Providing ‘calm yet effective support’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. utilises its global platform to excel in representing major Colombian and multinational clients in cross-border proceedings — it also handles domestic cases. Alongside its work in arbitral disputes, during 2025/26 the team also advised on complementary issues such as award enforcement actions, amiable composition proceedings and pre-arbitral matters. In May 2025, department co-head María Angélica Burgos re-joined the practice, following two years leading her own firm, and contributes experience acting as counsel, arbitrator and tribunal secretary in international arbitrations under major global rules, including ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL. Up-and-coming dispute resolution partner Sebastián Quintero is also noted for his international expertise, particularly in infrastructure-related disputes. Other recommended practitioners include senior associate Estefanía Contreras, who focuses on international arbitration; senior associate Ana Carolina Abreo, who maintains a broad dispute resolution practice; and mid-level associate Mariana Tique, who advises on dispute resolution and digital law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Its performance is of high quality and efficiency.
- The team led by María Angélica Burgos performs in a coordinated and efficient manner.
- Maria Angélica is a very knowledgeable lawyer who quickly understands the needs of the client, especially in this kind of industry where disputes tend to be complex.
- The team is very competent, and it's available when you need it. It has very capable lawyers who are used to sophisticated matters and have a commercial approach to the needs of the company.
- The Baker McKenzie team is charismatic and connects with clients from the start, ensuring that, in addition to its professional expertise, it focuses on the human element to guide clients through the process in the best possible way. Compared to other firms, this is the added value that makes the firm so special. I must also mention that they utilise cutting-edge technology, are willing to collaborate and meet when needed and provide excellent client service.
- The team is composed of good people who work as lawyers; in other words, they are good people first and foremost, before being excellent professionals. Everyone involved in the case performed exceptionally well, under the leadership of Sebastián Quintero, assisted by Ana Carolina Abreo and Mariana Tique. What sets it apart from other firms is precisely this: lawyers connect with the client and provide calm yet effective support throughout the entire process.
Key clients
- AbbVie
- Aris Mining
- Canacol Energy Colombia
- CDM Smith
- Diageo Colombia S.A., Diageo Scotland Limited, Diageo North America
- Embraer
- HSBC Bank USA, National Association
- Mazda
- Motorola Solutions
- Novo Nordisk Colombia
- Phoenix Tower International
- Quanta Services
Work highlights
Represented Voith Hydro in the recognition and enforcement of a $9m arbitral award issued in Chile, seeking registration of the claim within Colombian insolvency proceedings.
Acted for Metro Cali in an amiable composition proceeding involving $5.7m in construction-related claims.
Advised a foreign company on a $4.2m settlement agreement following a Colombian-seated arbitration award.
Lawyers
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.
Estefanía Contreras
Practice head
María Angelica Burgos; Sebastián Quintero