The ‘top-notch team’ at CMS Rodríguez-Azuero stands out for its ’flexibility, dedication and commitment’. The practice houses a predominant compliance offering which routinely advises domestic and multinational clients on the full spread of Colombian anti-corruption matters, including adherence with SAGRILAFT (System of Self-Control and Management of the Comprehensive Risk of Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism, and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction) and the Transparency and Business Ethics Programme (PTEE). On the white-collar crime side, the team has recently advised both victims and defendants in criminal proceedings. Dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) Daniel Rodríguez is a popular choice to support national and foreign corporations on their compliance programmes, including recently advising HP Colombia on implementing its SAGRILAFT policy. Rodríguez co-heads the department together with Jacques Simhon, whose dispute resolution expertise positions him well for both compliance and contentious work. Key supporting associates include senior Santiago Calle (‘extensive experience in criminal law’); and semi-senior María José Correa. Former counsel Beatriz Molina left to go freelance in July 2023, since when the firm has hired Ligia María Vargas Mendoza (also as a counsel, as of June 2024); who will particularly strengthen the practice group's litigious capabilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS Rodríguez-Azuero deserves recognition for its exceptional work, which exceeded initial expectations. Its ability to adapt to the particular needs of the client, along with its legal precision, were determining factors for making strategic decisions. Its flexibility, dedication and commitment facilitated fluid dialogue.’
‘It stands out for the attention to detail and deep legal knowledge of its lawyers. The advice provided is based on an exhaustive analysis, explained in a simple way, and followed by prompt identification of the problem to be solved. It was common to expect the extra mile in legal, operational and administrative matters.’
‘This team is always available to answer our questions and solve our concerns. Lawyers communicate concepts in an understandable way and help us to understand in simple language what is the magnitude of our problems. The team is comprised of experts in what they do, from associates to partners.’
‘Santiago Calle has extensive experience in criminal law, manages meetings and proceedings with a very high level of professionalism and delivers very clear advice to clients.’
‘Jacques Simhon and María José Correa have the capacity and availability to meet our needs. Whether they are highly complex cases or small matters, they are always very professional.’
‘The differentiating factor of CMS Rodríguez Azuero is its experience and recognition in the area; this makes its queries incisive and complete. The answers are obtained in a short and timely period, with unmatched forcefulness and rigour.’
‘It is a robust team that provides excellent customer service and provides relevant information to make the right decisions. Lawyers always allocate the necessary time to meet with the client and provide the reports and explanations that are required.’
‘Overall, it is a top-notch team. Above the rest of the team's associates, Santiago Calle stands out, who is the senior lawyer in the area and has been involved in my processes. Always, if you have any questions, Santiago has a timely response according to the needs of the case.’
Key clients
- FCC Aqualia
- Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahía
- Decathlon Colombia
- HP Colombia
- Grupo Empresarial Oleoflores
- Minex
- Certicámara
- Duque Martinez
- Celeri
- Concentrix
Work highlights
- Represented a significant group of victims of the actions carried out by Felipe Miguel Rocha Medina relating to a pyramid scheme.
- Advised HP Colombia in designing and implementing its SAGRILAFT policy, and other anti-corruption compliance matters.
- Advised Minex on designing and implementing various anti-corruption and compliance policies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Santiago Calle
Practice head
Daniel Rodríguez; Jacques Simhon