Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s environmental law practice is commended for its business acumen and clients assert that it ‘aligns its strategies with business objectives’. Handling a comprehensive mix of regulatory and contentious work, the team is further distinguished by its ability to act in tandem with its top-tier corporate offering to assist with high-stakes environmental due diligence. Department head Luis Fernando Macías is ’Colombia’s leading environmental specialist’, according to some. Macías specialises in advising major domestic and multinational companies on complex environmental matters and recently advised Grupo Argos on a sanctioning procedure initiated for a river port project. The group additionally benefits from a deep pool of non-partners including Iván Páez, who serves as director of the environment and sustainable development area; principal associate Alexander Acosta, who frequently advises on environmental issues relating to the oil-and-gas, mining and infrastructure sectors, among others; principal associate María Alejandra Gómez, who is ‘always available’; and associate Nelly Cubides, who supports on compliance and contentious work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is led by the country's leading environmental lawyer, which allows for a high level of legal rigour in the issues they evaluate. They also have an in-depth understanding of the company's business, which allows for precise and personalised concepts.’

  • ‘The team is led by Colombia's leading environmental specialist, Luis Fernando Macías. Its advice provides peace of mind thanks to their thoroughness and 360° view of the problem and legal solutions. The expertise of Alexander Acosta, María Alejandra Gómez, Iván Paéz, and Nelly Cubides is noteworthy.’

  • ‘I primarily handle environmental issues with PPU, and we've built incredible trust with these people. We're comfortable with how we handle environmental issues. We can speak transparently, and that gives us a lot of confidence.’

  • ‘María Alejandra Gómez is always available to us. Unlike other firms, where we have to wait for an appointment, PPU allows us to contact them at any time. They are super responsive in their inquiries and handling of issues, and are quite accurate in the concepts they provide.’

  • ‘The team stands out for their willingness and experience to answer questions. Lawyers are always decisive.’
  • ‘What truly distinguishes this practice is its comprehensive approach, focused on effective and preventive conflict resolution. The team not only reacts to legal issues but also anticipates scenarios, proposes sustainable solutions, and aligns its strategies with business objectives.’

Key clients

  • <p>Alo Sur</p>
  • <p>Grupo Argos</p>
  • <p>TransMilenio</p>
  • <p>Sociedad Aeroportuaria de la Costa (SACSA)</p>
  • <p>Manufacturas Eliot</p>
  • <p>Grupo Prodeco</p>
  • <p>Grupo Manuelita</p>
  • <p>Bayer</p>
  • <p>Isagen</p>
  • <p>Bavaria</p>
  • <p>Urbaser</p>
  • <p>Cemex</p>

Work highlights

Advised Alo Sur (concessionaire of the Avenida Longitudinal de Occidente – Tramo Sur highway) on the modification of environmental licences for the project.
Advised Grupo Argos on a sanctioning procedure initiated for a river port project.
Advised TransMilenio on environmental matters concerning the management of service stations located in various parking areas in Bogotá.

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.

María Alejandra Gómez

Practice head

Luis Fernando Macías; Iván Páez