The full-service practice at Holland & Knight scores highly for its ‘knowledge, expertise, and prestige in matters related to environmental law and sustainability’. Leveraging robust offerings in public law and energy-and-natural-resources, the team is particularly active in matters concerning the oil-and-gas, power and mining sectors, while it also represents clients in the agricultural, manufacturing, and food and beverage areas. The department is led by go-to sector specialist Jose Vicente Zapata, who is hailed by clients as ’possibly the best environmental legal expert in the country’. Among Zapata’s recent matters, he advised Exxon Mobil Exploration Colombia on environmental sanctioning proceedings and other regulatory matters. Also noted at senior level is public law partner Juan Casallas, whose work spans environmental liability issues and administrative proceedings. The team further draws on an impressive pair of senior counsels in Estefanny Pardo, who specialises in environmental litigation; and newly promoted (January 2025) María Camila Aponte, whose environmental law practice takes in energy-and-natural-resources and public law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Holland & Knight stands out from other law firms for having an exceptional team, with expertise in multiple areas involving not only oil and gas.’
- ‘Holland & Knight's main advantage is having José Vicente Zapata, possibly the best environmental legal expert in the country. He stands out for his detailed knowledge of environmental regulations in the country, coupled with his exceptional analysis.’
- ‘The team stands out for its knowledge, expertise, and prestige in matters related to environmental law and sustainability.’
- ‘Lawyers are strong and judicious in their assessments, concepts and opinions, and always present various alternatives to the client.’
Key clients
- Exxon Mobil Exploration Colombia
- Promigas
- Carbones del Cerrejon
- Cerro Matoso
- Drummond Ltd.
- Shell EP Offshore Ventures (Colombia branch)
- Procter & Gamble Colombia
- Carrao Energy
- Promioriente
- La Luna E&P de RL Colombia
- Perenco Colombia Limited
- Ecoener Ingeniería Colombia
Work highlights
Advised Promigas on a carbon credit project.
Advised Ecoener Ingeniería on environmental law matters connected to the development of a solar project in Colombia.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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