In the ultimate accolade, Durán & Osorio Abogados Asociados is regarded by many as a ‘reference in Colombia for public law’. In particular, the team is distinguished by its comprehensive practice expertise, with its recent work spanning public procurement, bidding processes, public-private partnerships, regulatory matters and administrative law litigation. High-profile expert, Álvaro Mauricio Durán Leal, brings to bear extensive experience in structuring and developing large-scale projects in the transport, public utilities and social infrastructure spheres, among others. He recently paired up with up-and-coming partner, Felipe Herrera, to act for China Harbour Engineering Company and Xi’An Rail Transportation Group in the bidding process for Bogotá’s Second Metro Line. Firm co-founder Jorge Gabriel Taboada leverages a formidable record in public projects and contentious work; he recently advised the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit on drafting a presidential decree aimed at enhancing governance of state-owned corporations. The deep bench additionally includes Álvaro Gasca, who is noted for his strength in PPP projects; and senior associate Sebastián Duque, whose practice spans projects, administrative law and public procurement. Former department co-head Carlos Andrés Sánchez and associate practice director Gigliana Rivero Ramirez left the firm in July 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘D&O possesses broad theoretical and practical knowledge of the practice of public law, since the team is composed of lawyers with extensive experience, combined with younger members in training, who can provide new perspectives and proposals on how to address and solve problems.’
‘The plurality of profiles of the lawyers that make up the work teams always provides a wide range of options and approaches to developing the problems that are addressed.’
‘In absolute terms, my satisfaction with the team led by Álvaro Mauricio Durán Leal is total and is based on very satisfactory previous experiences.’
‘The team is technically excellent and provides close customer service. Lawyers are pragmatic and focused on solving problems.’
‘This area is very complex in Columbia, due to the constantly changing regulations. Lawyers dedicated to this specialty must have a high level of up-to-date understanding of the laws in accordance with the jurisprudence of the high courts. D&O provides a very in-depth and up-to-date analysis of the risks.’
‘Durán & Osorio definitely makes a difference with the truly personalised attention of its senior lawyers and partners, which guarantees an objective analysis of the different circumstances of the projects. D&O’s professionals are very competent and comprehensive.’
Key clients
- Crossrail International
- Patria Investments
- China Harbour Engineering Company
- Mercantil Colpatria
- Jaramillo Mora Constructora
- Ferrovial and Constructora Colpatria – Consorcio Ferrocol Santander
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Infimanizales
- Deutsche Gesellshaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) / Integrated Transport Planning (ITP)
- Odinsa Aeropuertos
- Ministry of Finance and Public Credit
- Empresa Férrea Regional (EFR)
Work highlights
Advised IDB, the National Planning Department and the Transport Ministry of Colombia on the structuring of a fund for the financing of e-mobility fleet renewal in the cargo, bus and taxi sectors of public transportation.
Acted for China Harbour Engineering Company and Xi'An Rail Transportation Group in the bidding process for Bogotá’s Second Metro Line.
Advised the Colombian government on enhancing its railway regulatory framework in alignment with the Rail Master Plan.
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.
Álvaro Gasca
Felipe Herrera
Practice head
Álvaro Mauricio Durán Leal; Jorge Gabriel Taboada; Álvaro Gasca