Holland & Knight’s public law practice is well versed across a broad range of infrastructure, constitutional and administrative law matters but it is arguably best known for its focus on public environmental law and energy-related work, where department co-head and natural resources specialist, José Vicente Zapata, is a key contact. The team is additionally co-led by Juan Casallas, who is an up-and-coming partner for dispute resolution involving constitutional and administrative law issues; and Edwin Cortés, who joined in May 2023 — following the firm’s absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez — and specialises in infrastructure projects. Associate José Rengifo provides support on energy and infrastructure litigation.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Holland & Knight team provides excellent advice on mining, energy and environmental issues.’
‘José Vicente Zapata knows the energy industry and environmental issues very well.’
‘It is a very complex area due to the number of aspects that must be taken into account when dealing with it. At H&K they have a highly prepared team that carries out detailed analyses that generate value.’
‘Definitely the differentiating factor is the willingness of the lawyers we work with to answer our queries, especially José Vicente Zapata.’
‘The greatest quality of this practice is the knowledge and experience of the partner in charge and the transfer of this knowledge to his team. The partner in charge is an authority on environmental issues, and seeks different alternatives and solutions to complex technical situations.’
‘The team stands out for its experience and interpretation of complex technical situations to provide favourable legal alternatives for the client.’
Key clients
- Equion Energía
- LED LS Colombia
- Pacific Geotech Systems
- Electro Hidráulica Representaciones
- Gmóvil
- Metro Línea 1
- Este es mi Bus, Gmóvil and Consorcio Express
Work highlights
- Representing a major mining company in several constitutional claims regarding prior consultation controversies with ethnic communities.
- Advising a major energy generation company in two nullity claims before the First and Fourth Sections of the Council of State of Colombia.
- Representing a concessionaire before an international arbitration tribunal in challenging a decision made by the dispute board established in a contract.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Juan Casallas; José Vicente Zapata; Edwin Cortés