New dispute resolution boutique Benavides Mejía Dispute Resolution was founded in January 2025 by a breakaway team from Baker McKenzie S.A.S., which included high-profile arbitration expert Claudia Benavides, who was global chair of the dispute resolution group at her former firm. Highlighted by sources as ‘exceptional in its ability to formulate strategies tailored to the client’s objectives’, the team is fully equipped to handle high-stakes, sensitive, and transnational arbitration proceedings, where it can leverage an illustrious record in representing major multinational corporations and state entities in complex cases. The ‘specialised’ group also includes dual-qualified (New York/Colombia) firm co-founder Cristina Mejía, who — similar to Benavides — represents high-profile domestic and foreign client in cross-border disputes under major arbitral rules, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) rules. A senior associate at his previous firm, Felipe González Arrieta was elevated to partner upon the firm’s January 2025 launch; he handles a diverse mix of domestic and international arbitration, with a focus on proceedings under ICC, ICDR, and Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) rules. At associate level, the department additionally draws on senior Laura Rincón, whose work includes support on cases involving the infrastructure, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors; and junior Juan Pablo Suárez, whose practice has an emphasis on energy and natural resources-related disputes.

During 2024/25, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría capitalised on the growing volume of infrastructure arbitrations concerning Colombia to significantly increase its market share of domestic and international arbitrations in this field. The group, which is valued for its ‘strong technical knowledge’, has also been appointed to support on sensitive and high-stakes cases involving the energy, public utilities, state contracts and TMT segments, among others. Dispute resolution expert Héctor Hernández is the senior name to note and his recent work spans several international arbitration cases conducted under CCB and ICC rules. Most notably, Hernández paired up with next-generation partner Juan Sebastián Arias to act for Canacol Energy Colombia in a CCB arbitration against Promigas concerning a ship-or-pay gas transportation contract. In a high-profile investor-state case, Julio César González and Arias teamed up to represent Canal Extensia — as co-counsel alongside international firm partner Uría Menéndez — in an ICSID investment arbitration against the Republic of Colombia. The practice also includes up-and-coming specialist Santiago Cruz Mantilla, who was promoted to partner in January 2025 and co-heads the department together with Hernández, González and Arias. Key associate support is provided by senior Santiago Romero, whose track record spans domestic and international commercial cases under ICC, CCB, and IDR rules; and intermediate Esteban Lagos, who routinely assists with both judicial and arbitral disputes.

Posse Herrera Ruiz possesses a first-class arbitration practice that ‘facilitates communication’ and is ‘clear and concrete in its objectives’. Striking a balance between domestic and international arbitral disputes, the team particularly shines in the latter sphere, where it ranks among the few Colombian firms with experience in both commercial and investor-state disputes. In a key recent highlight, department co-head Carolina Posada acted as local counsel to South32 Investments in an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) case against Colombia, arising out of several measures adopted by Colombia since 2015 and that seeks to retroactively re-assess more than $180m in royalties already levied by Colombia. In another headline-grabbing international dispute, fellow co-head Daniel Posse represented Vía 40 Express and Consorcio Ruta 40 in an ICDR arbitration against Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), concerning the responsibilities of ANI with respect to its concessionaires. The department also includes a strong pair of up-and-coming arbitration specialists in Estefanía Ponce, whose ‘work, dedication, and commitment are second to none’, and Daniela Corchuelo, who was promoted to partner in January 2025 and recently advised on an insurance-related arbitration. Rounding out the partner-level bench is Juan Pablo Bonilla, who maintains a broad contentious practice spanning judicial, arbitral and insolvency disputes. A deep pool of supporting non-partners includes experienced associate practice director María Isabel Osorio, and senior associates Laura Vengoechea and Alejandro Casas.

According to some, Rincón Castro Abogados fields ‘the best lawyers in Colombia for international arbitration’. Demonstrating adept handling of commercial and investor-state cases, the team is frequently a first port of call for corporate clients, state-owned entities, and global law firms seeking support on domestic and international arbitral disputes. The team draws on the wider firm’s skill sets in public law and projects to excel in infrastructure and concession-related cases. Other industry strong-suits include energy and natural resources, telecoms and transport, while it further contributes experience of working under an exhaustive list of global arbitral rules, including ICSID, ICC, ICDR, and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Co-founding partner Rafael Rincón is a go-to arbitration specialist with extensive expertise in international and domestic disputes, including investor-state cases. Miguel Castro is also highly regarded, with clients praising his ability to generate a ‘complete picture of the legal and economic implications of the dispute’. Additional key partners include Jorge Tirado, who is particularly noted for ICC and ICSID disputes; Juan Ignacio Guerra, whose work spans judicial and arbitral proceedings; and Felipe Mutis, who joined from Brigard Urrutia in September 2024 and specialises in national and international dispute resolution. Recommended associates include seniors Ana María Rincón (who brings experience in commercial and investment disputes), and Santiago Vernaza (who has a strong public law dimension to his practice). Former fellow senior Juan Camilo Artunduaga left to study abroad in July 2024.

Operating from offices in Colombia, Panama and the Dominican Republic, alternative dispute resolution boutique Adell & Merizalde is distinguished by its marked focus on Latin America-related work. The team’s recent activity covers cases involving the construction, energy, telecoms, mining and life sciences industries, while it is well versed in both commercial and investor-state disputes. Bogotá-based firm co-founder Juan Felipe Merizalde has acted as counsel or arbitrator in over 90 arbitral proceedings, where he has represented sovereign clients, state-owned entities and private corporations in disputes under ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, ICDR and the Madrid International Arbitration Center (CIAM) rules, among others. Merizalde recently advised HNG Holding on initiating an international arbitration against its Colombian partner, Semillas Arroyave, following a failed joint-venture. The team also includes Panama-qualified director Andrea Santacoloma, who splits her time between Panama City and Bogotá and brings significant hands-on experience from her former role as Deputy Director for Latin America at the ICC International Court of Arbitration. Key associates include senior Nicolás Córdoba, who joined in August 2024 from Freshfields LLP in Washington DC; Guatemala-qualified intermediate Sofía Galindo; and junior María José Monroy.

Commended for ‘the concreteness of its proposed strategies’, Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados combines arbitration expertise with the wider firm’s premier offerings in public law and projects to specialise in representing transport — particularly toll-road — concessionaires in contract disputes against government entities. The team is also active in the energy, mining and telecoms spheres. Department co-head Paula Andrea Ramos ‘stands out for her professionalism’ and is representing Concesionaria Vial Andina (Coviandina) in a dispute against Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) focused on the recognition and payment of idle costs associated with delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fellow co-head Carlos Alberto Manzano is highlighted for his ‘assertiveness in investigating background information’; he is acting for Concesionaria Ruta del Cacao in an arbitration proceeding against ANI concerning responsibility for the costs of implementing a technical solution necessitated by geological instability inherent to the concession area. The group additionally benefits from a deep pool of experienced associates, including Juan Felipe Cornejo, who routinely appears before national arbitration tribunals; and dispute resolution-focused María Paula Saldarriaga, who arrived in February 2024 from Durán & Osorio Abogados Asociados.

Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’s ability to draw on its prominent global arbitration offering is a big draw for multilatina and multinational clients seeking local representation, and the team acts for a host of major international corporations on arbitral proceedings involving Colombian parties — it also routinely advises local companies. With strong recent activity in handling ICC cases, the group demonstrates significant experience in handling complex international arbitrations under key institutional rules. Practice head María Angélica Burgos re-joined the firm in May 2025, following two years leading her own firm; she has acted as counsel in a string of ad hoc and institutional arbitrations under major global rules, including the ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL. The department also draws on newly made-up (May 2025) partner Sebastian Quintero, who has advised on disputes involving the energy, infrastructure and life sciences fields, among other areas. Senior associates Estefanía Contreras and Ana Carolina Abreo are also noted for arbitration work. In December 2024, former department head Claudia Benavides left the firm along with partner Cristina Mejía and associates Felipe González Arrieta and Laura Rincón; independently, former senior associate Daniela Páez Cala also left the firm concurrently.

Chemás & Asociados’ prominent public law offering is reflected in its arbitration practice, which is chiefly recognised for its expertise in disputes concerning state contracts. The team is frequently engaged to represent concessionaires and construction companies before national and international tribunals, usually against public sector entities such as (ANI) and the National Agency for Legal Defense of the State (ANDJE). As a former legal adviser to the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia, high-profile disputes specialist Jorge Eduardo Chemás leverages nearly four decades of experience in handling high-stakes and complex work; he is currently representing Ingetec and Ingetec G&S in a $9.1m arbitral proceeding against contractor Patrimonio Autónomo del Fondo de Financiamiento de la Infraestructura Educativa (PA-FFIE), alleging breach of contract. The three-partner team further draws on Sergio Alejandro Chemás Vélez, who focuses on dispute resolution, administrative law and public procurement; and Ingrid Soraya Ortiz, who is currently on leave due to her appointment as delegate in charge of the Consumer Protection Division at the SIC. Intermediate associate Nicolás España (private law and arbitration) is also noted.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa’s dispute resolution practice finds favour for its ability to ‘strategically manage conflicts and propose effective solutions’. Following the firm’s demerger from the DLA Piper network in May 2024 it has successfully increased its market share, adding ten new clients during 2024/25 including Oleoducto Central (OCENSA). Well balanced between domestic and international arbitrations, the team handles a significant volume of arbitral proceedings involving the construction, energy, financial services and TMT spheres. Among its recent highlights, Sergio Rojas represented Fiduciaria Bogotá in a domestic arbitration concerning a professional liability insurance claim. On the international arbitration side, managing partner Camilo Martínez recently advised on several high-profile proceedings, including cases conducted under ICC and CCB rules. Julián Solorza co-heads the department together with Martínez and Rojas and handles a mix of judicial, arbitral and administrative disputes. The practice additionally benefits from a growing bench of experienced non-partners, including counsel Ana María Ordóñez, who joined in July 2024 from the National Agency for Legal Defense of Colombia and brings experience in complex domestic and cross-border disputes; senior associate Cristhian Salcedo, who arrived in September 2024 from Pérez-Llorca; and senior associate Daniel Samacá.

Equipped to support on arbitral disputes across all key industry sectors, Pérez-Llorca (formerly Gómez-Pinzón Abogados until the two firms July 2025 merger) is particularly noted for its ‘strong reinsurance expertise’, following several recent engagements for multinational financial services clients. During 2024/25, the team mainly handled domestic arbitration cases but it is also well versed in international arbitration, with its recent activity spanning cases under CCB and ICC rules. David Ricardo Araque co-leads the department and contributes experience in proceedings conducted under CCB, ICC, and ICDR rules; he recently advised Termobarranquilla on initiating a $3.5m local arbitration against Transelca. The group is additionally co-led by Alejandro Linares, who rejoined the firm in July 2024 following eight years as a Justice of the Colombian Constitutional Court; and seasoned of counsel William Araque, who has handled over 75 arbitration proceedings governed by the Chambers of Commerce of Bogotá, Medellín and Pereira. The practice further draws on a sizeable group of senior associates including Carlos Alberto León (civil and commercial disputes); Samuel Hernández Lizarazu (national and cross-border litigation and arbitration); and Juan Guillermo Otero (civil and administrative litigation and arbitration).

Brigard Urrutia’s combined litigation, arbitration, and insolvency group handles a broad range of domestic and international arbitration cases, with a focus on the infrastructure, energy and TMT sectors. Primarily engaged on proceedings conducted under CCB rules, the group’s recent experience additionally encompasses UNCITRAL and ICC cases. Group head María Victoria Munevar is dual-qualified (in Colombia and New York) and specialises in representing national and foreign companies in judicial and arbitral disputes, including international arbitration proceedings. Senior associate Camilo Valenzuela is also a key contact for arbitration work. Former dispute resolution head Irma Rivera Ramírez left to go freelance in April 2025, while Felipe Mutis left in September 2024.

Castro Leiva Rendón Abogados’ arbitration expertise is closely aligned with its prominent projects and public law practices, with the team specialising in representing domestic and multinational concessionaires and construction companies in infrastructure disputes. Transport is a key sweet spot, particularly the roads segment, while it also advises on arbitral proceedings involving public contracts in the education and water infrastructure areas. Department head José Ignacio Leiva specialises in arbitration and administrative law disputes and is recommended for arbitrations concerning public contracts. Natalia Uribe, who handles both dispute resolution and transactional work, is also noted. Associate practice director Laura Amaya left to go freelance in September 2024.

Forming a key part of its wider global dispute resolution practice, Cuatrecasas’ Colombian arbitration offering is supported by regional platforms in Chile, Mexico, and Peru, as well as by offices in Europe, Africa, Asia and the USA. The growing team added 11 new clients to its roster during 2024/25, while it also hired new department co-head Juan Sebastián Lombana in November 2024, who joined from Novit Abogados. Alberto Zuleta co-heads the group and can draw on extensive international arbitration experience, including in cases conducted under ICC, UNCITRAL, ICDR and ICSID rules. Principal associates María Fernanda Díaz and Andrés Nossa routinely support on domestic and international arbitrations.

Demonstrating experience in domestic and international cases, Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ generous global network marks its arbitration group as a popular choice for multinationals looking for local representation. Currently handling cases on behalf of companies in the mining, construction, education and real estate sectors, among others, the team frequently handles cases under domestic and global arbitral rules. Andrés Fernández de Soto has advised on over 30 arbitrations and co-heads the department together with next-generation partner Paula Vejarano, who specialises in dispute resolution and public law. Dispute resolution-focused intermediate associate Julián Ávila is also recommended. Former senior associate Carlos Miranda left to study abroad in July 2024.

The arbitration practice at Garrigues stands out for its combination of local expertise and global reach, with its ability to draw on the wider firm’s international platform a key asset for multinational clients. Predominantly active in infrastructure disputes, the team shines in domestic and international arbitrations concerning the construction, energy and transport sectors — financial services and real estate are also industry strong suits. Group head Alberto Acevedo is experienced in commercial and investment arbitrations; he is currently advising on cases under ICC and CCB rules. Also noted are counsel Guillermo León Ramírez Torres (dispute resolution/insolvency); senior associate María Carolina Sarmiento (real estate/administrative law); and senior associate Daniel Quintero (dispute resolution).

The arbitration practice at Holland & Knight is composed of lawyers that are ‘very thorough in their case investigations and dig deep into every last detail’. Routinely engaged in both domestic and international disputes, the group is particularly active in proceedings before the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá, while it also brings experience in handling cases under ICC and ICSID rules, among others. Seasoned litigator José Gutiérrez frequently advises on CCB cases and co-heads the department together with energy expert Jose Vicente Zapata and public law partner Juan Casallas. Also noted is senior counsel Lorena Martínez, who sits in the dispute resolution and real estate teams.

Longstanding dispute resolution boutique Suescún Abogados leverages an impressive record in representing local and multinational clients in high-end arbitral proceedings. A dean of the arbitration bar in Colombia, firm chairman Jorge Suescún brings to bear extensive experience, having acted as lead counsel, arbitrator, or chairman in over 200 arbitrations, including under ICC, CCB and UNCITRAL rules. Department head Felipe Suescún has similarly acted as arbitrator or counsel in major international arbitrations; he recently represented Carbones San Cayetano in a $30m domestic arbitration against Termotasajero arising from a coal supply contract. Senior associate Sergio Téllez is also recommended.

Dispute resolution is a key pillar of Botero Salazar Tobón Abogados’ offering, with the boutique recognised for its experience in both domestic and international arbitration. The team’s ability to harness the wider firm’s prominent insurance capability is a notable asset, while the energy and natural resources, infrastructure, and transport sectors are also significant sources of work. Department co-heads Bernardo Salazar, Luís Botero, and Andrés Tobón all handle a mix of arbitration, litigation, insurance and administrative law matters.

Lawyers in Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s dispute resolution team are appreciated for their ‘closeness, commitment and efficiency’. The group was particularly active in domestic arbitrations during 2024/25, with a focus on the construction, tourism and retail sectors. The department is co-led by Gustavo Tamayo, who also fronts the TMT practice; and Carlos Carvajal, who additionally sits in the public procurement, infrastructure, real estate and financial law teams. Senior associates Esteban Isaza and Jimmy Buenaventura provide support. Former department co-head Christian Perez left to establish his own boutique in November 2024.

Noted for its high success rate, Roldán Uribe & Álvarez Abogados specialises in advising on domestic and international arbitrations and mediations with a public law dimension. Mainly active in infrastructure and concession-related matters, the team acts for both domestic and multinational clients. Department head Fernando Roldán ‘understands his clients’ needs and expresses himself clearly’; he is recommended for disputes concerning the transport, oil and gas, and public services sectors. Co-founding partner Juan Miguel Álvarez is also a key contact for dispute resolution, while seasoned associate Fabio Enrique Bueno provides support.

Dispute resolution boutique Tobar & Romero Abogados advises on a steady stream of domestic arbitration cases, with a focus on the construction, infrastructure, health care and energy fields. The team additionally secures a significant volume of international disputes, including proceedings under major global rules. Department head and co-founding partner Jaime Humberto Tobar is recommended for his broad experience in domestic and international arbitration. Senior associates Sebastián Ortegón and María Andrea Calero Calero Tafur are also noted for arbitral disputes.

Arrubla Devis Asociados’ practice draws praise for its ability to ‘explain the scope and consequences of defence strategies in clear language’. The team is primarily active in domestic arbitral proceedings, particularly those with a public law element, including concession-related disputes and land restitution matters. The department is led jointly by Jaime Arrubla, who is a former chief Justice of the Colombian Supreme Court, and Rafael McCausland, who specialises in dispute resolution and corporate law. Associate practice directors Sebastián Montoya and Cristina Arrubla are also noted.

Adding seven new clients during 2024/25, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s group particularly shines in the energy sector, where it counts major multinationals such as Chevron and Halliburton among its roster. The overarching dispute resolution team is co-led by Henry Sanabria, who routinely appears before arbitral tribunals as both counsel and arbitrator; founding partner Sergio Rodríguez-Azuero , who additionally spearheads the banking and finance practice; and Felipe Andrade , who specialises in dispute resolution and IP.

Veria Asesores’s firm-wide focus on TMT and IP law is evidenced in its arbitration practice, which is chiefly noted for its work on disputes involving the telecoms, media, and public contracts areas. Camilo Ramírez specialises in dispute resolution and real estate law and co-heads the department together with Pablo Márquez, who handles competition, dispute resolution, technology and government affairs. Associate Jaime Andres Díaz left to go freelance in July 2024.

Attorneys in Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co.’s dispute resolution team ‘guide you with excellent strategies and explanations’, according to some. During 2024/25, the group handled a broad scope of domestic and international arbitrations, including proceedings under ICC rules. The department is led jointly by Juan Ignacio Gamboa and Juan Felipe Roldán and also includes practice director Felipe Andrés Díaz; the trio is highlighted together for providing a ‘fresh and creative vision of possible conflict scenarios’.

Valued for its ‘extensive knowledge and experience’, Londoño & Arango Abogados’ arbitration practice is closely linked with its signature insurance offering. The team contributes significant expertise in defending corporations against large-scale damages claims relating to construction projects, while it also represents clients in pursuing claims. Daniel Arango, Maximiliano Londoño and Agustin Londoño co-head the group; all of whom bring experience in dispute resolution, and liability and insurance law. Senior associate Mauricio Moreno also receives praise from clients.