Mrs Maria Isabel Osorio > Posse Herrera Ruiz > Bogota, Colombia > Lawyer Profile

Posse Herrera Ruiz’s comprehensive arbitration practice secures strong reviews from sources for its ability to lean into other teams within the wider full-service firm to ensure ‘maximum quality of service without neglecting any aspect of the case’. The sizeable group covers all modes of dispute resolution, from domestic and international arbitration through to mediation and amicable settlement, and is equipped to handle cases across all key industry sectors. In a significant coup, it was engaged to act as local counsel to global mining company South32 in a pair of arbitration cases against Colombia — comprising an investor-state dispute and a commercial dispute — regarding attempts by the Colombian authorities to retroactively claim more than $180m in royalties. Department co-head Carolina Posada is leading the South32 work and is noted for her ‘high capacity for analysis’. Dispute resolution veteran Daniel Posse co-heads the practice and is highly regarded for his experience as an arbitrator as well as acting as party counsel; he is representing new client, Inversiones Zárate Gutiérrez, in a Bogotá Chamber of Commerce arbitration regarding one of the largest real estate projects planned to be developed in Bogotá. Barranquilla-based Estefanía Ponce, who was promoted to director in July 2023, is an adept dispute resolution specialist; while senior associate María Isabel Osorio is highlighted for her ‘in-depth knowledge’. Other key senior associates include Daniela Corchuelo, Laura Vengoechea, and Alejandro Casas, while intermediate Natalia Tobón is also recommended. Since publication, Ponce has been promoted to partner and Osorio to practice director – effective as of March 2024.

According to satisfied clients, Posse Herrera Ruiz stands out for the ‘experience and knowledge of its partners’, who provide ‘personalised attention and permanent availability’. The group’s other key assets, as identified by sources, include its comprehensive industry coverage and its formidably deep bench, which draws on the skill sets of four specialist dispute resolution partners. Department co-head Daniel Posse is regarded by many as a reference in the market due to his experience in representing clients in complex proceedings in all of Colombia’s courts as well as before major domestic and international arbitral venues. Posse is spearheading the team’s advice to new client, Grupo Nutresa, in contentious matters connected to Grupo Gilinski’s headline-grabbing attempted hostile takeover of Grupo Nutresa, Grupo Sura, and Grupo Argos. Fellow practice co-head Carolina Posada is highlighted as a ‘close, creative, available partner who empowers her team’ and also brings to bear broad expertise in civil and administrative litigation, as well as national and international arbitration. Among Posada’s recent cases, she is representing Eladio Bueno, a British citizen, in an exequatur proceeding before the Supreme Court of Justice. Rounding out the partners’ group are Pablo Enrique Sierra, who specialises in litigation, and Juan Pablo Bonilla, who handles a mix of judicial and arbitral proceedings. The team is assisted by a deep pool of associates, including seniors Alejandro Casas, María Isabel Osorio, Laura Vengoechea and Pedro Miguel Álvarez (who was promoted to practice director in March 2024), as well as intermediates Juan David Fiallo and Medelllín-based Natalia Tobón — all of whom provide dedicated support to the dispute resolution group.