Attracting strong reviews from clients, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’ arbitration practice is ‘perfectly balanced between professionalism, expertise, knowledge and commitment’. The group’s ability to draw on both Colombian experts (some of whom are also internationally qualified) as well as foreign specialists through its extensive global platform, uniquely positions it as a top choice for international arbitration, where it is well-versed in both commercial and investor-state cases. That being said, the team also handles domestic arbitration under Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) rules. High-profile department head Claudia Benavides additionally serves as global chair of the wider firm’s dispute resolution group; she is routinely called upon by domestic, multilatina and multinational entities to advise on arbitral proceedings involving all key economic sectors, including recent cases in the energy, infrastructure, construction and mining sectors. Considered by many as a future star in the arbitration arena, Cristina Mejia is an ‘absolutely clear and forceful leader’; she recently led a major international arbitration under International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) rules. A deep bench of supporting associates includes senior Daniela Páez Cala, who is also qualified in New York; senior Felipe González Arrieta, who has participated in matters under CCB, ICDR and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules; senior Sebastian Quintero, who ‘maintains very effective communication with the client’; senior Ana Carolina Abreo, who has significant international experience gained during former stints at a US firm and the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and intermediate Laura Rincón, who has a focus on energy and infrastructure arbitration.

The ‘very committed, well-prepared and competitive team’ at Posse Herrera Ruiz handles a diverse mix of domestic and international arbitrations, with its work in the latter sphere encompassing both commercial and investor-state cases. In terms of its sector strengths, the team notched up key roles in a string of high-profile infrastructure and energy-related cases during 2023/24, while its recent industry experience also spans the mining, life sciences, real estate and defence sectors, among others. Firm co-founder Daniel Posse is hailed by clients as an ‘expert in litigation and arbitration inside and outside Colombia’; he recently represented JMalucelli Travelers Seguros in an arbitration concerning a performance bond issued in relation to construction work on the Cartagena-Barranquilla highway. Posse jointly heads the department together with fellow firm co-founder Carolina Posada, who represented South32 Investments in a International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) case against Colombia concerning its efforts to retroactively re-assess more than $180m in royalties already levied by the country. Rounding out the partner-level group are Juan Pablo Bonilla, who specialises in dispute resolution and insolvency; and Estefanía Ponce, who was promoted to partner in January 2024. A capable band of non-partners includes director María Isabel Osorio, who ‘rigorously manages the issues and timeframes’; senior associate Daniela Corchuelo, who has a strong recent record in infrastructure-related disputes; senior associate Laura Vengoechea, who contributes notable international expertise; and senior associate Alejandro Casas, who possesses significant in-house experience. In February 2024, associate Natalia Tobón left to go freelance.

Noted for its ‘deep and specialised’ arbitration knowledge, Rincón Castro Abogados strikes the right note with clients due to its ability to ‘structure strategy in a joint, open and participatory manner’. As a boutique focused exclusively on dispute resolution, infrastructure projects and public law, the firm is well-positioned to advise on high-stakes domestic and cross-border concession disputes, but it also handles construction, energy, telecoms and M&A-related cases, among others. During 2023/24, the team secured key roles in a string of international arbitrations, including cases under ICC and ICDR rules — the team is also well versed in cases before the ICSID, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) and various Latin American arbitral institutions. Department co-head Rafael Rincón is a seasoned arbitration specialist, whose impressive record spans both commercial and investor-state disputes. Fellow co-head Miguel Castro has an emphasis on public law matters, including disputes regarding infrastructure projects and public works. Rincón and Castro recently paired up to represent Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá in a $350m international arbitration, under ICDR rules, against Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI). Rounding out the partners is public procurement expert Jorge Tirado, who contributes experience in arbitral proceedings under ICC and ICSID rules; and Juan Ignacio Guerra, whose recent work spans international disputes in the construction, energy and infrastructure field. A strong bench of associates includes seniors Ana María Rincón, who is dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) and brings to bear robust investment arbitration experience; Juan Camilo Artunduaga, who is noted for disputes arising from public contracts; and Santiago Vernaza, who focuses on project-related cases. Since the conclusion of research the practice has been further strengthened with the hire of arbitration-specialised partner Felipe Mutis from Brigard Urrutia - effective as of September 2024.

According to one source, Adell & Merizalde ‘is becoming one of the most important boutiques in Latin America’. The firm concentrates exclusively on international arbitration from its platforms in Bogotá, Santo Domingo and Panama and its specialist focus pays dividends in an impressive client list, which includes corporate and state entities from across the region and beyond. Acclaimed as ‘the next star of arbitration in Latin America’, Bogotá office head Juan Felipe Merizalde has acted on over 90 international arbitrations before many leading arbitral institutions. Among his recent cases, Merizalde acted as co-counsel, alongside Dechert, to the Republic of Colombia in an ICSID case launched by Glencore International, Prodeco and Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Nuevo concerning Puerto Nuevo’s operation of a coal port in Colombia. The group also draws on a capable second line of non-partners including Guatemala-qualified associate Sofía Galindo, who re-joined the firm in October 2023 following a stint at Latham & Watkins in Paris, and junior associate María José Monroy. Associate Juan Pablo Gómez Moreno left in 2024 to become an independent adviser.

Hailed by clients for its ‘extensive experience in the concessions sector in Colombia’, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados’s arbitration offering reflects the wider firm’s dominance in projects and public law. In particular, the team is a first port of call for concessionaires looking to bring disputes against ANI, with its recent cases in this sphere spanning economic imbalance, insurance coverage and concession agreement violations, among other issues. Paula Andrea Ramos is recommended for her ‘transparent dialogue’ and co-heads the department together with up-and-coming disputes specialist Carlos Alberto Manzano, who can ‘easily understand the technical characteristics that underpin conflict resolution’. Ramons and Manzano recently partnered up to represent Concesionaria Vial de los Andes (Coviandes) in arbitration proceedings against ANI seeking to collect higher costs for contract contingencies. Other key contacts include eminent public law expert Carlos Gustavo Arrieta Padilla; senior partner and high-profile infrastructure specialist Álvaro Mantilla; and prolific associate Juan Felipe Cornejo, who supports on dispute resolution and insurance work. In November 2023, senior associate Rodrigo Sánchez Pineda relocated from the dispute resolution group to the infrastructure practice.

The arbitration practice at Chemás & Asociados is distinguished by its ‘extensive skills and excellent interpersonal relationships’. A popular choice for clients in the transport, energy, telecoms and infrastructure sectors, the team is primarily focused on disputes involving state contracts, usually against public sector agencies such as ANI, the National Agency for Legal Defense of the State (ANDJE) and others. Despite its boutique model, the firm fields four offices across Colombia, as well as an international platform in New York, and it handles proceedings before domestic and global arbitral tribunals. Firm founder and practice co-head Jorge Eduardo Chemás is sought after for his extensive experience in complex cases; he teamed up with fellow department head Ingrid Soraya Ortiz to successfully represent the Sedes Educativas Consortium in an arbitration against Autonomous Patrimony of Educational Infrastructure Financial Fund (represented by the FFIE Alianza BBVA Consortium) concerning a breach of contract. Dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) Sergio Alejandro Chemás Vélez additionally co-heads the group and contributes significant international experience. Associate Nicolás España supports on ​private litigation and arbitration-related matters. In July 2023, associate Manuela Sossa Sánchez left to join ANDJE.

Lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) are ‘highly professional, committed to the cause and analyse all aspects of a case’, according to clients. Demonstrating a strong record in domestic arbitrations, as well as international arbitrations under CCB rules, the team is routinely called upon by Colombian and multinational corporations across all industry segments, with particular activity in the energy, natural resources, infrastructure and financial services spheres. As a trained engineer, department co-head David Ricardo Araque is praised for his ‘strong technical knowledge’; he represented Termobarranquilla in a local arbitration against Transelca concerning the breach of an asset-representation agreement. Veteran of counsel William Araque co-heads the practice and is recommended for his experience across the full scope of contentious work, including arbitration cases before the Chambers of Commerce of Bogotá, Medellín and Pereira. At associate level, the team includes seniors Carlos Alberto León, who has held multiple positions in Colombia’s judicial branch; Samuel Hernández Lizarazu, who handles a broad scope of litigation and arbitration cases; and Juan Guillermo Otero, who also maintains a broad dispute resolution practice. In June 2023, intermediate associate María Valentina Díaz left to study abroad. In July 2024, the firm welcomed the return of former managing partner Alejandro Linares, who rejoined following an eight-year stint as Justice of the Colombian Constitutional Court.

Clients of Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s arbitration team reserve particular praise for its ability to ‘always go the extra mile to provide outstanding service’. A strong performer in domestic arbitrations, the group also possesses international arbitration experience; notably, its formal partnership with Iberian firm Uría Menéndez is a significant asset in the latter sphere. In a highlight example of its recent international arbitration work, dispute resolution specialist Julio César González teamed up with Juan Sebastián Arias (who was promoted to partner in December 2023) to act as co-counsel, together with Uría Menéndez, to represent Canal Extensia in ICSID investment arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Colombia. González and Arias co-head the overarching dispute resolution department together with Héctor Hernández, whose broad expertise spans cases before both national and international arbitral tribunals. The group also benefits from a capable band of associates including principal Santiago Cruz Mantilla, who has supported on cases under ICC and CCB rules; and intermediate Esteban Lagos, who keeps busy advising on a mix of judicial and arbitral disputes.

Considered by many as a pioneer in the arbitration field in Colombia, Suescún Abogados has established a prominent reputation for its record in complex domestic and international disputes. Primarily sought after for high-stakes commercial arbitration, the group has strong experience in cases under ICC rules with a focus on the construction, TMT, and energy and natural resources spheres. That being said, the team’s expertise extends to all key economic sectors as well as all major global and domestic arbitral rules. A seasoned arbitration expert, Jorge Suescún has acted on over 200 arbitrations as lead counsel, arbitrator or chairman; he is currently acting as arbitrator in two ICC arbitrations seated in New York and Uruguay respectively. Felipe Suescún also contributes extensive experience in acting as counsel or arbitrator in complex domestic and international arbitral proceedings; he recently acted as local counsel to Refinería de Cartagena in a high-value ICC arbitration brought against CB&I concerning a construction dispute. At associate level, Sergio Téllez provides dedicated practice support; he is particularly noted for his strong recent showings in energy-related cases.

Litigation, arbitration and insurance boutique Botero Salazar Tobón Abogados scores highly with clients for ‘the attention and dedication of its lawyers’. Highly regarded for the strength of its contentious insurance work, the group additionally handles disputes in the energy and natural resources, transport and construction spheres. Bernardo Salazar maintains a broad dispute resolution practice, which takes in judicial and arbitral proceedings, with a focus on insurance law. Salazar co-heads the department together with Luís Botero, who has an emphasis on administrative law and arbitration cases; and Andrés Tobón, who is a former head of legal of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce.

Forming a key part of the firm’s overarching dispute resolution and insolvency offering, Brigard Urrutia’s arbitration group brings to bear diverse contentious experience. The team is particularly active in energy and infrastructure-related disputes, where it can leverage the wider firm’s premier public law, projects, and energy and natural resources practices. Irma Rivera Ramírez heads the department and represents domestic and multinational clients before national and international arbitration tribunals. Other key contacts include María Victoria Munevar, who was promoted to partner in June 2023; and senior associate Camilo Valenzuela. However, since the conclusion of research, Felipe Mutis  – who made partner in 2022 – has left the firm (effective as of September 2024).

‘A firm dedicated to problem-solving’, Castro Leiva Rendón Abogados is distinguished by its record in infrastructure disputes, where it specialises in acting for domestic and multinational concessionaires and construction companies in arbitral proceedings. The team is particularly active in the public transport sphere but its recent work also includes disputes relating to public contracts in the road, education and water infrastructure arenas. Department head José Ignacio Leiva is highly regarded for his experience in disputes with a significant public law dimension. The group also includes Natalia Uribe, who maintains a broad public law and infrastructure practice; and senior associate Laura Amaya, who serves as director of the dispute resolution team.

‘An interdisciplinary team with strong knowledge and capacity in dispute resolution’, Garrigues is primarily recognised for the strength of its work in infrastructure disputes. The firm’s international platform marks it as a popular choice for multinational clients, including OHL and Frontera Energy, but it also acts for domestic entities. Department head Alberto Acevedo impresses with his ability to ‘direct the procedural action towards the recognition and protection of the rights of his client’. The group also includes counsel Guillermo León Ramírez Torres, who joined in April 2023 from the Superintendence of Corporations; senior associate María Carolina Sarmiento; and senior associate Daniel Quintero, who returned from study leave abroad in October 2023.

Lawyers at Holland & Knight are ‘always very collaborative and fully available to solve problems’, according to clients. The firm’s May 2023 merger with Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez Abogados saw the arrival of new contentious team head José Gutiérrez, who possesses broad dispute resolution experience, including in national and international arbitration proceedings. The group also draws on energy and natural resources specialist José Zapata; litigator Juan Casallas, who is noted for commercial and administrative law disputes; and senior counsel Lorena Martínez, who specialises in dispute resolution and real estate.

Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s arbitration group sits within its integrated dispute resolution practice, where it draws on lawyers who are experienced in both judicial and arbitral proceedings. The wider firm’s strength in representing clients from heavily regulated industries is reflected in its arbitration caseload, with its recent work spanning matters involving the energy, automotive and construction sectors. The department is led jointly by Gustavo Tamayo, who additionally leads the TMT practice, and recently promoted (August 2023) partner Christian Pérez Rueda, whose comprehensive dispute resolution focus encompasses domestic and international arbitration. Key associates include senior Jimmy Buenaventura and senior Esteban Isaza, who joined in July 2023 from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, where he was a professor.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa’s decision to exit the DLA Piper network in May 2024 should prove interesting on the arbitration front, with its independent status reducing the potential for conflicts going forward. The group has traditionally focused on corporate arbitration, including M&A disputes, and its recent experience also spans construction, energy and natural resources, public contracts and insurance. Managing partner Camilo Martínez combines transactional and contentious expertise and co-heads the department together with Sergio Rojas, who specialises in corporate conflicts, and dispute resolution partner Julian Solorza. Formar arbitral practice director Ricardo Alarcón chose to stay with DLA and relocated to México in June 2024.

Arrubla Devis Asociados is distinguished by its representation of both corporate and public-sector clients in arbitral proceedings. Particularly noted for its record in disputes involving concession contracts, the team also advises on matters relating to the education, construction and social infrastructure spheres. As a former chief Justice of the Colombian Supreme Court, founding partner Jaime Arrubla brings to bear extensive experience in complex contentious cases — he splits his practice between Medellín and Bogotá. Other key contacts include Rafael McCausland in Bogotá, as well as Medellín-based associate directors Sebastián Montoya and Cristina Arrubla.

Cuatrecasas’ arbitration practice is recognised for its cross-border firepower, with the team noted for its ability to plug into the wider firm’s international network, which spans 26 offices across 12 countries. The group’s diverse track record takes in both domestic and international arbitration cases, with a focus on construction, energy, maritime, insurance and state contracts, among other market segments. Alberto Zuleta spearheads the department and is well versed in both domestic disputes and international cases under major global arbitral rules, including ICC and ICDR. At associate level, principals María Fernanda Díaz and Andrés Nossa are names to note.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ houses an integrated dispute resolution offering, which advises domestic and multinational clients on a mix of litigation and arbitration proceedings. The Bogotá-based group frequently teams up with colleagues from across its global network to advise on cross-border cases, while it also has experience in domestic arbitral disputes. Department co-head Andrés Fernández de Soto maintains a broad contentious focus that spans commercial, public procurement and administrative law matters. Fellow group head Paula Vejarano possesses an equally comprehensive dispute resolution practice. Associate Carlos Miranda supports the dispute resolution and the restructuring and insolvency teams.

ECIJA Colombia fields an experienced arbitration team that is particularly active in disputes related to TMT and public contracts. During 2023/24, the group mainly handled domestic cases, including proceedings under CCB rules — that being said, it also brings to bear significant international arbitration expertise. The multidisciplinary group is led jointly by Camilo Ramírez, who specialises in dispute resolution and real estate law; and Pablo Márquez, who additionally sits in the TMT, competition and public law departments. Associate Jaime Andres Díaz is also noted.

Lauded for its ‘extensive experience in the infrastructure sector’, Roldán Uribe & Álvarez Abogados’ arbitration team shines in public law-related disputes concerning concession contracts, energy matters and public services, among other matters. The group is arguably best known for its prominent record in representing clients against public sector entities, including ANI, but it is also active in commercial disputes. The department is co-led by founding partners Fernando Roldán and Juan Miguel Álvarez — both of whom possess broad dispute resolution expertise.

Founded in 2007, dispute resolution boutique Tobar & Romero Abogados stands out for its extensive experience in judicial and arbitral disputes, with its lawyers’ activity in the latter sphere encompassing roles as both counsel and arbitrator. Sources highlight its ‘very effective interaction’ between detail and strategy under the leadership of department head Jaime Humberto Tobar, who is a seasoned contentious specialist. The team also draws on associates María Andrea Calero Calero Tafur, who has an emphasis on state and infrastructure disputes, and Sebastián Ortegón, who has a significant international dimension to his practice.