Brigard Urrutia houses a go-to energy and natural resources practice that clients laud for ‘its implementation of innovative strategies resulting from extensive experience’. Combining a standalone renewable energy and energy efficiency team with strength in conventional energy and mining work, the group is routinely called upon by major domestic and multinational clients to advise on regulatory, transactional and project development matters. Among the names to note, Claudia Navarro stands out for her broad expertise in renewable energy, utilities and infrastructure-related matters; she is advising Total Eren on the construction of a 99MW solar plant in a major Colombian oil field. Energy is also a key industry focus for multidisciplinary senior partner Carlos Urrutia; he recently co-led advice to to Cordoba Minerals on the $100m sale of a 50% ownership interest in its affiliate, CMH Colombia, to JCHX. Tragically, in a loss to both the practice and the firm, director Marianna Boza -who co-led on this mandate- has since passed on. Other senior names include corporate and M&A specialist Jaime Robledo, who possesses a strong record in energy transactions, and managing partner Carlos Umaña, who is noted for his broad coverage of energy and infrastructure work. A deep bench of supporting senior associates includes Juan Carlos Padilla, who contributes significant hands-on experience, following in-house stints at Ecopetrol and International Gas Transport; Andrés Felipe Parra, who is noted for his regulatory expertise; and Carlos Cerón, who is ‘very knowledgeable and helpful’. In June 2024, Margarita Solorza joined from Holland & Knight as director of the environment and sustainable business area.

‘A reference in the industry at a regional level’, Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ internationally oriented energy and natural resources practice is commended for its ‘very broad expertise and depth of contacts throughout the region’. Widely recognised as a leader for mining work, where it acts for major global names such as Rio Tinto, Newmont and Anglo Gold Ashanti, the group also deserves praise for its formidable energy practice, where it advises national oil companies such as Refineria de Cartagena and ONGC, as well as private players. Its deep senior bench draws on several high-profile specialists, including Jorge Neher, who is leader for the firm’s energy practice in Latin America and the Caribbean; he is currently representing GCM Mining Corp in a $360m ICSID investment arbitration against the Republic of Colombia for non-compliance with the Canada-Colombia FTA. Other key contacts include Santiago González, who brings together strength in transactional and regulatory matters and recently advised ONGC Videsh on a joint operating agreement; Hernán Rodríguez, who stands out both for his ‘positive, proactive approach’ and also for his strong record in oil-and-gas, mining and infrastructure projects; mining specialist James Valdiri; finance partner Bernardo Cárdenas; and Pablo Jaramillo, who handles a mix of project finance and corporate transactions. At associate level, environemntal practice director María Margarita Lorduy is deeply involved in the practice; however, formeer fellow director Carlos Vicioso (who focused on natural resources and energy), moved in house at ADNOC Group in March 2024.

 

‘Highly specialised in energy regulatory issues’, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s energy, mining and natural resources group ‘contributes to the design of commercial strategies’, according to satisfied clients. During 2023/24, the full-spectrum practice had a strong showing in the power space, where it kept busy advising domestic and multinational stakeholders on the structuring, financing and development of renewable power generation projects, among other matters. The team’s recent experience also spans regulatory and commercial work connected to the oil-and-gas and mining industries. Department head Sandra Manrique is a ‘practical and assertive problem-solver’ and is widely regarded as one of the market’s leading experts in energy and natural resources regulation. Among her recent mandates, Manrique advised Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales on the assignment of the Firm Energy Obligations (OEFs) of several power generation plants. The group also draws on a strong second line of associates, including principal Juan Pablo Gutiérrez, who ‘possesses in-depth knowledge’ and oversees the electrical energy team; and senior Alejandro Zapata, who is a ‘truly well-prepared lawyer’ and specialises in regulatory matters. Former associate director of the hydrocarbons unit, Johanna Cajigas, left the firm in May 2023, while principal associate Mateo Sinisterra left in July 2023 for an in-house position at Proyecto Soto Norte.

Demonstrating ‘deep knowledge of energy law and associated issues’, Posse Herrera Ruiz is a destination practice for clients across the power, oil and gas, and mining industries. The team’s strong transactional expertise is underpinned by a formidable regulatory offering, equipping it to handle the full range of corporate transactions, project development, financing matters and regulatory issues. Energy and environmental law specialist Alvaro José Rodríguez co-heads the department and ‘impresses with his extensive knowledge of both Colombian and international energy law’. Rodríguez is particularly noted for his extensive experience in transactional work and recently advised Colwind on the renegotiation of an asset purchase agreement for the sale of five wind power projects. Fellow co-head Mariana Sánchez ‘co-ordinates all teams impeccably’ and recently paired up with Rodríguez to advise Puerto Antioquia on defending grid connection rights endangered due to its failure to deliver a financial guarantee because of force majeure issues. The group also draws on Juan Manuel Cuéllar, who joined in July 2023 from Trina Solar and has also worked in-house at Repsol and Ecopetrol, among others; Erika Serrano Rojas, who was promoted to partner in March 2024 and specialises in environmental law; senior associate Pablo Mejía, who frequently acts as second chair on energy and natural resources matters; and counsel Diana Salazar, who divides her time between the energy and insurance groups.

Considered by many as one of the leading oil-and-gas teams in the market, Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A. has worked to broaden its sector focus in line with the global push towards energy transition. Most notably, the boutique firm’s offshore hydrocarbons expertise positions it as a key contender to advise on the structuring of offshore wind projects. That being said, the oil-and-gas industry remains the group’s primary source of work and it advises an impressive raft of domestic and multinational exploration companies, pipeline transporters, operators, and others on regulatory, transactional and contentious matters. Key contacts include Diana Sanclemente, who ranks among the foremost oil-and-gas specialists in Colombia; her recent highlights span an array of commercial transactions, regulatory compliance and arbitral proceedings. The team also draws on the extensive experience of Antonio Sanclemente, who is an important resource due to his 60-year record of involvement in the upstream and downstream oil-and-gas sectors; José Gabriel Fernández, who is a popular choice to handle corporate and finance transactions in the energy sphere; Ignacio Giraldo, who maintains a broad energy practice covering corporate, foreign trade and insurance-related matters; and Donaldo Ariza, who advises on a mix of public law, project development and regulatory issues. At associate level, Marcela Mosquera has an emphasis on mining, energy and environmental law, while Carolina Uribe supports on energy-related corporate matters.

Widely recognised for its relationships with multinational companies, Baker McKenzie S.A.S.’ global network is a big draw for domestic and foreign energy clients ‘due to the value it can add in terms of knowledge in the development of renewables in other geographies’. Alongside its strength in power and renewable energy-related issues, the practice also maintains a strong presence in the oil and gas sector — where its activity spans the full cycle of upstream, midstream and downstream matters — and the mining sphere. Department head Alejandro Mesa specialises in power and hydrocarbons work, with experience across both regulatory law and transactions; he leads the group’s ongoing representation of Engie in relation to all Colombian regulatory, public utilities and contractual matters. Key associate support is provided by senior Andres Ramon Rodriguez-Gomez, who joined from Ecopetrol in July 2023; and intermediate Laura Torres, who specialises in energy, hydrocarbons, public law and climate change.

Providing ‘practical and efficient solutions to the client’s specific needs’, CMS Rodríguez-Azuero stands out for its extensive expertise in structuring projects for international stakeholders looking to enter the Colombian market. Striking a balance between regulatory and commercial matters, the group provides comprehensive coverage of the hydrocarbons (both oil and gas) and power industries. Energy and climate change specialist Álvaro Josué Yáñez demonstrates ‘deep knowledge of the sector’ and recently teamed up with seasoned industry veteran Álvaro Yáñez Peñaranda to represent Drummond Energy on the structuring of a renewable energy generation project to produce green hydrogen. Other key contacts at partner level include Daniela Vergel, who leads the environmental law and sustainability practice and is noted for mining work; Leopoldo Olavarría, who handles transactions related to energy and hydrocarbons; and Daniel Rodríguez, who specialises in project finance. The department additionally draws on talented counsel Mónica Torres, who provides multidisciplinary support on energy and climate change matters.

Equally adept at transactional and regulatory matters, Cuatrecasas’ energy and natural resources practice provides a ‘unique combination of strong legal experience and deep understanding of energy market dynamics’. Its broad regulatory expertise is a key differentiator and the team advises major global names, particularly in the renewable energy space, on the full range of regulatory compliance, administrative law and environmental law issues. The group is also a strong performer in transactional matters, including M&A, joint ventures and financings. Key partner Ana María Sánchez brings together skill sets in energy, infrastructure, finance and public law; she is noted for her experience in structuring energy projects. Senior associate Manuel Gómez leads the energy and regulated industries practice and is widely lauded for his ‘very deep knowledge of Colombian regulation’; he advised Canadian Solar on regulatory matters connected to the construction and operation of a battery-energy storage system in Barranquilla. The team also includes finance specialist Manuel Quinche and ‘very business-oriented’ senior associate Fabio Ardila.

Lawyers at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) ‘always try to get to the crux of what the client really needs’, according to sources. During 2023/24 the energy and natural resources practice handled a relatively even split of renewable power and oil-and-gas matters, with its experience encompassing regulatory issues, project development and transactions. Department head Patricia Arrázola maintains a broad sector focus, with an emphasis on regulatory and transactional work in the electricity and hydrocarbons spheres; she recently advised EDP Renováveis on regulatory issues concerning its two wind energy projects in La Guajira. Next-generation partner José Luís Palacios also handles transactional and regulatory matters and advised EDF Renewables Colombia on the design of legal strategy for the development of renewable energy projects in Colombia. The team additionally includes Germán Villamil, who combines strength in oil and gas, foreign exchange law and international investment matters; and Lina Correa, who was promoted to associate director of the environmental law practice in March 2023.

‘An outstanding team with very deep technical competence’, Holland & Knight houses a comprehensive energy and natural resources practice, which is distinguished by its ability to draw on over 220 energy specialists across its global offices. Department head José Vicente Zapata is regarded by many as a ‘national reference in environmental and energy law’; he is recognised for his full-service coverage of energy law, with extensive experience in regulation, transactions, contentious work and associated environmental law issues. Ines Elvira Vesga specialises in both electricity and hydrocarbons work and led on a string of highlights during 2023/24, including advising Emerald Energy, a subsidiary of Sinochem Group, on regulatory and contractual matters. Other key contacts include of counsel Milton Fernando Montoya, whose practice spans the mining, energy and environmental law spheres; and public law partner Juan Casallas. The group also includes a pair of specialised senior counsels: Daniel Fajardo arrived from Engie in June 2023 and has a focus on energy transactions, while Estefanny Pardo specialises in environmental law litigation. Senior counsel Margarita Solorza left the firm in May 2024.

Lawyers at Arrieta Mantilla & Asociados ‘provide a perfect combination between the legal and the technical’, according to clients. The group leverages the wider firm’s public law firepower to excel in advising energy and natural resources companies on administrative law proceedings. Arguably best known for its work in the mining sphere, where it advises longstanding clients Carbones del Cerrejón, Drummond and Cerro Matoso on various public law, regulatory and contentious issues, the team also handles electricity and hydrocarbons-related work. Public law veteran Carlos Gustavo Arrieta provides ‘excellent analysis and practical solutions’ and co-heads the department alongside Yady Villaquirán, who oversees the mining law area.

According to some, Estudio Legal Hernández is ‘one of the most recognised firms in the country in matters concerning energy regulation’. Alongside its robust regulatory firepower, the team is additionally equipped to handle M&A transactions, and project development and financing — with a focus on the power sphere. Managing partner Juanita Hernández spearheads the department and is held up by clients as ‘a great lawyer’. Among Hernández’s recent highlights, she advised Ecopetrol on the feasibility of two green hydrogen projects. Other key contacts include firm president and public law veteran Augusto Hernández Becerra; and Aura Vargas Cendales, who serves as associate director of the environment, land, mining and communities area.

A strong partner to companies in the mining and minerals sphere, Lloreda Camacho & Co. ‘stands out for its specialised knowledge on mining issues and the regulation of the sector’. The team packs a punch across the full life cycle of mining work, from regulatory and licensing matters, through to projects, transactions and contentious issues. Clients include some of the largest multinational mining corporations operating in Colombia, including Minera Monte Águila (a joint venture between Agnico Eagle Mines and Newmont), Anglo American Services (UK) and Zijin-Continental Gold. High-profile mining specialist Ignacio Santamaria fronts a practice that also includes Angela María Salazar, who focuses on mining and environmental law.

The energy group at the newly rebranded Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa (formerly DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán) is hailed by clients as ‘a diligent, analytical team with deep knowledge’. The practice is primarily recognised for its regulatory work, where it excels in advising conventional and renewable energy companies on regulatory compliance, licensing processes and administrative law procedures. Less frequently, it also advises on supply agreements, energy-related M&A and day-to-day corporate matters. The department is led jointly by Lucas Arboleda, who is well versed in electricity generation, distribution, and commercialisation-related matters; José Miguel Mendoza, who is a former Superintendent of Public Services; and Johanna Cajigas, who made partner in February 2024 and heads the oil-and-gas area.

Energy, natural resources and infrastructure boutique, Chalela | Abogados, is noted for its emphasis on oil and gas-related work. The group’s broad industry experience encompasses an array of regulatory, transactional and contentious matters and it counts Ecopetrol, Equion Energía and Frontera Energy among its representative clients. Managing partner Federico Chalela brings to bear significant practical experience following an earlier in-house role at Equion Energia; he specialises in advising energy companies on projects, transactions and dispute resolution. Also noted is María Jose Romero, who focuses on socio-environmental matters.

Lawyers at Goh ‘issue advice and recommendations from a comprehensive business perspective’, according to sources. The energy and natural resources practice is well versed in the full range of regulatory and commercial work but it is particularly distinguished by its focus on transactional and tax-related matters. Managing partner Juan Pablo Godoy spearheads the team and combines strength in tax, energy and natural resources and international trade law. The group additionally benefits from the support of senior associate Natalia Suárez. Associate director Álvaro Sabbagh left to go freelance in July 2023.

Palacios Lleras’ energy and natural resources practice is informed by the wider firm’s prominent public law offering and the team specialises in advising on regulatory procedures, administrative litigation and constitutional disputes, among other matters. Clients are drawn from across the industry but the firm’s close relationship with Drummond ensures that it is particularly active in mining-related work. Firm founder Hugo Palacios Mejía heads the department and is noted for his track record in representing major mining companies in environmental law-related issues. Litigator Óscar Gutiérrez and public law partner Pedro Pacheco are also active in this area.