The multidisciplinary public law team at Brigard Urrutia is widely recognised for its expertise in large-scale projects, with clients highlighting its ability to provide ‘practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry’. The group draws on lawyers with backgrounds in public policy, public management, banking and finance, and corporate work to strike a balance between advising on the regulatory and transactional aspects of major transformational projects. Key contact Carlos Umaña is regarded by some as a ’reference in the sector’ and splits his practice between infrastructure, public procurement, utilities and natural resources law. Umaña is acting for state development bank Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) — as part of a wider group of advisers — on the structuring of Bogota’s Second Metro Line project. Other senior names include infrastructure and public utilities partner Claudia Navarro; and director Mario Forero, who handles public procurement, projects and administrative law. Senior associate Rafael Cifuentes is additionally noted for his administrative law expertise and ability to ‘solve problems from both a legal and practical perspective’. In September 2024, director Julián Parra left to join ZEmobility, while associate Mariana Maya joined the same in-house team three months later.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Public Law; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; Infrastructure and Public Utilities; Natural Resources and Environmental Law; Insurance and Reinsurance; ESG & Impact Investing
Position
Partner
Career
Partner of Brigard Urrutia since 1990, with more than 30 years of experience. He splits his time between several practice areas and is particularly commended for his knowledge in infrastructure, public procurement, utility law and natural resources law.
Languages
Spanish and English
Memberships
International Bar Association (IBA)
Lex Mundi
Education
Mr. Umaña graduated from the Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario and holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Jurisprudence from New York University School of Law, which he obtained in 1985.
Content supplied by Brigard Urrutia
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Brigard Urrutia's team of lawyers specialise in public law, they are always at the forefront in terms of up-to-date knowledge and, above all, provide practical solutions to complex problems in the construction and infrastructure industry.’
‘In particular, Carlos Umaña, Mario Forero, and María Alejandra Salamanca stand out for their attentiveness to their clients' needs and ability to offer practical, objective solutions aimed at resolving the core of the dispute at hand.’
‘BU has all the capabilities to advise on the country's largest infrastructure projects. Rafael Cifuentes is a highly qualified lawyer who can solve problems from both a legal and practical perspective, which is of great help in projects that constantly face setbacks that must be resolved effectively.’
‘Prestige Professionalism at all levels of the organisation Up-to-date knowledge. Lawyers are industry leaders, we highlight Carlos Umaña as a reference in the sector.’
‘BU is characterised by its very close relationship with, and support for, clients, from the partner level to lower levels on the ladder.’
‘One of BU's advantages is its knowledge of the market and its many years of experience, which, combined with the level of its professionals who provide prompt service and support to clients, makes its work very reliable.’
‘Among its greatest strengths are its professionalism and timeliness in handling requests.’ ‘Lawyers stand out for their responsive and timely responses. Also, their familiarity with the development and status of the project allows for rapid understanding and effective action to address circumstances that arise, primarily in relation to contract management.’
Key clients
- Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) – Second Metro Line project Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) – Corredor Férreo del Pacifico Concesionaria Férrea de Occidente China Harbour Engineering Company Limited Colombia Metro Línea 1 CRRC Changchun Do Brasil Railway Equipamentos & Serviços Ltda. China Harbour Engineering Company Limited Colombia, Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co. Ltd. And Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited, as part of the consortium (APCA Aguas Canoas) Carmet Medellín Concesión Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá Concesión Costera Cartagena Barranquilla Concesión Santa Marta Paraguachón Aguas de Cartagena Vopak Colombia Fondo Nacional para el Desarrollo de la Infraestructura (FONDES) FN Buses Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) Estructuración Hospital Simón Bolívar Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)
Work highlights
Selected by state development bank, Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN), to form part of the group advising on the structuring of Bogota’s Second Metro Line project.