Latham & Watkins regularly acts on the state side of investment disputes arising out of Latin America, successfully representing Colombia in multiple cases. Beyond Latin American sovereigns, the team’s client list also features leading multinational corporations, global private equity companies, financial institutions and central banks. The Latin American team consists of many lawyers who have cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the region. Paris-based Fernando Mantilla-Serrano, co-chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice, is a prominent name in the market with expertise across a variety of sectors, including natural resources, energy and oil and gas. John Pierce provides support from New York, while recently promoted partner Santiago Bejarano represents domestic and multinational corporations in commercial disputes in both Spanish and English. From London, Samuel Pape, fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, has co-led on some significant victories on behalf of the Republic of Colombia. Associate Nicolas Esguerra has made vital contributions to some of the team’s most significant matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strength in depth across the board. Everyone on the team was efficient, effective, and skilled.’
‘Santiago Bejarano was exceptional. A great lawyer with incredible skills, an effective advocate and a joy to work with. A very safe pair of hands and a standout star.’
- 'Working with the international arbitration team at Latham & Watkins, led by John Pierce, Fernando Mantilla-Serrano and Santiago Bejarano is an exceptional experience. They are keen on structuring the strategy of the case and following up on every detail of its execution. They know how to team up with co-counsels and promote efficiency for the client.'
- 'Santiago Bejarano and Fernando Mantilla-Serrano stand out from the international arbitration practice. They are exceptional team players and leaders, understanding each case and the impact of small details.'
- 'The LW team stands out for its foresight and preparation. As a client, I was very satisfied to see that drafts and hearing presentations were delivered well in advance, allowing me to provide substantive comments that could be taken into account.'
- 'LW combines the expertise and experience of lawyers such as Fernando Mantilla-Serrano with the fresh talent of lawyers such as Santiago Bejarano and Samuel Pape. In my experience, both elements are decisive in achieving solid but innovative strategies with the potential for adaptation.'
Key clients
- Republic of Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Calidda
- Grupo Prisa; Cadena SER
Work highlights
Secured a victory for the Republic of Colombia at the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in connection with Colombia’s ban on mining in the páramos, a fragile biodiverse ecosystem in the Andes.
Represents Cadena SER, a radio broadcasting subsidiary of Prisa radio, in Paris-seated ICC proceedings against broadcast company Corporativo Coral in relation to their joint venture company, Radiópolis.
Secured a complete victory on behalf of the Republic of Colombia (Colombia) in an arbitration initiated by Red Eagle Exploration Limited (Red Eagle), a Canadian junior mining company, before the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, defeating the $130m claim brought under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Fernando Mantilla-Serrano; John Pierce
Other key lawyers
Santiago Bejarano; Samuel Pape; Nicolas Esguerra