Energy and natural resources lawyers at Holland & Knight are ‘friendly, helpful, and accommodating’, according to clients. The US-headquartered firm maintains platforms in both Colombia and Mexico, positioning it as a strong choice for multinationals looking for regional support. As a case in point, the Bogotá and Mexico City offices are working together to advise Engie México and Energía Mayakan on the $1.5bn Cuxtal II Project; an approximately 700km gas pipeline. The Colombia side of the Cuxtal project is led jointly by energy veteran José Vicente Zapata (whose expertise spans energy transactions, regulatory work and environmental law), and talented senior counsel Daniel Fajardo. Other partners with a significant energy dimension to their practice include up-and-coming energy specialist Ines Elvira Vesga and public law partner Juan Casallas. A deep pool of dedicated non-partners includes of counsel Milton Fernando Montoya, who has an emphasis on mining and energy transition; senior counsel Estefanny Pardo, who focuses on energy-related environmental work; and newly promoted (February 2025) senior counsel Claro Manuel Cotes. Former senior counsel Margarita Solorza left the firm in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Developing this practice requires specialised knowledge — lawyers need experience in specific areas and must constantly update their knowledge, which is certainly the case with the H&K team. Few firms and lawyers have as in-depth, specialised knowledge in these areas.’
‘Lawyers in this team are friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with a flexibility in service delivery that makes working with them a pleasure.’
Key clients
- Repsol
- Engie
- Gases de Occidente
- Emerald
- Termotasajero
- GreenYellow
- Ecoener
- GeoPark
- DEME Group
- Promigas
- ACP – Asociacion Colombiana de Petroleos – Colombian Petroleum Association
- BP
Work highlights
Advised Repsol on the $530m sale of its oil and gas assets in Colombia to GeoPark.
Advised Repsol on the $452m sale of its stake in the CPO-09 oil block.
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.
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.
Practice head
José Vicente Zapata; Inés Elvira Vesga; Juan Casallas; Milton Montoya