According to satisfied clients, Brigard Urrutia’s projects team provides ‘practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry’. The multidisciplinary practice draws on lawyers from across the firm’s finance, public law, energy and infrastructure teams, and is recognised for its track record in market-transforming projects. In a recent example, a cross-departmental team — co-led by dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) infrastructure and finance specialist Carlos Fradique-Méndez and project finance expert César Felipe Rodríguez — advised a group of Colombian and international lenders on both the COP$1.2tn and $230m financings to Metro Línea 1, the concessionaire selected to design and build Bogotá’s first metro line. Other key practitioners include infrastructure and public procurement partner Carlos Umaña; project finance-focused Sebastián Lora, who joined in March 2025 from Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa; Claudia Navarro, who specialises in infrastructure and public utilities law; and banking and finance specialist María Fernanda Diago. The department is further supported by a strong bench of senior lawyers, including director Mario Forero, who is praised for his ’rigorous analysis’; and senior associate Santiago Jaramillo, who supports on project finance matters. In September 2024, director Julián Parra and senior associate Nicolás Alonso departed for in-house roles at ZEmobility and Caliza, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Brigard Urrutia's team of lawyers specialise in project matters. Lawyers are knowledgeable, always at the forefront of the industry and, above all, provide practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry.’
‘In particular, Carlos Umaña and Mario Forero stand out for their attentiveness to the client's needs and for offering practical, objective solutions aimed at resolving the core of the dispute at hand.’
‘I believe their people make all the difference compared to other firms. Its lawyers’ level of commitment, dedication, and collaboration are outstanding. The way they approach their clients, their support, and their negotiating skills have been key at critical moments in transactions.’
‘For me, the greatest qualities of César Felipe Rodríguez and Mario Forero, in addition to their knowledge, extensive experience, and rigorous analysis, are their ability to approach problems differently, always seeking a solution that allows the client to move forward.’
‘Compared to other firms, it stands out for its experience, proactive approach and for the willingness of the team to handle requests, clarifications, etc.’
‘The team does everything possible to move business forward. It seeks to resolve differences between parties, always seeking client security. It is very thorough with information; the quality of its work allows for successful transaction closings.’
Key clients
- Bancolombia
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
- Banco de Bogotá
- BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia
- JPMorgan Chase Bank
- Atlas Renewable Energy Colombia
- Autopistas del Nordeste
- Carmet Medellín
- Banco de Occidente
- Banco Popular
- Proparco
- Cimento
Work highlights
Advised the lenders (BBVA Colombia, Banco de Bogotá, Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China–Panamá Branch, and Bank of China–Panamá Branch) on both the COP and USD financings for the Metro Línea 1.
Advised Atlas Renewable Energy Colombia on securing a dual financing from Bancolombia and IDB, totalling over COP$470bn and structured under New York and Colombian law.
Acted as local counsel to Autopistas del Nordeste in the $600m refinancing of the Conexión Norte corridor.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sebastián Lora
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mario Forero
Practice head
Carlos Fradique-Méndez; Carlos Urrutia; Carlos Umaña; César Felipe Rodríguez; Claudia Navarro; Sebastián Lora; Maria Fernanda Diago; Mario Forero