Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados Offices
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados
AV CALLE 72 N 6-30
PISO 9 y 14
BOGOTA
Colombia
AV CALLE 72 N 6-30
PISO 9 y 14
BOGOTA
Colombia
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados > The Legal 500 Rankings
Colombia > Real estate Tier 1
Standing as a benchmark for real estate law in Colombia, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ group impresses with its ‘first-class lawyers’ and ‘remarkable level of experience’, according to sources. The comprehensive practice spans the full spectrum of industry issues, from regulatory matters through to real estate financing and project development. Fielding one of the deepest real estate benches in the market, the group includes go-to specialist Juan Manuel González
, who is widely recognised as a dean of the real estate bar. González teamed up with urban law head Ángela Caicedo, transactional real estate expert Felipe Pinilla, and corporate law partner Julián Rojas to advise Cemex Colombia on the development of almost 400 hectares of land in Bogotá. Other key names include urban planning specialist Sandra Milena Lizcano — who co-heads the department together with González and Caicedo — and Camilo Hermida, who ‘provides impeccable service’. The experienced Susana Mowerman Ocampo is noted at associate. Laura Carolina Mesa Fonseca was promoted to managing associate in October 2023. Luis Miguel González left the firm in September 2023. Practice head(s):
Juan Manuel González; Ángela Caicedo; Sandra Milena Lizcano
Testimonials
‘Strengths and differentiators: remarkable level of experience, warmth in customer service, prompt responses, responsibility, taking any query seriously. Excellent people, pleasant, highly professional. Billing is extremely transparent and shows great clarity in identifying the billable hours.’
‘I have had the pleasure of knowing up close the professional work and experience of Juan Manuel González, Julián Rojas and Ángela Caicedo. We know there are more professionals behind us who contribute significantly to our requirements; what makes them stand out is that they work as a team.’
‘PGP runs different practices and we have used the advice of several of them. It is very valuable to see the communication between the different areas and how they complement the work to provide a comprehensive service. It fields first-class lawyers, with excellent human qualities, who comply with delivery times.’
‘The team with which we have worked is characterised by its expertise in each of its areas. Lawyers are well versed in their specialty, and outstanding among their peers.’
‘I have had the opportunity to work on several transactions with Camilo Hermida and he provides impeccable service. His attention to detail is invaluable, and we trust the knowledge he brings to the table.’
Key clients
Amarilo
Cemex Colombia
Calidad Inmobiliaria – Guatemala
Inversiones Inmobiliarias Santa Cruz
Desarrollos Serena Del Mar, sucursal Colombia
Colgas – Ecológicas Grupo Empresarial
Cemex Colombia
Constructora Colpatria
Fideicomiso Lagos de Torca
Bienes y Negocios Cía
Constructora Urbansa
Apiros
Work highlights
- Advised Cemex Colombia on the development of almost 400 hectares in Bogotá, which will allow the construction of more than 40,000 housing solutions.
- Advised Calidad Inmobiliaria (Guatemala) on the implementation of the partial plans in the legislation of Guatemala City.
- Advised Amarilo on obtaining approval of a territorial financing instrument, resulting in an increase in buildability in an area that permits the development of land for residential and commercial use.
Colombia > Environment Tier 2
Real estate powerhouse Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados fields an increasingly prominent environmental law team that is valued for its ‘knowledge of the historical development of environmental regulations and territorial planning’. That being said, the practice extends beyond land planning and land use development to handle environmental issues concerning public utilities, energy, agriculture and life sciences, among other sectors. Group head Natalia Nuñez specialises in environmental, natural resources and public utility law matters; she recently assisted Prodesa with obtaining a riverbed occupation permit for the construction of a bridge for a major housing project. Senior associate Natalia Álvarez and principal associate Ángela Pinzón provide dedicated practice support.Practice head(s):
Natalia Núñez
Testimonials
‘We value the team’s interdisciplinary approach and its ability to incorporate knowledge from different practices. We also highlight its ethical qualities.’
‘Lawyers possess enormous experience in real cases and have direct knowledge of the historical development of environmental regulations and territorial planning. They also demonstrate familiarity with the practice and dynamics of the institutions of the sector.’
‘Pinilla González y Prieto Abogados is a recognised firm, with extensive and robust experience. Its environmental division has suitable lawyers, duly prepared, with experience in environmental issues of different complexities. Likewise, it is a division that knows the entire technical, legal and political framework of the environmental field and therefore has excellent contacts at all levels. It is seen also clear that the internal support of other disciplines is vital for the success of the work of the environmental division.‘
‘The individuals that make up the environmental division are well prepared and trained in different aspects of environmental issues, which allows them to support clients in both normal and complex issues. They are compliant with the work schedules and on issues where there may be a lack of technical knowledge or a weakness, they have the ability to investigate, learn or support themselves with external experts.‘
Key clients
Prodesa & Cia
IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture
Guala Closures de Colombia
Caicas Flowers
Promotora Parques Industriales de Colombia
Grupo Energía Bogotá
Betania Colombia
Apiros
Promotora Parque Industrial El Cortijo
Autopistas del Café
Work highlights
- Advised Autopistas del Café on various environmental issues connected to the development of a 12km roadway in the municipality of Pereira.
- Advised Grupo Energía Bogotá on more than 15 energy transmission projects nationwide.
- Successfully represented Apiros in an administrative environmental proceeding, obtaining the removal of a preventive measure suspending construction activities for the alleged improper disposal of construction waste in one of its housing projects.
Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 3
Leveraging its premier real estate offering, Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados is primarily noted for its focus on defending and promoting the rights and interests of Colombian construction and real estate companies. The team is additionally distinguished by its ‘constant efforts to understand the needs of the client’ and its ‘effective planning of legal strategies to best solve any case’. Óscar Martínez maintains a thriving disputes practice, with a focus on liability, private property protection, and insolvency, among other issues; he is representing Icono Urbano in proceedings initiated by a group of Bogota restaurants relating to damages caused to a building adjacent to the construction of a hotel. Martínez co-heads the group together with managing partner Felipe Pinilla, whose litigation practice is informed by his activity in corporate disputes, criminal law, and tax-related matters; and associate César Augusto Gónzalez, who specialises in criminal and disciplinary law. Civil litigation-focused associate Margarita María Hurtado is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla; Oscar Martínez; César Augusto Gónzalez
Testimonials
‘This practice is unique due to its constant efforts to understand the needs of the client and to always show the reality of the situations that are the subject of our consultation.’
‘The strengths of the team are its experience, its constant updating in terms of procedures, jurisprudence and regulations, and the effective planning of legal strategies to best solve any case.’
‘It stands out for the management and control of the hours dedicated to each case and for its transparency at the time of invoicing. It has always had special consideration for us as clients, and for the sector in which we operate, spending additional time on our inquiries and processes.’
‘Lawyers stand out for their knowledge, experience and ability to propose effective legal strategies. They differ from their competitors due to the transparency and veracity of their advice, always seeking to protect the interests of their client to the maximum, but always speaking truthfully.’
‘It is important that lawyers know the technical aspects to thoroughly support and generate trust in their clients. For us, it was vital that we not only received legal support in our process (that ended successfully), but also technical support, which helped substantially to clarify many aspects of the process.’
Key clients
Casiri Inmobiliaria
CCRS Inmobiliaria
Hillside Flowers
Suprema Compañía Inmobiliaria
Optima
Tosca
Wavecomm Corporation
Inversiones Alcabama
AR Construcciones
Promotora Parques Industriales
Fiduciaria Colombiana de Comercio Exterior
Estacionamientos Lugano
Constructora Flormorado
Escalar Gerencia Inmobiliaria
Andres Echavarría Olano
Cemex Colombia
Amarilo
ATC Sitios de Colombia
Banco Caja Social
Icono Urbano
Prabyc Ingenieros
Arias Serna Y Saravia
Arquimeg
Desarrolladora de Zonas Francas
GCC Constructores
Miriam Alice Herz
Asociacion Para La Ensenanza Aspaen
Work highlights
- Representing Icono Urbano in proceedings initiated by a group of Bogota restaurants concerning extra-contractual civil liability for damages caused to a building adjacent to the construction of a hotel in Bogotá.
- Representing Aveprad in civil litigation seeking the declaration of ownership of a $2m property.
- Representing Arias Serna y Saravia in a lawsuit related to the execution of urban development works in a real estate project.
Colombia > Compliance and white-collar crime Tier 4
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados fields a full-service practice, with strong recent activity in compliance programmes, administrative investigations and criminal proceedings. Uniquely positioned to advise on real estate sector-specific issues, in line with its firm-wide strength, the team is particularly well versed in criminal processes related to illegal land occupation, fraud, misrepresentation, document forgery, and crimes against public administration, among other matters. Founding partner Felipe Pinilla steers the department and has extensive experience in real estate-related criminal proceedings. The team also includes associate César Augusto Gónzalez, who specialises in advising on the implementation of compliance programmes, criminal litigation cases, and disciplinary processes; and criminal law-focused associate Laura Pinilla De Brigard.Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla; César Augusto González
Testimonials
‘This practice is unique because of the special consideration it gives to its clients. Its strong points are its immediate attention to the queries and needs of the client and its effective management of the legal strategy to be applied in each case.’
‘The team compares favourably with other law firms due to its high success rate. There is permanent support from all areas of the firm, as and when the criminal area requires, which complements the advice in an integral way.’
‘The team’s experience and knowledge of the norms and processes, combined with its lawyers’ personal and respectful treatment, makes it stand out. The team differs from its competitors by its results in this field.’
‘The team’s best qualities are its effective solution of the queries and cases, its strong support, and the permanent willingness to serve the client. César Augusto Gónzalez particularly stands out.’
‘The firm maintains an excellent relationship with the client, and also displays willingness to answer questions. Excellent case management.’
‘Felipe Pinilla provides clear advice and good case management. César Augusto Gónzalez brings to bear excellent case management.’
‘The firm’s personalised attention makes it stand out.’
‘We value the team for its client service and real concern to solve the problems of its clients, which makes it stand out from its competitors.’
Key clients
Lucas Tamayo Giraldo
Álvaro Rozo Castellanos
Structures and Designs
Michael Baxter
IHS Towers Colombia
Centennial Towers Colombia
Work highlights
- Represented Lucas Tamayo, CEO of the company Ingeniería Inmobiliaria, in criminal proceedings.
- Represented José Álvaro Rozo Castellanos, the former mayor of Mosquera, in judicial proceedings concerning allegations that he illegally obtained an urban licence to build a holiday centre in Apulo.
- Advised Centennial Towers Colombia on the implementation of its compliance programme, among other matters.
Colombia > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
A client of Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ corporate and M&A group awards it the ultimate accolade with the assertion: ‘you know it will get the job done’. The firm’s signature real estate offering translates into a practice that primarily represents companies in the construction and infrastructure sectors on transactional matters. That being said, the team also demonstrates growing activity in the life sciences, energy, and technology fields. Founding partner Felipe Pinilla maintains a broad corporate practice, which combines his skill sets in the corporate, tax, and dispute resolution areas. Pinilla co-heads the department alongside Camilo Andrés Hermida and up-and-coming partner Julian Felipe Rojas, who handles a mix of corporate, estate planning and foreign investment. Associates Lina Maria Ospina and Maria Fernanda Ortiz are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla; Julian Felipe Rojas; Camilo Andres Hermida
Testimonials
‘Working with this team makes us, both as a company and as a family, very comfortable and at ease. The team’s competence is without question and you know it will get the job done.’
‘Even though one knows that, at its core, this is a professional relationship, you feel as though you are working with partners who have your best interests at heart. Julian Felipe Rojas is one of the reasons we trust Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados with our business.’
‘It is a team with great knowledge. Lawyers demonstrate a high level of commitment to their clients and provide permanent support. I highlight the team’s constant interest in finding ways to provide excellent service.’
‘Julian Felipe Rojas is an exceptional advisor; his analytical skills and practicality make him an excellent lawyer, while his support and commitment gives us great confidence.’
Key clients
PCG Constructora
IHS Group Colombia
La Primavera Desarrollo y construcción S en C en Liquidación Judicial
Grupo Metro de Bogotá
Consultimer Group
Fideicomiso Lagos de Torca
Fundación Centro Colombo Americano.
Universal Linc de Colombia
Ab Inbev Middle Americas
1st Class Colombia
Stackpath
Proenfar
Grupo Amarey Nova Medical
Calidad Inmobiliaria
Coltefinanciera
ATC Sitios de Colombia
Partners Fund Colombia
Work highlights
- Advised IHS Group Colombia on the execution of contracts for the acquisition and commercial exploitation of assets to enable it to carry out business in Colombia.
- Advised Empresa Metro de Bogotá on the development of its non-tariff business portfolio.
- Advised Grupo Amarey Nova Medical on distribution agreements for health products with multinational companies.
Colombia > Public law Tier 4
Real estate powerhouse Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados is noted for its focus on representing real estate investors and construction companies in public law litigation; both at the judicial and administrative levels. The group has also recorded growing activity in handling public procurement proceedings and advising on the pre-feasibility phases of infrastructure projects. Group head David Garzón specialises in litigation before the administrative courts related to land use and real estate law.Practice head(s):
David Garzón
Testimonials
‘It has an interdisciplinary team trained to meet our requirements.’
‘We value the team’s willingness to respond to requests, particularly David Garzón.’
‘The team knows the regulations in public law and compare favourably with other firms in the follow-up and rigour of the cases entrusted to it. The team maintains a direct relationship with us as clients.’
‘We highlight the team’s assertiveness in resolving the issues under its charge, as well as its high knowledge and specialty.’
Key clients
Estudios Civiles y Sanitarios Essere, Jardines de Paz and Jardines del Apogeo
Tecni Costura
Promotora Morros Epic
Corporacion de Fomento Cultural Corfomento
Sandra Martínez Uribe
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Promotora Morros Epic in an administrative investigation related to the unlawful use of public property through the construction of three residential complexes.
- Advised the Unidad Nacional del Gestión de Riesgo–Subcuenta Covid 19 on the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.
- Successfully represented Tecni Costura in a damages claim brought against the Colombian Ministry of Defence.
Colombia > Tax Tier 4
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados leverages its premier real estate offering to specialise in local taxes, especially in relation to real estate and construction projects. It also has experience in tax planning, tax litigation, and transactional tax matters. In August 2022, department head María Helena Padilla left to join Deloitte Asesores y Consultores. The practice is now co-led by Viviana Africano Franco, who was promoted to associate director in March 2023, together with founding partner Felipe Pinilla, who also steers the corporate and dispute resolution groups.Practice head(s):
Felipe Pinilla Acevedo; Viviana Africano Franco
Key clients
Grupo Roble
Promotora La Alborada
CCLA Group
CI Bogotá Emerald Mart
Work highlights
- Advised CI Bogotá Emerald Mart on its dealings with DIAN, following DIAN’s request for documents and information supporting the origin of deductions in the income tax statement.
- Advised Grupo Roble on its attempts to overturn an administrative act made by the Cadastral Authority of Bogotá, whereby it assigned a property valuation to 362 estates of the company.
- Advised CCLA Group on real estate projects, including tax due diligence.
Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados > Firm Profile
Supported by an interdisciplinary team, Pinilla, González & Prieto Abogados build integral solutions that respond to the needs of foreign investors interested in doing business in Colombia, and for this, we offer a complete consultancy in matters of corporate and mercantile law that include, among other areas, the constitution and liquidation of investment vehicles; representation of investors; corporate governance; private capital linking documents; civil and commercial contracts; tax planning; work visas; establishment of branches; dividend payments; transnational transactions; due diligence in titling and real estate uses; mergers and acquisitions (M&A); protection of investment, and all areas of urban, real estate and environmental law. We recently created two new areas of practice: medical and health law; and criminal and disciplinary law.
Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, Latin Lawyer, and The Legal 500, recognize PGP as one of the leaders in the legal services market in Colombia.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Law | Rodrigo Prieto Martínez | rprieto@pgplegal.com | +57 (601) 2101000 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mrs Viviana Africano | Associate and Director for the Tax practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Natalia Álvarez Lozano | Natalia is an associate for the Environmental and Public Utilities practice at… | View Profile |
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Mrs Ángela Caicedo | Partner and Manager of Urban and Real Estate Law practice | View Profile |
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Mr David Garzón | Partner and Director of the Public Law team | View Profile |
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Mr Juan Manuel González Garavito | Founding Partner and Director of the Urban Planning and Real Estate Law… | View Profile |
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Mr Camilo Hermida | Partner at the Corporate M&A, Civil and Commercial practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Margarita Hurtado Londoño | Margarita is a Senior lawyer in the Dispute resolution, Litigation, and Arbitration… | View Profile |
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Mrs Sandra Lizcano | Partner for the Real Estate practice | View Profile |
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Mr Oscar Martínez | Manager of the Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Arbitration practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Laura Mesa | Associate and director of the Real Estate law team | View Profile |
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Mrs Claudia Mora Uscátegui | Claudia is a partner and the leader of the Renewable and Non-Renewable… | View Profile |
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Mrs Susana Mowerman | Associate for the Real Estate practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Natalia Núñez Vélez | Partner and Manager for the Environment and Public Services practice | View Profile |
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Mrs María Fernanda Ortiz | Associate for the Corporate M&A practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Lina Ospina Aristizábal | Associate and Leader of the Labor Law practice | View Profile |
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Mr Carlos Felipe Pinilla Acevedo | Founding Partner and General Director for Pinilla, González & Prieto Abogados Leader… | View Profile |
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Mr Rodrigo Prieto Martínez | Founding and Managing Partner | View Profile |
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Mrs Natalia Robayo | Associate for the Real Estate practice | View Profile |
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Mr Julián Rojas | Partner and Manager of the Corporate Law practice | View Profile |
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Mrs Laura Rojas | Associate for the Real Estate practice | View Profile |
Staff Figures
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Litigation in Colombia
What are the key steps involved in a litigation case in Colombia? The key steps involved in a litigation case in Colombia are: (i) counseling and evidence collection; (ii) process; and (iii) enforcement of the judgment.
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