A powerhouse in public law, boutique firm Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados punches above its weight in this area due to its ‘deep market knowledge, and ability to offer innovative and customised solutions’. Routinely acting for a mix of domestic and multinational private- and public-sector clients, the team is equipped to support on the full range of matters, from public contracts and procurement through to administrative and constitutional law litigation. As one of the foremost specialists in the market, senior partner and practice co-head Carlos Gustavo Arrieta is sought after for complex contentious matters, including arbitral, judicial, and administrative disputes. The department is additionally co-led by Yady Villaquirán, who is recommended for her ’extensive experience, and legal rigour’. In a key highlight, Arrieta and Villaquirán recently paired up to represent Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia in legal proceedings against the Contraloría General de la República connected to Bioenergy’s alleged loss of public assets — Mapfre is the insurer of the directors and administrators of Bioenergy deemed fiscally liable for the loss. At associate level, the group further draws on senior Nicolás Castro Espinel, who joined in September 2024 from Expósito Abogados SAS. In August 2024, associate Laura Arias left for the in-house team of Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We highlight the team’s client relationship management skills. It's clear that the work of the team, led by Yady Villaquirán and Carlos Gustavo Arrienta, sets it apart from other firms. Lawyers are deeply involved in providing knowledge and technical explanations to explain their legal opinions.‘
- ‘The team's willingness and in-depth knowledge of the cases stands out. Lawyers dedicate significant time to the case and respond very quickly to requests. Their concepts are very clear to the client.’
- ‘This practice is distinguished by its strategic approach, deep market knowledge, and ability to offer innovative and customised solutions. The combination of industry experience, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to efficiency and high-level service makes the team unique.’
- ‘Yady Villaquirán is outstanding for her human qualities, extensive experience, and legal rigour.’
- ‘The team stands out for its technical knowledge of the topics under analysis. We value lawyers for the quality of their treatment and closeness to the client.’
- ‘I think this is one of the most capable teams in the industry. The personalised attention from the partners is perhaps its distinguishing feature, as is the high quality of its legal deliverables.’
Key clients
- Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)
- Construcciones El Cóndor
- Enterritorio
- Empresa Colombiana de Productos Veterinarios (Vecol)
- SOP Consortium
- Partido Política Creemos
- Scientific Games International
- Colgas
- ICO Medios
Work highlights
Represented Mapfre Seguros Generales de Colombia in legal proceedings against the Contraloría General de la República in relation to two rulings of fiscal liability, with penalties totalling $253.6m.
Advised ENTerritorio on the modification of the contracting manual.
Successfully represented SOP Consortium in an administrative proceeding seeking to sanction it for the administration of pension funds.
Lawyers
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Yady Villaquirán
Practice head
Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán