‘An outstanding team with very deep technical competence’, Holland & Knight houses a comprehensive energy and natural resources practice, which is distinguished by its ability to draw on over 220 energy specialists across its global offices. Department head José Vicente Zapata is regarded by many as a ’national reference in environmental and energy law’; he is recognised for his full-service coverage of energy law, with extensive experience in regulation, transactions, contentious work and associated environmental law issues. Ines Elvira Vesga specialises in both electricity and hydrocarbons work and led on a string of highlights during 2023/24, including advising Emerald Energy, a subsidiary of Sinochem Group, on regulatory and contractual matters. Other key contacts include of counsel Milton Fernando Montoya, whose practice spans the mining, energy and environmental law spheres; and public law partner Juan Casallas. The group also includes a pair of specialised senior counsels: Daniel Fajardo arrived from Engie in June 2023 and has a focus on energy transactions, while Estefanny Pardo specialises in environmental law litigation. Senior counsel Margarita Solorza left the firm in May 2024. Since publication, Claro Manuel Cotes has been promoted to counsel - effective as of February 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘In terms of natural resources, H&K has an outstanding team with very deep technical competence. It is also a team that remains up-to-date and generates value when carrying out analysis.’
‘José Vicente Zapata is a reference for legal advice regarding natural resources.’
‘The Holland & Knight practice is characterised by the solid knowledge of partner José Vicente Zapata and his team. It is, without a doubt, the most up-to-date team on energy issues in Colombia.’
‘José Vicente Zapata is not only a national reference in environmental and energy law, but has actively assisted our company since our arrival in Colombia. He continues to advise on increasingly complex issues such as environmental regulation and monitoring, regulatory disputes on oil issues, and JVs.’
‘The difference from its competitors is the capacity and qualities of José Vicente Zapata. José is always available to take a call and practically immediately resolve queries associated with environmental, energy and other related issues.’
‘José Vicente Zapata’s written advice generally resolve issues very clearly, and are delivered promptly, in addition to having clarification calls or meetings when required. His knowledge is always up-to-date, and in fact he is part of the team promoting the development and evolution of regulation across various aspects.’
Key clients
- Engie
- Gases de Occidente
- Emerald
- Termotasajero
- GreenYellow
- Natura Cosmeticos
- Ecoener
Work highlights
- Acted in conjunction with its Mexico office to advise Engie México and Energía Mayakan on the Cuxtal II Project; an approximately 700km gas pipeline valued at over $1.5bn.
- Advised Ecoener on a variety of renewable energy projects in Colombia.
- Advised Emerald Energy, a subsidiary of Sinochem Group, on regulatory and contractual matters.
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Practice head
José Vicente Zapata