Holland & Knight > Bogota, Colombia > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight Offices

Holland & Knight
Carrera 7 # 71-21
Torre A, Piso 8
Bogotá, DC, Colombia
Colombia
Visit website 57 1 745 5720 57 1 312 0501

Profiles

Holland & Knight > The Legal 500 Rankings

Colombia > Environment Tier 1

Environmental law is a marquee practice for Holland & Knight’s Bogotá office and the team is widely revered for its full-spectrum coverage of the area. On the advisory front, the group’s expertise encompasses legal assessment for the construction of energy and natural resources projects, licensing procedures and environmental audits, among other matters. It also handles contentious work, with extensive experience in environmental sanctioning proceedings and constitutional law claims. A foremost expert for environmental law in Colombia, department head Jose Vicente Zapata acts for a broad mix of clients, including domestic and multinational companies in the energy, natural resources, manufacturing, infrastructure, and food and beverage sectors. Zapata was recently engaged by Shell EP Offshore Ventures (Colombia branch) to handle several constitutional claims filed against its offshore projects. Other key contacts include public law litigator Juan Casallas; associate María Camila Aponte, whose practice is dedicated to environmental law; and senior counsel Estefanny Pardo, who is noted for contentious work. Senior counsel Margarita Solorza left the firm in May 2024. Since publication, Aponte has been raised to counsel - effective as of February 2025.

Practice head(s):

José Vicente Zapata

Testimonials

‘It is a rapid response group. The team listens actively to harmonise the company’s points with its legal points.’

‘We highlight lawyers for their active listening and reliable proposals.’

Key clients

Lewis Energy Colombia

Promigas

Carbones del Cerrejon

Cerro Matoso

Drummond

Shell EP Offshore Ventures (Colombia branch)

Energizer Holding

Crepes & Waffles

Promioriente

Spectrum Brands Corp

Perenco Colombia

Metrolinea 1

Grupo EDS Auto Gas

Sodimac Colombia

Nestlé de Colombia

Work highlights

  • Advised Promigas on environmental licensing issues and on environmental sanctioning proceedings, among other matters.
  • Advised Cerro Matoso on environmental licence proceedings, including hearings requesting additional information before the National Environmental Agency (ANLA), and on environmental sanctioning proceedings, among other issues.
  • Represented Shell EP Offshore Ventures Limited (Colombia branch) in several constitutional claims filed against its offshore projects.

Colombia > Capital markets Tier 2

Demonstrating ‘extensive knowledge of the capital markets’, Holland & Knight continues to cement its position as a popular choice to advise on complex regulatory matters, including cryptocurrency-related issues. The team also handles public and private debt and equity offerings and related structured-finance deals. Next-generation partner Camilo Gantiva fronts the group and is ‘very assertive, precise and knowledgeable about financial law’. Gantiva is equipped to advise on a broad scope of capital markets work, including IPOs, debt offerings, innovative fintech products and regulatory matters; he recently advised Colombia-based fintech, Littio, on the structuring of new products involving digital asset investments. Also recommended is senior associate Juan Felipe Fontecha, who is a former attorney at the Financial Superintendence of Colombia and brings to bear significant regulatory expertise.

Practice head(s):

Camilo Gantiva

Testimonials

‘The team has extensive knowledge of the capital markets and always responds quickly and in a timely manner to our needs and requirements.’

‘Camilo Gantiva is very assertive, precise and knowledgeable about financial law and always has the time to attend to, and resolve, any requirements or queries made to him.’

Key clients

Ban100

Avista

Tuya

Banca de Inversión Bancolombia

Inbest Latam

RCI Colombia, Compañía de Financiamiento

Sodimac Colombia – Homecenter

IDB Invest

Deutsche Bank

Finance in Motion

Leste USA

Ripio

Littio

Work highlights

  • Advised Ban100, acting as the originator, on a securitisation process of payroll loans targeted at qualified investors.
  • Advised Sodimac Colombia on drafting its inaugural annual report under the new disclosure norms for issuers, incorporating sustainability aspects and climate risk management in line with international standards.
  • Advised Deutsche Bank on the process of liquidating an investment of payroll-lending portfolios.

Colombia > Energy and natural resources Tier 2

‘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. Since publication, Claro Manuel Cotes has been promoted to counsel - effective as of February 2025.

Practice head(s):

José Vicente Zapata

Testimonials

‘In terms of natural resources, H&K has an outstanding team with very deep technical competence. It is also a team that remains up-to-date and generates value when carrying out analysis.’

‘José Vicente Zapata is a reference for legal advice regarding natural resources.’

‘The Holland & Knight practice is characterised by the solid knowledge of partner José Vicente Zapata and his team. It is, without a doubt, the most up-to-date team on energy issues in Colombia.’

‘José Vicente Zapata is not only a national reference in environmental and energy law, but has actively assisted our company since our arrival in Colombia. He continues to advise on increasingly complex issues such as environmental regulation and monitoring, regulatory disputes on oil issues, and JVs.’ 

‘The difference from its competitors is the capacity and qualities of José Vicente Zapata. José is always available to take a call and practically immediately resolve queries associated with environmental, energy and other related issues.’

‘José Vicente Zapata’s written advice generally resolve issues very clearly, and are delivered promptly, in addition to having clarification calls or meetings when required. His knowledge is always up-to-date, and in fact he is part of the team promoting the development and evolution of regulation across various aspects.’

Key clients

Engie

Gases de Occidente

Emerald

Termotasajero

GreenYellow

Natura Cosmeticos

Ecoener

Work highlights

  • Acted in conjunction with its Mexico office to advise Engie México and Energía Mayakan on the Cuxtal II Project; an approximately 700km gas pipeline valued at over $1.5bn.
  • Advised Ecoener on a variety of renewable energy projects in Colombia.
  • Advised Emerald Energy, a subsidiary of Sinochem Group, on regulatory and contractual matters.

Colombia > Banking and finance Tier 3

The banking and finance practice at Holland & Knight is held up by sources as ‘focused on the needs of the client and on making transactions viable’. The growing group added an impressive raft of new clients during 2023/24, which included an array of banks, alternative lenders and payment companies, including Coöperatieve Rabobank, Mercado Pago and Banco de Crédito del Perú. Arguably best known for his capital markets prowess, Camilo Gantiva also handles a significant volume of transactional and regulatory banking matters; he recently acted alongside the Miami office to advise Banco Davivienda on regulatory issues regarding cross-border operations with its affiliates and US branches. The group further benefits from the considerable experience of Juliana Saa, whose broad practice encompasses corporate, banking and finance, capital markets and commercial law; and Bogotá managing partner Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón, who operates from the Bogotá and Washington DC offices. Intermediate associate Juan Felipe Fontecha provides additional support to the capital markets, and banking and finance teams.

Practice head(s):

Camilo Gantiva; Juliana Saa; Enrique Gómez Pinzón

Testimonials

‘A team focused on the needs of the client and on making transactions viable. Its commitment to identifying and proposing solutions for legal issues that may arise in a transaction provides important added value.’

‘Lawyers stand out for their commitment to the transaction.’

‘The banking and financing area has provided important advice to us, demonstrating extensive knowledge of the sector, and offering quick and effective solutions to doubts and concerns based on the latest regulations.’

‘We appreciate its lawyers for their customer service, their availability, their knowledge and the time they take to assess and understand what the client wants.’

‘We value the team for its quality, speed, versatility, knowledge and support. In addition, lawyers stand out for their negotiation skills and availability.’

‘I had the opportunity to work with Camilo Gantiva, partner at Holland & Knight, on a corporate financing and his work was impeccable. We also highlight the 100% availability of the team. Lawyers transmitted knowledge and trust and the transaction was successfully closed.’

‘The team is a very well-prepared team. Lawyers remain very close and present.’

Key clients

Fondo de Capital Privado Credicorp Capital Deuda Privada I

Banco de Crédito del Perú

Coöperatieve Rabobank

Gobravo

Renta 4 Global Fiduciaria

Mercado Pago

Dlocal

Banco Santander

TMF

KMA Construcciones

Banco Davivienda

Work highlights

  • Advised KMA Construcciones on a $55.3m syndicated loan facility from Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional, Bancolombia and Itaú Colombia to support the development of the Troncales del Magdalena I and Troncales del Magdalena II projects.
  • Advised Fondo de Capital Privado Credicorp Capital Deuda Privada I on a $19.7m financing provided to Interaseo.
  • Advised Coöperatieve Rabobank on a $30m uncommitted borrowing facility provided to a local entity.

Dispute resolution > Litigation Tier 3

Holland & Knight continues to make inroads into the market following the absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez in May 2023, with an increasingly broad set of contentious offerings. Most notably, consumer law cases are a growing area of activity for the firm, with the team recently handling a high volume of work for clients such as Copa Airlines and iShop Colombia. Department head José Gutierréz Mestre leads on the consumer law cases and also keeps busy advising on infrastructure, transport and corporate disputes. The practice additionally leverages the wider firm’s highly-regarded environmental law offering to excel in energy regulation-related work, with energy specialist Jose Vicente Zapata recommended in this sphere. Next-generation partner Juan Casallas and senior counsels Lorena Martínez and Estefanny Pardo are also noted.

Practice head(s):

José Gutiérrez Mestre; Jose Vicente Zapata; Juan Casallas

Testimonials

‘The strong points of the team are its teamwork, distribution of offices and co-ordination of a partner, who is always available. We only work with this firm.’

‘Lawyers are very accessible, they get down to the user’s level and speak in terms that they understand, and they accept all suggestions very well and when they are not valid, they give the reasons why, particularly José Gutierréz Mestre.’

‘The team always cares about the context of the situations that arise. Lawyers are excellent solution providers.’

‘The team stands out for its human quality, its people skills and its knowledge in the different branches of law. It provides complete and comprehensive attention.’

‘We highly value the team’s knowledge in the mass transportation industry and its relationship with clients and counterparties.’

Key clients

Carbomax de Colombia

Compañía Panameña de Aviación – COPA Airlines

iShop Colombia

Colwagen

DHL Global Forwarding

Inversiones y Parcelaciones del Meta – Inparme

Gmovil

Consorcio Express

Este Es Mi Bus (in reorganisation)

Work highlights

  • Advising a major mining company on several constitutional claims.
  • Representing the operators of Bogotá’s public transport system in a class action lawsuit regarding the system’s infrastructure and its impact on the system’s value for the end customer.
  • Representing DHL Global Forwarding in a transportation agreement dispute regarding goods located in the Middle East.

Colombia > Public law Tier 3

Holland & Knight’s public law practice is well versed across a broad range of infrastructure, constitutional and administrative law matters but it is arguably best known for its focus on public environmental law and energy-related work, where department co-head and natural resources specialist, José Vicente Zapata, is a key contact. The team is additionally co-led by Juan Casallas, who is an up-and-coming partner for dispute resolution involving constitutional and administrative law issues; and Edwin Cortés, who joined in May 2023 — following the firm’s absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez — and specialises in infrastructure projects. Associate José Rengifo provides support on energy and infrastructure litigation.

Practice head(s):

Juan Casallas; José Vicente Zapata; Edwin Cortés

Testimonials

‘The Holland & Knight team provides excellent advice on mining, energy and environmental issues.’

‘José Vicente Zapata knows the energy industry and environmental issues very well.’

‘It is a very complex area due to the number of aspects that must be taken into account when dealing with it. At H&K they have a highly prepared team that carries out detailed analyses that generate value.’

‘Definitely the differentiating factor is the willingness of the lawyers we work with to answer our queries, especially José Vicente Zapata.’

‘The greatest quality of this practice is the knowledge and experience of the partner in charge and the transfer of this knowledge to his team. The partner in charge is an authority on environmental issues, and seeks different alternatives and solutions to complex technical situations.’

‘The team stands out for its experience and interpretation of complex technical situations to provide favourable legal alternatives for the client.’

Key clients

Equion Energía

LED LS Colombia

Pacific Geotech Systems

Electro Hidráulica Representaciones

Gmóvil

Metro Línea 1

Este es mi Bus, Gmóvil and Consorcio Express

Work highlights

  • Representing a major mining company in several constitutional claims regarding prior consultation controversies with ethnic communities.
  • Advising a major energy generation company in two nullity claims before the First and Fourth Sections of the Council of State of Colombia.
  • Representing a concessionaire before an international arbitration tribunal in challenging a decision made by the dispute board established in a contract.

Colombia > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

According to clients, Holland & Knight ‘cares about understanding the business realities and contexts of the companies it advises’. The group continues to consolidate its position in the market following the firm’s May 2023 absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez Abogados, and it added several new clients during 2023/24, including Opp Film Colombia and Boston Scientific. Arguably best known for its record in cross-border transactions, where it can link up with its wider international network, the team also handles domestic M&A and advisory matters. Executive office partner Enrique Gómez-Pinzón, who operates from Bogotá and Washington DC, steers the practice. Other recommended partners include Gustavo Cuberos, who contributes ‘seriousness and dynamism’; Julia Velásquez, who is ‘a great leader’; Alba Malagón, who specialises in corporate and finance deals; and transactional energy specialists José Vicente Zapata and Ines Elvira Vesga. Associates Natalia Cuberos, Diana Paola Serrano and Isabella Díaz are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Enrique Gómez Pinzón; José Vicente Zapata; Gustavo Cuberos; Julia Velásquez; Alba Malagón

Testimonials

‘Holland & Knight is a firm that cares about understanding the business realities and contexts of the companies it advises. The team participates in making informed decisions and is very clear and sensible in its proposals.’

‘Lawyers are kind, straight people with a great capacity for service: Julia Velásquez is a great leader; and Gustavo Cuberos is an eminence in corporate matters and brings seriousness and dynamism to the firm.’

Key clients

Azelis Americas

Opp Film Colombia

EXL Service Colombia

Philips Colombiana

PUIG Colombia

Getinge Colombia

Adelte Servicios Colombia

CI Grodco Ingenieros Civiles (in reorganisation)

Carbones de los Andes (in judicial liquidation)

Disan Colombia

Boston Scientific

Cosmetika

Heubach Colorants Colombia

Grupo Artecola

Grupo Obben

Work highlights

  • Advising Azelis Americas on the acquisition of its Colombian parent company and consequent control of its subsidiaries and affiliates in Central and South America.
  • Advising Opp Film Colombia on the structuring of equity contributions and debt facilities for the construction and operation of a new manufacturing and production plant in Atlantico, Colombia.
  • Advising PUIG Colombia on all corporate matters, including on the preparation of minutes of the shareholders assembly and compliance issues.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration Tier 4

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 Jose Vicente 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.

Practice head(s):

José Gutiérrez Mestre; José Vicente Zapata; Juan Casallas

Testimonials

‘Holland & Knight is concerned with knowing the status of the processes and the context of the litigation. Lawyers are always very collaborative and fully available to solve problems.’

‘It is a firm that has knowledge in many disciplines of law, so its advice is comprehensive.’

‘We highly value the team’s knowledge in the mass transportation industry and its relationships with clients and counterparties.’

‘A large group of professionals, with the necessary professional experience to address the issues we require within the process. Lawyers demonstrate great knowledge and extensive experience in the topics discussed.’

Key clients

Masivo de Occidente and Sistema Alimentador Oriental

Eco Oro Minerals Corp

Los Tres Elefantes

Work highlights

  • Advised two prominent public transport operators (Masivo de Occidente and Sistema Alimentador Oriental) in a breach of contract dispute against the contracting public entity.
  • Advised Eco Oro Minerals Corp on environmental and mining law issues under Colombia law, connected to an international arbitration against the Republic of Colombia.
  • Represented Los Tres Elefantes in a $1.2m arbitral dispute against a bank.

Colombia > Intellectual property Tier 4

Holland & Knight’s IP team is commended by sources for its ability to draw on different branches of law to provide a ‘holistic legal opinion that allows better decision-making’. The group’s capacity for cross-border IP management, where it can leverage its extensive international platform, is also a recurring theme among clients. Department head Danilo Romero Raad handles an array of advisory and contentious IP work and he is supported by associates Camila López (IP, competition, consumer protection and regulatory affairs) and Ana Sofía Cabrales (IP, competition, consumer protection and data protection).

Practice head(s):

Danilo Romero Raad

Testimonials

‘Danilo Romero Raad is a lawyer with extensive experience, who not only knows intellectual property but is also able to advise us on a wide variety of issues.’

‘Danilo Romero Raad has supported us on a wide variety of issues. We consider that his understanding of the regulatory environment, and the risks to which a company like ours is exposed, makes him an advisor we fully trust.’

‘Among the team’s key strengths are its deep knowledge of the issues we face, its relationship with the client and the speed of its response. It is a very pleasant human team to work with.’

‘Danilo Romero Raad is a great professional, very outstanding in his area of ​​practice. I would also like to highlight the work of Camila López for her efficiency and constant monitoring of the issues worked on.’

‘The entire IP team is extremely professional and very diligent in the matters entrusted to it. Its recommendations are always punctual and go directly to answering what you need to know. It is led by an outstanding lawyer in Danilo Romero Raad.’

‘The main qualities of its services are: the availability of the team and the constant monitoring of all pending matters; and the possibility of handling requests in several jurisdictions through a single firm in Colombia.’

‘Associates Camila López and Ana Sofía Cabrales stand out for constantly and exhaustively monitoring issues, for showing complete management of all trade mark matters related to the client, and for having almost immediate availability. Client service is the most outstanding thing about the firm.’

‘A specialised firm that handles IP issues very well. We highlight the full availability of its members and its ability to provide answers on time and with very accurate analysis. Lawyers demonstrate full knowledge of IP and other branches of law to ensure a holistic legal opinion that allows better decision-making.’

Key clients

Proyecto E

Breccia Salud

Inversiones MCN

Illinois Tool Works

Acesco Colombia

Robinfood Colombia

Major League Baseball Properties

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP / Williams Sonoma

Disagro de Guatemala

Quálitas Compañía de Seguros

ZO Skin Health

FletX Colombia

Pegatex Artecola

Cyrgo

Work highlights

  • Advised Proyecto E (known as Laika) on the prosecution of its trade mark portfolio in Colombia, Chile, Peru, México, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
  • Advised Inversiones MCN (known as Habi) on the prosecution of its trade mark portfolio in Colombia, Chile, Peru and the United States.
  • Advised Major League Baseball Properties on the management of its trade mark portfolio in Colombia.

Colombia > Labour and employment Tier 4

Holland & Knight continues to consolidate its labour and employment offering, following the May 2023 absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez, which included its two-partner labour and employment team. Primarily recognised for its strength in labour relations, the group also handles a significant volume of labour litigation, migration matters and general consultancy work. Camilo Cuervo Diaz specialises in collective bargaining, labour litigation and regulatory compliance and co-heads the department together with Diego Acevedo, whose focus is individual and collective labour law as well as social security-related issues. Intermediate associate Juan Pablo Romero provides dedicated practice support.

Practice head(s):

Camilo Cuervo Díaz; Diego Acevedo Gámez

Testimonials

‘The team that serves our company is truly exceptional, with the best legal practices, immediate and timely response times, clear and efficient information systems, and 24/7 availability.’

‘Its personalised attention systems and methodologies, as well as in-depth knowledge of our company, have allowed us to preventively work on legal occupational risks. Also, its flexibility in searching for solutions has allowed our company to solve all of its needs without putting itself at risk.’

Key clients

Motta International

Messer Colombia

Ishop Colombia

Grupo Alsea

Gestiones y Representaciones Chía

Biomax Combustibles

Publicaciones Semana

Carbomax de Colombia

Clic Air

Guaicaramo

Philips Colombiana

Crepes & Waffles

Concremovil

Fondo de Empleados de los Trabajadores y Pensionados De Ecopetrol

Termotasajero

Pegaso Enterprise

Work highlights

  • Advised Guaicaramo on collective bargaining negotiations with non-unionised workers.
  • Advised Masivo Capital on collective bargaining negotiations with unionised workers.
  • Successfully represented In Bond Gema in its opposition to an administrative sanction imposed by the Ministry of Labour.

Colombia > Tax Tier 4

The three-partner tax group at Holland & Knight continues to consolidate it offering following its May 2023 absorption of of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez, which saw the arrival of senior counsel Juan Camilo Riveira. The team added nine new clients during 2023/24, including domestic and multinational companies in the energy and natural resources, financial services and agrobusiness sectors. Department co-head Gustavo Pardo Ardila is a seasoned tax veteran, with extensive experience in tax planning, transactional tax, foreign exchange issues and litigation. He co-heads the practice together with tax litigator Juan Carlos Valencia and transactional tax partner Rafael Lafont. Senior associate José Alejandro Vivas is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Gustavo Pardo Ardila; Juan Carlos Valencia; Rafael Lafont

Testimonials

‘The Holland & Knight firm provided us with magnificent and timely attention. Lawyers show a very good command of the topics that we have had to consult them on and they always respond to a call or email on time.’

‘We highlight the team for the personalised attention rendered and for its knowledge.’

‘The team stands out for its consistency and ability to think broadly considering the individual situation.’

‘Rafael Lafont has been always directly involved in our matter, taking the initiative and always being very responsive.’

Colombia > Life sciences

July 2024 saw Holland & Knight announce the launch of its Colombian life sciences practice under the leadership of Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón and Danilo Romero Raad; covering IP, compliance corporate and transactional issues, contracting, APPs, labour and employment, litigation and tax, among other matters, the office already advises clients including Ginge, Boston Scientific, GE Healthcare Colombia and Locatel (Breccia Salud).

Colombia > Projects

Holland & Knight’s projects team is gaining traction in the market, with its ability to leverage a prominent energy practice among its key attributes. María Juliana Saa spearheads a department that now includes Edwin Cortés, following the firm’s May 2023 absorption of Cuberos, Cortés, Gutiérrez Abogados.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

Holland & Knight LLP has major focus on Latin America and an established international arbitration practice to match. With offices in Mexico and Colombia it has a history of cases involving the two jurisdictions, along with Argentina, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. The ‘fabulous team‘ is further noted for its experience in energy, infrastructure, transport and hospitality cases. The group features multilingual practitioners trained in both common and civil law. Adolfo Jimenez leads the team, which includes Katharine Menéndez de La Cuesta, who is licensed in Florida, New York and Spain; both Miami-based partners are described as ‘simply extraordinary‘. Washington DC and Bogota-based Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón is another key member of the department, along with New York partner Marisa Marinelli, who is also highly rated by clients.

Practice head(s):

Adolfo Jiménez

Testimonials

‘Strong expertise in Miami-related and maritime arbitration cases.’

‘Adolfo Jiménez, Marisa Marinelly, and Katherine Menéndez de la Cuesta. Really pleasant to deal with but also fight very hard for their clients.’

‘Very good team, with a lot of experience.’

‘Team with a lot of knowledge of the arbitration topic.’

‘Holland and Knight’s International Arbitration department is one of the best in the country. I have had the opportunity to work with them on several cases, obtaining successful results. They speak several languages, they master the subject, they have knowledge of the process, the procedure etc. They are very dedicated and respond immediately to our concerns. The team is extraordinary and very prepared.’

‘Adolfo Jimenez and Katharine Menendez from HK are simply extraordinary. Immediate attention, and they quickly integrate into the team and there is empathy with customers. Fabulous team.’

Key clients

Finley Resources

Eco Oro Minerals

MWS Management

Prize Permanent Holdings

Work highlights

  • Represented Finley Resources in asserting that Mexico breached its obligations of fair and equitable treatment and national treatment with respect to the investments that Finley made in Mexico’s hydrocarbon sector.
  • Advised Eco Oro Minerals Corp on environmental and mining law issues under Colombia law, with respect to the international arbitration law suit filed by the company against the government of the Republic of Colombia due to the controversy regarding the delimitation of the Santurbán Paramo.

Holland & Knight > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices. Among the nation’s largest law firms, we provide representation in litigation, business, real estate, governmental and healthcare law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.

Clients recognize the firm’s ability to consistently provide excellent value in a variety of areas from complex commercial litigation, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions to regulatory matters, real estate transactions and government investigations. Holland & Knight offers decades of experience in an array of industries, businesses and government organizations, which results in helping clients identify and capture opportunities while mitigating risk and liability. The firm is also well-positioned to guide domestic and global corporations in navigating US government policy changes. Our established relationships with key policymakers, regulatory and legislative experience, and advocacy strategies greatly benefits clients and provides an additional avenue to successfully resolve matters.

Service without boundaries: The firm is organized into four practice sections: litigation, government, business and real estate. Through integrated practice groups and industry-based teams, we can provide efficient and responsive legal representation anywhere in the world. We serve based on needs, not merely location. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures that clients have access to the lawyers with the most appropriate experience.

As a full service firm, Holland & Knight offers our clients an array of services to meet and exceed their business objectives, including:

Banking and financial services: Holland & Knight’s banking and finance practice is as diverse as the needs of the clients it serves. Clients in all segments of the finance and financial services industry count on the expertise and experience of our firm to assist them in their important transactions, controversies, regulatory, governmental affairs and other matters. These clients include global banks, large US domestic and regional banks, insurance companies, asset managers, private equity groups, trust companies, community banks, servicing companies, FinTech and emerging products and services.

Construction: Holland & Knight has extensive experience in all matters related to construction industry claims and litigation. It also counsels clients on construction operations, corporate compliance, structuring and negotiating industry agreements, public-private partnerships, project administration, risk management, government contracts and procurement law, and international construction.

Corporate, M&A and securities: Holland & Knight advises public and private companies in a broad range of domestic and international corporate transactions, financings and securities law matters.

Energy: Holland & Knight provides a full array of legal services to the energy sector in the US and abroad. The firm’s energy attorneys and professionals work in all areas of energy-related regulatory, legislative, transactional and litigation matters, as well as the world’s newest, most innovative energy opportunities.

Healthcare and life sciences: The firm represents the full scope of healthcare-related businesses in all aspects of their regulatory issues and operations. Clients range from all providers along the care continuum, managed care companies and health plans to pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and medical device manufacturers.

Intellectual property: Holland & Knight’s IP attorneys have significant experience handling the issues surrounding complex patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and unfair competition matters. They are experienced in a wide array of technical disciplines, and many hold degrees in areas such as computer and software engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Labor, employment and benefits: Holland & Knight represents management in all areas of labor and employment law, including civil rights, discrimination and retaliation; class actions; labor relations; non-competition, trade secrets and defecting employees; OSHA, workplace safety and whistleblower claims; ERISA/employee benefits and executive compensation; and immigration, nationality and consular law.

Leisure and hospitality: Holland & Knight represents owners, operators, lenders, investors and brands in development, structuring, governance, acquisition, financing, restructuring, management and dispute resolution throughout the world, for projects ranging from hotels, resorts and mixed-use projects to timeshare, fractional, branded residential, golf and marina properties.

Litigation: Holland & Knight has one of the largest litigation practices in the country. Former federal prosecutors and regulatory officials form a key part of the group, which handles multi-million-dollar class actions, securities litigation, product liability, mass tort cases and white-collar criminal defense.

Public policy and regulation: Holland & Knight’s public policy and regulation practice group consists of more than 100 lawyers and other professionals engaged in federal, state and local government affairs, regulatory counseling and related disciplines.

Real estate and land use: Holland & Knight’s real estate practice is among the largest of any US law firm. Nearly all of the firm’s offices are staffed to provide clients with superior local, national and international service when handling the wide variety of issues related to real estate transactions, regulations and litigation.

Tax: Holland & Knight represents clients in all types of taxation matters – international, federal, state and local, employee benefits and executive compensation. The firm’s services are both preventive and remedial. Clients range from Fortune 100 companies to individuals protecting their personal and business assets.

Transportation: Holland & Knight lawyers serve public and private sector clients operating in the many facets of the transportation industry. The firm’s Transportation Team is a recognized international leader and has extensive experience in the areas of aviation, freight rail, infrastructure, maritime and shipping, mass transit and public transportation, and trucking and logistics.

Wealth management: Holland & Knight’s estate planning group focuses almost exclusively on the needs of high-net-worth estates. It is nationally recognized in fields as diverse as estate and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, sophisticated charitable giving, probate litigation, IRS litigation, life insurance planning, business succession planning, asset protection, international taxation, charitable organizations and private foundations.

A team approach that covers all the bases
Holland & Knight’s industry-focused client teams have significant experience in key sectors, including:

  • Energy and natural resources
  • Finance and financial services
  • Healthcare and life sciences
  • Real estate and hospitality
  • Technology and telecommunications
  • Transportation and infrastructure

With a one-firm team approach, attorneys collaborate with colleagues across the firm’s offices and practice areas to efficiently counsel clients. Multidisciplinary teams are designed to comprehensively address the full scope of clients’ legal challenges and opportunities.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Business section James McDermott
Business section Eric Wechselblatt
Litigation Section Christopher Kelly
Litigation Section Lynn Calkins
Government Section David Whitestone
Government Section Beth Viola
Real Estate Section Joe Guay
Real Estate Section Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz
Banking & Financial Services Matthew Fontane
Banking & Financial Services Jose Sirven
Construction Steve Shapiro
Construction Ben Subin
Corporate, M&A & Securities Bob Grammig
Corporate, M&A & Securities George Mencio
Energy Juan Alcala
Healthcare & Life Sciences Maria Currier
Healthcare & Life Sciences Jeffrey Mittleman
Intellectual Property Joshua Krumholz
Labor, Employment & Benefits Robert Vyverberg
Leisure & Hospitality Joe Guay
Leisure & Hospitality Jeffrey Blake Stern
Litigation Christopher Kelly
Litigation Lynn Calkins
Public Policy & Regulation Rich Gold
Public Policy & Regulation Robert Highsmith, Jr.
Real Estate & Land Use Joe Guay
Real Estate & Land Use Stuart Saft
Tax William Sherman
Tax James McDermott
Transportation Anita Mosner
Transportation Christopher Nolan
Wealth Management David Scott Sloan
Wealth Management Christopher Boyett
Energy, Mining & Natural Resources Juan Alcala
Finance & Financial Services James Chadwick
Healthcare & Life Sciences Jeffrey Mittleman
Healthcare & Life Sciences Maria Currier
Real Estate & Hospitality Christopher Camarra
Technology Jeffrey Seul
Transportation & Infrastructure Anita Mosner
Transportation & Infrastructure Christopher Nolan
Section Leaders
Industry Leaders

Holland & Knight > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight is one the most prominent international law firms in Mexico and Colombia, having strengthened its existing practices with the recent addition of 45 lawyers in Latin America. Early in 2023, the firm added attorneys from Sánchez DeVanny in its Mexico City and Monterrey offices, along with a group of lawyers from Colombian firm Cuberos Cortés Guitérrez (CCG). The latest additions are coupled with the firm’s earlier combination with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, which including adding more than 280 attorneys in the US.

The Latin America growth has helped to further expand the firm’s existing corporate, healthcare, litigation, arbitration, labor, tax, infrastructure projects, private equity, financial services, real estate and environmental, social and governance practices, while also broadening our capabilities with new practice areas, such as insolvency and government procurement.

This is a transformational moment in the history of our firm’s Latin American practice. Our expansion strategy and ever-growing business portfolio doubled our attorney headcount and visibility in the region during the last few years. To meet our client’s dynamic needs, Holland & Knight has appointed Partner Raul Cosio as co-chair of the Latin America practice. Cosio will share the responsibility of managing the group along with Partner Roberto Pupo, who has overseen the group’s growth for more than a decade.

With these new additions, Holland & Knight has almost 70 attorneys in Mexico and slightly more than 70 attorneys in Colombia. Our Latin America offices are staffed with a local and highly talented group of lawyers who have enabled us to build and expand our presence in both countries. These offices have diversified and one-stop-shop practice area offerings, with distinguished strength in transactional and contentious work noted in many leading industry publications.

The Bogotá office is led by partner and native Colombian Enriquez Gómez-Pinzón, who has a strong profile at home and internationally, and he has led some of the most relevant financings and privatizations in the last 30 years. The Mexico City office is led by Luis Rubio Barnetche, a well-known and respected member of the Mexican legal community who pioneered the dispute resolution practice under Chapter XIX of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He was a member of the team that negotiated NAFTA on behalf of the Mexican government. Our Monterrey office is under the leadership of Gabriel Ruiz, who also leads our internationally recognized Mexico Energy Practice Group and has counseled major international energy companies developing projects in Mexico.

As global concern continues to increasingly skew toward renewable energy, electrification, and food and water security, Latin America poses to be a region of great global significance and is in good stead for the future. Our attorneys have become key stakeholders of the legal industry by targeting new and often neglected sources of work, such as servicing clients investing in infrastructure and project financing work as well as nearshoring companies’ operations and their supply chains to Latin America. The region’s economies are attractive for investment, particularly in the more modern and sophisticated markets of Mexico, Colombia and Brazil. Additionally, Latin America is home to several of the world-leading agricultural markets. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing companies, associations, coalitions and tribes spanning the entire food and agriculture spectrum in Latin America.

The firm’s international platform and its particular focus on Latin America have enabled our team to fully develop an in-depth practice roster and offer one of the more comprehensive and robust set of legal services to clients in the market, especially those with interests in the US.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate, M&A and Telecommunications Luis Rubio [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Capital markets, Real Estate Guillermo Uribe [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Banking and finance, Project finance and infrastructure, Bankruptcy and Restructuring Alejandro Landa [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Energy and Project finance and infrastructure Carlos Ochoa [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Telecommunications and M&A Octavio Lecona [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Capital Markets, Real Estate Adrian Gay Lasa [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Energy Claudio Rodríguez [email protected]
Tax Mario Barrera [email protected]
Energy, Projects, Regulatory and Government Affairs Rodolfo Rueda [email protected]
Taxation, Wealth Management Eugenio Grageda [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Xavier Mangino [email protected]
M&A, Banking & Finance, Mining and Project Finance Selene Espinosa [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Turenna Ramírez [email protected]
Civil, Commercial & Administrative Litigation Daniel Jimenez [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000
Elena Ibarrola [email protected]
Juan Pablo Moyano
Regina Legorreta [email protected]
Aldo González [email protected]
Claudia García [email protected]
Gabriel Ruiz [email protected]
Francisco Andrés Gámez
Energy Gerardo Prado [email protected]
Humberto Morales [email protected]
Tax Ricardo Ibarra [email protected]
Jaime Moreno [email protected]
Compliance Oscar Quiroz [email protected]
Alejandro A. Sánchez Mújica
Rogelio Azcárraga [email protected]
Alejandro F. Sánchez Mújica
Intellectual Property, Banking & Finance José Luis Villareal [email protected] +52.55.3602.8000

Staff Figures

Other fee-earners : 20+
Total staff : 40+

Languages

Spanish
English (fluent)
Dutch
French

Memberships

AmCham American Chamber of Commerce
International Chamber of Commerce
ABA (American Bar Association)

Other

Partners : 21
Senior Counsels : 9

Holland & Knight > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight is a global law firm with approximately 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices around the world. Our Colombian team based in Bogotá has well-rounded experience providing bilingual and bicultural representation to companies from all around the world. The recent combination of notable business law firm Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez (CCG) has made our Colombia office one of the largest leading international law firms with a robust full-service practice. The recent growth has further strengthened our existing corporate, litigation, arbitration, labor, tax, infrastructure projects and real estate practices, while also expanding the firm’s capabilities through the addition of new practice areas. As part of our ever-growing presence in the Latin American region, our practice currently includes more than 200 lawyers combined in our Bogotá, Mexico City and Monterrey offices, as well as attorneys and professionals in a number of our United States offices.

We counsel clients in cross-border transactions, taxation, labor and employment, intellectual property and competition, energy, environmental law, natural resources, infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, venture capital, private equity investments, banking and finance and project finance, as well as international litigation and arbitration. We also provide regulatory advice to foreign companies doing business in Colombia, as well as Colombian companies doing business abroad.

Our partners have more than 30 years of experience in their respective fields, working abroad and in Colombia. We have handled different types of complex transactions and possess the skills, experience and knowledge to meet all requirements and legal needs. Holland & Knight is considered one of the leading firms in the market in the main practice areas.

 Main practice areas
Arbitration and litigation: We assist clients to help resolve conflicts through coordinating, managing and supervising multijurisdictional litigation, local and international investment, and commercial arbitration. Our litigators have experience as international arbitrators in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Centre for Settlement and Investment Disputes (ICSID) and China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) matters and in commercial arbitrations.

Banking, finance and capital markets: Our lawyers advise financial institutions in bank regulatory and financing matters, financial services and credit transactions, cross-border financial transactions, project finance transactions, public offering of securities, private placements and syndicated loan facilities in different markets.

Corporate, compliance and M&A We represent clients in a wide range of transactions, including M&A, incorporation of new companies, corporate reorganizations, spinoffs and capitalisation structures, real estate and contracts.

Energy and natural resources: Our team is an industry leader in oil and gas, energy, natural resources and mining matters in Colombia. We have in-depth experience in regulatory litigation, oil and gas projects, mining projects, renewable energy projects, project finance, foreign investment projects, M&A, corporate reorganizations and financial restructurings.

Environmental: Our team’s experience includes issues pertaining to climate change, compliance auditing and energy efficiency, environmental health and safety, environmental issues, environmental permit approvals, litigation and sustainability issues.

 Infrastructure: The Bogotá office provides advice during the bid preparation, negotiation of engagements terms, and drafting and negotiation of all types of contracts in different industries. We have strong experience in public-private partnership (P3) projects in Colombia and abroad.

Intellectual property and competition: Holland & Knight provides a complete range of legal services designed to help clients protect their innovations and to enable them to succeed in a global competitive market. The team advises clients in matters related to intellectual property, competition law, consumer law, data protection and regulatory affairs.

Labor: We provide comprehensive labor and labor relations advice, including litigation, corporate diversity and equal employment opportunity counseling, as well as advice on union-management relations and assistance in corporate immigration matters.

Taxation: We help clients to avoid tax pitfalls and assist them in the efficient structuring of transactions to avoid overpayment of tax obligations. Our tax attorneys have experience litigating complex tax cases before the highest courts in Colombia.

Restructuring and insolvency: With our experience, we are capable of handling short-term and long-term objectives in complex issues from a business strategy perspective across industries. We have a depth of experience in representing creditors, owners, managers and investors of companies facing distress situations as well as other stakeholders in a debtor’s capital structure.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Equity Partner Enrique Gómez-Pinzón [email protected] +57-601-745-5720
Office Manager María Paula Albán [email protected] +57-601-745-5720
Area Development Manager Andrés Vanegas [email protected] +57-601-745-5720

Holland & Knight > Firm Profile

Holland & Knight is a global law firm with approximately 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices around the world. Our Colombian team has well-rounded experience providing bilingual and bicultural representation to companies from all around the world. The recent combination of notable business law firm Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez (CCG) has made our Colombia office one of the fastest growing international law firms with a robust full-service practice. The recent growth has further strengthened our existing corporate, litigation, arbitration, labor, tax, infrastructure projects and real estate practices, while also expanding the firm’s capabilities through the addition of new practice areas. As part of our ever-growing presence in the Latin American region, our practice currently includes more than 200 lawyers combined in our Bogotá, Mexico City and Monterrey offices, as well as attorneys and professionals in a number of our United States offices.

We counsel clients in cross-border transactions, taxation, labor and employment, intellectual property and competition, energy, environmental law, natural resources, infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, venture capital, private equity investments, banking and finance and project finance, as well as international litigation and arbitration. We also provide regulatory advice to foreign companies doing business in Colombia, as well as Colombian companies doing business abroad.

Our partners have more than 30 years of experience in their respective fields, working abroad and in Colombia. We have handled different types of complex transactions and possess the skills, experience and knowledge to meet all requirements and legal needs.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Enrique Gómez-Pinzón [email protected] +57-601-745-5720
Maria Paula Alban [email protected] +57-601-745-5720