Valued for its ‘excellent combination of local and international knowledge’, Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas is distinguished by its ability to plug into the wider firm’s formidable global energy and natural resources platform. Well-weighted between all key practice sub-sectors, the team is particularly recognised for its mining prowess, where it counts major multinationals such as Rio Tinto, Newmont and Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation among its representative clients. A go-to specialist for mining and energy work, Jorge Neher heads the energy practice in Latin America and the Caribbean; he recently advised LNG Energy Group on an agreement with state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) to develop and produce hydrocarbons in Venezuela. Santiago González also maintains a comprehensive energy and natural resources practice and recently advised Grupo Iberoamericano de Fomento on the acquisition of Greendipity. Hernán Rodríguez is widely regarded as an ’invaluable asset’ on the mining side and advised Drummond Colombia on a mining project. Rounding out the senior names is mining partner James Valdiri; corporate and finance specialist Bernardo Cárdenas; and projects-focused Pablo Jaramillo. A strong second line of non-partners includes director María Margarita Lorduy, who heads the complementary environmental law area; senior associate Antonio Rojas, who supports on projects and energy-related matters; and junior associate Rodrigo de Vivero, who also handles projects and energy work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is well-structured and all members have in-depth knowledge of the matters entrusted to them. Creativity shines through every proposal, making advice detailed and unique. Client service is impeccable and lawyers are special for their commitment, dedication, and creativity.’
‘Excellent combination of local and international knowledge. We highlight Jorge Neher and Bernardo Cárdenas.’
- ‘Dentons' energy and natural resources practice team is one of the most robust in the country, with extensive experience in regulatory and transactional matters. Its team is comprised of partners and associates with expertise in hydrocarbons, mining, energy, and gas.’
- ‘Lawyers have extensive experience in regulatory and transactional matters in the natural resources sector, making their advice very useful and appropriate. They are always available, and their response times are very fast. I have worked with Pablo Jaramillo, Santiago Gonzáles, and associate Rodrigo de Vivero.’
- ‘A very competent team with extensive knowledge of the mining sector. Jorge Neher and Hernán Rodríguez are highly competent and respected lawyers who understand the sector very well.’
- ‘The firm's unique polycentric approach, which leverages the diverse perspectives of its global network, has been instrumental in providing us with tailored and effective legal solutions. Its ability to combine global reach with local expertise ensures that we receive comprehensive support.’
- ‘Bernardo Cárdenas has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism in handling corporate matters. His strategic approach and in-depth knowledge have been invaluable in navigating complex legal issues.’
- ‘Hernán Rodríguez has been instrumental in addressing our mining law needs with his specialised expertise. His accurate and timely responses, along with his ability to analyse and interpret mining regulations, have been crucial in managing our mining projects. An invaluable asset to our team.’
- 'The team are strong negotiators and have excellent availability.'
- '‘The partners and associates in the Natural Resources practice have extensive experience in both regulatory and transactional matters in the sector, which makes their advice incredibly useful and appropriate. The lawyers are always available and their response times are very fast; they are able to adapt to the urgent timelines our business requires.'
Key clients
- Grupo Iberoamericano de Fomento
- Crossboundary Colombia
- Negratin
- Uriel Renovables
- Refinería de Cartagena (REFICAR)
- ONGC Videsh Limited (Colombia branch)
- YPF
- LNG Energy Group
- Perenco Oil and Gas Colombia Limited
- BID Invest
- Freeport Mc Moran Exploration Corporation
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- Intergovernmental Forum (IGF) International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
- Drummond Colombia
- Colombian Natural Resources II
- Brazil Resources Inc.
- Aris Mining Corporation
- Touchstone
- Newmont Mining Corporation
- Gramalote Colombia Limited
Work highlights
Advised ONGC Videsh, Sucursal Colombia on matters related to managing its relationship with its partners under two joint operating agreements.
Advised Drummond Colombia on a mining project.
Advised Grupo Iberoamericano de Fomento on the acquisition of Greendipity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Antonio Rojas
Practice head
Jorge Neher; Santiago González; Hernán Rodríguez; James Valdiri; Bernardo Cárdenas; Pablo Jaramillo