Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) > The Legal 500 Rankings

Colombia > Banking and finance Tier 1

Fielding a destination banking and finance practice, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) handles the full spectrum of matters, with particularly strong expertise in cross-border asset finance, corporate finance and regulatory issues. The team’s enviable client roster includes domestic and global lenders —including state-owned banks— as well as major corporate borrowers, which mark it is a go-to team for event-driven, multi-jurisdictional mandates. In a recent example, department head Ricardo Fandiño acted as local counsel to Patagonia Holdco and CenturyLink Colombia in the capital markets and bank financing to support the acquisition of Lumen Technologies across different Latin American jurisdictions. In another cross-border mandate, José Luis Suárez acted as local counsel to a syndicate of five lenders on a $650m financing for Nu Colombia, Nu BN Servicios México, and Nu Holdings. The deep bench also draws on the senior experience of Daniel Londoño, whose previous professional experience includes a stint at Inter-American Investment Corporation, and capital markets specialist Adriana Moreno. At the senior associate level, Jimena González is noted for project finance and structured finance; Catalina Prieto has an emphasis on corporate finance and project finance; and Daniel Flórez maintains a focus on banking and capital markets. In December 2022, senior associate Tonia Orozco left to join the Development Bank of Latin America.

Colombia > Capital markets Tier 1

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) fields an integrated banking, finance and capital markets practice that counts major Colombian and multinational issuers and underwriters among its representative clients. Despite the general market slowdown, the team was involved in several headline-grabbing mandates during 2022/2023. Most notably, department head Ricardo Fandiño, advised the underwriters (Citigroup Global Markets, JP Morgan Securities, Santander Investment Securities, and Scotia Capital) regarding Ecopetrol’s $2bn bond offering. Other senior figures include Daniel Londoño, who acted as local counsel to Credivalores-Crediservicios on a $300m notes issuance on the international market, as well as Medellín office head Adriana Moreno, and firm managing partner José Luis Suárez. The practice also houses a strong second line of senior associates, including Catalina Prieto Núñez, Jimena González Alarcón and Daniel Flórez Linero. In November 2022, senior associate Tonia Orozco left to join the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).

City focus > Cali Tier 1

City focus > Medellín Tier 1

Full-service powerhouse Gómez-Pinzón Abogados maintains a nimble operation in Medellín, which is staffed by one partner and nine additional lawyers. The team, which is highlighted as ‘proactive in finding solutions, and diligent’, is overseen by office head Adriana Moreno Márquez, who is a multidisciplinary transactional specialist with a broad service offering that encompasses the banking, finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and infrastructure areas. Among Moreno Márquez’s recent highlights, she represented Isagen in the negotiation of a $150m credit agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. The local group also draws on a capable pool of associates, including senior Catalina Arango, who specialises in intellectual property work but also provides support on transactional matters. The Medellín office additionally benefits from its ability to draw on resources from across the wider firm for support in large-scale or cross-practice matters. In February 2023, intermediate associate Antonio Elcure left to join Tigo Colombia.

Colombia > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) find favour with sources for their ‘willingness to help and find solutions for the business’. The firm’s ‘very well-structured diversity and inclusion programme’ also strikes the right note with clients, and is evidenced here by a strong female partner-led team. With involvement in many of the year’s marquee deals in Colombia, the group is a particularly dominant player in the public M&A sphere — across all market segments. Lina Uribe García heads the group and is widely recognised for her expertise in the private equity arena; she recently paired up with Natalia García Arenas to advise KKR on the acquisition of a majority stake in Alamo Holdco, the sole shareholder of Onnet Fibra Colombia. In one of the market’s most high-profile set of transactions, Juan David Quintero advised the Gilinski Family, through Nugil and JGDB Holding, on the structuring and implementation of seven consecutive unsolicited tender offers. Ana Cristina Jaramillo also put in a good recent performance and secured key roles in a string of cross-border transactions, which included acting for China’s JCHX Mining Management on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Cordoba Minerals’ Colombian subsidiaries. The group further benefits from the extensive corporate expertise of energy and natural resources head Patricia Arrázola, director María Isabel Romero de la Torre, and experienced counsel María Fernanda Restrepo. At associate level, seniors Paola Valderrama, Emanuela Guevara, Juan Pablo Caicedo and Francisco Pamplona are the names to note. In July 2022, director Daniel Fajardo left for an in-house position at Engie, while partner Felipe Mariño departed the firm in December 2022.

Colombia > Environment Tier 1

The practice at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) draws on the wider firm’s premier full-service offering to cover the complete life cycle of environmental law issues. With experience across all key industry sectors — including energy, natural resources, chemicals, infrastructure development and manufacturing — the team advises on a wide range of permitting issues, remediation processes and hazardous waste management, administrative investigations, and contentious matters. The department is led jointly by corporate and M&A head Lina Uribe, who is an expert in environmental regulation and litigation; and energy and natural resources head Patricia Arrázola, who also combines regulatory and transactional experience. The group additionally benefits from the emerging expertise of senior associate Lina Correa, who is highlighted by sources as an ‘effective, analytical, and prudent advisor’.

Colombia > Tax Tier 1

Tax lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) are commended as ‘practical and to the point’ and as possessing ‘real industry experience’. As the Colombian member of global tax advisors network, Taxand, the team is well placed to advise on tax planning for national and cross-border matters, including transactions and foreign investment. Other practice strengths include corporate reorganisations, infrastructure projects, tax litigation and transfer pricing. Managing partner Mauricio Piñeros steers the department and brings to bear 35 years' experience in handling tax planning, transactional tax, investigations and contentious matters for domestic and multinational clients. Other highly regarded specialists include Álvaro Andrés Díaz, who specialises in tax litigation and transfer pricing, and next-generation partner Carolina Bobillier, who is noted for her niche expertise in labour-related tax and the special tax regime applicable to non-profits. The group also attracts praise for the experience of its senior associates, particularly Alejandro Sanabria (‘creative and resourceful’) and Alejandro Sotello. In September 2022, Ignacio Vélez left to become an independent lawyer.

Colombia > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) scores highly with sources for its ability to provide ‘a unique solution to each case’. The competition and antitrust group covers a wide remit with solid skill sets in merger control filings —in line with the wider firm’s top-tier corporate offering— as well as administrative investigations, unfair competition litigation, and consumer protection-related issues. Mauricio Jaramillo oversees the department and brings to bear a broad all-round regulatory practice, which spans IP, competition, technology and dispute resolution. Senior associate Biviana Helo leads the competition team and handles a mix of IP and competition law work. Other key contacts include senior associate Valentina Manrique Gómez, who focuses on IP and competition litigation, and associate Paula de la Calle.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 2

The ‘very prepared and efficient’ arbitration practice at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) is distinguished by its strong performance in domestic cases. The team is particularly noted for its expertise in construction-related proceedings, where it acts for a mix of Colombian and global energy and construction companies — among other stakeholders — in prominent disputes. David Ricardo Araque co-heads the group and his arbitration expertise extends to both domestic and international cases, including disputes conducted under ICC, ICDR and ICC rules. Araque recently represented Enel Green Power on initiating arbitration proceedings against Quanta services Colombia regarding the latter’s refusal to fulfil an EPC contract. Of counsel William Araque co-heads the department and has participated in over 75 arbitrations conducted under the auspices of the Chambers of Commerce of Bogotá, Medellín and Pereira. The team’s sizeable second line of associates includes senior Samuel Hernández Lizarazu , and intermediates Alfonso Linares Durán and María Valentina Díaz; along with May and December 2022-hires, associate Cristhian Salcedo (from Ustáriz & Abogados Estudio Jurídico), and senior Juan Guillermo Otero (from Baker McKenzie S.A.S.). Former seniors Felipe González Arrieta and Loredana De Trizio moved to Baker McKenzie S.A.S. (June 2022), and in house at Grupo Energía Bogotá (June 2023), respectively.

Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 2

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)’s client service is roundly praised by sources, who particularly highlight its ‘excellent knowledge and tools’ as well as its response times that are ‘among the best in the market’. Forming a key part of the wider firm’s full-service business offering, the dispute resolution group is well versed across a range of litigation proceedings, with construction, insurance, energy, and commercial distribution-related matters standing as notable sweet spots. Up-and-coming partner David Ricardo Araque co-heads the department and is noted for his broad dispute resolution expertise, which encompasses national and international litigation and arbitration; he recently represented Zimmer Biomet in commercial litigation relating to the breach of a distribution contract. Of counsel William Araque — a 42-year veteran in dispute resolution — co-heads the team and is noted for his extensive experience in complex and cutting-edge cases. The group also draws on several talented senior associates, including Loredana De Trizio, who splits her practice between dispute resolution, administrative law, and infrastructure, as well as Carlos Alberto León and Samuel Hernández Lizarazu, who both specialise in dispute resolution.

Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

Striking a balance between regulatory and transactional work, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) has a marked focus on energy-related matters, with robust experience in both the power and hydrocarbons arenas. The team is also distinguished by its ability to draw on complementary practices from across the full-service firm for support in multi-faceted matters, including corporate, tax, environmental, and public law. Patricia Arrázola fronts the group and is widely recognised for her strong skill sets in both commercial and regulatory issues. The team also includes Germán Villamil, who is noted for his record in oil-and-gas transactions, and up-and-coming energy specialist José Luís Palacios. The team additionally includes senior associate Lina Correa , who has an emphasis on environmental law. Senior associates Daniel Fajardo and Juan Felipe Pulecio moved in house at Engie (in July 2022) and Geopark (April 2023), respectively.

Colombia > Intellectual property Tier 2

The multidisciplinary practice at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) processed over 900 trade mark, patent, and design applications in 2022. The group also advises on IP litigation, IP development and protection strategies, and franchise systems, among other matters. Mauricio Jaramillo splits his time between IP and competition work and is noted for his broad contentious and non-contentious experience, which spans trade marks, patents, copyrights and franchising. Up-and-coming partner Juanita Pérez co-heads the department alongside Jaramillo and is recommended for her strong record in IP portfolio management. Senior associate Catalina Arango is also well versed in IP portfolio management and additionally handles litigation.

Colombia > Life sciences Tier 2

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)’s regulatory affairs practice stands out for its ‘relationships with regulatory entities’, which sources say, ‘speeds up the necessary processes’. The group routinely represents domestic and multinational life-sciences' clients on a wide range of industry-specific matters, including regulatory filings, health legislation, drug pricing strategy, and patent applications, among other issues. Experienced senior associate Andrea Pieschacón specialises in healthcare and IP law and co-heads the department alongside Mauricio Jaramillo, who advises on a mix of IP, competition, and data protection.

Colombia > Projects Tier 2

Lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) are ‘diligent and proactive in finding solutions’, according to sources. The interdisciplinary projects group handles a broad scope of public bidding processes, project finance, project development, and contentious matters; with the ability to draw on its wider full-service practice to resource larger matters. Department co-head Paola Larrahondo sits in both the infrastructure, and the administrative and constitutional law teams and acts for a mix of concessionaires, public entities, and investors on projects work. Fellow co-head José Luis Suárez is recommended for his project finance expertise. Senior associates Juan Antonio Ucrós (infrastructure and administrative law) and Catalina Prieto (banking and finance) are also noted.

Colombia > Real estate Tier 2

‘Highly knowledgeable on real estate law issues’, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) combines activity in urban and planning law, as well as construction projects, transactional real estate matters, and litigation. Paula Samper Salazar solely leads the practice, following the departure of former group head Felipe Mariño; she brings to bear significant experience in representing real estate investment funds, developers, construction companies and retail chains, among others, in real estate transactions. The team also include María Camila Parra, who was promoted to director in January 2023, and is noted for her 18-year record in advising on urban and planning law.

Colombia > TMT Tier 2

Noted for its ‘personalised attention’, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) houses a robust TMT group that is composed of multidisciplinary regulatory specialists. The team is primarily active in data protection, information security, cybersecurity and commercial issues; while it also benefits from the ability to lean on other departments from across the full-service firm to handle corporate transactions. Practice director Andrés Fernández De Castro is a recognised expert in technology, telecoms, and data protection regulation. The group also draws on IP, competition, and TMT partner Mauricio Jaramillo Campuzano and intermediate associate Andrés Meza.

Colombia > International trade and customs Tier 3

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)’s international trade practice is particularly weighted towards customs work, including customs planning, free trade zones, port filings and litigation. The team also has experience in advising on foreign trade transactions and free trade agreements. Department head Nicolás Potdevin Stein is widely recognised as a specialist in customs law, with strong expertise in disputes as well as general advisory work. Associate Andrea Mora Ramírez provides dedicated practice support, with a focus on free zones, tax, and customs law.

Colombia > Public law Tier 3

The interdisciplinary group at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) demonstrates ‘strong knowledge of the management of concessions with the state’. The team, which acts for a diverse mix of private and public entities, routinely advises on bidding processes, public procurement procedures and infrastructure project development — it also has experience in administrative sanctioning proceedings. The department is co-led by infrastructure and administrative law specialist Paola Larrahondo together with José Luis Suárez, who specialises in public law and finance matters. Senior associate Juan Antonio Ucrós is also recommended public law and infrastructure work.

Colombia > Compliance and white-collar crime Tier 4

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) houses a robust risk and compliance practice that finds favour with sources for its ‘creativity in providing solutions to problems’. The group handles the full spread of corporate compliance issues, from audits and internal investigations, through to due diligence and the design and implementation of compliance programmes. Experienced director Adriana Bueno Buitrago heads the department and brings over 30 years of experience to her role, with strong recent showings in the implementation and management of corporate governance and compliance models. At associate level, Anguie Castro and Nathaly Acero provide specialist support to the risk and compliance team.

Colombia > Labour and employment Tier 4

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) handled a string of transaction-related labour and employment matters during 2022/23, including handling M&A-related due diligence and advising on the employment aspects of restructurings and office closures. Additionally, the team advises a host of multinational and domestic clients on day-to-day matters, including union law, social security issues and litigation. Director Mauricio Montealegre is dedicated to labour law work and steers the team. Support is provided by senior Natalia Suárez Caicedo - a March 2023 arrival from Baker McKenzie S.A.S. - and associate Lina Tapiero, who specialises in contentious and non-contentious labour and social security matters. Associate Maria Angelica Pulido left to join Boston Consulting Group in March 2023.

Colombia > Insurance