Brigard Urrutia’s projects team stands out for its 'highly specialized approach to project execution and closure' and remains one of the market’s leading practices for infrastructure and project finance in Colombia. Drawing on a multidisciplinary model, the group is regularly instructed by international lenders, sponsors and investors on the structuring, negotiation and financing of major public and private infrastructure developments. It is particularly noted for market-leading work in mass transportation, toll roads and renewable energy, and is currently advising Bancolombia on the financing of C2's portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects, valued at more than COP $930bn. Managing partner Carlos Fradique Méndez oversees the practice and is highly regarded for his experience in landmark financing and securities transactions, while César Felipe Rodríguez adds further strength in project development and infrastructure finance. Sebastián Lora and María Fernanda Diago are key names for project and acquisition financings. Newly-promoted partner Mario Forero is noted for his expertise in public procurement, administrative law, and the structuring and financing of PPPs. Juan Eduardo Gómez also adds depth at the associate level. Senior associate Santiago Jaramillo departed the firm in December 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- BU has a great team; it's one of the best in the market. Both César Rodríguez and Sebastián Lora are excellent, and their teams are too.
- Negotiation and customer management skills.
- The Brigard & Urrutia team we have worked with has consistently demonstrated a high level of technical expertise, in-depth knowledge of the Colombian regulatory environment, and a strong focus on practical solutions. Their main strength lies in their ability to combine rigorous legal analysis with a clear understanding of business objectives, enabling clients to make informed and timely decisions.
- The team excels at anticipating risks, structuring clear alternatives, and communicating recommendations directly and comprehensibly, even on complex matters. The team demonstrates strength in legal project management, sound business judgment, and a collaborative approach, integrating effectively with internal teams and other external advisors.
- The practice stands out for its highly specialized approach to project execution and closure, with a strong ability to unblock complex structures and bring them to fruition. The team is strong in contract negotiation, risk allocation, and multi-party coordination. It is known for its pragmatism and results-oriented approach. It excels in execution and speed during critical transaction phases, where other teams tend to be more conservative. The team stands out for its implementation of more agile project management methodologies, closer client relationships, and more flexible work arrangements. The innovations are focused on practical execution, allowing them to respond more quickly and efficiently than other teams.
- Expert knowledge of transactions.
Key clients
- Bancolombia
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional
- Banco de Bogotá
- BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia
- JPMorgan Chase Bank
- Autopistas del Nordeste
- Carmet Medellín
- Banco de Occidente
- Banco Popular
- Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Économique (Proparco)
- Cimento Inmuebles Comerciales
- Banco Davivienda
Work highlights
Advises Bancolombia on the financing of C2, an investment platform created by Celsia Colombia in partnership with Cubico Colombia, to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, totaling over COP $930bn.
Advising Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia on the structuring of a project finance facility granted to Generadora Buenavista, a Colombian subsidiary of TotalEnergies Renewables, for the development of a 95 MWdc solar photovoltaic plant and a 10 km, 230 kV transmission line, totaling over COP $376,553bn.
Advised a consortium of investors on the financing of the Nueva Malla Vial del Valle del Cauca–Buenaventura–Loboguerrero–Buga 5G Toll Road Project, totaling COP $3.66 trillion.
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.
Practice head
Carlos Fradique Méndez; César Rodríguez
Other key lawyers
Sebastián Lora; María Diago; Mario Alejandro Forero; Juan Eduardo Gómez