Dr Álvaro Mantilla Padilla > Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados > Bogota, Colombia > Lawyer Profile

Leveraging its premier offerings in public law and projects, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados specialises in representing its impressive roster of concessionaire clients on construction disputes against the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), and other public bodies. The group is also less frequently involved in international arbitrations, where it has a focus on representing multinational clients on procurement and public law-related cases. Paula Andrea Ramos co-heads the overarching litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution department and is widely recognised for her strong record in the infrastructure, public procurement, energy and telecoms’ spheres. Among her recent cases, Ramos represented Concesionaria Nueva Via Al Mar (Covimar) in arbitration proceedings seeking to obtain the termination of an infrastructure project contract. Fellow practice co-head Carlos Alberto Manzano is also noted for his emphasis on infrastructure-related disputes. The group additionally draws on the broad expertise of seasoned public law expert Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla and high-profile litigator Álvaro Mantilla. Associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda provides capable support on both judicial and arbitral proceedings.

A leading public law and projects boutique, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados fields a ‘comprehensive and very committed team’ in the litigation area. Particularly noted for its premier expertise in ‘dispute resolution involving public law, especially in areas such as first generation concessions’, the practice routinely advises on contentious matters connected to the infrastructure, energy, and transport spheres. Additionally, the firm handles a significant volume of commercial and corporate litigation cases. Dispute resolution co-head Paula Andrea Ramos is widely recognised as one of the leading litigators in the market; she continues to act alongside high-profile public-law veteran Carlos Gustavo Arrieta to represent Cerrejón Zona Norte in a $1bn constitutional action concerning its open-pit coal mine. Carlos Alberto Manzano co-leads the department and provides ‘expert advice’, according to sources; he teamed up with Ramos to successfully represent the Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico) consortium in a breach of contract dispute. Other key contacts include senior projects expert Álvaro Mantilla and dispute resolution-focused associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda, who provides ‘effective support’.

The ‘creative and determined’ projects team at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados ‘reviews problems from multiple perspectives’, according to satisfied clients. The group frequently works hand-in-hand with the wider firm’s public law practice to specialise in representing public entities, concessionaires and other sector stakeholders on major infrastructure projects and public contracts. Alongside its dominant position in toll-road concession contracts, the group is equipped to handle the full range of projects as demonstrated by its recent roles in airport, irrigation and energy-related matters. Senior partner Álvaro Mantilla is widely revered as a go-to sector expert for his broad experience spanning project development, secondary transactions, and contentious work. The team also draws on public law specialist Yady Villaquirán Castro; administrative law and projects-focused Álvaro Mantilla Sánchez; and up-and-coming partner Ramón Enrique Ramírez. As associate level, Julián González Torres is recommended for his emerging expertise in public procurement processes, among other matters.