory and contentious proceedings. Yady Villaquirán, who has an emphasis on public law and mining work, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán

Testimonials

‘The review of the issues is comprehensive. Analysis is provided very timely in response to business emergencies.’

‘Carlos Gustavo Arrieta and Yady Villaquirán maintain personalised attention, are always available to the client and carry out very comprehensive analysis.’

‘Excellent and timely service. Knowledge of the issues and topics under consultation.’

‘Professionals with deep knowledge of the issues on which they are consulted. Professionals with prestige, particularly Carlos Gustavo Arrieta and Paula Andrea Ramos.’

‘Arrieta Mantilla analyses the issues with sound legal judgment and in its entirety.’

‘We highlight Carlos Gustavo Arrieta, for his career record and good judgment.’

Key clients

Carbones del Cerrejón / Cerrejón Zona Norte

Drummond

Cerro Matoso

Continental Gold

Celsia

Asociación Colombiana del GLP (GasNova)

ConocoPhillips

Minería y Energía Minesa

Orica Colombia And Orica Norway

Ismocol

Galway Resources Vetas Holdco

MGM Innova Capital

Vatia

Asociación Colombiana de Minería (ACM)

Work highlights

  • Advising Carbones del Cerrejón and Cerrejón Zona Norte on various mining and public law issues, as well as representing the company in administrative proceedings held before the mining sector agencies and certain jurisdictional authorities.
  • Advising ConocoPhillips on matters regarding the legality of the use of fracking for the non-conventional exploitation of hydrocarbons.
  • Representing Cerro Matoso in a judicial process related to a nullity action held by the client against Contraloría General de la República as a result of a fiscal liability judgment issued by that authority.

Since 1998, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados has been a specialized law firm in Bogota, Colombia. It stands out for its team of professionals excelling in their fields of practice, all of whom have attended prestigious law schools in Colombia, and pursued higher education in particular legal matters in national and international top-rated schools. The members of Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados strive to provide clients with a global approach to their specific needs, by delivering timely and accurate legal information and providing global support with the development of their projects in Colombia.

The firm: Arrieta, Mantilla & Asociados is a boutique law firm that is characterized by its high-quality legal services, its personalized attention to clients, and its deep and detailed analysis of the cases that are assigned by its clients. The firm provides legal assistance in specialized areas of private and public law to local and multinational companies involved in the industrial, commercial and natural resources sectors; governmental agencies; investment banks; corporations and individuals. Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados represents a wide range of clientele, including important capital investors in projects related to mining, oil, gas, telecommunications and public services infrastructure projects in Colombia.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Administrative law and public contracting Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padillacgarrieta@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Administrative law and public contracting Alvaro Mantilla Padillaalmantilla@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Alvaro Mantilla Padillaalmantilla@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Alvaro Mantilla Sanchezmsanchez@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Infrastructure and public services Ramón Ramirez Monroyrramirez@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Litigation Alvaro Mantilla Padillaalmantilla@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Litigation Paula Andrea Ramos Arismendipramos@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Litigation Carlos Alberto Manzano Riañocmanzano@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Mining – oil and gas Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padillacgarrieta@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Mining – oil and gas Yady Catherine Villaquirán Castroyvillaquiran@amya.com.co+57 6017450634
Administrative law and public contracting Yady Catherine Villaquirán Castroyvillaquiran@amya.com.co+57 6017450634