As a specialist boutique exceling in investment mechanisms and international trade, Araújo Ibarra strikes the right note with clients due to its ‘extensive knowledge and experience’. Housing dominant offerings in all key pillars of international trade law — including trade remedies, customs matters, free zones and trade policy — the multidisciplinary team has established itself as a first port of call for domestic and multinational companies and governments looking for foreign trade advice. Managing partner Martín Ibarra KC is widely acknowledged as a ’true expert in his field’; he was recently engaged by the Trade and Investment Division of the Inter-American Development Bank to advise on strengthening Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone regime. Olga Salamanca heads the the trade remedies and commercial policy area, where she stands out for her ‘knowledge of international treaties and sound judgment’; she recently represented the Colombian steel industry in seeking safeguarding measures on imports of corrugated iron or steel bars for concrete reinforcement from the Andean Community. Other key contacts include director Andrea Caicedo, who fronts the customs and exchange law unit; Felipe Barón, who serves as manager in the customs and exchange law practice; and senior consultant Nathalia Sáchica, who focuses on administrative and customs law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘In my opinion, Martín Gustavo Ibarra's experience and human qualities set this practice apart. Martín Gustavo Ibarra is a true expert in his field and is also distinguished by his personalised client service.’

  • ‘The firm's main specialty is foreign trade matters. Lawyers work very well with other firms that complement their work when necessary.’

  • ‘The firm is excellent in foreign trade. Olga Lucía Salamanca stands out for her knowledge of international treaties and sound judgment.’

  • ‘We turned to Araújo Ibarra, as I had worked with the firm in the past on free-trade zone matters. Due to its extensive knowledge and experience, we decided it would be the right fit to advise us on the incorporation of a new company in a free-trade zone.’

  • ‘Its knowledge and understanding of free-trade zones is one of the firm's greatest strengths. It has built and maintained a high-performance team in the field.’

Key clients

  • Ternium Colombia
  • Acerías Paz del Río
  • Empresa Colombiana de Cables (Emcocables)
  • Colombia Productiva
  • Avianca
  • Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority
  • Essentia
  • Zona Franca del Pacífico
  • Autogermana
  • Grupo Energía de Bogotá
  • Gestión Cargo
  • Refinería de Cartagena (Reficar)

Work highlights

Advised the Trade and Investment Division of the Inter-American Development Bank on strengthening Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone regime.
Represented the Colombian steel sector, (Acerías Paz del Río, Diaco, Ternium Colombia, Ternium del Atlántico, Grupo Siderúrgico Reyna, and Siderúrgica de Occidente) in seeking safeguarding measures on imports of corrugated iron or steel bars for concrete reinforcement from the Andean Community.
Advised Esenttia on customs matters and also reviewed all free-trade zone procedures.

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.

Martín Gustavo Ibarra

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Andrea Caicedo

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Felipe Barón

Practice head

Martín Gustavo Ibarra; Olga Lucía Salamanca; Andrea Caicedo