International trade lawyers at Brigard Urrutia are roundly praised for their ‘unique understanding of the clients’ business and goals’. The practice continues to secure a strong market share of trade remedies work, where it represents both domestic and foreign industry clients in anti-dumping proceedings. Among its other practice strong suits, the team routinely advises on customs regulation and litigation, free zones and free-trade agreements. Department head Jose Francisco Mafla is singled out for his ’deep understanding of international law principles’ and led on a steady stream of anti-dumping matters during 2024/25, including representing Mexichem Colombia in an anti-dumping investigation into imports of polyvinyl chloride from China and South Korea. Key support is provided by newly promoted (November 2024) senior associate Gerardo Chadid, who is highlighted for his ‘pragmatic, results-oriented attitude’. Former associate practice director Camilo Castrillón left the firm in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team stands out for its agility in information processing, assertive analysis, and clear and direct execution. Lawyers demonstrate an integrated approach to cases and hearings, respect for both the client and the opponent, and assertiveness in interpreting situations.’
‘Brigard Urrutia's team is excellent. Lawyers are always up-to-date on applicable legal provisions and available to answer any questions you may have. José Francisco Mafla is an excellent lawyer, always willing to assist with any questions we may have.’
- ‘The lawyers at this firm demonstrate that, in addition to their knowledge of the subject matter in which they specialise, they have a strong analytical capacity for the client's needs, and their advice goes beyond resolving the matter to seek to positively impact the client's services or processes.’
- ‘The lawyers in the BU team are closely aligned with the evolution of the global market and its needs.’
- ‘José Francisco Mafla and his team really excel in international trade and customs work in Colombia. They have deep knowledge of the law but above all a unique understanding of the clients' business and goals, which allows them to come up with creative and pragmatic solutions.’
- ‘We do not only depend on José Francisco Mafla for his knowledge of Colombian rules and regulations but, with his deep understanding of international law principles, we often depend on him as a strategic adviser for issues that develop in other jurisdictions as well.’
Key clients
- <p>Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao</p>
- <p>Continental Industries</p>
- <p>Bimbo de Colombia</p>
- <p>Mexichem Colombia</p>
- <p>PGI Colombia</p>
- <p>Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI)</p>
- <p>Hapag-Lloyd Colombia</p>
- <p>Ocean Network Express Colombia</p>
Work highlights
Advised PGI Colombia on assessing the potential application of a trade defence measure against non-woven fabric imports.
Represented the National Milk Producers Federation in the subsidy investigation against imports of powdered milk into Colombia.
Represented Carvajal in the anti-dumping investigation into copy paper imports from Brazil.
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.
Gerardo Chadid
Practice head
José Francisco Mafla