Interview with: Andrés González, Partner

Andres González explains how the firm has been doing in the past years and his vision for the coming ones.

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán from your competitors?

DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán distinguishes itself from the competitors through a combination of unique qualities and a client-centric approach.

Our work environment sets us apart significantly. Unlike many firms that place a heavy emphasis on billing targets and measuring lawyer productivity by billable hours, we foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. There is no undue pressure on our legal professionals to constantly sell services. Instead, we encourage teamwork and cross-functional interaction among our various practice areas. This collaborative belief allows us to seamlessly integrate solutions across different legal domains, ensuring that our clients receive the best and most complete advice.

Our Partners bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the table, which is another important differentiator. Many of our Partners have not only been part of other renown law firms but have also held positions in various public and private organizations. This extensive background includes serving as Deputy Ministers, Judges and GC’s.

One of the key aspects that also sets us apart is the trust we have built with our clients. Additional to the traditional legal consultation, our clients often turn to us for strategic advice that extends beyond legal issues. They trust us with their most critical business decisions, knowing that we bring a unique blend of legal expertise and real-world experience to the table.

Furthermore, we are part of one of the world’s largest full-service law firm networks, which allows us to extend our services across borders and refer clients to trusted partners in our network when they require legal assistance in other countries. Our ability to provide seamless international support is a significant advantage that sets us apart.

In essence, DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán’s distinctiveness is rooted in its collaborative culture, diverse and experienced partner base, trusted advisory role, and global reach. We prioritize client needs, ensuring that they receive comprehensive, strategic, and globally connected legal services that surpass the conventional offerings of many law firms.

 

2) Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Over the past year, we have observed significant growth in several key practice areas, and we anticipate that this trend will continue over the next 12 months. This growth is primarily driven by evolving client needs and specific factors tied to the country’s development trajectory.

The practice areas set for growth include Energy and Natural Resources, ESG, Environmental and Sustainability Law, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration, and Labour and Tax-related matters. These last two areas are influenced, in part, by Colombia’s ongoing tax reform and upcoming labour legislation changes.

Renewable energy is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, driven by global interest in sustainable energy sources and Colombia’s strategic appeal for investment in this sector. The transition to cleaner energy sources and stricter environmental regulations further stimulates this anticipated growth.

In addition, there is a rising demand for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services. This demand is driven by several reasons, including financial implications tied to ESG criteria for corporations, as companies failing to meet these standards encounter challenges when seeking credit and higher capital costs.

The heightened awareness of environmental concerns and the impact of environmental degradation has led to increased activity within environmental law. Social demands for justice, sustainability, and ecosystems protection are propelling legal actions and policy changes, reflecting a noticeable trend towards the implementation of robust ESG criteria. Sustainable investments, green bonds, blue bonds, and biodiversity credits have gained prominence in international investment funds.

Given prevailing economic challenges, there will also be a continued need for dispute resolution and arbitration services. Businesses require assistance in negotiating differences arising from contractual relationships, addressing corporate crises, and navigating both national and international litigation and arbitration proceedings.

In summary, the projected growth of these practice areas in the upcoming year is shaped by economic, environmental, and social factors. These factors underscore the evolving landscape of business and legal priorities, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, compliance, and corporate governance.

 

3) What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

In response to the evolving sociopolitical and economic situation in our country over the past two years, we have proactively adapted and fortified our legal services to better serve our clients.

One of the most significant changes we have made to enhance client benefits is the strategic reinforcement of our practice areas. Specifically, we have sharpened our focus on key sectors, such as Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Oil & Gas and Tax, among others. To fortify these areas, we have incorporated outstanding lawyers with extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience.

Our strategic hiring of experts in these practices, enables us to provide clients with tailored solutions that not only meet legal requirements but also align strategically with current market conditions. This approach empowers us to navigate regulatory landscapes effectively and address unique challenges faced by our clients in these industries.

 

4) Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Certainly, technology is influencing the way we engage with our clients and the range of services we can offer them. DLA Piper, on a global scale, has made a substantial investment in acquiring the services of CoCounsel, an artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI Technology, the same creators behind ChatGPT. This tool is designed to support, rather than replace, the work of lawyers in their legal advisory roles.

The use of this tool is expected to result in more efficient and comprehensive client advisement by enabling lawyers to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of the advisory, which, in turn, can enhance the quality of services and decision-making.

 

5) Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

One standout case was our advisory in the complex transaction involving the IPO initiated by the Gilinski Group to acquire Grupo Nutresa. This was a landmark transaction, and our role was crucial in ensuring a successful outcome.

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is the scale and significance of the transaction. It can be considered one of the largest controversies in the country’s history within the realm of the stock exchange market. The involvement of multiple parties, complex legal intricacies, and high stakes made this an exceptionally challenging undertaking.

Through meticulous legal analysis, strategic counsel, and effective negotiation skills, we successfully guided the process to a mutually beneficial resolution. Our ability to navigate this multifaceted transaction and facilitate an agreement that satisfied both parties underscores the depth of expertise and collaborative approach our firm brings to complex legal matters.

 

6) Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are increasingly seeking stability and strategic direction from their law firms, extending beyond purely legal matters. We have observed a growing trend in clients turning to us for strategic advisory services, building deeper and more meaningful relationships as a result.

Our vision for the firm in the next three years centres on continued responsible growth and further alignment with our clients’ evolving needs. We are dedicated to strengthening our practice areas to better serve our clients’ requirements, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner in their strategic endeavours. In essence, our firm’s future is rooted in stability, strategic direction, and a persistent commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.