According to satisfied clients, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados’ ‘knowledge of the public law area is total’. Recognised by many as a destination practice for the full range of public law disputes, public contracts, procurement matters and regulatory work, the team counts concessionaires, government departments, banks and major corporations among its key clients. A go-to specialist in the public law field, Carlos Gustavo Arrieta contributes extensive experience in arbitral, judicial and administrative law proceedings, where he represents an array of public sector entities and domestic and multinational companies. He recently represented the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the International Court of Justice in a maritime dispute with Nicaragua. Yady Villaquirán co-heads the practice alongside Arrieta and is highly regarded for her combination of constitutional law, administrative law and infrastructure expertise; she advised Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (Colombia’s infrastructure-focused development bank) on the structuring of the Ranchería-San Juan del Cesar and Triángulo del Tolima irrigation districts. The team also draws on four-year associate Laura Arias, who specialises in public and administrative law. Former associate Santiago Cardona left for an in-house role at Multiriesgos de Colombia in Janaury 2023.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team brings innovative solutions to complex projects. It investigates and analyses in great detail and goes beyond the initial contracted scope of work.’
‘Carlos Gustavo Arrieta, Álvaro Mantilla and Yady Villaquirán are excellent lawyers, who provide timely and pertinent responses to the client's doubts/questions, and are available at the moments that we most require attention and dedication.’
‘It is a team that is always willing to present solutions. Lawyers are empathetic with the client's needs and when a solution is definitely not possible, they kindly explain the reasons why it is not possible.’
‘Yady Villaquirán is a detail-oriented lawyer. Always ready to investigate, she never leaves us with doubts because goes to the origin of the problem to present very good arguments or paths to follow based on true information.’
‘It is a team that is committed to cases. Lawyers go in depth to serve as support and are ready to co-ordinate with other disciplines or stakeholders. Its knowledge of the public law area is total and it is always up to date with regulations. Additionally, it is a firm that is fully available.’
‘Its main differentiator is its extensive knowledge of public law, which is complemented by other areas to make its service comprehensive. Lawyers take leadership of the projects due to their vast knowledge, while respecting the technical knowledge of the people who interact with them.’
‘The work team, led by Yady Villaquirán and supported and guided by Carlos Gustavo Arrieta, instils confidence and security. Secondly, the relationship and commitment is indisputable and easily identifiable when working hand-in-hand with the client.’
‘A team of the highest professional quality, very prepared and with excellent dedication to each specific case. Lawyers stand out for their knowledge, attention to detail, rigour and agility.’
Key clients
- Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)
- Bolsa Mercantil de Colombia (BMC)
- Arbitration Tribunal: Air-E Vs Ufinet Colombia
- Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP)
- Colombiana de Escenarios
- Ico Medios
- SOP Consortium
- Partido Creemos / Federico Gutierrez
- Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (JEP)
Work highlights
- Advised Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) on the structuring of the Ranchería-San Juan del Cesar and Triángulo del Tolima irrigation districts.
- Successfully represented the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the International Court of Justice in a maritime dispute with Nicaragua.
- Advised KPMG and Steer Davies Gleave on the development of a methodological proposal for the structuring of public infrastructure projects with private investment, considering the current regulations of the National Planning Department.
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Yady Villaquirán
Practice head
Carlos Gustavo Arrieta; Yady Villaquirán